DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Hockey thread

It's been awhile since we've shot the puck around.

The playoffs are coming up in about a month. We've got some fans here: Maple Leafs (right here), Red Wings, Penguins, Blackhawks, maybe a Lightning fan if he's still posting.

How's your team doing?

Went and saw the Pens in Cbus a couple weeks back and watched them slap Torts and CBJ around, as usual.

Pens are pretty hot right now

Wings are in a full blown rebuild. They've had a couple good but short runs this year, bit it's mostly been hard to watch. I've actually been following the BGSU Falcon hockey team. They're in the semi finals of the WCHA and playing tonight. It's fun going to the games, I used to coach and my son played youth hockey in their arena. Brings back some memories.

I want to get excited for the Jackets, but they're too inconsistent.

They're in a playoff spot as we speak. I always liked Torterella.

I doubt they make it out of round 1.

The hawks can score, the only problem is they can’t keep the other team out of their own net. Jeez, 260 goals against (3.71/game)? Ugh. That’s the reason they’ll be setting their tee times in 12 games.

Pulling for Toronto & Columbus in the east and Winnipeg & Calgary in the west. I’d like to see Montreal in, but not if that means Columbus getting knocked out of the wildcard. There are other teams that don’t bother me, but I want to see some new blood in the Finals.

The key is to be playing well when/if you make the playoffs.

Pens are doing OK for now, they are 7-1-2 for their last 10 games. In 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division. Hopefully they make the playoffs and we'll see from there.

The Blackhawks are keeping things interesting enough, but they still have a steep hill to climb (6 points out as of this post) with everyone having about 10-12 games left. They are going to have to win most if not all of these games and hope for some help. These teams in front of them are not all that great (Dallas, Colorado, etc) but give 'em credit for winning.

If you're a betting man, you'd have noticed that Blackhawks games and the total is hitting at a ridiculous rate. Reminds me of that streak Tressel's Buckeyes had in 2006-2008 where they were covering just about every spread put in front of them.

Defensively they just aren't that good, and good young defensemen just don't grow on trees. Assuming they fall short of the playoffs, or even if they make it and get smoked, I think they need to take a long hard look in the mirror. They're either going to have to change the way they play or change personnel.

They're stuck with Keith and Seabrook. Keith is still good but Seabrook can be a liability when faster players are on the ice. Crawford is on the book for quite a bit of money, and he's a very good goalie, but seems to miss chunks of games due to injuries.

I think the cap situation in the NHL is not scaled properly. I don't think they've quite figured out how to handle it. I don't think they're going to hand out contracts like they did in the midst of a 3-cup run.

Either way, the NHL playoffs this year are going to be so much fun. There are so many good teams capable of winning it all. Tampa is obviously loaded. Winnipeg, Las Vegas, Boston, Toronto, Washington, Nasvhille, San Jose, Calgary, etc.. It really feels like a wide open tournament.

Teams really loaded up at the trade deadline too. I kinda wish they went back to the old 1-through-8 format for playoffs, so we could have amazing 2nd and 3rd round series'.

It's been a better product than the NBA this year, and I don't even think it's close. I'm sure I sound like a salty Cavs fan who is staring at lottery season, but it seems like the NBA once again is waiting for a Rockets/Warriors series, and that's about it. There are some other nice stories, Denver, Toronto, etc, but does anyone really see them being able to beat the Warriors or Rockets? Not to mention why is every single star NBA guy unhappy? What's so horrible in your life that you are so unhappy?

• I prefer the 1-8 playoff format, too. The NHL believes it breeds playoff rivalries - it does - but the Leafs are about to play Boston again and it's getting old.

It also, in this case, means a good team is out in the first round, when one or perhaps both should be playing a weaker team in the first round. It's almost like a punishment.

• I think TB is definitely the Cup favourite. They've been so dominant, it's hard to pick anyone else, although crazy stuff happens in the playoffs.

• The Leafs are down two regular defenceman and have been giving up a ton of goals: 6, 5, and 6 in three games this week. You know it's bad when you wish Jake Gardiner would return to the lineup.
They can sometimes score their way out of problems, but that isn't a recipe for success in the playoffs.

• I think Montreal could be dangerous in the playoffs. When you have arguably the world's best goaltender, you can go a long way.

and he's healthy. When he's right he's on a another level as far as netters go, and I don't think it's really close. I really hope they can put something together, because his injuries combined with his team being meh for years has kept him so far away from a cup. Would be a shame if he never got to win one, because it will most definitely be held against him when he's done playing, and it's just not right.

Yes. As long as the Leafs win one before he does.

LOL

Would love to see either of those cities win one. With no Blackhawks likely (although they're only 4 points out!) I'm gonna be rooting for the best story, and that's gotta be Toronto.

Same here. I'd love to see the Leafs bring one home and see Lamp have something to celebrate. Wings just put together their first 3 game streak since early November.

BGSU made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1990.

The Blue Jackets, right where they've been before, only 5 games to go and right on the cusp of getting in or being left out.

They can play well when they do, but even though they've been putting up some high scores, I think scoring is their problem.

like one game they won and scored 3, but only had 5 shots on goal for the final 2 periods.

Anyways, Blue Jackets, I think this is their year!
I think this is their year to finally win a playoff series, and move on to round 2, (if they get in),

but it's hard to see if they're in position to open most likely against Tampa Bay or Washington.

But I think it's their year.

Unless something changes their mental state isn't of a cup contender.

They had a big win last night against Montreal, that one was huge

Jfanent: thanks for the words, but if the Leafs don't straighten out on D, they won't survive Boston.

Pens recently lost a few games at the last second when the other team scored an empty net goal and then won in overtime. They have to get that straightened out before the playoffs. I don't think this is their year. We'll see. Tampa Bay Lightning looks unbeatable.

Yeah, but pressure is definitely on. They took a bit of heat last year for not really showing up.

I was talking with my cousin about them when I was in town last weekend. Their power play is so damn good. I'm really excited about the East playoffs. I think the west is probably a better overall contest (not any kind of huge disparity or anything) but the east has more more interesting possibilities.

Hawks are about done. They were given life several different times over the last two months and could never fully cash in.

I think they'll be better next year, but they definitely need to find a way to get better and soon.

The tournament is is looking like an absolute monster this year though, I'm pretty excited. Nothing beats those first 2 or 3 weeks where you seem to have intense games on for about 6 hours every night. Probably my favorite time of the year as a sports fan.

Last second losses have plagued the Pens all season! Almost uncanny how so many slipped away!

Let's go Pens! They can lock up a playoff spot tonight with a win vs. the Redwings. Tied 1 to 1 at the end of the 1st period

" I got two words for ya"

Season Over.

Oh well, they had a good run.

3 games left, 3 teams trying for 2 musical chair spots, Tonight a dramatic start to finish loss.

Down 6-2 in the third.

Still have NYR and the Sens. The Habs have the Caps in Washington who are playing to win the division. Still a good chance but must take care of business. A complete defensive breakdown against Boston. Horrible!

The Wings have won 6 straight...nice to finish the season with some momentum. They just gave coach Blashill a 2yr extension this week.

And Stevie Y most likely on the way to be GM soon. Looking up in Detroit.

Pens up 3-1 end of the 2nd period. Montreal is down 2-1 end of the 2nd period. Either a Pens win or Montreal loss puts the Pens in the playoffs. Crossing my fingers!

now 4-1... LET'S GO PENS!

Pens win, clinch their playoff spot!!!

Looks like Carolina has clinched a playoff spot. Between Columbus and Montreal for the last playoff spot.

Jackets clinched with a win tonight.

Let's see if they can actually have a decent showing this year.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets

First Round Schedule

Wed Apr 10: CBJ @ TBL 7 pm
Fri Apr 12: CBJ @ TBL 7 pm
Sun Apr 14: TBL @ CBJ 7 pm
Tue Apr 16: TBL @ CBJ 7 pm
*Fri Apr 19: CBJ @ TBL....TBD
*Sun Apr 21: TBL @ CBJ....TBD
*Tue Apr 23: CBJ @ TBL....TBD

*If Necessary

In the regular season, The Blue Jackets lost,

8-2 to Tampa Bay in meeting 1
4-0 to Tampa Bay in meeting 2 and
5-1 to Tampa Bay in meeting 3,

The series might be one sided.

Pens play the Islanders, should be a great series! I hope the Blue Jackets win, but not holding out a lot of hope.


Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins @ Islanders |
Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins @ Islanders
Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m.: Islanders @ Penguins
Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.: Islanders @ Penguins
*Thursday, April 18, TBD: Penguins @ Islanders | TBD
*Saturday, April 20, TBD: Islanders @ Penguins | TBD
*Monday, April 22, TBD: Penguins @ Islanders | TBD

LEAFS/BRUINS

Leafs will lose in five games if they keep playing has they have been. Too many goals against, too much sleepwalking.
Leafs in 6.

ISLANDERS/PENGUINS

gotta go with Pittsburgh, they've got too much championship pedigree.
Pens in 6.

LIGHTNING/BLUE JACKETS

In my opinion Tampa Bsy was the class of the NHL this season, but the Jacks can play heavy.

Tampa Bay in 7.

CAPITALS/ HURRICANES

Capitals in five, mostly because they're defending the title.

If Cbus takes Tampa Bay to 7, I might go loopy, I think it'll be an epic sweep.
The CBJ just don't play any kind of defense, they haven't played defense for a long time, and even in recent games I've followed where they may score 5 goals, they are having trouble scoring points.

If you score 3 in the first period on 17 shots, and get only 3 shots on goal for the final two periods, and add an empty netter at the end,
You had trouble on offense for 2/3rds of the game.

I hope the penguins beat the islanders quickly.

If Columbus is going to get close in one of these games, they are going to have to play with concentrated defensive effort, and a focus on not giving up goals, and wait around for a selective chance on offense,

that's not their style, their style is offense all out, and penalty kills, with defense be danged.

Will probably do my bracket tomorrow.. Setting up a bracket contest if anyone is interested, 10$ in, winner take all

initial thoughts about each series..

CBJ/TB - Brutal draw for the Jackets. I just don't see any way they can keep up the pace with the Bolts.

TOR/BOS - This is why I hate this current setup. This should be a second round series at the earliest. I can't stand this confusing way to organize the post-season, and they just extended this to the next few years. With that said, it's easily the most compelling series in the first round.

CAR/WAS - I'm leaning toward the champs. Carolina has been a pleasant surprise all year, but I think I'm gonna trust the Caps to take care of business, especially with the monkey off their back.

PIT/NYI - Pittsburgh better be real careful with this Islanders team. I know they will be favored despite not having home ice, but the Islanders are well coached, and could pull it off. First round home games for the Islanders will be at Nassau, so that place will be electric.

COL/CGY - If you like scoring, this will be your series. There are a ton of great skill players in this series, and the pace of the games should be incredible.

VGK/SJ - Other than the Toronto/Boston series, this is the most interesting draw of the first round. Both very good teams, kind of a bummer that one will be sent home.

DAL/NSH - This is the one series that I see being an absolute curb-stomping. I don't believe in Dallas at all. They got lit up by their own GM earlier in the year, their two best players were called out for making a lot of money and not producing enough, and they did play better after that, but I don't think they're ready for a battle with Nashville, who has been through the wars for the better part of the last decade.

STL/WPG - This will be a great series. Winnipeg is probably a top 3 or 4 team in the league, and St. Louis has been great down the stretch. Good matchup of a team that did it all year vs the hot team toward the end of the season. Winnipeg has all the pieces to make a deep run.

I seriously cannot wait for Wednesday

AVALANCHE/ FLAMES

I think Calgary is the better team, but Nathan MacKinnon might be the best player - potentially - in this series. That said, I'll go with Calgary in 7.

BLUES/ JETS

My Upset Special. St. Louis, as you said, are playing tough coming into this series, and I don't think Winnipeg has been.
St. Louis in 6.

PREDATORS/STARS

Not trying to piggy--back on you, but Nashville, as you say, are deep in experience. I really like their defence. They'll pound Dallas.
Preds in 5.

VEGAS/SAN JOSE

Two big, banging teams. Someone will survive a game 7, and will be beat up.
I' have to pick someone so I'll say San Jose in 7.

I think the playoff format might change if there's a stoppage. I'm not sure players and owners like it either. It's poorly thought out and too exciting to of a tournament to keep as is.

I get that it cuts down on some travel miles, but I think there's some theory that it will strengthen rivalries.

I just don't really agree. I don't think any rivalry has benefited from this format.

Hockey is in a position of needing to sell their game to a large portion of sports fans that don't watch. The NFL has been tinkering with their game with an eye towards outside of the US, because they pretty much dominate US professional sports. There is not that much more ground to cover.

But the NHL isn't there. The 1-8 format was easy to follow, and allowed for weeks of speculation about who is playing who, because it was just simple to look at the standings.

There are so many small changes, or changes that shouldn't be made, that the NHL completely whiffs on.

I didn't like John McDonaugh when he joined the Blackhawks 12 years ago. He came in, threw his weight around. The Hawks made some horrible personnel decisions, but eventually they turned into an absolute gold mine, and boosted the entire league. He was a marketing guy with the Cubs. I believe the team had like a 500% markup after he went aboard. I really think he would make a great commissioner for the NHL.

Bettman got the league where they are, with correct rule changes, teams in the right cities (eventually), but a guy with a background like McDonaugh could take them to the next level. Marketing of sports is so huge. The NBA is so good at marketing their own league. The NFL doesn't need to, and MLB lives in the stone age, but it's still our oldest pro sport, so nobody cares that they just don't get it when it comes to marketing.

A check of my TV listings shows NHL playoff games on USA network and something called NBCSN. USA is on my cable, but NBCSN is a "premium" (pay) channel that you need to subscribe to if you have basic cable. The NHL playoffs need a broadcast partner that is accessible to anyone with a TV, imo. NHL playoffs should be on ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX. If not those networks, then ESPN or FOX Sports 1.