Out Of Town Scoreboard - Playoff Edition #3

4-2 Pens on a blast by Malkin on the break away.

I think TG was on to something with the prediction of 6-5 scores.

I am really debating sucking for like 7 years like the Pens and just cultivating allstars through the draft. Crosby and Malkin are in another galaxy.

Malkin>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Crosby

I am really debating sucking for like 7 years like the Pens and just cultivating allstars through the draft. Crosby and Malkin are in another galaxy.

yeah it's incredible, but if you look at their history...isn't this exactly how they won their two cups in the early 90's?

But man, Malkin is sick...if Pitt is smart they let Hossa go after this and do whatever they can to retain Malone. I don't see him putting up similar numbers on another team, and it gives them a dynamic they need. Although he's showed up lately, they don't need Hossa with what they have out there, and with that kid they got waiting to get up to the big club.

haha, Malkin throwing a big hit in the offensive zone. :handclap:

For those who are watching this game: look at Orpik and what he does everytime a player comes close to Fleury in the crease - he frigging buries them! He punishes them..everytime! That's why this team badly needs a guy like Orpik, who btw is a UFA. Lou needs to go after him this summer. That's how the whole D of Pittsburgh plays...that's why Fleury never gets bumped like Marty got this year.

It has to be addressed.

For those who are watching this game: look at Orpik and what he does everytime a player comes close to Fleury in the crease - he frigging buries them! He punishes them..everytime! That's why this team badly needs a guy like Orpik, who btw is a UFA. Lou needs to go after him this summer. That's how the whole D of Pittsburgh plays...that's why Fleury never gets bumped like Marty got this year.

It has to be addressed.

couldn't agree more dude. you gotta set that perimeter and let the other team know if they come anywhere near that crease they're going to get hurt.

very nice save by M-A Fleury.

wow, Hatcher DEFINITELY just *****ed out to a fight. I don't care what anyone says, he's a ****ing ***** (in the words of Mike Rupp)

For those who are watching this game: look at Orpik and what he does everytime a player comes close to Fleury in the crease - he frigging buries them! He punishes them..everytime! That's why this team badly needs a guy like Orpik, who btw is a UFA. Lou needs to go after him this summer. That's how the whole D of Pittsburgh plays...that's why Fleury never gets bumped like Marty got this year.

It has to be addressed.

Yep, I've been saying this all along. Orpik rules.

Was Malkin offsides on the 3rd Pitt goal? It sure looked like it but I have not seen a good replay yet.
Floppers down 1-0, go Pitt!

Game 2 Dallas-Detroit about to get underway.

Frazen for Detroit is out with concussion like symptoms.

Was Malkin offsides on the 3rd Pitt goal? It sure looked like it but I have not seen a good replay yet.
Floppers down 1-0, go Pitt!

Malkin was offsides on his 1st career goal against Brodeur 2 seasons ago. :sarcasm:

The Stars demonstrated concussion-like symptoms on that 4 on 1. Then get it rushed right back at them. If random players can score for the Wings, this is over.

The Stars demonstrated concussion-like symptoms on that 4 on 1. Then get it rushed right back at them. If random players can score for the Wings, this is over.

Too many passes on that 4 on 1. I believe Ott was the player he was running out of room because of the passes and had to rush the shot and it went wide. It's got to be 1 pass and a shot. You can't make 3 or 4 passes because then you start to run out of ice and allow the back checkers to get back.

Dallas ties it on the Lidstrom Delay of Game penalty.

13 penalties already and this series is all but 4 periods old. :shakehead

Average goaltending, poor defense and more importantly, special teams now win Cups in the new NHL.

13 penalties already and this series is all but 4 periods old. :shakehead

Average goaltending, poor defense and more importantly, special teams now win Cups in the new NHL.

It's the puck possession, it makes it ugly and they perpetually draw calls. Diving helps, too. I think the best way to beat Detriot is to get up in their face, but if they're going to make calls like that one just on Turco, it's really hard to get up in their face.

I guess Hasek was really bad in the first round, it's hard to figure out why the Preds had a legitmate shot of beating them and seemingly better teams look so overmatched.

Another ugly dive there. Didn't get called as a hook against, at least.

That's it for this one. Not a good game, the first wasn't either, what I saw of it.

Another Stars penalty and that puts the faceoff outside and should finish it.

Insanity at the end of this one. Looks like Osgood got a two-hander from Ribeiro, who I figure we won't be seeing for a couple of games, at minimum.

Although, it looks like Osgood butt-ended him first.

24 penalties is utterly ridiculous through two games.

I've quickly lost interest in this series.

On second thought, even though Osgood dove & embellished a bit, that dirty swing by Ribiero might make for an interesting Game 3.

Yeah thats 2 games suspension. Series is probably done

24 penalties is utterly ridiculous through two games.

I've quickly lost interest in this series.

On second thought, even though Osgood dove & embellished a bit, that dirty swing by Ribiero might make for an interesting Game 3.

After seeing a bunch of replays, it looks like what Osgood did was worse.

Average goaltending, poor defense and more importantly, special teams now win Cups in the new NHL.

As per your theory, Devils should gave gotten at least to the ECF

Dirty slash to be sure that said Osgood went down like he was shot.

I don't want to hear about Red Wings fan call any other team divers. They are as bad as Carolina a couple of years ago.

As per your theory, Devils should gave gotten at least to the ECF

Our PK sucked and our PP was only average. He's right, if you get a game with alot of calls, it supercedes everything else. If you can kill the penalties and score on the PP, you can suck 5 on 5 all night long, because there won't be that much 5 on 5 anyway.

After seeing a bunch of replays, it looks like what Osgood did was worse.

Yeah I missed it live but caught in the multiple replays.

And Osgood's acting becomes funnier over multiple views in slow motion.

But then again after all, a certain "fanbase" has all but determined that only 1 goalie dives in this league. :sarcasm:

As per your theory, Devils should gave gotten at least to the ECF

But the most important ingredident was absent: our power play

No more i watch the slash/ gunshot :sarcasm: the more I think that there shouldn't be a suspension. A fine but no suspension. If there is both should sit a game the acting job by Osgood was over the top.

Dirty slash to be sure that said Osgood went down like he was shot.

I don't want to hear about Red Wings fan call any other team divers. They are as bad as Carolina a couple of years ago.

Yes, I'm getting that Carolina feeling again and I am seeing that unlikeable Peter Laviolette whining and flailing his arms around all over again.

Not to mention Babcock is a total loon.

I have never liked the Wings, but I have never really despised them until now.

They are now 4th on my loathe list:

You know who
Montreal
Philadelphia
Detroit

I never thought I'd be saying this, but with Dallas regressing, I now really actually want Pittsburgh to win it all.

But the most important ingredident was absent: our power play

Actually our 5 on 5 was crap too.

The whole series is comedy. The half-filled Joe has totally gotten into Turco's head

Actually our 5 on 5 was crap too.


Other than perserverance & guts (and teeth) by Elias, Parise Madden & Zubrus, I really can't find anything that wasn't "crap" about the Devils down the stetch.

But thankfully that mess seems like long ago.

Osgood - WHY? You won the game - why provoke a guy skating past after the win by sticking him? Classless. I'd be pissed too if he did that to me AFTER A WIN to go up 2 game to 0.

Guaranteed Ribiero is suspended next game and Osgood gets nothing however... NHL isn't about the provoke- they are all about the response.

Whatta flop by Osgood.

Yes, I'm getting that Carolina feeling again and I am seeing that unlikeable Peter Laviolette whining and flailing his arms around all over again.

Not to mention Babcock is a total loon.

I have never liked the Wings, but I have never really despised them until now.

They are now 4th on my loathe list:

You know who
Montreal
Philadelphia
Detroit

I never thought I'd be saying this, but with Dallas regressing, I now really actually want Pittsburgh to win it all.

It's a pleasure to read your posts Muttley, you and I share a lot of opinions.
I've never liked Detroit, they always seem to get the lucky bounce, or a bogus call in their favor, added to the fact that their "fans" are snobby, to hell with that franchise, may they burn into oblivion.

I've never liked Detroit, they always seem to get the lucky bounce, or a bogus call in their favor, added to the fact that their "fans" are snobby, to hell with that franchise, may they burn into oblivion.

Jealousy rears its ugly head again. Please they draft, sign, and coach better than anyone. You can be baised but not blind

Detroit is a model franchise.

So because the Rag$ are out nobody is watching anymore? Vinnie still loves ya, Pittsburgh.

That better be a goal.

That is a goal. Unless a Devils player shot it.

ghey

wow. lame call

45 minutes later and Toronto fails yet again...I think it was quite clear it was a goal.

when oh when are they going to eliminate this whole "war room" nonsense. they need a better system. whether or not his glove was obstructing their view, that puck was behind the line.
http://www.insidetennis.com/it_img/0805_tantrums_mcenroe_500.jpg

You would have thought Osgood got Clint Malarchuked the way he reacted. I guess he forgot that giant chest protector he wears stops pucks going quite fast. I'm sure a stick is so much worse. :sarcasm:

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA
i just saw that overreaction by osgood.
http://www.adgoog.com/blog/photo/15049a-l_oscar_d_orson_welles_aux_encheres.jpg

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA
i just saw that overreaction by osgood.
http://www.adgoog.com/blog/photo/15049a-l_oscar_d_orson_welles_aux_encheres.jpg

Nobody suspended... surprising.

Stars centre Mike Ribeiro turned up the dial on the nastiness meter at the conclusion of Game 2 after slashing Red Wings' goaltender Chris Osgood in the chest as the buzzer sounded on a 2-1 Detroit victory. The Stars' centre was handed a match penalty for attempt to injure, which carried with it an automatic review by NHL officials. Seconds before the incident, Osgood stuck the butt-end of his stick out as Ribeiro skated by the Detroit net, prompting Ribeiro's retaliation.

Both players have been fined undisclosed amounts by the NHL.

"Even if I did butt-end him, I mean it was an accident, I don't think that justifies a two-hander over top of the net," said Osgood after the game. "He could have gone about it a different way or said something to me."

Detroit is a model franchise.

We're a model franchise, Detroit is just untouchable.

As for today's game, there's not much of note. This round has been a dud. I guess one of the trademark "NHL office memos" went out after the epic Sharks/Stars game, which was the best thing to happen post-lockout.

Flopfests are not interesting. Shanny's little working group might have done more damage to the game, in the period between Sept 04 and July 05, than Chelios/Goodenow and the owners did.

Seems were destined to have a Detroit - Pittsburgh final.

I would of liked Dallas - *gulp* Philly. At least it would of been entertaining.

Pens - Wings will be a shootout for the ages, providing it does end up that way. I'm excited for it.

Pens - Wings will be a shootout for the ages, providing it does end up that way. I'm excited for it.

Being a Euro, I should be in love with the Euro-heavy Wings. But for some reason, I just cant stand them.

Both Conference finals have been snoozers so far.

Being a Euro, I should be in love with the Euro-heavy Wings. But for some reason, I just cant stand them.

Both Conference finals have been snoozers so far.

It's cause you love Stevey Thomas and can only choose to like a team he played for... oh wait :huh:

45 minutes later and Toronto fails yet again...I think it was quite clear it was a goal.

Yeah....how come this guy could see it clearly?!?

http://timesonline.com/content/articles/2008/05/12/sports/doc4827cf4a84653629091394.jpg

Yeah....how come this guy could see it clearly?!?

http://timesonline.com/content/articles/2008/05/12/sports/doc4827cf4a84653629091394.jpg

even on the goal cam on the broadcast replay it was clear to me. The puck was standing and rolled across the line, even when Biron tried to swipe it out he didn't get it cleanly and you could see the puck resting flat and sticking out from the glove. If you so much as drew a straight line from there it would be clear that it was at least 3 inches over the line.

Something really needs to be done about this because it's to the point where I'd rather not have replays and get it wrong on the ice than have them and have a success rate of about 40%

I think they need to apply the "common sense" rule

I think they need to apply the "common sense" rule

That might give NJ some advantage in regular season reviews... it'll never happen. :shakehead

(*see Mike Mottau's skate deflection NO goal)

at least they were consistent. They did it against us... they even did it for the Rangers in the regular season. Shanahan went and pulled the puck out from behind the goal line. So because his glove was on top of it, you couldn't see it. And since you can't challenge or review a penalty, faceoff to the right of Lundqvist.

A little OT, but it seems every year one of the teams in the playoffs has some kind of great story related to it. Last year it was Elgin from Ottawa, well this year it's a kid from Pittsburgh.

I suggest getting the tissues out because this is sad, and it makes me want to root for the Pens that much more!

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08125/878966-85.stm

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08133/881138-61.stm

Yeah....how come this guy could see it clearly?!?

http://timesonline.com/content/articles/2008/05/12/sports/doc4827cf4a84653629091394.jpg

That reminds me of Zubrus' "goal" against Boston. I was like one of 5 people in the building that could be certain it was in the net. I had the perfect angle. Guess whoever took this picture had a great angle too.

Maybe, from now on, we should take our pictures down to the refs during the reviews. It'd probably be more effective.

Well, Dallas had a good shift. Bad news for them is, they pissed it away 30 seconds later.

Maltby is a punk.

Man I hate Detroit...

Draper
Maltby
Zetterberg
Chelios

:puke:

Maltby is a punk.

Man I hate Detroit...

Draper
Maltby
Zetterberg
Chelios

:puke:

HOLMSTROM

At least Maltby isn't soulless. They're a tough watch. Bad goal there by Osgood, maybe that will get him thinking a bit.

Gotta get those C-level MMA plugs in.

Watching Raffi play for Detroit, sometimes he looks like a completely different player. I can't help but believe Lou puts some thing in the water bottles on the bench.

Gotta get those C-level MMA plugs in.

C-level? :dunno:

C-level? :dunno:

Why, is it D-level? I mean, a cooler, a 12-pack, an air rifle and a pack of mourning doves could put me on versus.

Stars going after Rafalski HARD... 3 games too late.

Why, is it D-level? I mean, a cooler, a 12-pack, an air rifle and a pack of mourning doves could put me on versus.

WEC is owned by Zuffa (parent company of UFC) I believe, and although it has a ton of weight classes it's largely used for the lighter weights which might not necessarily draw like the upper-weight classes do.

Jens until the last year or so was dominant in the UFC and as much of a chode I think he is, Faber is considered the best in the world in his weight class.

It's just hard to make lighter weight fights more important than just playing them on cable. Hell, Gatti / Ward in boxing were some of the greatest boxing matches to ever happen and I don't even think they were on anything more than HBO.

WEC is owned by Zuffa (parent company of UFC) I believe, and although it has a ton of weight classes it's largely used for the lighter weights which might not necessarily draw like the upper-weight classes do.

Jens until the last year or so was dominant in the UFC and as much of a chode I think he is, Faber is considered the best in the world in his weight class.

It's just hard to make lighter weight fights more important than just playing them on cable. Hell, Gatti / Ward in boxing were some of the greatest boxing matches to ever happen and I don't even think they were on anything more than HBO.

Arturo Gatti also didn't get alot of money for those fights. Met him playing $10 blackjack one time. I guess he was training, was before he fought that eastern european guy he liver punched into oblivion.

The show is entertaining sometimes, just felt it was silly to have that overlap the game. Versus' crossovers bother me, although I guess it ain't anything like what ESPN has done to Monday Night Football.

Arturo Gatti also didn't get alot of money for those fights. Met him playing $10 blackjack one time. I guess he was training, was before he fought that eastern european guy he liver punched into oblivion.

The show is entertaining sometimes, just felt it was silly to have that overlap the game. Versus' crossovers bother me, although I guess it ain't anything like what ESPN has done to Monday Night Football.

That's what made Gatti so great though...he probably didn't pull as big of purses as most fighters but he's had some of the greatest fights in boxing history. Mayweather might be undefeated but I sure as hell can't think of a fight he had were I felt like it was that great (though I only loosely follow boxing).

I know what you mean about overlapping it with games, but any chance a network gets to plug itself, it does.

And while we're on the subject, I hope Pulver ruins Faber. That guy irritates me beyond belief.

Damn Wings taking all the suspense out of the West.

Marty Turco has been absolutely awful this series.

is it just me, or...having a forward on the point on the PP is really just not worth it at all? it seems to me, at least, that the defense tends to play more aggressively because they know taking a chance with them back there can pay off.

personally, I wouldn't do it unless the foward had good backchecking / defensive skills as well.

Zetterberg is insane, like a hockey robot or something. Dallas is demoralized and that helped that happen, but it's still sick.

Zetterberg is insane, like a hockey robot or something. Dallas is demoralized and that helped that happen, but it's still sick.

yeah it's incredible what that guy is capable of. Two way player, incredible scorer, amazing overall hockey sense, great skating, and he can play-make as much as he can finish.

Zetterberg is insane, like a hockey robot or something. Dallas is demoralized and that helped that happen, but it's still sick.

I agree...they guy is insanely good and does something amazing every game. It's hard to believe that this guy was a 7:th round pick (210:th overall) back in 99. Unbelievable.

Ugh :shakehead

With a Pens/Wings Finals looking very likely and the amount of offensive firepower on both teams, I'm really not looking forward to games with scores of 8-6.

Ugh :shakehead

With a Pens/Wings Finals looking very likely and the amount of offensive firepower on both teams, I'm really not looking forward to games with scores of 8-6.

I think 8-1 is more likely than 8-6.

I thought Dallas had it their way tonight and still did nothing with it. Really don't see Pittsburgh can beat them. I can see how the Flyers could, but it doesn't look like the Flyers will be there.

I think 8-1 is more likely than 8-6.

I thought Dallas had it their way tonight and still did nothing with it. Really don't see Pittsburgh can beat them. I can see how the Flyers could, but it doesn't look like the Flyers will be there.

I think the Pens can skate with the Wings and are faster than anyone that Detroit has faced in the playoffs thus far. I don't think the Pens forwards fear Osgood and Fleury has been the best goalie these entire playoffs. I think the Wings D will have as much trouble with Pens forwards as that of the Pittsburgh D having to face the Detroit forwards.

Detroit has the experience, but I feel both of these teams are equally matched. Pittsburgh's defense has been playing incredibly and that might be the difference.

I think the Pens can skate with the Wings and are faster than anyone that Detroit has faced in the playoffs thus far. I don't think the Pens forwards fear Osgood and Fleury has been the best goalie these entire playoffs. I think the Wings D will have as much trouble with Pens forwards as that of the Pittsburgh D having to face the Detroit forwards.

Detroit has the experience, but I feel both of these teams are equally matched. Pittsburgh's defense has been playing incredibly and that might be the difference.

They're getting thrown into the deep end of the pool, though.

The Wings top forwards are complete players and you really can't say the same thing about the Pens, other than Hossa. I think they're going to have a hard time cracking the soul-less robotic game of the Wings. They also have to get the puck. They can't enter the zone and throw hopeless passes 5 on 5, looking for circus plays (like Crosby has been real guilty of so far) because they will get broken back on and lose possession. No possession also = no weak calls to put them on the PP where they do all their damage.

I think they can be chippy, but the guys that have to be on the ice aren't chippy, they're downright wussy. Which is the difference between them and Philly, on Philly, pretty much everyone is a punk.

I guess we'll see. Detriot might not be capable of winning a war, but this isn't 2000 anymore, they don't have to fight one to win it all.

Maybe I buy into the West hype too much, but Dallas is a pretty complete team and they're being dismembered, the Pens have beaten the Rags and the Sens, who I mean, they lost that series in February, they shouldn't have even been allowed into the playoffs on principle.

I'll be looking forward to the Cup Final matchup, the most interesting one probably since Devils-Avs in '01.

I'm not a fan of Detroit at all, but I just think that it's they're year and everyteam is just in the middle of their path to destruction.

I think the Pens can put up a fight, but the Wings will win in 5. However, I think all the games will be close games, and good defensive games most surprisingly.

However, I think all the games will be close games, and good defensive games most surprisingly.

That would kill Bettman's wet dream come true of a Crosby/Detroit final.

The Wings top forwards are complete players and you really can't say the same thing about the Pens, other than Hossa. Hossa is the third best forward on his team by quite a margin.

I would take what Crosby and Malkin have to offer any day of the week. They are hardly one-dimensional forwards.

Ugh :shakehead

With a Pens/Wings Finals looking very likely and the amount of offensive firepower on both teams, I'm really not looking forward to games with scores of 8-6.

God forbid we see the best offensive talents display their skills on the biggest stage in the sport.

Hossa is the third best forward on his team by quite a margin.

I would take what Crosby and Malkin have to offer any day of the week. They are hardly one-dimensional forwards.

I didn't say he was better, I just said he was more rounded, he has a chance in hell of stopping someone from scoring. Crosby out there against Zetterberg and Datsyuk defensively would be a bloodbath, and they would have a decent chance of shutting him down, it's like having a young Madden who is also more than capable of being a 100 point player.

Sykie against those guys? Ouch.

They are going to have to step up their game if they play the Wings, big-time. If Crosby plays like he did against the Rangers, it will get ugly early and often. The mistakes he was making sure as hell made him look one dimensional, because he spent alot of time putting the rest of his team out of position. The Rangers just couldn't capitalize on it.

That is a really frightening tandem and they don't get much attention because they're not annointed superstars and they're not overly interesting.

The final will essentially be a modern day version of the Isles - Oilers final, many moons ago.

The experienced veteran team will win, but you know the young, dynamic team is on the verge of being something special. Im getting flashes of Crosby, walking head down the corridor, looking into the Detroit dressing room thinking "That will be me next year.".

Floppers come back starts tonight.

Is Hatcher a free-agent? I really want that guy on our team. :sarcasm:

guy is such a hack.

Hossa! and this game is getting over pretty quick.

Hossa! and this game is getting over pretty quick.

that was such a beautiful goal. Hossa is getting paidddddd this summer.

officiating is stinking up the game yet again...this is horrible.

officiating is stinking up the game yet again...this is horrible.

But, I thought people were supposed to LOVE the "new" NHL.

The memo has clearly gone out for this round, and it's sad. I want my league back. We wouldn't be any better for it, but I don't see how you can have a "classic" war of a series under this kind of format. There will never be another Avs/Wings type series ever again. Look what creates controversy now, some d-bag doing a dance in front of a goalie and calling him fat. Not a flying elbow of doom or a gigantic open ice hit or a all-hands-on-deck brawl or a power forward cross-checking a defender in the face, picking up the puck and going top shelf... someone acting like a 10 year old.

Which I guess is the market they're after. It's good because it's hockey, but it could be so much better. I've watched 3 years of this and I don't get it... what is so better about this?

But, I thought people were supposed to LOVE the "new" NHL.

The memo has clearly gone out for this round, and it's sad. I want my league back. We wouldn't be any better for it, but I don't see how you can have a "classic" war of a series under this kind of format. There will never be another Avs/Wings type series ever again. Look what creates controversy now, some d-bag doing a dance in front of a goalie and calling him fat. Not a flying elbow of doom or a gigantic open ice hit or a all-hands-on-deck brawl or a power forward cross-checking a defender in the face, picking up the puck and going top shelf... someone acting like a 10 year old.

Which I guess is the market they're after. It's good because it's hockey, but it could be so much better. I've watched 3 years of this and I don't get it... what is so better about this?

I don't know but just about every call was weak and never would have been called before the lock out.

I hate Gary Bettman

But, I thought people were supposed to LOVE the "new" NHL.

The memo has clearly gone out for this round, and it's sad. I want my league back. We wouldn't be any better for it, but I don't see how you can have a "classic" war of a series under this kind of format. There will never be another Avs/Wings type series ever again. Look what creates controversy now, some d-bag doing a dance in front of a goalie and calling him fat. Not a flying elbow of doom or a gigantic open ice hit or a all-hands-on-deck brawl or a power forward cross-checking a defender in the face, picking up the puck and going top shelf... someone acting like a 10 year old.

Which I guess is the market they're after. It's good because it's hockey, but it could be so much better. I've watched 3 years of this and I don't get it... what is so better about this?

I fully agree. There have been no war series as you called it and that what makes the playoffs great. There's no hate because the refs aren't letting these guys play, but I don't blame them. I blame Bettman, because if these refs were allowed to call it pre-lockout, I think they'd be doing a much, much better job.

And it's not like there's even scoring, which Bettman was hoping for. It's alot of 4-3, 4-2 games, but is it that much of a difference between, 2-1 and 3-2? Not at all. And when there's no hate coming from both sides, it's a watered down product.

I'm at least happy to say that the Devils-Rangers series was the closest to a "war" in the playoffs.

I fully agree. There have been no war series as you called it and that what makes the playoffs great. There's no hate because the refs aren't letting these guys play, but I don't blame them. I blame Bettman, because if these refs were allowed to call it pre-lockout, I think they'd be doing a much, much better job.

And it's not like there's even scoring, which Bettman was hoping for. It's alot of 4-3, 4-2 games, but is it that much of a difference between, 2-1 and 3-2? Not at all. And when there's no hate coming from both sides, it's a watered down product.

I'm at least happy to say that the Devils-Rangers series was the closest to a "war" in the playoffs.

I blame Shanny. He's actually played (unlike Bettman) and he should have realized what he was doing.

The only upside was that I could see this coming, so I'm not totally disappointed by it. But I remember losing a few friends at the games the first year post lockout, they couldn't take it. I'm sure the 15 and under aspect of this site loves this stuff.
Fine, whatever, that's their deal. But I'm waiting for something "classic" and it's real few and far between.

Scott Stevens? Typical VS. announcer dumbassery or a freudian slip?

Scott Stevens? Typical VS. announcer dumbassery or a freudian slip?

it's too hard to answer.

however to go with the earlier discussion...that knee/trip was probably the most valid call in the game so far.

it's too hard to answer.

however to go with the earlier discussion...that knee/trip was probably the most valid call in the game so far.

Yep, then there's a great defensive play and everyone wants a call. Except homer Ezdo.

Yep, then there's a great defensive play and everyone wants a call. Except homer Ezdo.

yep. that was an amazing play by Gonchar, because odds are if he didn't, it was going in the net. Richards has been absolutely deadly on the PK.

I gotta say though, one of my favorite sounds in the world is Philly fans (of any sport) whining like they always do.

Better period, I guess they're going steel cage rules in the 3rd.

Better period, I guess they're going steel cage rules in the 3rd.

hahah, I thought I heard the Undertaker's music.

LOL, Smith should have punched him. mumbles "blah blah bah, he pushed me.."

apparently VS didn't learn about the on-ice audio usually being vulgar yet. great convo between the captains though, although Cindy was crying like always.

Who killed Sykora?

Who killed Sykora?

Steve "I'm dumb , deaf, and dirty" Downey

You know, the receding traveling Flyers fan population to our arena this season kind of softened my distaste for our rivals a little bit, but I have to tell you, I am loving this.
Haha anyone in a Pens jersey better get the **** out of there.

Is it just me or do the Flyers all seem to lead with their forearms when 'hitting'?

Steve "I'm dumb , deaf, and dirty" Downey

Yeah, saw it now... figured it was Downie because it didn't make any sense, considering where Sykora was. That was pretty cheap.

Yeah, saw it now... figured it was Downie because it didn't make any sense, considering where Sykora was. That was pretty cheap.

yeah but Sykora needs to man up too...we all know how much of a baby he can be

yeah but Sykora needs to man up too...we all know how much of a baby he can be

A light breeze could take him out, but I still don't know how the refs missed that one.
He should have gotten his stick up, I guess he figured, you know, since it's the "new" NHL, he wasn't going to get run.

Like I said, steel cage rules, you go from the 1st to this, it makes no sense.

Looks like "vengeance" will not be served this season.
The Penguins look invincible, a matchup against Detroit has the makings of one of the best finals ever.

God forbid we see the best offensive talents display their skills on the biggest stage in the sport.

Yeah, but it's too bad people like bad goaltending and artificially created offense that comes from the 15 power plays awarded per game.

Looks like "vengeance" will not be served this season.
The Penguins look invincible, a matchup against Detroit has the makings of one of the best finals ever.

isn't a little whiny that their shirts say

WHY NOT US!

all it's missing is :cry:

just....

wow.


http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/59/fullj.19dfbbbd4b6b3569302913d73ccf0e80/19dfbbbd4b6b3569302913d73ccf0e80-getty-80994537rb022_pittsburgh_pe.jpg

Edzo is beaming.

isn't a little whiny that their shirts say

WHY NOT US!

all it's missing is :cry:
The Pens should make shirts that say "THATS WHY!" :shakehead

Phore!

These fans shots are priceless. Just get up and leave, dumbasses.

just....

wow.


http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/59/fullj.19dfbbbd4b6b3569302913d73ccf0e80/19dfbbbd4b6b3569302913d73ccf0e80-getty-80994537rb022_pittsburgh_pe.jpg

Don Cherry got that from his favorite Geisha.

oh peace, Flyers!

Well, that wasn't Edzo, I must be going deaf.

Well, that wasn't Edzo, I must be going deaf.

I always mistake their voices too dude.

The CBC feed was great. They were just panning across the arena zooming in on the Phans' faces. Made me all warm and fuzzy inside.

The CBC feed was great. They were just panning across the arena zooming in on the Phans' faces. Made me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Haha thats brutal.

Yeah, but it's too bad people like bad goaltending and artificially created offense that comes from the 15 power plays awarded per game.

Amen.

This new NHL where playing defense is now deemed illegal is sad.
Look at Tomas "goalie interference" Holmstrom, in the old NHL he was a marginal player, he still used to go to the front of the net, but in those days D-men could play D and knock him away from the crease, now in this new NHL he can literally back into the goalie and tackle him, that's why he is effective.

I have no problem with "skilled" players skating and passing and shooting, but I think it has gone too far, surely forwards expect to be challenged and checked by D-men? but not in this new NHL, let these "skilled" players show how good they really are by beating D-men when D-men aren't impeded by artificial rules that disallow them from checking/engageing forwards ( in other words, from playing defense)

Hockey to my belief is a contact sport, now I know next year the NHL is going to reduce the size of goalie pads (hopefully the chest protector too) but are they also going to take away the pads for the skaters? there's hardly any contact in the new NHL, and if there is, it's 2 mins for "roughing"

Amen.

This new NHL where playing defense is now deemed illegal is sad.
Look at Tomas "goalie interference" Holmstrom, in the old NHL he was a marginal player, he still used to go to the front of the net, but in those days D-men could play D and knock him away from the crease, now in this new NHL he can literally back into the goalie and tackle him, that's why he is effective.

I have no problem with "skilled" players skating and passing and shooting, but I think it has gone too far, surely forwards expect to be challenged and checked by D-men? but not in this new NHL, let these "skilled" players show how good they really are by beating D-men when D-men aren't impeded by artificial rules that disallow them from checking/engageing forwards ( in other words, from playing defense)

Hockey to my belief is a contact sport, now I know next year the NHL is going to reduce the size of goalie pads (hopefully the chest protector too) but are they also going to take away the pads for the skaters? there's hardly any contact in the new NHL, and if there is, it's 2 mins for "roughing"

Thing is people can whine all they want about Holmstrom. It's nothing new as you said he's been doing this even before the " my NHL era " . So why haven't teams found a way to counter act that?. Detroit has found ways to win to remain among the upper echelon of the league by adapting. Excuses is all i see, if you want to do what Detroit does simply park Steve Ott in from of Ozzie. No on'es saying you can;t fight fire with fire right?. Or is it going to come down to saying Raffi and Lidstrom get calls so it's not the same. Ott has as much as a reputation as Homstrom does; be it as it may for different things but, indeed fair is fair right?.

I agree with you with the skill factor and not being to defend like the past. This pansy game IMO that the NHl has come to is a farce, i'm with you on that. The NHL and Reebok and blah blah i'll leave that alone but, it's not the same with the Scott Stevens Etc... gone from the league. That'd never fly nowadays and it's a shame, it's the hockey i loved and grew up on. Watching a Wings game is exciting but, yeah love to see how good Zetterberg was ....if he had to go through the same wars as Forsberg back in the day. Where's the measuring stick right?.

Having center ice i saw every Wings game this year. In watching Holmstrom ( not being a homer here ) he's not that bad he's really good at what he does. He can pull of it off ...with a game of inches like what Homer does... you will cross lines.... so i see the arguement... but, Cleary and Franzen have done it as well year round without interfearing. So chalk it up to reputattion....safe to say everyone would love em if he was on your team.

So chalk it up to reputattion....safe to say everyone would love em if he was on your team.
I'd definitely love him on the Devils. No one likes to crash the net and screen the goalie on this team.

Thing is people can whine all they want about Holmstrom. It's nothing new as you said he's been doing this even before the " my NHL era " . So why haven't teams found a way to counter act that?. Detroit has found ways to win to remain among the upper echelon of the league by adapting. Excuses is all i see, if you want to do what Detroit does simply park Steve Ott in from of Ozzie. No on'es saying you can;t fight fire with fire right?. Or is it going to come down to saying Raffi and Lidstrom get calls so it's not the same. Ott has as much as a reputation as Homstrom does; be it as it may for different things but, indeed fair is fair right?.

I agree with you with the skill factor and not being to defend like the past. This pansy game IMO that the NHl has come to is a farce, i'm with you on that. The NHL and Reebok and blah blah i'll leave that alone but, it's not the same with the Scott Stevens Etc... gone from the league. That'd never fly nowadays and it's a shame, it's the hockey i loved and grew up on. Watching a Wings game is exciting but, yeah love to see how good Zetterberg was ....if he had to go through the same wars as Forsberg back in the day. Where's the measuring stick right?.

Having center ice i saw every Wings game this year. In watching Holmstrom ( not being a homer here ) he's not that bad he's really good at what he does. He can pull of it off ...with a game of inches like what Homer does... you will cross lines.... so i see the arguement... but, Cleary and Franzen have done it as well year round without interfearing. So chalk it up to reputattion....safe to say everyone would love em if he was on your team.

I don't know that it's excuses, without an instigator rule someone probably would have hacked his teeth out of his mouth by now. And although I'm no fan of Chris Pronger, I think what happened last year with Holmstrom is the perfect example of someone doing something about it.

But then what happens? Lets be real about it...doing something about it, if you break it down simply is REACTING to it, and that's what Pronger did. I mean c'mon, without that and his big mouth at times, Holmstrom is hardly a target for anyone like that. So what culminates from his actions is a borderline (IMO) dirty hit, but then the entire Red Wings fan base is in an uproar about it (not that they shouldn't be, of course) and so it's all a moot point in a way.

Sure you could park a player like Ott in front of Ozzy or whoever is in that night and do the same thing but that isn't stopping Holmstrom himself from doing it and that's even bigger of a problem than just doing it back. Detroit is a highly skilled team that can easily take advantage of Holmstrom's constant, yet sneaky, goaltender interference. So you still run the risk of losing or being scored on even if you do it because of the kind of team Detroit is.

I'm all in favor of the Pronger response because look what happened in the end. One team one the cup, and Holmstrom if I recall correctly, missed the rest of the series or at least some crucial games.

The whining door swings both ways though...many people hate Holmstrom for basically being a scummy player that backs into goalies and scores a ton of garbage goals, and then when someone does something to him Detroit fans whine about it like he doesn't ask for it in more ways than one.

You only like him when he's on your team and while he might not be as dirty he still runs the goalie and his mouth just as much as a guy like Avery does, but to Avery's credit, at least he'll drop the gloves and get his ass kicked once in a while. Holmstrom hides behind the 67 year old Chelios instead.




while speaking of the Red Wings, what is Cleary's status? I'd love to have him here.

I don't know that it's excuses, without an instigator rule someone probably would have hacked his teeth out of his mouth by now. And although I'm no fan of Chris Pronger, I think what happened last year with Holmstrom is the perfect example of someone doing something about it.

But then what happens? Lets be real about it...doing something about it, if you break it down simply is REACTING to it, and that's what Pronger did. I mean c'mon, without that and his big mouth at times, Holmstrom is hardly a target for anyone like that. So what culminates from his actions is a borderline (IMO) dirty hit, but then the entire Red Wings fan base is in an uproar about it (not that they shouldn't be, of course) and so it's all a moot point in a way.

Sure you could park a player like Ott in front of Ozzy or whoever is in that night and do the same thing but that isn't stopping Holmstrom himself from doing it and that's even bigger of a problem than just doing it back. Detroit is a highly skilled team that can easily take advantage of Holmstrom's constant, yet sneaky, goaltender interference. So you still run the risk of losing or being scored on even if you do it because of the kind of team Detroit is.

I'm all in favor of the Pronger response because look what happened in the end. One team one the cup, and Holmstrom if I recall correctly, missed the rest of the series or at least some crucial games.

The whining door swings both ways though...many people hate Holmstrom for basically being a scummy player that backs into goalies and scores a ton of garbage goals, and then when someone does something to him Detroit fans whine about it like he doesn't ask for it in more ways than one.

You only like him when he's on your team and while he might not be as dirty he still runs the goalie and his mouth just as much as a guy like Avery does, but to Avery's credit, at least he'll drop the gloves and get his ass kicked once in a while. Holmstrom hides behind the 67 year old Chelios instead.




while speaking of the Red Wings, what is Cleary's status? I'd love to have him here.

Was to be a UFA this off-season but Ken Holland locked him up 5 years, 14M. I had to dig to find the thread and the link on the Wings board but, hear yah go http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2008/03/wings_sign_cleary_for_5_years.html <---all the details there. The thread from the Wings board is http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=490806 so it breaks down to 2.8 Mill a year. A huge raise deservingly so from the $675,000 this season. A walk on from Edmonton and no job Cleary worked his tail off getting onto a team with plenty of depth and limited opputunity as far as space. Plenty of Grand Rapids guys ready to make the jump to the parent club.

Earned every inch of it great on pk... wonderful along the corners, solid puck control , smart decisions offensive and defensive. Great hockey sense, netted 20 goals this season before he got hurt...and worked a lot on the second pp unit. This deal locks up Cleary till he's 34-35 depending on when his birthday is. The first 3 1/2 years there is a no trade clause, after that it's fair game.

Gionta could do it. But he doesn't seem overly interested in being a midget garbageman anymore. That he had 48, and has our single season record, shows how much of a farce the game around the net is.

Nothing against Gio, but that shouldn't have happened the way it did.

Surely we arent going to witness two Conference Final sweep jobs?

Christ, I really couldnt care less this year. Talk about average.

Oh, and this really made me chuckle.

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/9d/fullj.98dda0b98b46d331eff10350ae529fbb/98dda0b98b46d331eff10350ae529fbb-getty-80994537rb046_pittsburgh_pe.jpg

I really think this years Pens team are something special.

The guy holding that sign is in denial... lol.

The guy holding that sign is in denial... lol.

If the Pens arent that good, then what does that make his team?

They really do, and I mean really do, have a great crowd in Philly. ;)

Last night's game was great...I've enjoyed this series much more than the Detroit series. But then again, I hate Detroit.

Oh yeah and the faces of the Philly faithful was FANTASTIC!! But that girl crying at the end looked like me in 2003 when we lost Game 6 against Ottawa!

So, I guess I can gauge interest in the Dallas/Detriot game.... I'm gonna go with zero.

Dallas finally gets a lead. Took long enough, only a week.

So, I guess I can gauge interest in the Dallas/Detriot game.... I'm gonna go with zero.

I'm too busy watching it, at least the Stars have the lead. Nice to see Holmstrom get a legit goal wiped, half of his goals in his career have been by interfering with the goalie, and now a good goal gets wiped......ahhhhh Karma :)

Well, they managed to hold the lead for a little over a minute.

I'm too busy watching it, at least the Stars have the lead. Nice to see Holmstrom get a legit goal wiped, half of his goals in his career have been by interfering with the goalie, and now a good goal gets wiped......ahhhhh Karma :)

No kidding - what the heck was that? His reputation finally caught up with him... sad call by the refs - just like the legit interference goals that were allowed... :shakehead

The rules & the refs are killing this sport. Just call it one way once and for all!

LOL, they're chanting "Osgood".

Raflaski contributes to yet another goal... :) (Dallas on the PP)

That looked exactly like the last goal. Detriot getting lazy defensively.

Its a shame the Wings will blow out the Stars in Game 5 back home, this game was getting me excited that we may get a series out of this.

Go Dallas. Every 33 years in the NHL a team comes back from a 3-0 series. 1942 and 1975. I can see it happen this year. (Not really, but hopefully Dallas can do something).

Go Dallas. Every 33 years in the NHL a team comes back from a 3-0 series. 1942 and 1975. I can see it happen this year. (Not really, but hopefully Dallas can do something).
You said it, but Detroit is just too good.

TSN just showed Brett Hull stuffing his fat face. As Zach would say, "Gross."

I honestly have never seen streamers dropped after a win in a series that made it 1-3, haha.
Go Dallas.

It's good to see that Dallas didn't get swept.

Holmstrom getting pounded by Ott in the last 30 seconds was AWESOME!! :handclap::handclap:

Holmstrom getting pounded by Ott in the last 30 seconds was AWESOME!! :handclap::handclap:

It was a really smart play by Ott. They are already down to three men on the ice so they can't lose another man and they are up by two. The worst that can happen is they call a penalty which would burn a few seconds off they give a face-off where the Stars have a better chance at winning a clearing.

I wish one of our defensemen would have down that a few years ago in Carolina.

Holmstrom getting pounded by Ott in the last 30 seconds was AWESOME!! :handclap::handclap:

oh man I didn't watch, he beat his ass?

oh man I didn't watch, he beat his ass?

Just kept knocking him down over and over again, held him down and gave him a few shoves to the head!

It was a really smart play by Ott. They are already down to three men on the ice so they can't lose another man and they are up by two. The worst that can happen is they call a penalty which would burn a few seconds off they give a face-off where the Stars have a better chance at winning a clearing.

I wish Brad Lukowich would have done exactly what you said and exactly what Ott did tonight against Eric Staal in that Game 2 in Carolina two years ago. :rant:

Isn't it odd that the one Lundqvist brother who many thought would be this far in the playoffs is golfing while the other one who nobody has heard of is in a Conference Final?

Isn't it odd that the one Lundqvist brother who many thought would be this far in the playoffs is golfing while the other one who nobody has heard of is in a Conference Final?

"Oh My" Don't tell the Ranger$ but I think they drafted the wrong one ;) :p:

"Oh My" Don't tell the Ranger$ but I think they drafted the wrong one ;) :p:

They drafted the right one. Their team excels on picking high salary losers who can't perform under pressure. They got the right brother.

They drafted the right one. Their team excels on picking high salary losers who can't perform under pressure. They got the right brother.

I stand corrected, good point the MD, but it's still funny.

STARS
http://www.clubdesmonstres.com/nemesis.jpg

STARS
http://www.clubdesmonstres.com/nemesis.jpg

....as if i didnt already have the neverending urge to play any resident evil:D

hahahaha
6saCy2HWpiw

hahahaha
6saCy2HWpiw

oh man that is amaaaaaaaaaazing

Lupul puts Philly up 1-0.

Ew, Just for Men commercials are so creepy.

Oh, great. Another penaltyfest.

Isn't it odd that the one Lundqvist brother who many thought would be this far in the playoffs is golfing while the other one who nobody has heard of is in a Conference Final?

Joel Lundqvist has been such a key contributor for Dallas, one of the reasons they're in the conference finals, surprised you've never heard of him.:sarcasm:

Joel Lundqvist has been such a key contributor for Dallas, one of the reasons they're in the conference finals, surprised you've never heard of him.:sarcasm:

I had never heard of him before these playoffs started, which like you said is where he made his mark to begin with, as he was nothing more than an AHL call up during the regular season.

I had never heard of him before these playoffs started, which like you said is where he made his mark to begin with, as he was nothing more than an AHL call up during the regular season.

I was actually kidding, but he played 55 regular season games, little more than a call-up.

I had never heard of him before these playoffs started, which like you said is where he made his mark to begin with, as he was nothing more than an AHL call up during the regular season.

He was very solid last year too

He was very solid last year too

Then why was he bounced back and forth between their AHL affiliate each of the last 2 seasons?

You must be a die hard Stars fan because he only played 36 games with them last year.

Battle of the tough guys, there.

I had never heard of him before these playoffs started, which like you said is where he made his mark to begin with, as he was nothing more than an AHL call up during the regular season.

key contributor...that is practically invisible on the ice. Apparently he's their Sarge.

Then why was he bounced back and forth between their AHL affiliate each of the last 2 seasons?

You must be a die hard Stars fan because he only played 36 games with them last year.

Nah, he's a die hard Rafalski fan. ;)

The East is so JV compared to the West. I think the SC will go 6 at the max

Will the Flyers roll in a ball and meltdown?

Speaking of Joel Lundqvist, does anybody think Lou should grab Henry's brother from the Stars this off season? Maybe get in the queens head a little bit? Just a thought...

Speaking of Joel Lundqvist, does anybody think Lou should grab Henry's brother from the Stars this off season? Maybe get in the queens head a little bit? Just a thought...

acquire him, then send him out there with the direction "run the goalie, no matter what it takes." :naughty:

Speaking of Joel Lundqvist, does anybody think Lou should grab Henry's brother from the Stars this off season? Maybe get in the queens head a little bit? Just a thought...

Actually, that might not be a bad idea. ;)

This would be like Ananheim with Rob Niedermayer (The Devils with Joel) and the Devils with Scott Niedermayer (NYR with Henrik) all over again. And if they have an overbearing, doting mother like Carol Niedermayer, perhaps she can convince Henrik to want to play with his brother and bolt from the NYR at the last possible minute, forcing Slats to scramble and sign 2 horrible goaltenders to take his place.

It's bad enough that that silly franchise always seems to hurt themselves, but anything that we can do to hurt the NYR is fine with me.

Lundqvist would be a perfect back up 3 to 5 years from now. :sarcasm:

Flyers making it hard on themselves again. They're lucky it's 3-2 and not 3-3 or worse.

5:49 is a lot of time...

3-2 Floppers

Lucky again.

is Malone considered a power forward?

Tried his best to draw one and ended up screwing himself over.

Flyers luck out. Don't see how they really get much out of this, though.

There's Upshall again. Picking on the big boys when they're expecting it. Oh wait, no, it's exactly the opposite...

The Flyers did luck out. At least after giving up 3 goals, the Pens played better than their Game 4 performance against the Rag$.

hahahahahah Criesby dropped them again.

hahahahahah Criesby dropped them again.

LOL, why would Therrien even have Crosby/Sykora/Hossa out there?

LOL, why would Therrien even have Crosby/Sykora/Hossa out there?

yeah that was unbelievably dumb. But I give my kudos to Cindy because he wasn't taking his **** and he also wasn't crying about it.

LOL, why would Therrien even have Crosby/Sykora/Hossa out there?

Powerplay with :33 seconds left and goalie pulled = 2 man advantage. Tell me they couldn't score 2 goals in :33 seconds with that offense... They had a quality shot with :17 to go that should have been in the net but missed wide (Gionta was on the ice?).

Lost some respect for Richards on his swordwork there at the end... why? CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP at Sidney when winning? C'mon...

Powerplay with :33 seconds left and goalie pulled = 2 man advantage. Tell me they couldn't score 2 goals in :33 seconds with that offense... They had a quality shot with :17 to go that should have been in the net but missed wide (Gionta was on the ice?).

Lost some respect for Richards on his swordwork there at the end... why? CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP at Sidney when winning? C'mon...

Wasn't there a faceoff before the *****fest, with 14-15 seconds left? At that point, get them out of there. If Crosby had gotten Domi'd, they would have deserved it.

Wasn't there a faceoff before the *****fest, with 14-15 seconds left? At that point, get them out of there. If Crosby had gotten Domi'd, they would have deserved it.

True enough... but up to that point I thought it was a good move.

After watching almost every minute of the Pit/Phi series I just wanted to say I can't stand Scottie Upshall. He just seems like a spinless wheasel who just likes to start ****. It always seems like he's whining about something which is funny considering Flyer fans calling Crosby a baby. There's something about his stupid face to I just want to punch it over and over again. That is all. End Rant.:rant:

After watching almost every minute of the Pit/Phi series I just wanted to say I can't stand Scottie Upshall. He just seems like a spinless wheasel who just likes to start ****. It always seems like he's whining about something which is funny considering Flyer fans calling Crosby a baby. There's something about his stupid face to I just want to punch it over and over again. That is all. End Rant.:rant:

Indeed - he's an even Oranger version of Avery...

After watching almost every minute of the Pit/Phi series I just wanted to say I can't stand Scottie Upshall. He just seems like a spinless wheasel who just likes to start ****. It always seems like he's whining about something which is funny considering Flyer fans calling Crosby a baby. There's something about his stupid face to I just want to punch it over and over again. That is all. End Rant.:rant:

Upshall is infinitely worse than Avery. Avery just pulls his **** on a big stage. Upshall does it night in and night out. It's nothing new for him. He's a classless goof that hides behind his team, if he played on a team like ours, he'd be dead.

He's the guy that called Brylin a "****ing *****" after running him and Brylin staying down. Never mind that Sarge is going to be one of those guys, when he's 50, that is going to be featured in one of those "look what happened to this poor guy" features, it's just low for a kid to be pulling something like that on a vet.

And then there was the Canucks game, when he was out hurt, where he joined in for a period in the broadcast booth, where he spent the whole period bashing Ryan Kesler. "We never wanted him anyway." was the funniest part, because he was apparently with the Flyers when Kesler was signed by them, as an RFA. Oh, wait, he wasn't, he wasn't even in the NHL, forget with the Preds.

He's the one guy I'd go after if I got a free "climb the glass" card.

The East is so JV compared to the West. I think the SC will go 6 at the maxPittsburgh went 8-1-1 against the Western Conference this season.

The Devils, incidentally, went 7-3-0 against the Western Conference.

what a goal by Dallas. Hard work pays off, 1-0 from Daley on a great drop pass.

It'd becoming more and more evident which Lundqvist brother is the better one among the two. Joel has had two solid playoffs in a row now and is dominating in today's game.

Henrik is at home crying.

It'd becoming more and more evident which Lundqvist brother is the better one among the two. Joel has had two solid playoffs in a row now and is dominating in today's game.

Henrik is at home crying.

don't lie he's not at home, he's waiting to get a nice bronze...kinda like his boy Avery. ;)


but yeah, Joel has been very visible today and definitely a factor. He's also displayed quite a bit of skill with his puck control and movement.

Joel has talent, Henrik has padding.

Joel has talent, Henrik has padding.

Joel's not skurred.

I kinda don't feel bad for Chris Draper for what Lemieux did, won't lie.


and Holmstrom is a ****ing coward, taking a shot at someone on the bench because he got hit. what a ****ing baby,.

Holmstrom demonstrating exactly why I hate him.

Cmon Dallas - score.

That was really pathetic from Holmstrom.

incredible play by Morrow, I dunno how he missed, he had the net just begging for a puck.

Wooooah, what a play from Brenden!!

I guess my feed is a lil delayed.

Nice crosscheck to the face on Morrow... where's the 4 min penalty for that?!?

I guess Detroit can get a lil spicy when they want to be, ive seen Dallas players do worse.

That crosscheck was horrible though.

this is not a penalty... :sarcasm:

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/13/fullj.ce2a455c3f63aeee513cc729ae146bcc/ce2a455c3f63aeee513cc729ae146bcc-getty-80994529cp021_dallas_stars_.jpg

Pens working on their 5-3 PK unit... :laugh:

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080517/capt.e1f9f110820242989f2564ff793ab22a.flyers_pengu ins_hockey_paks101.jpg

BFF:

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/a6/fullj.520e02bc46b32e8837d344633eb609f8/520e02bc46b32e8837d344633eb609f8-getty-80994529cp026_dallas_stars_.jpg

Wooo!! Dallas wins!! :handclap:

See you in Dallas on Monday. Good game by the Stars.

Lemaire would be impressed.

My flyer hate is at an all new level. This flyer fan is saying Stevens elbowed Lindros in the head, you know the hit. I heard people actually thought that but I didnt really believe they actually existed.

Penguins defend their defensive scheme
By Rob Rossi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, May 18, 2008

Buzz up!

Michel Therrien refused to get caught in the trap.
"We control the ice, that's the simplest explanation," Therrien said of the defensive system he immediately installed upon taking the Penguins' coaching job Dec. 15, 2005.

"That other word is not what we do. I don't like that other word."

Still, word is that the once-reputably fire-wagon hockey Penguins are trapping their way to the Stanley Cup final.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_568108.html

Devils GM not surprised by Pens' success
By Rob Rossi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, May 18, 2008

Buzz up!


Lou Lamoriello, architect of three Stanley Cup-winning squads as general manger of the New Jersey Devils, is not surprised by the manner in which the Penguins have advanced in the playoffs.
He has spent the past three seasons watching them transform into a "smart" defensive hockey team.

"Those players have made a commitment on both sides of the puck that leads to success," Lamoriello said. "If you watch what they've done and have followed them during the year, you shouldn't be surprised. It's only been a surprise if you try to bring the past into the present, and the present is what you look at."

Lamoriello's best teams in New Jersey were labeled "trapping" clubs, even though the 2000 Cup championship squad paced the NHL in regular-season scoring.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_568118.html

Thanks for the articles JF.

The trap has a stigma that only boring, talentless teams play it. When in fact, its a very exciting and profitable tactic if employed correctly. This years Penguins play alot like the Devils teams of the early 2000's.

I hope you win it all.

Our Devils team could lead the league in scoring next season by 100 goals and idiots would still say they are boring. As much as I love the NHL, we have some of the most scapegoating, finger pointing fans in the world.
The 2000 team was incredible, scored a ton of goals and people still complained just because they refused to give up goals as well.
Remember folks, good hockey from a team that isn't from a major city = boring. Another reason why the Rangers got absolutely no slack for being as conservative as a Alabama preacher this season.
There is nothing wrong with it, its a legit style that doesn't equal instant success (ask the Wild) but I would like some fairness once and a while.

Read the end of the Therrien article. Sykora's being a disingenuous baby. You don't put up those numbers by handing around at the red line, waiting to hook somebody. I'm not even convinced the '01 team attempted to play defense.

Read the end of the Therrien article. Sykora's being a disingenuous baby. You don't put up those numbers by handing around at the red line, waiting to hook somebody. I'm not even convinced the '01 team attempted to play defense.

Just sounds like sour grapes to me. I guess Sykora still has a bug up his ass for being traded by the Devils.

Oh well, it's nice to know we one a Cup largely because he was traded.

Just sounds like sour grapes to me. I guess Sykora still has a bug up his ass for being traded by the Devils.

Oh well, it's nice to know we one a Cup largely because he was traded.

definitely sour grapes, and it is GREAT to know that's what happened.


on another note, Floppers win 6-1 to bring the series back to Philthy.

1-0 Penguins on the power play.


Hold the phone! This will get reviewed.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Goal.png

It should count.

1-0 Penguins on the power play.


Hold the phone! This will get reviewed.

no reason for this goal to be disallowed, so in other words....it will be.

0-0 game still

And it definitely counts... 1-0 Pens

*bes shocked*

:amazed:

whoa... lucky bounce for MAF. He almost bounced it into his own net.

Pittsburgh needs to pick up the physical play, they're gonna get roughed right out of the game at this point.

Floppers are still due for 6

Hossa got the memo, and Malkin shuts all those people up about him "hitting the wall" in the ECF.

Oh and, we better at least TRY to sign Ryan Malone.

wow... Biron looks like he's sleeping.

2-0 now.

Big Russian say, "I score big goal!"

Hartnell is an idiot. :shakehead

Canadians blow it... because Cam Ward sucks. Kovalchuk scores the tying goal and the winner. Canada takes home the silllllllllver

Canadians blow it... because Cam Ward sucks. Kovalchuk scores the tying goal and the winner. Canada takes home the silllllllllver

Hahahahaha

...........



hahahahahahahaha

The Russians have to score on that power play... Fedorov, Semin, Ovechkin and Kovalchuk all on ice.

Where's creepy Pierre? Did all of the young NHL players get a restraining order against him?

Where's creepy Pierre? Did all of the young NHL players get a restraining order against him?

he was doing the IIHF game.

he was doing the IIHF game.

AO better watch out, I'm sure Pierre tried to horn in on the celebration.

Pittsburgh has too much talent for the likes of the Flyers.

This game's over. Great two way play by Crosby and an absolute bomb by Hossa.

The Pens are playing a defensive game that the Devils would be proud of.

Get the mop.

4-0

Stars gotta win. I want to watch the Stars defense against the Pens offense.

I guess since they were down 4-0, they felt like they didn't have to play defense anymore.

Let's see if the Flyers stay classy here.

I guess since they were down 4-0, they felt like they didn't have to play defense anymore.

Let's see if the Flyers stay classy here.

hahahahah Flyers + Classy.

awesome oxymoron dude.

Hey 666, you sure you didn't mean 6-1 PIT? ;)

Hey 666, you sure you didn't mean 6-1 PIT? ;)

haha believe me, I said that on purpose. If you look at my predictions, for the most part, whoever I pick loses. And I mean c'mon...do you think I WANT Philthy to win? It's all in the superstition.

This is so glorious to watch...suicide rate in Philthy just increased about 45% in the 2nd period alone. :biglaugh:

More officitaing inconsistencies:

The Flyer goal (I don't know who it was) at the end of the 2nd that was waived off because, "Fleury was interfered with and prevented from making a save."

Didn't this precise scenario happen to Brodeur in what I think was Game 2 in the playoffs against the NYR, in which (I forgot which NYR player it was) purposely skated into Brodeur's blocking hand on a wrap around attempt and scored, in which "Brodeur was interfered with and prevented from making a save."

So why was one goal allowed to stand, but the Flyers goal was waived off today?

And no, the NYR player wasn't pushed into Brodeur either.

So why was one goal allowed to stand, but the Flyers goal was waived off today?

Because Gary Bettman says Crosby > Devils.

Because Gary Bettman says Crosby > Devils.

and in most ways, that's a true statement.