Go Hawks! I'm hoping for at least an 8 seed this year (man, times have changed).
They'll be better this year, but the West is absolutely brutal. There are just too many really good teams. What they can hope for is St. Louis having a champions slump after winning their first cup, but even they are off to a 2-0-1 start.
It's tough, they just don't control the puck like they used to, and they are still thin on the back end if you ask me.
They are pretty much handcuffed until some of these guys come off the books. Seabrook and Keith make a ton, Keith is obviously still really good, but his contract is a big number. Crawford is great in the playoffs and has won them 2 cups, but he's unreliable in the regular season with an injury history. Toews makes a ton of money, but is really only great when everything else is set up, and he can kinda go and do his thing, which is win faceoffs, and lock down the opponent's best guys.
Patrick Kane is worth the price of admission, so he's kind of their one great piece.
It's just not a good mix, but it's the price you have to pay to make the mini-dynasty that they did.
As a Leafs fan, I'd take 3 Cups and the inevitable backslide in a heartbeat.
absolutely
I do feel like eventually for this team to move on, they are going to have to move pieces and cut ties with a lot of these players from those teams.
Boston was in a similar situation, with them also having really competitive teams for years, but I don't think they had as much of their cap dedicated to a couple of guys, it was definitely spread out more, and now they look like they will be in the mix for years to come, and they still have guys from those prior teams.
I don't think the cap is balanced correctly, but it is what it is, and teams will have to adjust, and I think the model is to keep your team young and fast, and don't pour a ton of your cap money into one goaltender (and that pains me to say it, but it can absolutely handcuff your team)
Hurricanes are off to a pretty good start. I honestly have a hard time getting into hockey until it starts to get colder, then I really start to get into once football season is over.
Hurricanes are off to a pretty good start. I honestly have a hard time getting into hockey until it starts to get colder, then I really start to get into once football season is over.
Canes are clicking and Columbus gets them next. Jackets couldn't take a Ducks team that had played 3 games in 4 nights. That's brutal and yet they beat you..
Go Hawks! I'm hoping for at least an 8 seed this year (man, times have changed).
They'll be better this year, but the West is absolutely brutal. There are just too many really good teams. What they can hope for is St. Louis having a champions slump after winning their first cup, but even they are off to a 2-0-1 start.
It's tough, they just don't control the puck like they used to, and they are still thin on the back end if you ask me.
They are pretty much handcuffed until some of these guys come off the books. Seabrook and Keith make a ton, Keith is obviously still really good, but his contract is a big number. Crawford is great in the playoffs and has won them 2 cups, but he's unreliable in the regular season with an injury history. Toews makes a ton of money, but is really only great when everything else is set up, and he can kinda go and do his thing, which is win faceoffs, and lock down the opponent's best guys.
Patrick Kane is worth the price of admission, so he's kind of their one great piece.
It's just not a good mix, but it's the price you have to pay to make the mini-dynasty that they did.
It felt like the front office had to make a decision, blow it up to start over or keep everyone together for nostalgia sake but be average. I honk they made the wrong decision, but I might have done the same if I were them. Like, assuming Lebron and Kyrie wanted to stay, I’d keep them and TT, Swish and Kevin around forever just to bask in the 2016 glory.
Go Hawks! I'm hoping for at least an 8 seed this year (man, times have changed).
They'll be better this year, but the West is absolutely brutal. There are just too many really good teams. What they can hope for is St. Louis having a champions slump after winning their first cup, but even they are off to a 2-0-1 start.
It's tough, they just don't control the puck like they used to, and they are still thin on the back end if you ask me.
They are pretty much handcuffed until some of these guys come off the books. Seabrook and Keith make a ton, Keith is obviously still really good, but his contract is a big number. Crawford is great in the playoffs and has won them 2 cups, but he's unreliable in the regular season with an injury history. Toews makes a ton of money, but is really only great when everything else is set up, and he can kinda go and do his thing, which is win faceoffs, and lock down the opponent's best guys.
Patrick Kane is worth the price of admission, so he's kind of their one great piece.
It's just not a good mix, but it's the price you have to pay to make the mini-dynasty that they did.
It felt like the front office had to make a decision, blow it up to start over or keep everyone together for nostalgia sake but be average. I honk they made the wrong decision, but I might have done the same if I were them. Like, assuming Lebron and Kyrie wanted to stay, I’d keep them and TT, Swish and Kevin around forever just to bask in the 2016 glory.
I think it all boils down to whether or not you want to deal Patrick Kane.
If you try and move any of your other pieces for picks or shorter contracts, you're stuck with Patrick Kane and nothing else, and he's on the wrong side of 30.
If you deal Patrick Kane, then you basically are putting everyone else on the table, essentially murdering your season.
I think they want to wait it out until they can clear their books and allow for more cap money. I know their top pick from the draft is still in the juniors (nothing wrong with that, but it does not help you this year).
Hopefully he develops but he is probably a wash for this year unless the Hawks feel like things are going well enough where maybe they can slide him into a line late in the year (similar to what the Avs did with Makar), but that's not likely
With the way this league is going, I agree that in hindsight they should have blown this thing up, probably after the Predators swept them a few years ago, and I think they scored only 4 or 5 goals in the entire series.
They better get it right though, like I said, the west is absolutely stacked with young talent, and great teams. There just isn't any room to just kinda hang around and hope to fall into a back-end playoff spot.
I'm not sure about this, but once you send a guy back to junior he's ineligible to play this season. It'd be different if they sent him to the minors. Like I said, I could be wrong.
Another topic: The Leafs have a lot of skill, but not nearly enough jam. Not enough grinders IMO.
I'm not sure about this, but once you send a guy back to junior he's ineligible to play this season. It'd be different if they sent him to the minors. Like I said, I could be wrong.
Another topic: The Leafs have a lot of skill, but not nearly enough jam. Not enough grinders IMO.
I am not that schooled on the rules involving junior players, although I know there is a stipulation with the amount of games a kid that is junior-eligible plays.
Really though, if you send a kid back to juniors, there is absolutely no reason you bring him back up that year.
Totally agree about the Leafs too, they need a 3rd/4th line type guy or two to help give good minutes, but damn that team is fun watch, they can pile up the goals
Got a chance to watch the Blackhawks practice on Friday..
Pretty awesome, I know we have some Chicago people on this board. I highly recommend it. It's free, parking is free at Fifth Third Arena, and you can literally stand around the glass and watch.
I don't get a chance to go to too many games, and even if I do, I'm way up in the nosebleeds, so it's cool to see action that close up.
And yeah, I totally wanted to get out there with them, LOL
What a damn shame. I think firing Don Cherry will prove much more divisive than anything he said. I can't believe Ron Mclean took the company stance on this and basically threw Grapes under the bus. I will truly miss him.
It's like we are at the point where if someone says something controversial - perhaps one that the silent majority agrees with - that person must be destroyed.
So.... opinions silenced.the left used to be all about freedom of expression. What a wussified society we are becoming.
cancel culture has already made itself into hockey.
I play hockey with a few guys who ref, and I found out this year that if a kid gets checked, and the other team's bench bangs their sticks on the boards, it's a penalty. Give me a break.
I knew the day would come when this stuff would infest hockey. Pretty soon you won't be allowed to celly a goal because the other team might feel bad.
I guarantee you this rule was brought about by parents who did not play themselves, but their kids wanted to play. No parent who went through hockey would ever get mad about that.
You cheer a good check. If the kid stays down, obviously the cheering and stick banging stops. That's how the game works.
But hey, let's move checking back to the bantam level so kids don't know how to accept hits anymore either..
I knew there was a reason I don't coach, and it's this kind of garbage (along with hockey parents being absolute psychos)
I think the network was looking for a reason, any reason, to get the guy off the TV.
He's well past his expiration date. I couldn't stand his takes and shtick (and watch Ron during his segments, he couldn't either).
I don't like the way he went out. Would've much preferred he'd been canned for being unbearable to watch.
Come on, the guy's 85 years old. Don Cherry is an institution and has carved a prominent spot for himself in the history of the sport (and Canada). I liked him more as time went on. It's pretty frickin' sad that some butt hurt liberals can take away the last years of his career. Did you actually hear what he said? Mclean agreed with him when he said it. I'm still pizzed at him. Don Cherry is the sole reason for Mclean's success, and he crapped on him.
Here's an episode of Don Cherry's Grapevine with Bob Probert as the guest. I used to love this show. There's a great clip of one of Probert's fights with Ty Domi starting just before the 21m mark.
It's gonna sound really crappy, but I am glad it happened with him and the NHL where this will be buried soon enough...
If this were an NFL personality, we would never hear the end of it. The offended crowd would be out with out with pitchforks.
I don't necessarily agree with his take on the whole poppy thing, but it's his take, and whatever, who cares. I don't understand why that take gets you fired. There's a line and I don't think he really crossed it.
Also, watching a pretty entertaining Hawks/Knights game
Again, this is mostly driven by my opinion of the guy...
I think they were looking for something... anything... to get him out. The guy was painful to watch and a joke (again, imo).
And regarding what he said... no, it wasn't that bad... but it wasn't that innocent either. It's not the 'you people' part, it's the part where he puts out that line of thinking that immigrants/illegals take up resources and don't contribute.
I'll reiterate... I disagree with the reason he was fired. I thought it would've made more sense to let him go based on him being a windbag.
Again, this is mostly driven by my opinion of the guy...
I think they were looking for something... anything... to get him out. The guy was painful to watch and a joke (again, imo).
And regarding what he said... no, it wasn't that bad... but it wasn't that innocent either. It's not the 'you people' part, it's the part where he puts out that line of thinking that immigrants/illegals take up resources and don't contribute.
I'll reiterate... I disagree with the reason he was fired. I thought it would've made more sense to let him go based on him being a windbag.
I do agree that the shtick was kind of old.
If they're smart, they'll put Kevin Weekes in his spot. Guy is maybe the best analyst in the sport right now, and brings a ton of energy. Love his coverage on NHL network
The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t huge fans of the 24 team postseason.
It seems more likely with every passing day that the NHL’s going to find a way to play through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If it happens, it’s probably going to feature 24 teams instead of 16. The decision to move forward with discussing regarding the format was passed nearly unanimously on Friday, with 29 of the 31 teams voting “yes”. Who voted no? The Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes.
While the Hurricanes haven’t spoken about why they voted “no”, the Lightning’s player representative, Alex Killorn, talked about the decision. Here’s what he had to say, via The Athletic.
My team also felt it was unfair that the teams with a bye would not be as well prepared for a playoff series as the teams that had already basically played a playoff series to get into the playoffs.
Another one of his concerns was that teams like the Montreal Canadiens, who had virtually no chance of making the playoffs, are now in the postseason.
Killorn also said his team is ready to play and they’re fine with how the vote played out. However, he did bring up some excellent points about the proposed 24 team postseason and his concerns warrant a further look.
First, let’s examine his point about teams who didn’t have a chance at making the postseason. The Lightning had a very bad start to their season. However, they’ve been able to right their ship and have been the best team in the NHL since the start of December.
The Lightning fought hard to get out of the hole they dug themselves into early, so it’s understandable why they were a bit reluctant to support allowing teams like the Canadiens into the postseason. And yes, the “play-in round” is the postseason.
To expand on this concern, it’s not fair to the other playoff teams to allow a team as far out of the playoff race as the Canadiens to have them make the postseason. Imagine how the Pittsburgh Penguins must feel. They’ve had a lot of obstacles, but they’ve been a very good team this year in a very competitive division. Their reward for finishing third in the Metropolitan Division? A play-in round date with the Canadiens.
Killorn’s primary concern, though, was probably the bye. 99 times out of 100, it’s better to have a bye than it is to play. Players might get injured, games aren’t played on paper, anything can happen in the playoffs, etc. However, this might be the one time out of 100 where the more rested team might not have an advantage.
Think about it. Sure, the teams with the “byes” will be having a tournament of some kind. But even if seeding is at stake, it’s hard to see any of the teams taking it too seriously. There’s probably going to be an unspoken, mutual agreement to maybe not try to kill each other out there since both teams will be getting used to being back on the ice.
After the tournament, they’re going to have to play against a team that just had to fight for their playoff lives. It’s not hard to see how this could end poorly for the higher seed. They probably haven’t played a truly meaningful game of hockey in months. Yet they have to face a team that just played at least three (assuming the play-in round will be a best of five series).
At first glance, it’s hard to see why the Lightning wouldn’t be fans of the 24 team postseason. But if you think a bit deeper about it, their concerns are quite valid and only time will tell if those concerns ring true.
I have seen a lot of talk about how there should be an asterisk next to the champion this year. I mean whatever, just being able to see live hockey would be awesome. I think it would be universally known within the sport, that things were different this year. I don't think there needs to be an asterisk.
If I were Bettman, I wouldn't even award the Stanley Cup. Make it a tournament, and just leave it at that. It's going to be different anyways with no crowds (the game won't change) but I would just have it be a wash in the record books. Just let guys let loose and compete. The bigger preparation is how the 2020-2021 season is going to be handled.
I am glad they are trying though. I am sick of watching games from the 80's and 90's
Respectfully disagree about not awarding the Stanley Cup. I’m not even sure I’d want to play in that tournament if that were to happen, and I don’t think I’d even watch the games on TV if the Cup wasn’t part of it.
Respectfully disagree about not awarding the Stanley Cup. I’m not even sure I’d want to play in that tournament if that were to happen, and I don’t think I’d even watch the games on TV if the Cup wasn’t part of it.
There isn't a hockey player in the world right now who isn't dying to get on the ice, professional or otherwise.
I don't care enough to demand an asterisk, but this won't be the same grind it usually is.
I actually got on the ice this week. Was a bit rough on the legs. I am glad it was not an actual game. Just a light scrimmage for an hour.
The rules are pretty strict. You can rent the ice for an hour. 10 skaters maxium plus two goalies. You cannot sit on the bench. Everyone has their temp checked when you walk in, and they require masks until you get on the ice.
The thing that sucks is that the ice is expensive to rent, which is not a big deal when you get 20-25 guys, but at 10 and 2 goalies, that is tough, but people are desperate at this point.
I have not been away from the game this long since high school lol
Good to see hockey coming back. All I can say is " LET'S GO BLUES" Today is one year they won their 1st Stanley Cup!!!
Sucks for Blues fans too as they looked like they were lined up to get a good look at it again.
I think with this virus, with this new weird format, the time off, etc... This tournament they are putting together will cause everything to be thrown out. I wouldn't be surprised if a team outside of the pre-covid favorites wins this thing. Part of hockey is getting into rhythm, getting good momentum (oMg MoMeNtuM dOesNt ExIsT iN sPoRts) and all of that is now gone.
The Montreal Canadiens are the crappiest team that got in, and I don't think they have the firepower to win it all, but if Price is healthy, and they can put something together? Who knows.
Old Broph... rest his soul. Talked to him once.... a very different guy away from the rink.
Grew up about 35 miles from where I live.
Died in a car accident about 10 years ago, once coached the Leafs but his final coaching job was in Junior A in Antigonish, N.S., where after a very tough game, he once told a newspaper reporter I know that he wanted to cut the head off the other team’s coach.
Auston Matthews testing positive for Covid-19, I also heard a member of the Boston Bruins, and several Tampa Bay Lightning players have also tested positive. I have a feeling this summer tournament they are planning is going to get scrapped.
There hasn't been any announcement of that yet, but I think they have to be serious about this. I want hockey back but this just seems risky. I think they should probably scrap this season. Keep the stats for the games that were played, and focus on possibly starting the 2020-2021 season on time.
I’m beginning to think that is the better approach. I’d love to see a Cup tournament, but I’m not as sure it will happen, not like I was a couple weeks ago
full schedule looks like this thing is a go. I am pretty shocked that they're going to be able to pull this off, but here we are.
As far as predictions go, who the hell knows. Everything these teams built up during the season is gone. I think certain factors are undeniable, but I think there are quite a few unknowns out there.
Before COVID, I think your upper echelon of the league was St Louis, Boston, Washington, Tampa, Colorado, and Philly. You could sprinkle in Pittsburgh, just because come playoff time, they will always be a force.
But now, certain teams feel like they have to be playing with house money.
I think the Blackhawks are going to struggle. If Crawford can't man the nets (and he has yet to practice) they have literally nothing behind him after trading Lehner.
Montreal is the team that everyone is joking about, because they probably shouldn't be in, but they are. If Price gets hot, and he's had time to rest and heal, they might be able to steal a short series.
I still really like Vegas even though I disagree with the move to fire Gallant.
If I were a wagering man, and I am. I would just systematically put money on every underdog in this first round. I think there are too many unknown factors, and you may get some good value. After the first round, when this weirdness of everything being back, stands being empty, no energy etc, I think the hockey will get back to normal.
I am the first one to say that home ice in the NHL means diddly poo. Teams usually win series' on the road. I think the energy in a building is incredible, but both teams can feed of it, so it's a wash. I wonder if we will see a lot of post-whistle stuff. I think with the lack of fans and energy, guys will keep it business. You may get occasional pushing and shoving but I think you will see more of a practice style game, where it is just hockey. Think of a game 7 in a series where nobody wants to be the guy that takes any kind of penalty. I think you get that kind of focus.
I just can't wait to watch. I am going to be parked on my couch a week from Saturday.
I’m really looking forward to it. So much is unknown, but I have a few thoughts:
* I agree that if Carey Price gets hot, Montreal could beat Pittsburgh. But that’s the only way. Their forwards are mediocre.
* Edmonton is a bad matchup for the Blackhawks. Edmonton is fast and youthful, ready to go on a run.
* Toronto has WAY more offensive talent than Columbus, but the Blue Jackets play a style the Leafs don’t deal well with: they are a heavy team, relentless on the forecheck, physical, and always in your face. (I love Torts)
CBJ won’t win a playoff series with skill, but they can win one with brawn.
The name is corny but those jerseys and that color scheme is awesome.
Seattle has needed a team for years. It's a good hockey area (junior hockey is huge out there) and they should develop a healthy rivalry with their neighbors up in Vancouver.
If I were them, I would go the Vegas route. Spin all the draft picks you have into more picks that get backloaded for future years. Sign young speedy guys on the cheap, and go and sign Robin Lehner in the offseason. He would be a fantastic sign for a brand new team. Sucks the Hawks had to trade him but it was the right move at the time, when they were on the outside of the playoff race and nobody knew a gloabal pandemic would change everything. Now they are in this tournament because the field was extended, and their goaltending situation is so bad right now they may have to give me a call lmao.
I saw Amazon has the rights to the new arena, and the whole thing is aimed at being green and eco friendly. I know Amazon can be knocked for a lot, but I hope this works, and other arenas can follow suit.
People will always boo Gary Bettman, but this Seattle move, the success of franchises in Las Vegas, Nashville, Columbus, etc, combined with how exciting the level of play is, will cement him as the greatest commissioner in history of the league.
I hope they hammer the Canucks every time they play them, but I still wish Quebec City had a team (although I’m not sure the level of corporate sponsorship there would be sufficient).
As far as predictions go, I usually do these for every playoff, but with this, who knows.
Part of me thinks this will be business as usual, and you'll have teams like Boston, St. Louis, Washington,etc as your heavy favorites, but I would not be surprised if one of these fringe teams just gets hot, has a good system, and great goaltending, and goes on a run. This is all unprecedented. Nobody was able to compete or practice during the pandemic. Eating smart and working out is great, and I am sure guys followed that, but nothing can simulate what you get in a game, or even during practice. So either the hockey will be good because guys are healthy and rested, or it's got an early season feel to it where teams are trying to relearn each other.
Like I said, if you gamble, just put money on underdogs, and you will probably make a profit.
I was not ready to watch hockey this season, as I thought this whole tournament was a farce....but boy was it fun yesterday. I was only able to catch the Hurricanes/Islanders and some of the highlight shows, but good hockey is back!
I was not ready to watch hockey this season, as I thought this whole tournament was a farce....but boy was it fun yesterday. I was only able to catch the Hurricanes/Islanders and some of the highlight shows, but good hockey is back!
I really like the way they set up for the format. I think it is fair and also should produce the best product for the fans and media.
And basically fans get an extra round of playoff style hockey which is awesome.
CBJ is a tough team to play against, they are who we thought they were. 2-0 over the Leafs tonight, the second an empty-netter. Montreal over Penguins was a small surprise. If you lose game 1, you’re immediately in trouble in a best of five.
CBJ is a tough team to play against, they are who we thought they were. 2-0 over the Leafs tonight, the second an empty-netter. Montreal over Penguins was a small surprise. If you lose game 1, you’re immediately in trouble in a best of five.
Not to mention that you don't get that change of scenery or any travel day. The condtions will be exactly the same, so it makes it real tough. I think this will be especially difficult in the nba. You don't get that little benefit of role guys playing better in front of supportive crowds.
The Leafs were all over CBJ this afternoon, out-shot them and our-zoned them by a significant margin, but still had to work hard to get the win and tie the series. The Jackets’ goalie made a lot of great saves for them.
The Leafs were all over CBJ this afternoon, out-shot them and our-zoned them by a significant margin, but still had to work hard to get the win and tie the series. The Jackets’ goalie made a lot of great saves for them.
Korpisalo is a freak. I think CBJ did the right thing in letting Bob walk. He's struggling big time right now too.
Toronto did a hell of a job keeping at it because for a while it seemed like they were never going to score lol
You have to stay patient when you’re dominating a team but can’t buy a goal. Tavares and Mathews got some big goals - neither was the fault of the tender - and that was enough.
They are a hard team to play.
When Columbus traded for Seth Jones, I remember stating that CBJ got a stud D-man. He is all that.
Big games tonight: Pens/Canadiens, Oilers/’Hawks.
I see that Florida stayed alive today by beating the Islanders.
Man, I’m so into playoff hockey, and I don’t even really notice the fans not being there. I mean, it’s noticeable, but I don’t give a crap once the games start.
You have to stay patient when you’re dominating a team but can’t buy a goal. Tavares and Mathews got some big goals - neither was the fault of the tender - and that was enough.
They are a hard team to play.
When Columbus traded for Seth Jones, I remember stating that CBJ got a stud D-man. He is all that.
Big games tonight: Pens/Canadiens, Oilers/’Hawks.
I see that Florida stayed alive today by beating the Islanders.
Man, I’m so into playoff hockey, and I don’t even really notice the fans not being there. I mean, it’s noticeable, but I don’t give a crap once the games start.
Sucks not hearing the playoff craziness, but its literally the only thing missing. The level of play is surprisingly good. These guys are incredible athletes to be able to come out after months of quarantine the way they are. Same with the NBA. Just so unreal how wired they are for their craft
Hoping for a win tonight to send Toronto packing. It was good to see a bounce back after a pitiful game 2 performance.
Finally nice to see us fully healthy for the first time in like 10 years! We’ll go as far as our discipline allows us. I’m glad we got rid of Bob as it forced us to actually learn how to play offense rather than relying on him to stand on his head every night.
Every now and then I'll run into someone I'll find out has only lived here maybe 1 year or less, I'll warn them, tell them all about the weather, it's never normal when they mention, it's either above or below, it's always changing, it's one of the most things to consider.
Anyway new to Ohio Sports??? Hahaha, hey longtime Ohio Sports fans, the Blue Jackets lost today in True Ohio Fashion, and everyone knows I don't need to say any more words, everyone knows the story.
This is so funny, every team does this in Pro sports for teams from Ohio except the Big Red Machine of the 1970's Cincinnati Reds, other than that, it never fails.
Let's take a look, It's the postseason HA! check
It's a game if the Jackets would win they'd knock the opponent out of the post season. Check!
It's a 2-0 lead through 2 periods, yet chippy, and Check this out, With under 5 minutes to play the Ohio team gains another goal to go up 3-0 with a goalie who hadn't given up a goal in the series.
But this is Ohio, so, you know what happens.
With under 4 minutes, to play Toronto pulls the goalie and scores their first goal in a 6-5 situation, Toronto wins 4-3 in overtime, scoring three goals in the 6-5 situation with the goalie pulled the Jackets miss two empty net opportunites, one of which gets lodged in the goal frame or netting somehow.
Anyway, New to Ohio Sports??? This happens almost every single time!
I really wonder if the NHL is going to consider this round robin/qualifying round option..
The draft stuff I think needs to be fixed. I'm not sure teams who competed last week should be eligible to draft the top player (which this year, the top player is a blue chipper)
But this format is incredible. It also shows the two levels of NHL being played at one time. You are kind of ho-hum play in the round robin, and with the qualifying round, guys are blocking shots, there is a clear sense of urgency. You are watching playoff hockey combined with the last few weeks of the season if you're a team who already has a spot. It does a good job of showcasing how good playoff hockey is.
I agree with you, and I don’t what the NHL’s rationale is.
Teams that missed the post-season altogether should get first dibs in the draft lottery. From a Leafs fan perspective, I hope we get the first overall, then trade it for a bundle, including a blue-chip proven veteran D-man.
We need that far more than another high-end forward.
Crazy game, I had ice time at 8pm (central) last night and had to to leave in the 4th OT. Did not wanna go
Korpisalo was unbelievably good. Columbus just could not get any real good chances in OT, meanwhile Tampa had a bunch of really good looks and they either missed the net or Korpisalo was there. One of the best goalie performances I have ever seen.
Looks like Boston and Carolina are going to OT too. The East is cursed lol
Colorado looks frightening right now. This Coyotes team is GOOD too. They are just making them look like a bantam level team right now.
The second round of the western playoffs is going to be unbelievable hockey.
Congrats to the Tampa Bay Lightning on a huge series win with Columbus. That had to feel good after the shocking sweep last year. They are going to be an absolute force in the playoffs going forward, and look to be the favorite in the East right now if you ask me. Oh, and they should be getting Steven Stamkos back soon too.
Dallas Stars just gave a CLINIC on how to kill, all good teams should study that 3rd period, the last 7 minutes, with a one goal lead.
Even with a penalty and a 5 on 3 for 1 minute they only gave up 3 average shots on goal.
A thing to study for sure!
and at 2 games to 1 in a conference 7 game series, Dallas now leads the series 3 games to 1. Only thing I care is I hate Vegas because they're team is only 3 years old and they stole the Army's college team name.
Dallas Stars just gave a CLINIC on how to kill, all good teams should study that 3rd period, the last 7 minutes, with a one goal lead.
Even with a penalty and a 5 on 3 for 1 minute they only gave up 3 average shots on goal.
A thing to study for sure!
and at 2 games to 1 in a conference 7 game series, Dallas now leads the series 3 games to 1. Only thing I care is I hate Vegas because they're team is only 3 years old and they stole the Army's college team name.
lol, i love the knights, and actually i can see them dropping the golden part of their name. I love the makeup of their roster, i love their goaltending. I appreciate their style of the game.
with that said, Dallas has that same look to them that St Louis had last year, not exactly the same type of hockey, but just that resilience you see with all cup-winning teams
I really wanted to see Vegas and Tampa play, because the matchup would have been incredible, but a Dallas/Tampa matchup can be fun.
The thing that I can't stand, is you will have the Darren Rovell and Mike Greenbergs of the world complaining about the markets and the likely low ratings, but anyone who has watched these playoffs, know this is a goliath v goliath matchup, both of these teams have been incredible in these playoffs, and the amount of good players we will see on display will be fun.
Anton Khudobin has been the saving grace for the Stars too. He has been an absolute warrior for this team, and it didn't take the coaches too long to figure out that although he's technically the backup, he's far and away better than Ben Bishop right now. He has stolen 2 or 3 games in these playoffs.
Props to the Islanders on a great run, but that Tampa team is too good top to bottom. They have probably the best goalie in the league. They have the most dynamic defenseman in the league, and they have 3 really good lines they can throw at you and be comfortable with. The cup final is going to be an absolute treat to watch
