2009 NHL Playoffs

[CaptainWaits]

All NHL playoff discussion in here

Stanley Cup Finals:

Detroit (2) vs. Pittsburgh (4) Detroit leads series 3-2
Game 1: 3-1 Detroit
Game 2: 3-1 Detroit
Game 3: 4-2 Pittsburgh
Game 4: 4-2 Pittsburgh
Game 5: 5-0 Detroit
Game 6:
Game 7*:


West Final:

Detroit (2) vs. Chicago (4) Detroit wins series 4-1
Game 1: 5-2 Detroit
Game 2: 3-2 (OT) Detroit
Game 3: 4-3 (OT) Chicago
Game 4: 6-1 Detroit
Game 5: 2-1 (OT) Detroit


East Final:

Pittsburgh (4) vs. Carolina (6) Pittsburgh wins series 4-0
Game 1: 3-2 Pittsburgh
Game 2: 7-4 Pittsburgh
Game 3: 6-2 Pittsburgh
Game 4: 4-1 Pittsburgh


West Semi-Final:

Detroit (2) vs. Anaheim (8) Detroit wins series 4-3
Game 1: 3-2 Detroit
Game 2: 4-3 (3OT) Anaheim
Game 3: 2-1 Anaheim
Game 4: 6-3 Detroit
Game 5: 4-1 Detroit
Game 6: 2-1 Anaheim
Game 7: 4-3 Detroit

Vancouver (3) vs. Chicago (4) Chicago wins series 4-2
Game 1: 5-3 Vancouver
Game 2: 6-3 Chicago
Game 3: 3-1 Vancouver
Game 4: 2-1 (OT) Chicago
Game 5: 4-2 Chicago
Game 6: 7-5 Chicago


East Semi-Final:

Boston (1) vs. Carolina (6) Carolina wins series 4-3
Game 1: 4-1 Boston
Game 2: 3-0 Carolina
Game 3: 3-2 (OT) Carolina
Game 4: 4-1 Carolina
Game 5: 4-0 Boston
Game 6: 4-2 Boston
Game 7: 3-2 (OT) Carolina

Washington (2) vs. Pittsburgh (4) Pittsburgh wins series 4-3
Game 1: 3-2 Washington
Game 2: 4-3 Washington
Game 3: 3-2 (OT) Pittsburgh
Game 4: 5-3 Pittsburgh
Game 5: 4-3 (OT) Pittsburgh
Game 6: 5-4 (OT) Washington
Game 7: 6-2 Pittsburgh


West Quarter-Final:

San Jose (1) vs. Anaheim (8) Anaheim wins series 4-2
Game 1: 2-0 Anaheim
Game 2: 3-2 Anaheim
Game 3: 4-3 San Jose
Game 4: 4-0 Anaheim
Game 5: 3-2 (OT) San Jose
Game 6: 4-1 Anaheim

Detroit (2) vs. Columbus (7) Detroit wins series 4-0
Game 1: 4-1 Detroit
Game 2: 4-0 Detroit
Game 3: 4-1 Detroit
Game 4: 6-5 Detroit

Vancouver (3) vs. St. Louis (6) Vancouver wins series 4-0
Game 1: 2-1 Vancouver
Game 2: 3-0 Vancouver
Game 3: 3-2 Vancouver
Game 4: 3-2 (OT) Vancouver

Chicago (4) vs. Calgary (5) Chicago wins series 4-2
Game 1: 3-2 (OT) Chicago
Game 2: 3-2 Chicago
Game 3: 4-2 Calgary
Game 4: 6-4 Calgary
Game 5: 5-1 Chicago
Game 6: 4-1 Chicago


East Quarter-Final:

Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8) Boston wins series 4-0
Game 1: 4-2 Boston
Game 2: 5-1 Boston
Game 3: 4-2 Boston
Game 4: 4-1 Boston

Washington (2) vs. NYR (7) Washington wins series 4-3
Game 1: 4-3 NYR
Game 2: 1-0 NYR
Game 3: 4-0 Washington
Game 4: 2-1 NYR
Game 5: 4-0 Washington
Game 6: 5-3 Washington
Game 7: 2-1 Washington

New Jersey (3) vs. Carolina (6) Carolina wins series 4-3
Game 1: 4-1 New Jersey
Game 2: 2-1 (OT) Carolina
Game 3: 3-2 (OT) New Jersey
Game 4: 4-3 Carolina
Game 5: 1-0 New Jersey
Game 6: 4-0 Carolina
Game 7: 4-3 Carolina

Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5) Pittsburgh wins series 4-2
Game 1: 4-1 Pittsburgh
Game 2: 3-2 (OT) Pittsburgh
Game 3: 6-3 Philadelphia
Game 4: 3-1 Pittsburgh
Game 5: 3-0 Philadelphia
Game 6: 5-3 Pittsburgh

[CaptainWaits]

I'll do my round-by-round predictions once the match-ups have been set in stone.

Looking to be a great playoff as always :). Glad to see Columbus pretty well in the playoffs finally. Mason's been playing unbelievable. And I'd love to see St. Louis hold on to that 8th and final West seed, that group of guys plays so hard every night they deserve it.

And if Florida doesn't get in, I'd bet their GM is gonna be kicking himself for not getting some value for Bouwmeester. He'll be gone at the end of the year for nothing.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I am looking forward to watching the Rangers Bruins match-up the most.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Some interesting ties there, well potentially...

I think Washington - Montreal will be cool, as will New Jersey - Pittsburgh

[CaptainWaits]

Ya, if it stays as is, Washington - Montreal will be my most anticipated in the East. Even though I'll obviously be glued to cheering for the Flames, I think Detroit - Anaheim would make for the most exciting West match-up. Flames - Jackets games are usually pretty boring.

[AKid2]

Hope my Wings don't have to play the Ducks first round. I don't want to sit through another 4 to 7 games of the Chris Pronger concussion lottery.

[comity]

i want the blue jackets to make the playoffs so i can witness them being crushed mercilessly

[Zmev]

As long as we don't play Anaheim in the first round I am fine with the matchup.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Im a little worried about the Hawks playing the canucks, they owned us last time we played but that was when we were slumping. Khabi is looking great again and we've been playing really well

here's to it lasting: :chug:

[guitarded_chuck]

I think Columbus would give Calgary a run for their money (if that's who they end up being matched against)

And I honestly think the Pens are a stronger team than NJD right now. The series will be close and could go either way (again, if they end up matched up)

[CaptainWaits]

The thing about Calgary....anyone can give them a run for their money, but in turn......they can give anyone a run for their money. You never know what you're gonna get with Calgary these days

We need to clinch that division title, because I wouldn't be too comfortable with playing Chicago, that's a team we can never seem to preform against.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Yea, i'd rather play Calgary than Vancouver, for some reason we play amazing against Calgary

Captain, if my hawks play your flames, im gonna be hatin on you so much during that series lol

[nungman]

we took the series against carolina

we will take them again!

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

[CaptainWaits]

Drums: Likewise buddy ;). Being pessimistic here, but if a match-up like that does happen, you just might get the better of the hatin :(.

[Joe]

If those are the matchups in the West, 1 and 2 should be very worried.

A Caps/Montreal series would be awesome. I'm looking forward to the Caps' first 16-win playoffs.

[beso negro]

caps will sweep the habs no problem i'm already looking ahead to the second round. bring on the pens.

[guitarded_chuck]

Carolina is playing excellent all-around hockey right now and would beat Philly

[MattSharpIsCool]

The thing about Calgary....anyone can give them a run for their money, but in turn......they can give anyone a run for their money. You never know what you're gonna get with Calgary these days

Sorry but I just can't see the Flames getting very deep in the playoffs with Kipper in net. He has totally lost it and he lost it in a hurry. Wasn't he just a perennial Vezina contender like 2 years ago?

[Pazz]

I'm really interested to see the playoffs this year, should be good.

[CaptainWaits]

Sorry but I just can't see the Flames getting very deep in the playoffs with Kipper in net. He has totally lost it and he lost it in a hurry. Wasn't he just a perennial Vezina contender like 2 years ago?
Here's the thing....Kipper definitely isn't playing as well as he has been in previous years, but the blame can't be put solely on him. Our defense, which has the potential to be one of the best 6 in the league, is underachieving even more so than Kipper. It's not uncommon that he's left out to dry. He can still make the big save, and win a big game. And lately, our offense, which again on paper (without injuries) is pretty stacked, isn't helping anyone out by not scoring.

So I'm not really disagreeing with you, because I too agree that Calgary won't make it very far if they play the way they are. Tighten a few things up, and we can play like we did a few months back. We think this could have a little bit do with the coaching situation. Here's a little something on the inside.....Brent Sutter's family lives close to Calgary, and he has come out publicly and said he wants to be with his family ;). Not trashing Keenan, cause I like him, but Calgary could probably use a bit of change.

[Pebster49]

san jose sharks

wooo!!

[MattSharpIsCool]

Here's the thing....Kipper definitely isn't playing as well as he has been in previous years, but the blame can't be put solely on him. Our defense, which has the potential to be one of the best 6 in the league, is underachieving even more so than Kipper. It's not uncommon that he's left out to dry. He can still make the big save, and win a big game. And lately, our offense, which again on paper (without injuries) is pretty stacked, isn't helping anyone out by not scoring.

You're definitely not wrong there. You can't pin it all on Kipper because the Flames defense looks completely lost at times. But Kipper lets in way too many goals where you just kind of scratch your head and try to figure out how it went in.

And tbh, I'm not a fan of Mike Keenan at all. He's a no-nonsense type coach, which for some teams is great. But the Flames haven't responded to it very well and he'll never change his ways.

[Zmev]

Are we getting big hockey avatars again?

+

san jose sharks

[Pebster49]

Oh I have mine Zmev!

[Joe]

I haven't changed my avatar in four years :)

Tonight's pretty much it for the East:

-Boston has 1st.
-Caps need 1 point or Jersey to lose 1 point to clinch 2nd.
-If New Jersey wins, they stay in the running for 2nd (depending on the Caps' outcome) and clinch the division for the 3rd spot.

-Positions 4-6 are really still up for grabs and probably will be until Sunday night.
-If the Canadians or Rangers win, they clinch playoff spots. If they both win, they eliminate Florida and Buffalo.

[guitarded_chuck]

I haven't changed my Pens avatar since the playoffs last year :p

[nungman]

i need a flyers avatar

preferably one of gagne fighting a dragon or something on top of the steps to the philly art museum

also: carolina is out in first round. callin it

[guitarded_chuck]

Gagne couldn't fight anybody let alone a dragon dude

[hXcPLISIT]

lmao

[Joe]

Yeah but it's been like 4 years for me! I'm not used to this.

And nung they're this years' Caps. Hot as hell going in and they'll take the foot off the pedal for a second and be done.

[CaptainWaits]

And tbh, I'm not a fan of Mike Keenan at all. He's a no-nonsense type coach, which for some teams is great. But the Flames haven't responded to it very well and he'll never change his ways.
Well, we made it to the finals with a Sutter behind the bench....so WHEN Brent gets behind the bench at the for 2010, watch out :)

And I followed the trend. Picked me up a Flames

[hXcPLISIT]

its quite awesome to see how popular hockey is on mx.

[nungman]

Gagne couldn't fight anybody let alone a dragon dude

kind of like how crosby cant fight anyone without jumping them without warning first right

[Joe]

Or touching their testicles.

I scrolled down the page to find my post but I didn't see it because I didn't recognize my avatar! This might take awhile.

[Zmev]

Its a little high contrast but he's the best so whatev.

e: there we go

[Joe]

It still works!

I can honestly see 1 or 2 out West getting upset because of how well St. Louis and Anaheim are playing.

[nungman]

im rooting for st louis out west

story of the year if they even get to the conference finals

[hXcPLISIT]

YES . the blues better make it, since edmonton FAYLED

[AKid2]

do i get a big avatar if it's hockey related? :wave:

[Joe]

You get up 100x100 anyways, that's all mine is.

But get a hockey one anyways.

[beso negro]

mods can't give out big avatars anymore. sucks i would love a monster caps avatar like i had last year.

[CaptainWaits]

It still works!

I can honestly see 1 or 2 out West getting upset because of how well St. Louis and Anaheim are playing.
I see Anaheim making an upset, but not really St. Louis. I'm rooting for them as underdogs for sure, but we talk about a lot of teams underachieving....I think the Blues might have a case of overachieving right now. I don't think they can last, but it'd be cool to see.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

I'm ready for the playoffs :cool:

I can't believe the CBJ won in a shootout, we should have beaten them in regulation the way we played last night. Khabi was a monster up until the end

[MattSharpIsCool]

Hey nice avatar.

[CaptainWaits]

Well, there goes Buffalo. Kinda sucks for them, seeing as how they killed (at least on paper) arguably the hottest team in the NHL right now....and Ranger are in

[hXcPLISIT]

im lovin these avatars guys.

[CaptainWaits]

im lovin these avatars guys.
where's yours?

EDIT: The East playoff spots are now all clinched

[Mikesn]

damn it Boston

[Joe]

I think I can officially say that Carolina has taken their foot off of the gas. I wonder if they'll be able to put it all the way back on. I definitely think they'll play well, but I can see them easily pulling what Washington did last year.

All of the teams have been determined but spots 4-6 and 7/8 still need to be decided.

[Pazz]

I know its a long shot, but I would like to see Nashville make the playoffs.

[Zmev]

1st in the west!

[CaptainWaits]

I know its a long shot, but I would like to see Nashville make the playoffs.
I'm weighing it this way. I'm expecting Anaheim to get in, and then St.Louis taking it with wins to close the season...in other words not given Nashville and chance to get it. But that was impressive what they pulled on the Wings

[MattSharpIsCool]

How epic would it be to have all 5 teams from the Central Division in the playoffs at the same time? 4 out of 5 still isn't bad.

[pixiesfanyo]

is it wrong that i kinda want to be sportin' either a blackhawks or a sharks avatar?

i mean pens will always be my team, but chicago and san jose are just so fun to watch.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

nah dude, pens are east, hawks are west. but you gotta represent your team in the playoffs though

[Shady Ultima]

How epic would it be to have all 5 teams from the Central Division in the playoffs at the same time? 4 out of 5 still isn't bad.

It'd be amazing considering people always say 'The Wings only look good because the Central is sooooo weak'

Except, they're not. San Jose has an easier division this year.

Also, I got my avatar. Got to respect the champs!

[Joe]

The Pacific was looking awfully Southeast this year!

It was so close to being the SE's first year with 3 playoff teams :(

Tonight is Dallas' and Nashville's last games. Dallas is long gone but it sucks for Nashville that they just get to watch for the next 3 days just hoping they make it.

I hope Bruce plays it safely on Saturday, or that Green and OV cut down on their aggressive play because the last thing we need is one of those guys hurt.

[CaptainWaits]

is it wrong that i kinda want to be sportin' either a blackhawks or a sharks avatar?

i mean pens will always be my team, but chicago and san jose are just so fun to watch.
Yes. Gotta back your team. I'd be using a Caps avatar otherwise, cause OV's my favorite player, and they're so fun to watch. Really the Leafs are and have always been my number 1, but it'll be a while before I can use their logo for a playoff run :(.

[CaptainWaits]

Well no more Nashville and St. Louis is in

God Calgary's killing me. Sutter screwed us over. We've played the last 5 games with 3 lines, and 2 callups on D. Injuries are killing us, and so is this lack of cap space

[nungman]

that reminds me of the flyers a couple months back. we had so many forwards out we had to put defensemen on the wings just to be able to put 4 lines on the ice

wooo blues!!! but more of a wooo for the flyers of course!!!!

[nungman]

okay picks for the east

boston in 5
washington in 4
pittsburgh (unfortunately) in 6
philly in 5 or 6

[Joe]

I'm going to say Philly in 7 - because it's going to be the exact same thing that happened to Washington last year.

Boston in 5
Washington in 5 (they're 3-1 against both Montreal and NYR
Pittsburgh in 7

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

you guys really think the Pens are going to beat the devils? has NJ been sliding or some ****, or are the Pens really hot right now?

[CaptainWaits]

I picked New Jersey to win the cup about a month ago, but they are in a slump of sorts right now. Still, come playoff time no one messes with Brodeur.

[CaptainWaits]

Well, it looks like the Flames are matching up against the Hawks. Let's hope for a good series....

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

chicago in 4

after today im feeling confident, but that might change after tomorrow idk

lets do this dance

[guitarded_chuck]

has NJ been sliding or some ****, or are the Pens really hot right now?

Both.

It isn't a sure thing that they will be playing NJ yet though. Could just as easily be matched up against Carolina or Philly.

Of those teams I want them to play the Devils because they aren't playing well at all lately and if things kept up the Pens could finish them off pretty quick.

Don't know why you guys are picking who will win all the series yet. Things are probably going to get changed up quite a bit tonight.

[CaptainWaits]

chicago in 4

after today im feeling confident, but that might change after tomorrow idk

lets do this dance
I gotta stay faithful and say Calgary in 7!!! Really though, you guys definitely have the upperhand winning all 4 games this year, and traditionally (even when you guys were dirt) we just can't seem to perform against you.

But a season sweep in the playoffs?? nah. :p

[Pebster49]

Calgery vs Chicago series is probably going to be the best in the first round. Im going to have to say right now Chicago will win in 7, but that relies on Khabbi playing like he has been the past few weeks.

[nungman]

ooooh


flyers v pengs 1st round

flyers in 7

[CaptainWaits]

Now that everything's set in stone, besides Pittsburgh potentially getting 4th, but that doesn't change the match-up....here's my first round predictions...

Boston in 6
Washington in 5
New Jersey in 7
Pittsburgh in 6

San Jose in 5
Detroit in 6
Columbus in 7 (the Flames of 05)
Calgary in 7 (have to rep my team)

[pixiesfanyo]

as much as i want Pitt to beat the Flyers i don't see it.

Flyers have the perfect style to dismantle a really offensive team like the Pens. Flyers are aggressive and on point where Pitt kinda looks for breaks in other teams and turns them into big plays.

[nungman]

the only thing i see going wrong for the flyers is the fact that for some reason stevens often CANNOT for the life of him get his team rolling straight out of the gate. i definitely see the flyers dropping a game or 2 just because they dont put in the effort for the whole game and instead only turn it on for the last 10 minutes or so

but if the flyers are aggressive but not stupid, stay disciplined, and put in a solid effort the whole game i can see them destroying pittsburgh because the pengs fall apart as soon as they get legitimately tested and frustrated

[comity]

my prediction

detroit 5 million - anaheim 1

[Pebster49]

Thats going to be an interesting series. Both teams have the same problem, inconsisant goalies

[guitarded_chuck]

as much as i want Pitt to beat the Flyers i don't see it.

Flyers have the perfect style to dismantle a really offensive team like the Pens. Flyers are aggressive and on point where Pitt kinda looks for breaks in other teams and turns them into big plays.

If you're going to use my long-standing avi dude you can't be saying stuff like that.

I do think the Pens will beat out the Flyers. It looks like the Flyers match up well against the Pens on paper, the Pens step up their game against them and play just as gritty and defensive. They always seem to get past them easily in the playoffs i.e. last year when they beat them 4-1 in the East Finals.

Super stoked for the playoffs to start now woooohoo! :chug:


Now that everything's set in stone...


No...the West won't be set in stone until today's games are played

[Zmev]

Now that I take another look at it I'm not liking playing the Blues at all. Can score, can get hot at goalie, and 9 years ago the Blues were the number 1 seed and the Sharks knocked them off.

[nungman]

I do think the Pens will beat out the Flyers. It looks like the Flyers match up well against the Pens on paper, the Pens step up their game against them and play just as gritty and defensive. They always seem to get past them easily in the playoffs i.e. last year when they beat them 4-1 in the East Finals.

i.e. when the flyers were missing gagne, timonen, and coburn and our better defensemen were hatcher, smith, and modry *shudder* plus downie almost singlehandedly lost 2 games in a row for us

and what? the pens never get by us in the playoffs with last year being the sole exception

the flyers are a lot different from last year. a lot. and when they play well, the penguins collapse


regardless, this rivalry is getting to the proportions of athens v sparta (and we all know the flyers are sparta. it only makes sense)

[comity]

flightless birds vs. flyers

judging it on this i say that the flyers will beat pittsburgh

[guitarded_chuck]

the flyers are a lot different from last year.

not really


GO PENGUINS

[comity]

hopefully detroit wont be as lousy as they are today

[CaptainWaits]

No...the West won't be set in stone until today's games are played
Ya, I just caught on to that last night. I wasn't aware that the Blues could move up to 6th.

Good momentum boost the Flames got last night. We're still hurt with crucial injuries though. Bourque might make some of the first round, Sarich is out til at least a second round match-up, and Regher wouldn't even make the second round. Those are our two shutdown defenceman, and we won't have them playing against those Hawks :(. We're screwed

[nungman]

not really


GO PENGUINS

oh compelling argument but i raise you a



PHILADELPHIAFLYERS

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

I'm feeling really confident after todays game. Hawks sweep the home-home series against Detroit and Khabi had a shutout today and basically looked amazing.

Watch out Calgary, here we ****ing come :chug:

My final prediction is Chicago in 5

[nungman]

barring kippecanoe and jokinen too being absolutely amazing, i can agree with chicago in 5

[comity]

I'm feeling really confident after todays game. Hawks sweep the home-home series against Detroit and Khabi had a shutout today and basically looked amazing.


yeah khabi did really well, made osgood look like a bum
detroit defense was lacking pretty badly tbh

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Granted they were missing Lidstrom and Hossa, but we were missing our top defensemen too and Pat Sharp, still we looked good

[comity]

yeah im glad chicago are in the playoffs this year
although im a detroit fan first it would be pretty cool to see the hawks get far or win the cup havent been too great in awhile

[MattSharpIsCool]

Sarich is out til at least a second round match-up, and Regher wouldn't even make the second round. Those are our two shutdown defenceman, and we won't have them playing against those Hawks :(. We're screwed

That right there is the biggest reason Chicago will beat Calgary. The Flames defense is already pretty porous and now they're missing the only 2 defenseman who are total studs in their own end? Uh-oh.

[nungman]

pengs get home ice. no matter

[Pebster49]

haha yes, the blues won. Sharks v DUcks! woo this is going to be a fun series but tough.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

[Pebster49]

My Predictions:

Boston over Montreal in 6
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
Carolina over New Jersey in 7
Pittsburgh over Philadelphia in 7

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Detriot over Columbus in 7
Vancouver over St. Louis in 6
Chicago over Calgery in 7

[guitarded_chuck]

I'm super amazed that the Pens ended up in 4th place this year. I was starting to give up on them in December/January. But man, what a turn around. They're going to be just as hard to beat this year as last year me thinks. Sure, no Hossa, but look at how Malkin is playing, Crosby's play has re-surged since Guerin and Kunitz joined the team, and the Kennedy/Staal line is pretty much scoring a goal or two a game.

Congrads to Malkin on winning the Art Ross btw.

My predictions:

Boston over Montreal in 6
Washington over New York Rangers in 6
New Jersey over Carolina in 7
Pittsburgh over Philadelphia in 6

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Detroit over Columbus in 5
Vancouver over St. Louis in 7
Calgary over Chicago in 6

[Zmev]

Great a harder series.

Boston over Montreal in 5
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in 6

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Detroit over Columbus in 5
Vancouver over St. Louis in 6
Chicago over Calgary in 6

[pikester]

I'm gonna go ahead and rep the 'Nucks.

In the east, I've decided that the Flyers are my team for no good reason.

[nungman]

In the east, I've decided that the Flyers are my team for no good reason.

its because youre a good person

Boston over Montreal in 5
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
Carolina over New Jersey in 7
Philadelphia over pussies in 7

San Jose over Anaheim in 4
Detroit over Columbus in 6
Vancouver over St. Louis in 5
Chicago over Calgary in 5

[Joe]

In the East I'm picking the top seeds. Carolina, regardless of clinching a spot, isn't the kind of team this year that has the room or the ability to step off the gas for a moment, and they did. New Jersey is winning that series. And I hate Pittsburgh so I have to pick Philly.

Boston over Montreal in 6
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in 7

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Detroit over Columbus in 7
Vancouver over St. Louis in 5
Chicago over Calgary in 6

Those in italics will be the best series(es?) of the first round.

[Jom]

Boston over Montreal in 4
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in 5

San Jose over Anaheim in 5
Detroit over Columbus in 5
Vancouver over St. Louis in 4
Chicago over Calgary in 6

[nungman]

jom that is a good prediction for the flyers - pengs series

and i only see carolina winning because new jersey has been sooo meh lately

[guitarded_chuck]

Joe: Anaheim/San Jose series is going to be a good one too. They are two of those teams that really don't like each other and Anaheim is going to battle hard. I think we'd all say that San Jose will win (but don't forget when they won the Cup) but it's gonna be fun to watch.

That series, Pens/Flyers and Montreal/Boston will be the ones I'll be watching every game. Mon/Bos are always classics.

[Joe]

Yeah I just fixed a couple of things. I didn't know why I said it would be in four games, either. That's going to be a great series.

I'm excited for Montreal/Boston. It's an exact flip from last year.

I don't think NJD/Carolina will be that interesting unless they make it interesting. Caps/Rangers I think will be interesting because I'm a Caps fan and I live in NY so I can watch all the games on MSG!

Jom - I like your predictions but it's hard to imagine that all 8 sets will be decided without a game 7.

[Jom]

nung: That series hinges on Brodeur. If he's anything short of his average self, it'll be a longer and tougher series.

I realize that my predictions are shorter than most of yours, but a lot of these games are going to be very physical. San Jose/Anaheim is going to be physical. With San Jose's puck possession hybrid and Anaheim's forecheck and backcheck, it's going to be a physically-exhausting set of games.

I don't envision Montreal eeking out a game at all against Boston. Same goes for St. Louis against Vancouver, unless Luongo pulls his groin or re-injures himself in some bizarre fashion.

Rangers might steal a game (probably Game 3), but the Caps will blitz them in Game 4 and they'll coast to an easy Game 5 victory.

Even if we don't have to see Therrien's stone-cold glare behind their bench anymore, Pittsburgh doesn't have the chutzpah to outlast a grinding series with Philly. It may go to seven, but I doubt it. The hatred between the two teams favors Philly by a long shot. The only really intimidating presence that the Pens have is cheapshot artist Hal Gill, whose primary job seems to be "Skate around looking all pissed off but don't do jack ****."

San Jose/Anaheim I would love to go to seven just so it wears down both teams, but as long as Nabokov doesn't **** the bed, the edge has to go to San Jose because they're a scary team. I realize that Anaheim is only two years away from what they accomplished, but JS isn't going to be backstopping them unless the other guy (forget his name right now) plays like Swiss cheese. Even then, it'll be too little, too late, even if Anaheim's front line is potent.

Detroit's MO the past week or two has been to stay healthy. With Lilja out indefinitely, and Hossa going down, Lidstrom out, and other injuries impacting everybody from Franzen to Ozzie, being fresh is important and they need all hands on deck, especially on the what's-been-rather-docile power-play lately. Columbus has the makings of an upset, starting with their goalie and Hitchcock whipping them into shape. Mason will come up huge every game, but Ozzie will get his demons figured out enough that Detroit can rely on their goal-scorers to finish the series.

Chicago/Calgary would be more exciting if both teams were at 100%, but this series goes to the Hawks in another bruiser of a series. Of all the series, this one has the greatest chance of going to seven.

[nungman]

/throws in with jom

[MattSharpIsCool]

My thoughts:

Boston over Montreal in 5
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in 7

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Detroit over Columbus in 5
Vancouver over St. Louis in 4
Chicago over Calgary in 6

Not many surprises....top seeds should win each series.

[CaptainWaits]

Boston over Montreal in 6
Washington over New York Rangers in 5
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Pittsburgh over Philadelphia in 6

San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Columbus over Detroit in 7 (my wild prediction)
Vancouver over St. Louis in 6
Calgary over Chicago in 7

[MattSharpIsCool]

Chicago and Calgary is a weird series. I could picture it going 7 games with either team winning, or I could just as easily see it ending in 4.

[Pazz]

Montreal over Boston in 7
Washington over New York Rangers in 4
New Jersey over Carolina in 6
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in 6

San Jose over Anaheim in 5
Detroit over Columbus in 6
Vancouver over St. Louis in 5
Calgary over Chicago in 7

[guitarded_chuck]

Even if we don't have to see Therrien's stone-cold glare behind their bench anymore, Pittsburgh doesn't have the chutzpah to outlast a grinding series with Philly. It may go to seven, but I doubt it.

It is common myth that the Flyers match up well against the Pens.

The Pens beat them out in the East final 4-1 last season. This year they won 4/6 games against Philly.

Just sayin'

Anyone else growing a playoff beard?

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

yo guys, i'm a little tipsy but chicago is at 100% healthy and just watch just watch

chi town is going to at least the series before the stanley cups

one can only hope. they've beaten san jose a couple of times no big deal lawl

[MattSharpIsCool]

If the Hawks can get past Calgary, I think they have a real shot at the West Finals.

[CaptainWaits]

Chicago and Calgary is a weird series. I could picture it going 7 games with either team winning, or I could just as easily see it ending in 4.
If the series ends in 4, it would be Chicago taking it. Generally the Flames can ware down a team in a series, but with their injuries I don't think they'll be as resilient.

[MattSharpIsCool]

If the series ends in 4, it would be Chicago taking it. Generally the Flames can ware down a team in a series, but with their injuries I don't think they'll be as resilient.

I just don't think the Hawks are a good matchup for the Flames. Calgary is good at wearing teams down, like you said, because they're so physical. But in order to wear someone down, you have to be able to catch them, and Chicago just has too much speed I think.

[Joe]

It is common myth that the Flyers match up well against the Pens.

The Pens beat them out in the East final 4-1 last season. This year they won 4/6 games against Philly.

Just sayin'

Anyone else growing a playoff beard?

I might.

Last season doesn't count. You were a better team then. And yes they did win 4/6, but that didn't mean Philly was 2-4. One was in OT and one was a shootout, and those can go either way when each team has a solid few scary goal scorers.

If the Hawks can get past Calgary AND there is an upset over SJ/Detroit, then I think the Hawks have a real chance. You have to remember that if the top seeds win everything then you play the Sharks in the 2nd round (oh, I guess that does mean you make it to the West Finals! :lol: )

[guitarded_chuck]

Do it!

I don't think we were a better team then, just slightly different. Malkin, Staal and Kennedy are all playing a lot better. Crosby's play is as good as ever now after acquiring Kunitz and Billy Guerin. We lost Malone and Hossa but made better gains I think through player development and getting those couple of guys.

I think Columbus has a chance at Detroit. If Mason can outshine Osgood (and I think he will!), and the team can score 3/4+ goals a game they could keep the series going awhile.

I'm on the fence about Calgary/Chicago. I picked Calgary and still think they'll probably outlast Chicago due to experience and grit, but it's gonna be close.

[nungman]

if by grow a playoff beard you mean dont shave and sport a patchy, disgusting mess of hair on my face then yes

yes i will be doing that

also, i cant see how having 6 25+ goal scorers including a 46 goal scorer and 4 30+ goal scorers doesnt make us better than last year. plus our defense is more mobile and timonen/parent is such a great shutdown pairing and if they faulter then stevens just puts coburn with timonen and even more awesomeness is reached

regardless its going to be good. hopefully the refs let richards beat up crosby this time instead of stepping in to protect the prissy boy ala end of game 4 last year

edit: and youre only as good as your last game. and we won the last one between us

[Joe]

Nung - I was saying Pittsburgh isn't better than they were last year. I don't think Crosby is playing better. Staal is playing well and Kennedy is pretty good, but I don't think the addition/development of any of those guys equals a Marion Hossa.

I do think Philadelphia has gotten better up front, but their goaltending was better last year.

I'd love to see Columbus do really well against Detroit. I don't think they have Western Finals chances, but I think they could beat Detroit.

[hXcPLISIT]

yeah maybe once but not four times.

[nungman]

Nung - I was saying Pittsburgh isn't better than they were last year. I don't think Crosby is playing better. Staal is playing well and Kennedy is pretty good, but I don't think the addition/development of any of those guys equals a Marion Hossa.

I do think Philadelphia has gotten better up front, but their goaltending was better last year.

i was referring to chucks previous comment that philly is no different than last year

[guitarded_chuck]

if by grow a playoff beard you mean dont shave and sport a patchy, disgusting mess of hair on my face then yes

yes i will be doing that

Yea that's about right for me too.

Of course mine will be rattier and grosser cause the Pens are gonna last longer

You're right they are better up front, and Timmonen/Coburn are good

[Shady Ultima]

The thing about the Columbus series, is it reminds me of Anaheim/Detroit a few years ago. The Ducks were a low seeded team with a hot goalie, and Detroit was great with a kinda inconsistant goalie.

The differences? Well, Anaheim had at least a FEW players who could score consistently, where Columbus really only has Nash now. Osgood is one of the worst season goalies, but one of the better playoff goalies (especially behind Detroit's defence core). Detroit's offence is also better than it was last year, and I truly see a 5, MAYBE 6 game series.

I think Columbus' weakness will be inexperience. Their goalie is good, but he's young, and he won't be up to the challenge of taking the firepower detroit has.

[CaptainWaits]

Like I said somewhere's earlier, I kinda feel that Columbus can be the Flames of 04-05. Barely any experience, but they're gonna win tough and make a stretch out of it. They're my underdog hopeful's, cause Mason is a pimp

[Joe]

http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlg=20082009,2,496&fr=false

[Pebster49]

LOL Rangers choked a 4-0! haha

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

thursday at 7:30, game 1

can't ****ing wait

[HNLzero]

i met a big sharks fan at a frat this weekend

"you guys **** up every first round you know"

"**** you man, and it's every 2nd round"

[Joe]

:lol:

I'm so excited. Wednesday night! I get out of class at 8 so I'll be home for the 2nd period!

[comity]

everyone in my area will probably be jumping on the blue jackets bandwagon since they're in the playoffs

all the more reason i hope detroit crushes them

[pixiesfanyo]

i hope everyone on detroit dies in a bus crash.

[Jom]

i hope everyone on detroit dies in a bus crash.

Hey, the bus driver could take driving lessons from you!

[MattSharpIsCool]

If the Hawks can get past Calgary AND there is an upset over SJ/Detroit, then I think the Hawks have a real chance. You have to remember that if the top seeds win everything then you play the Sharks in the 2nd round (oh, I guess that does mean you make it to the West Finals! :lol: )

Exactly. Oh it's excellent.

[AKid2]

Feel badly for the Sharks, and their fans. Let's see how many career threatening head injuries Mr. Pronger can serve up this year!

I'm a Wings fan, but Columbus is going to be tough. They're one of those teams that don't look too impressive on paper, but have a few players who play lights out when it counts.

If the Wings lose, I'm pulling for Chicago. I say Chicago beats Calgary. They just look more into it lately.

[guitarded_chuck]

I like the Sharks but man I'd love to see someone just absolutely destroy Pronger and put him out for a few months.

[CaptainWaits]

I was watching a sportsnet playoff preview at the gym earlier today, and for the Chicago/Calgary series, 5 out of the 6 Analysts pick Calgary to take the series. One of their main reasons, Calgary's big guns are better than Chicago's, and their experience will give them the series...

I agree with the statement of how Calgary's big guns are better, but I was shocked to see how all these analysts picked Calgary (mostly in 6 or 7 games). Then the viewers poll picked Chicago like 64:36 or something, which at this point is probably more logical.

[MattSharpIsCool]

I was watching a sportsnet playoff preview at the gym earlier today, and for the Chicago/Calgary series, 5 out of the 6 Analysts pick Calgary to take the series. One of their main reasons, Calgary's big guns are better than Chicago's, and their experience will give them the series...

I agree with the statement of how Calgary's big guns are better, but I was shocked to see how all these analysts picked Calgary (mostly in 6 or 7 games). Then the viewers poll picked Chicago like 64:36 or something, which at this point is probably more logical.

Obviously Iginla is a better player than anyone Chicago has. But beyond that I don't really see what "big guns" Calgary has. Olli Jokinen is a good player but he's not the guy he was in Florida anymore.

The experience argument comes up every year, and I think for the most part it's valid. In a series with two equally matched teams, experience could be the deciding factor. But talent does count for something, too. And I think, top to bottom, Chicago has a better lineup than Calgary.

[CaptainWaits]

Obviously Iginla is a better player than anyone Chicago has. But beyond that I don't really see what "big guns" Calgary has. Olli Jokinen is a good player but he's not the guy he was in Florida anymore.

The experience argument comes up every year, and I think for the most part it's valid. In a series with two equally matched teams, experience could be the deciding factor. But talent does count for something, too. And I think, top to bottom, Chicago has a better lineup than Calgary.
Camalleri has been having a career year. They compared Cam and Iginla with Kane and Toews, and both of the Flames numbers surpass the Hawks players. And then even though he's been playing terrible, everyone (fans and analysts alike) still see Phanuef as an elite defenseman.

In my opinion, when healthy, Calgary has as much depth as the Hawks. But we're not healthy, and on top of that in a brutal slump. Chicago's gonna take it to us, I hate you guys :mad:

[MattSharpIsCool]

Camalleri has been having a career year. They compared Cam and Iginla with Kane and Toews, and both of the Flames numbers surpass the Hawks players. And then even though he's been playing terrible, everyone (fans and analysts alike) still see Phanuef as an elite defenseman.

In my opinion, when healthy, Calgary has as much depth as the Hawks. But we're not healthy, and on top of that in a brutal slump. Chicago's gonna take it to us, I hate you guys :mad:

Ah I forgot all about Cammalieri playing in Calgary now. Yes he is a very good player....pretty comparable to Toews actually, the way they play.

Ya Phaneuf is still a top defenseman, but so is Brian Campbell. Oh and Duncan Keith is very close if not already part of that group.

Come on man don't hate, we can be friends again after the series is over right?

Maybe.

[CaptainWaits]

Ah I forgot all about Cammalieri playing in Calgary now. Yes he is a very good player....pretty comparable to Toews actually, the way they play.

Ya Phaneuf is still a top defenseman, but so is Brian Campbell. Oh and Duncan Keith is very close if not already part of that group.

Come on man don't hate, we can be friends again after the series is over right?

Maybe.
I actually prefer Keith over Campbell

And after this first round is over, one of us (well I guess you got your little drum friend :mad:) will be in shambles.....so friendship is a longshot :p

[Joe]

34.5 hours!!!!!!!!

[nungman]

TOMORROW

**** goes down and i get obnoxious

[guitarded_chuck]

oh **** yea

So stoked for tomorrow night

I've just shaved for the last time until the Pens win the Stanley Cup in early June

Time to get ratty

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Keith is much better than Campbell imo.

And idk why analysts pick Calgary over Chicago, I mean Chi town swept the regular season series, and you said that the flames were missing like a couple of their top defensemen too.

the only thing in the way is experience, which is huge but Khabi in net won a stanley cup so that's reassuring. I hope Q can make it work. I guess we'll find out

oh and im not gonna shave until the Hawks lose, i'll see if i can get my roommates in on this too

[One Groovin Clown]

So we all know that the Canucks are going to beat St. Louis. :cool:

Now all I want is for the Habs to beat the bruins.

What are the chances i could score an above average in size Canucks avatar?

[CaptainWaits]

Keith is much better than Campbell imo.

And idk why analysts pick Calgary over Chicago, I mean Chi town swept the regular season series, and you said that the flames were missing like a couple of their top defensemen too.

the only thing in the way is experience, which is huge but Khabi in net won a stanley cup so that's reassuring. I hope Q can make it work. I guess we'll find out

oh and im not gonna shave until the Hawks lose, i'll see if i can get my roommates in on this too
Phaneuf's hurt, but he'll play....Regher, Sarich, and Giordano are all out on defence.....Bourque is back for the first time in like a couple months, Glencross is hurt.....we're riddled with injuries.

I can still see this being one hell of a series, despite Chicago raping us during the season, and us being screwed with key injuries.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

i hope its a good series. i really do

[MattSharpIsCool]

So we all know that the Canucks are going to beat St. Louis. :cool:

Now all I want is for the Habs to beat the bruins.

What are the chances i could score an above average in size Canucks avatar?

Of course the Canucks will beat the Blues. This is pretty much 100% confirmed.

[Joe]

Well, shave if you need to. Tomorrow is it!

[CaptainWaits]

i hope its a good series. i really do
So I watched the TSN predictions today, and they're a lot more realistic on their picks. 4 out of 5 picked Chicago to win, but they said it would be a hell of a series.

EDIT: And I'm picking Vancouver to win, but I don't think it'll be any cake walk, St. Louis is capable of given them a good fight.

[pixiesfanyo]

yahoo said canucks and pens are going to be in the finals and pens will win it all.

i mean, i totally want that to happen...

but come on.

[Joe]

I was going to say "HA! Canucks in the finals..." until I read "pens" in the same sentence.

:p I'm only kidding. It's going to be such a good playoffs.

[MattSharpIsCool]

The Canucks are gonna be tough for sure. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a long run out of them.

The Pens though? Haha that's funny.

I really don't know who is gonna come out of the east. The Bruins are probably the best team, but I'm not sure if they can make it all the way to the Finals....they seem upsettable.

Washington could do it, but I just can't see Theodore taking them that far. They should win a series, maybe two, but beyond that I don't know.

New Jersey is right in it of course. They slumped bad the last few weeks, but sometimes a slump like that is actually a good thing. I think they actually have the best shot at winning the east.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

yea my gut is going with new jersey out of the east and detroit for the west, with detroit taking the cup again

[pixiesfanyo]

Detroit is going to get beaten by someone. I don't know who it is.. but I doubt they repeat. I really only saw philadelphia, pittsburgh, and new jersey making it through the playoffs on east.

[CaptainWaits]

New Jersey still has the best shot at the cup in my opinion.

[One Groovin Clown]

Don't see Detroit going past the second. They'll be upset for sure.

I'm hoping the 'nucks get at least to the western final, but hell who knows. I still have a feeling sharks will choke near the end. I don't really have a total favourite for the west.

As for the east, NJ for sure, or Bruins. Washington doesn't have a proper goaltender to make it far into the playoffs. Theodore is too shaky to be relied upon, same with Price. Both teams, (habs/Caps) will choke mainly due to shoddy goaltending.

Either way, I don't think i've been anymore excited for the first round of playoffs.

[MattSharpIsCool]

I don't see Detroit getting upset anywhere along the line. I think if they play Vancouver in the 2nd round it could happen there, but I don't know.

As a matter of principal, I'm gonna say San Jose will fall apart early and be out by the second round. But in all honesty, this is a much better team than the Sharks have ever had. For the all the crap I talk about them they really do have a solid team this year so who knows.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

has changed avatar to join in and be a part of the Playoff fun.

Yeah, I agree with MattSharp above, the Sharks usually underachieve in the Playoffs but we have a great squad, so we shall have to wait and see.

[guitarded_chuck]

All 6 of the TSN analysts predicted Pens over the Flyers in 6 or 7 last night. I was pretty stoked. One of them predicted they'd get to the Final again.

The overall consensus was a Detroit/Boston final. It's a reasonable prediction but I just don't see Detroit being as successful this year. If it came down to that I think Boston's defense and far superior goaltending would help them win.

I think it'll be San Jose out of the west this year.

[Joe]

I was watching Barry Melrose on PTI and he said that he had to pick the Caps out of the East (even though he said "west") because they aren't going to need to win 2-1 games and they aren't going to need Theodore to win games - they just need him to not lose them.

I can see Detroit getting upset early, but if they don't then I see them making it to the finals.

[DBoons Ghost]

Wow no love for my Rangers. Meh.. even I want them to lose. They don't even deserve to be in it.

The only saving grace is I sold so many games during the season that the tickets seem free. They aren't of course, but they seem it.

If the team on paper shows up though, it could be interesting. Washington is going to go deep though. Boston might upset a lot of people who think they might get far. They're young and lack experience but I hope they get far.

I call San jose taking it all this year either way.

[nungman]

a san jose - philly series would be amazing seeing as there were 22 goals scored in 2 games between the teams this season and both went into overtime

[DBoons Ghost]

I hope the whole Philly franchise dies in a plane crash, and than a ravaging earthquake destroys the city of brotherly hate, except all the historic buildings of course. It would have been better if it had happened when Bobby Clarke was still employed by the Flyers.

I wish them nothing but bad luck.

[beso negro]

caps and sharks in stanley cup you heard it here first

[Joe]

See DBoon I hope that happens in the 2nd round, after they beat the Penguins.

Caps/Wings

[nungman]

I hope the whole Philly franchise dies in a plane crash, and than a ravaging earthquake destroys the city of brotherly hate, except all the historic buildings of course. It would have been better if it had happened when Bobby Clarke was still employed by the Flyers.

I wish them nothing but bad luck.

i would wish the same on the rangers/nyc, but you guys arent important enough to be on my radar

[Shady Ultima]

I really don't see the Pens beating the Flyers.

Also, Detroit really should make it to the West championship, but, if the Canucks beat them, I wouldn't be surprised.

But if the Canucks meet the Sharks, the Nuck's win it. Luongo is going to be on fire this year. The guy's been in the league a while, he's going to want it, and if he plays at HALF his potential, there's 3-4 teams that will be able to score.

[guitarded_chuck]

All the experts on TV are predicting a Pens win.

All of MX is predicting a Flyers win.

Just sayin'

[Joe]

Yeah but they're predicting it in 7, which basically means they don't know.

If the Boston/Montreal series is awesome, then the Winter Classic has to be those two next year.

[DBoons Ghost]

i would wish the same on the rangers/nyc, but you guys arent important enough to be on my radar

Don't take it personally man I'm just sayin Philly fans are the absolute worst in every sport.

[Joe]

That's only because you're from NYC. Yankees fans are the worst in every sport.

[DBoons Ghost]

I hate Yankee fans more than Philly fans. I hate the Yankees more than I hate Bobby Clarke. More than I hate Denis Potvin, even though I don't really hate these people.

It's funny because I grew up a Yankee fan but around 95 or so I fell off, and than they win a few more titles. It meant so little to me without Donnie Baseball. In the early 90s though man it was awesome. 2 bucks for a seat in the bleachers after a train ride to the stadium.

Anyway I am not my sports team.

I say Philly fans are the worst in every sport because they threw batteries at Santa Claus at an Eagles game, and they start brawls in the stands at Phillies games, and no matter how many times I see Rangers vs Flyers games, Flyers fans get drunk and get thrown out of the Garden more than every other fan, including Isles fans.

[nungman]

I hate Yankee fans more than Philly fans. I hate the Yankees more than I hate Bobby Clarke. More than I hate Denis Potvin, even though I don't really hate these people.

It's funny because I grew up a Yankee fan but around 95 or so I fell off, and than they win a few more titles. It meant so little to me without Donnie Baseball. In the early 90s though man it was awesome. 2 bucks for a seat in the bleachers after a train ride to the stadium.

Anyway I am not my sports team.

I say Philly fans are the worst in every sport because they threw batteries at Santa Claus at an Eagles game, and they start brawls in the stands at Phillies games, and no matter how many times I see Rangers vs Flyers games, Flyers fans get drunk and get thrown out of the Garden more than every other fan, including Isles fans.

so what youre saying is that philly fans are passionate and know how to party i dont really see a problem with any of that. dont like it grow a pair or keep your head down lol idk

and tbh the more brawls the better


and philly fans only like bob clarke as a player. hes traded so much young talent away over the past decade and were bitter about it

All the experts on TV are predicting a Pens win.

All of MX is predicting a Flyers win.

Just sayin'

guys this just in tv analysts are never wrong

[DBoons Ghost]

so what youre saying is that philly fans are passionate and know how to party i dont really see a problem with any of that. dont like it grow a pair or keep your head down lol idk

and tbh the more brawls the better


and philly fans only like bob clarke as a player. hes traded so much young talent away over the past decade and were bitter about it

I bet you're maybe a teenager or a little older who's never attended any sporting event ever. You may talk tough but you're just another keyboard warrior. Don't deny it. Your city is crime ridden and filled with trash. You know this.

The more brawls the better? Lol. Now I know you're a child who's never been in the thick of it. Honestly, there was a time I would agree but now I try to take my kids to games. I am not my sports team. I love talking with fans from other cities who know their sport and just want to rib a little. That's a lot more fun to most ADULTS.

The last time I got into it with a Philly fan was in Philly and I beat him silly in front of his own city. While proudly wearing a Ranger jersey which was ruined by his blood. The Philly fans don't know how to party. They drink 3 beers and are wasted and get thrown out between periods for meaningless childish idiocy. Like throwing a beer on a woman because she's wearing a busienss suit and wouldn't give some ugly fat drunk the time of day. The Phillies fans are all about the business and they know their game but the Flyer fans are drunken morons.

Go back to watching games on TV and leave the crap talking for someone else.

[pixiesfanyo]

the Flyers are one of the biggest teams in the NHL. i doubt all of their fans are drunken morons.

sorry you live in NYC and it attracts morons.

[DBoons Ghost]

We have our share of morons. All of their fans are clearly not morons but sweeping generalizations over internets is fun. The Flyers are not Original Six but they do have a solid market behind their franchise.

[pixiesfanyo]

lots of teams aren't original six. the only people who give a **** about that are from canada.

[guitarded_chuck]

Boston, Chicago and Detroit fans are certainly proud of their long history, dating back to the Original Six. The rivalries are the best in hockey.

[Shady Ultima]

I would also include montreal in that.

[guitarded_chuck]

As would I, but just cuz he said only Canadians cared about it

[Joe]

All the experts on TV are predicting a Pens win.

All of MX is predicting a Flyers win.

Just sayin'

Just sayin that those "experts" also said that the Sharks and Bruins would play. That's not happening.

Oh and the little Monkey that TSN had on spinning the wheel said the Flyers.

Oh and DBoon - I'm glad you stopped around the Jeffery Maier years. But I'm going to have to disagree - the Yankees fans are the worst in any sport.

It's so soon!!!!

[cobert]

Every single person from Philadelphia is either a wife beater or a sodomizer, and sometimes both.

[CaptainWaits]

Man I love playoff hockey. This Caps/Rangers game is great so far

[guitarded_chuck]

I'm loving this game right now playoff hockey pwns ya I said pwns

[Joe]

Bull ****.

The first goal shouldn't have counted. Caps PP sucked. Theo sucked.

This is also bs
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=418542

If a team needs to take 2 1st/2nd overall picks, fire its coach, and pick up two crucial guys at the trade deadline, it is not a model franchise.

[guitarded_chuck]

get ****ed Flyers, your team played like undisciplined ****

Pens owned in all areas tonight. 69% faceoff percentage. Malkin and Crosby played as much minutes as guys like Cooke, Staal, Talbot and Kennedy. We're set, and this series could end quick if this keeps up.

Why did you guys lose? :

http://www.dobberhockey.com/dobberpics/scott_hartnell.jpg

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

scotty hartnell is my new favorite flyer :)

man is he dumb

[nungman]

get ****ed Flyers, your team played like undisciplined ****

Pens owned in all areas tonight. 69% faceoff percentage. Malkin and Crosby played as much minutes as guys like Cooke, Staal, Talbot and Kennedy. We're set, and this series could end quick if this keeps up.

Why did you guys lose? :

http://www.dobberhockey.com/dobberpics/scott_hartnell.jpg

hey man ill give you the last 3 goals but the 1st was a total kick with no stickwork attached and you know it. plus we all know the flyers take a game or 2 to get warmed up

I bet you're maybe a teenager or a little older who's never attended any sporting event ever. You may talk tough but you're just another keyboard warrior. Don't deny it. Your city is crime ridden and filled with trash. You know this.

The more brawls the better? Lol. Now I know you're a child who's never been in the thick of it. Honestly, there was a time I would agree but now I try to take my kids to games. I am not my sports team. I love talking with fans from other cities who know their sport and just want to rib a little. That's a lot more fun to most ADULTS.

The last time I got into it with a Philly fan was in Philly and I beat him silly in front of his own city. While proudly wearing a Ranger jersey which was ruined by his blood. The Philly fans don't know how to party. They drink 3 beers and are wasted and get thrown out between periods for meaningless childish idiocy. Like throwing a beer on a woman because she's wearing a busienss suit and wouldn't give some ugly fat drunk the time of day. The Phillies fans are all about the business and they know their game but the Flyer fans are drunken morons.

Go back to watching games on TV and leave the crap talking for someone else.

lololol clearly im not the only only one who deals in generalizations or douchery. and **** if you like simple ribbing im game for it. im not the first one tossing insults and claiming the high ground of maturity

Every single person from Philadelphia is either a wife beater or a sodomizer, and sometimes both.

just like everyone in pitt is an unemployed former steelworker with no future ahead or a wannabe cowboy rite

[nungman]

And YES gary bettman you are SO RIGHT when you say that pitt is a model franchise because they almost lost their team twice in the past decade, fired numerous coaches AND intentionally threw games to get the top draft picks or easier playoff spots each season

im not calling the refs in game 1 biased but flyer fan aside bettman's statement is clearly favoritist and if you deny that youve got some thick wool over your eyes

[beso negro]

**** this **** ****

[AKid2]

I was at work, what did Hartnell do? I've always kinda liked that guy (except when the Wings were playing against him).

[guitarded_chuck]

hey man ill give you the last 3 goals but the 1st was a total kick with no stickwork attached and you know it. plus we all know the flyers take a game or 2 to get warmed up

It doesn't matter because it went off Crosby's stick or skate, hit the post, hit Biron's skate and then went in. So Biron was the last one to touch it so goal either way.

And yea Hartnell is dirty and undisciplined and was in the box too often for pointless, obvious penalties.

I agree Bettman is an idiot and it's pretty embarrassing for me as a Pens fan for him randomly to make comments like that. Pittsburgh isn't a model franchise, but one that certainly persevered through tough times and are now one of the dominate teams in the league. That doesn't make them a model franchise. If there are any I'd say it'd be Detroit, as much as I hate them.

[Joe]

The 1st goal was a good goal. He kicked it to his stick.

The 2nd and 3rd goals were poorly played. Biron looked like he had never seen rubber formed into a short cylinder painted black before.

The 4th goal would have either gone in or gone wide. He never saw it.

Philly's 1st goal was pure Philly-driving-to-the-net. Philly is a tough, physical team that needs to do that more often if they want to win at all this series.

[MattSharpIsCool]

If a team needs to take 2 1st/2nd overall picks, fire its coach, and pick up two crucial guys at the trade deadline, it is not a model franchise.

The most basic thing a franchise can do is draft well, and there are still a lot of teams that don't do that. When they got the chance to draft 1st or 2nd overall, the Pens made their picks count. That's more than a lot of other teams can say.

And how is picking up the right guys for your team at the deadline a bad thing? They have a good front office that understands how to build a team and they should be a very good team for years to come.

They're a team that other less successful teams can model themselves after. That pretty much sounds like the definition of a "model franchise" to me. I know you're a Caps fan and don't like the Pens which is why you say stuff like that, but I don't think Bettman is wrong.

This Vancouver-St. Louis series looks like it's gonna be awesome.

Oh and GG Caps.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

good games all around

i can't wait for tomorrow, i got class from 930 till 12, work from 130 - 6, then a lil homework.

and then game ****ing time. and then after that im going to a party to either drink away my anger, or celebrate a victory

[CaptainWaits]

and then game ****ing time. and then after that im going to a party to either drink away my anger, or celebrate a victory
I'm afraid it's going to be the former....so just be prepared for that mindset at your party

[Zmev]

2009 NHL Playoffs - FEISTY IS AS FEISTY DOES

[HNLzero]

dang those flyers are dirty

[guitarded_chuck]

They have a good front office that understands how to build a team and they should be a very good team for years to come.

They're a team that other less successful teams can model themselves after. That pretty much sounds like the definition of a "model franchise" to me.


This is true.

People hate the Pens, Crosby, Malkin, etc. because they know how good they are and that this team is going to contend every year for at least the next 5 years. They are hanging on to their best players for a long time, players that are still young and developing, so get used to hearing about it.

[Joe]

The most basic thing a franchise can do is draft well, and there are still a lot of teams that don't do that. When they got the chance to draft 1st or 2nd overall, the Pens made their picks count. That's more than a lot of other teams can say.

And how is picking up the right guys for your team at the deadline a bad thing? They have a good front office that understands how to build a team and they should be a very good team for years to come.

They're a team that other less successful teams can model themselves after. That pretty much sounds like the definition of a "model franchise" to me. I know you're a Caps fan and don't like the Pens which is why you say stuff like that, but I don't think Bettman is wrong.

This Vancouver-St. Louis series looks like it's gonna be awesome.

Oh and GG Caps.

Ok but let's be real:

Nicklas Lidstrom - 53rd overall.
Chris Osgood - 54th overall (Don't give me crap about him. He carried them to two cups).
Johan Franzen - 94th overall.
Pavel Datysuk - 171st overall.
Henrik Zetterberg - 210th overall.

And they actually have won the Cup in the last 15 years. There have been several more "model franchises" since the last time Pittsburgh was a model franchise. I would say San Jose is just as much of a model franchise as Pittsburgh is now.

Guitarded- I would argue that one of the big reasons they struggled a lot this year was because they missed Colby Armstrong and Eric Christensen. Sure you guys made a run to the cup but you struggled a lot this year because of the deal you made last year. One aspect of a model franchise has to be that you make deals that don't kill you in the long run.

[nungman]

doesnt really take much of a brain to draft the 3 most highly touted prospects in maybe the last 15 years when you have a 1st or 2nd overall pick 3 times in a row

also i have a lol

i walked outside yesterday going to class in my flyers jersey and when i walked through the door of the dorm building i saw 2 fat girls wearing crosby jerseys (of course. fat girls and crosby jerseys go hand in hand) so i looked at them and asked "oh does the bandwagon bus make a stop here?"

now im HOPING that the flyers play a little smarter and with more hustle. last night was a night we really couldve used upshall's crazy *** flying up and down the ice to spark some energy on the bench...

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

also i have a lol

i walked outside yesterday going to class in my flyers jersey and when i walked through the door of the dorm building i saw 2 fat girls wearing crosby jerseys (of course. fat girls and crosby jerseys go hand in hand) so i looked at them and asked "oh does the bandwagon bus make a stop here?"


man you showed them

[nungman]

damn straight i did

[Shady Ultima]

If Crosby wasn't the 'NHL poster boy' and Bettman didn't want to pork Crosby's bum, the Pens would have 0 fans still. You think people started going cause they got good? Their are plenty of good teams that still don't sell out. It is a bandwagon thing, and when Bettman is gone, they'll fall apart.

Didn't Bettman get in trouble last year for trying to get the refs to look the other way against the pens in the finals, because he wanted them to win?

[cobert]

just like everyone in pitt is an unemployed former steelworker with no future ahead or a wannabe cowboy rite

well yeah

[nungman]

well yeah

glad we could reach an agreement

btw whats wrong with sodomy

and to shady:

i thought the bias was pretty obvious just from the ad campaigns that the NHL put out. pens fans with the cup, a pens fan making rink boards in front of his tv etc etc

i mean i really dont like saying that the NHL would be as corrupt as to tell the officials to look the other way for certain teams but you could tell bettman was pissed when detroit won

[HNLzero]

were they the blue ones, if so
you had the right to punch them

[RockAndRoll]

Ok but let's be real:

Nicklas Lidstrom - 53rd overall.
Chris Osgood - 54th overall (Don't give me crap about him. He carried them to two cups).
Johan Franzen - 94th overall.
Pavel Datysuk - 171st overall.
Henrik Zetterberg - 210th overall.

And they actually have won the Cup in the last 15 years. There have been several more "model franchises" since the last time Pittsburgh was a model franchise. I would say San Jose is just as much of a model franchise as Pittsburgh is now.
Of course Detroit is a model franchise. But part of the reason bettman said what he did is because he's trying to rally support for franchises in struggling markets. He believes that franchises such as pheonix can make turnarounds and be succesful. It wouldn't make any sense for him to point to detroit and say "look at how a struggling franchise can turn around". Pittsburgh is a franchise that went from having serious issues, to selling out every night. That's what bettman wants to do with other struggling franchises. That's why he called pittsburgh a model franchse.

It's hilarious how much people like to hate pittsburgh sometimes.

[Joe]

Is Pittsburgh's hockey market really struggling? I mean I know the city is a shithole, but I thought they were selling out every game. If any city is having a harder time than Pittsburgh in terms of its overall market (besides hockey), it's Detroit.

[RockAndRoll]

Is Pittsburgh's hockey market really struggling? I mean I know the city is a shithole, but I thought they were selling out every game. If any city is having a harder time than Pittsburgh in terms of its overall market (besides hockey), it's Detroit.

no they aren't struggling, they're doing great. They've sold out over 100 consecutive home games. They were struggling which is why bettman called them a model franchise. they were struggling, and are now doing extremely well. That's what he is saying can be done in pheonix, and that's why he's pointing out pittsburgh as a model franchise....

[Joe]

Just out of curiosity though did he say that when Tampa won a cup?

And it's going to be tougher for Phoenix and Long Island than it was for Pittsburgh because Phoenix isn't bad enough to get great draft picks and the Islanders screwed themselves over by signing DiPietro to 15 years.

[RockAndRoll]

Just out of curiosity though did he say that when Tampa won a cup?

I have no idea, but this isn't about winning the cup (especially since pittsburgh hasn't done that recently...). I didn't read him saying anything about the team's performance in terms of standings and the players, he was talking about the franchise's economic success.

People are just being ridiculous and talking what he said out of context (possibly because they never read the article?).

edit: people are acting as though he said something like "pittsburgh is the best team, and they have all the best players, and they're going to win the cup, and I wish every team could be as awesome as pittsburgh" where as in reality he said something much more like "Pittsburgh is a great example of a franchise that went from struggling, being bankrupt and needing a new arena, to selling out games and doing extremely well financially. I think that when considering the future of franchises such as pheonix and the islanders, we need to remember that things can look up, and we can't just take a snapshot of what's going on right now. I think all teams in the league have the potential for being extremely succesful."

[RockAndRoll]

And it's going to be tougher for Phoenix and Long Island than it was for Pittsburgh because Phoenix isn't bad enough to get great draft picks and the Islanders screwed themselves over by signing DiPietro to 15 years.

maybe it will maybe it won't. But even you don't agree with his comments people need to at least attack what he said, as opposed to some ridiculous made up version of what he said that has nothing to do with the reality of it.

[guitarded_chuck]

If Crosby wasn't the 'NHL poster boy' and Bettman didn't want to pork Crosby's bum, the Pens would have 0 fans still. You think people started going cause they got good? Their are plenty of good teams that still don't sell out. It is a bandwagon thing, and when Bettman is gone, they'll fall apart.

Ok first of all, Pittsburgh has had a solid group of loyal fans who have stuck with them through better times (Lemiuex, Jagr, Cups), the bad times (almost getting move), and to the present good times again.

And no once "Bettman is gone", whatever that means, the franchise is not going to fall apart. Even if Crosby got moved the team would be strong and develop into a contender (see last season when Crosby was out half the year, this season Malkin getting the Art Ross, etc). Being one of the more marketed teams or not has nothing to do with how well the franchise is going to perform.

Didn't Bettman get in trouble last year for trying to get the refs to look the other way against the pens in the finals, because he wanted them to win?

lol

It's hilarious how much people like to hate pittsburgh sometimes.

yes

It's just too ****ing bad that Bettman doesn't divert as much attention to other peoples fav teams if you ask me. Pens received tons of bandwagon fans. Who cares? They had a strong following before that stuck with them and they do now.

[Joe]

RockAndRoll - Tampa won a cup and has been the base of many rumors for a team to be moved. You are definitely right that Pittsburgh is a model for teams like Phoenix and NYI because both of those teams are having a very hard time and might not be out of the cellar any time soon.

I am sick of hearing the term "bandwagon fans." It's nonsense. Every team will have more people supporting a team when they are good. I've been a Caps fan for many years but its because hockey is my favorite sport. If the Orioles were doing well, I would start following them more closely. But, as it is, they suck, and I don't care as much as I used to.

I find Pittsburgh interesting because they used to have such a small fan base actually in Pittsburgh. Granted it was still a good core group of people, but it was still amusing (but sad, they were all in DC for many years :( )

Guitarded - you are totally right. Bettman wishing he could lick Crosby's balls has absolutely nothing to do with how well they play. That's all on the players and the coaches. They play well. They have a lot of talent.

And yes I might have said that crudely, but let's be real. I do give credit to Pittsburgh for staying in Pittsburgh and putting together a strong team that plays well, but Bettman is all over these guys (even more than Don Cherry).

I hope this is more coming off that I hate Pittsburgh than me really incredibly disagreeing with Bettman. Really, the Caps did the same thing that Pittsburgh did. We got Ovechkin because we beat Pittsburgh in the lottery (we would have gotten Malkin), we drafted Green, Semin, and Backstrom in the 1st round, we picked up Federov and Huet at the trade deadline, etc. Granted that's how you build a good team - but I think the one major negative with Pittsburgh is that last year I believe their team made moves that crippled them in the long term and had to make more moves this year to make up for last year's bad moves.

Just out of curiosity, when do they need to start talking about resigning Crosby?

[pixiesfanyo]

i'm pretty sure they signed him and malkin to like five year deals either this summer or last year.

[pixiesfanyo]

yeah crosby signed for five years in 07
malkin signed for five years in 08

[CaptainWaits]

I am sick of hearing the term "bandwagon fans." It's nonsense. Every team will have more people supporting a team when they are good. I've been a Caps fan for many years but its because hockey is my favorite sport. If the Orioles were doing well, I would start following them more closely. But, as it is, they suck, and I don't care as much as I used to.

I kinda agree with that statement. I basically have two NHL teams I put full support towards, the Leafs (my favorite), and the Flames. I've always liked the two since day one, but nowadays I find myself focusing much more on the Flames current status, because they've been hot these last few seasons and the Leafs have been an upset. 6 years back, I was on the Leafs cause of their success. I always keep track of both teams, but it's obvious that which ever one is performing better I'll turn my eye to a little more....When they play each other, I still find myself rooting for the Leafs though :)

Anyways, just about 2 and a half hours til showtime. Make me proud Calgary :chug:

[Pwntendo]

wings and blue jackets playing now
wings will win obv

wish the game was on tv here

[CaptainWaits]

wings and blue jackets playing now
wings will win obv

wish the game was on tv here
I don't think it's so obvious, none of the series I don't think are really. I went out on a limb and gave a wild prediction that the Jackets will take the series....doubtful, but let's see.

[CaptainWaits]

Damn.

I was very pleased with the way the Flames played for the majority of that game. They had some of the most consistent breakouts I've seen all season, and with the situation their in they played a very solid road game (still without our two shutdown defenceman). It was a good game....but c'mon, I waited 20 minutes for a hell of an overtime :(.

Well done, can't wait til Saturday.

[Joe]

Oh man! I didn't see that the goal came that quickly. Ouch...

[cobert]

btw whats wrong with sodomy


well now we know which category you fall into

[Joe]

Hiller needs to stop moving out of the net. It keeps bouncing off the boards into the slot and he keeps hoping his team is there. In a 0-0 game you need to be more careful.

[MattSharpIsCool]

Oh man Marty Havlat I love you.

I called that! I was watching the game and said to my dad how it would be cool if the Hawks won the faceoff, skated right down the ice and scored like 12 seconds in.

Well Calgary won the faceoff, but Chicago did score 12 seconds in. Oh man it was awesome.

[Joe]

Well, Anaheim won but they looked terrible. It'll be interesting.

[Zmev]

Not surprised, oh well its a long series.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

hawkss winnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!


i ****ing love havlat

i'll give it to calgary though, they dominated most of the game but we came out with the win so it's all good

**** yea!!!

can't wait till saturday i hope the hakws chill the **** out they were really tense that agme but damn what a game it was crayz and aweomse

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Its freaky, I actually had a dream the other night that the Sharks would suffer a shock defeat in the first game :eek:

...although the score was 3-2 to Ducks, not the pathetic 2-0 it ended up being!!! :angry:

[Pwntendo]

3 more games

[guitarded_chuck]

I'm glad Carcillo got suspended one game. It was only one of many dirty plays by the Flyers that night so I'm glad they acknowledged at least one of them. They also fined the Flyers, so maybe they'll smarten up tonight and actually try to play some hockey. If they don't, the Pens are just going to keep walking all over them.

Big congrads to Jonas Hiller for not only getting the first start of the playoffs for Anaheim, but for making a 35 save shutout performance over the best regular season team in the league. This series is gonna be something to watch. SJ is going to come out flying in game 2 guaranteed.

[CaptainWaits]

I'm getting worried that Camalleri might get suspended too. What he did in the third to Havlat off the face-off was stupid and selfish. And that'd hurt, cause he's our solid scorer this year.

[Joe]

Oh yeah, that was stupid. What was he thinking?

And I'm not going to lie, though I completely agree with the suspension, Talbot went down like a child...

[guitarded_chuck]

He got unexpectedly punched in the back of the head while off balance after taking a face off. Talbot isn't a big guy either, so all things considered it's no surprise that he went down.

I don't think Camalleri will get suspended. I'll admit one of the reasons why Carcillo got suspended so readily is his reputation.

[Joe]

Definitely reputation had a lot to do with it - but I'd say Camalleri's hit was much cheaper than Carcillo's.

[nungman]

well i agree with the suspension. i didnt see cammalleri's hit so i cant compare them though

tbh im not big on carcillo. i thought trading upshall for him was tragic but we really needed cap room. personally i wanted jones gone. hes been kind of boneheaded all season and im not too sure why management holds him in such high regard

[Joe]

It's on youtube.

I thought it was a weird trade.

[DBoons Ghost]

That Cammarelli elbow reminded me of old school Tie Domi type hockey. Havlat followed it through to make sure the refs saw it but I thought it was ironic that he was out of the box maybe 2 mins and because of the order of events he got to be in the right place at the right time and score such a sweet goal.

I have such high hopes for the Blackhwawks as an organization. Behind the Leafs they are who I pray wins something year in and year out once my Rangers destroy themselves.

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

wooooooo guerin does it in ot!

philly might be ok if they weren't retarded about taking penalties

[nungman]

ya pitt has it made when it comes to no-calls

not like hartnel was triped in the 2nd perioed with no call or like malkin made a checkin then HELD HIM DOWN BY THE NECK with no call

[Pwntendo]

biron could have easily blocked guerin's shot
if he wasnt too busy being a retard

[die of starvation]

****in penguin babies all they ever do is throw themselves on the ground and cry at the refs im sick of ****ing seeing them
series is rigged the league is gonna givethe pens every call possible until crosby wins at least once

[RockAndRoll]

****in penguin babies all they ever do is throw themselves on the ground and cry at the refs im sick of ****ing seeing them
series is rigged the league is gonna givethe pens every call possible until crosby wins at least once

yes... such babies.... not like anyone I can think of in this thread...

[Joe]

Awe shucks. I'm glad the Caps didn't play tonight because nothing went the way I wanted it.

Except I did go see August: Osage County, which was incredible.

[RockAndRoll]

on a side note the london knights beat windsor 6-5 in OT to tie the series up at one today! woot woot!

[MattSharpIsCool]

on a side note the london knights beat windsor 6-5 in OT to tie the series up at one today! woot woot!

OHL playoffs? Or is that QMJHL? I don't think so but I live on the west coast so it's WHL for me.

And anyone who still thinks Crosby is a pussy, did you watch the game tonight? I think he threw more hits than anyone on the ice. And he blocked at least 3 or 4 shots from the point.

And now the Flyers are done.

[Joe]

Yes, he still is.

And yes, the Flyers are done.

[RockAndRoll]

OHL playoffs? Or is that QMJHL? I don't think so but I live on the west coast so it's WHL for me.

And anyone who still thinks Crosby is a pussy, did you watch the game tonight? I think he threw more hits than anyone on the ice. And he blocked at least 3 or 4 shots from the point.

And now the Flyers are done.

OHL, windosr is #1 in CHL I believe though. The knights gave up a 3-1 lead on wednesday to lose to the spitfires in windsor in overtime (4-3). But they tied up the series tonight. John Tavares sniped the game winner I believe.

[MattSharpIsCool]

OHL, windosr is #1 in CHL I believe though. The knights gave up a 3-1 lead on wednesday to lose to the spitfires in windsor in overtime (4-3). But they tied up the series tonight. John Tavares sniped the game winner I believe.

Nice. I've gotten out of watching the WHL since the team here in Portland is pretty much the worst in the entire CHL and has been for a few years now.

It's been since 1998 when they won the Memorial Cup. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, I was just a little damn kid. They were pretty good for a few years after that, then got really bad, then got better, and now they're just terrible.

[RockAndRoll]

Nice. I've gotten out of watching the WHL since the team here in Portland is pretty much the worst in the entire CHL and has been for a few years now.

It's been since 1998 when they won the Memorial Cup. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, I was just a little damn kid. They were pretty good for a few years after that, then got really bad, then got better, and now they're just terrible.

London is an awesome franchise...

Corey Perry, Steve Mason, Pat Kane, Rick Nash, Sergei Kostistin ...

So many amazing players have come from the team.

[MattSharpIsCool]

Damn that's a nice list.

Portland had Marian Hossa and Brenden Morrow. Those are the only guys who have really gone onto be big stars in the NHL, at least recently. Cam freaking Neely played in Portland in the early 80's though and won a Memorial Cup here.

Andrew Ference, Matt Walker, Jason LaBarbera, Braydon Coburn, and Brandon Dubinsky played in Portland too.

I think Byron Dafoe was here, and I could have sworn Mike Vernon was the goalie on the team that won the cup in 1983 but looking on hockeydb apparently he wasn't.

So not as awesome a list as London's, but not bad.

[RockAndRoll]

Damn that's a nice list.

Portland had Marian Hossa and Brenden Morrow. Those are the only guys who have really gone onto be big stars in the NHL, at least recently. Cam freaking Neely played in Portland in the early 80's though and won a Memorial Cup here.

Andrew Ference, Matt Walker, Jason LaBarbera, Braydon Coburn, and Brandon Dubinsky played in Portland too.

I think Byron Dafoe was here, and I could have sworn Mike Vernon was the goalie on the team that won the cup in 1983 but looking on hockeydb apparently he wasn't.

So not as awesome a list as London's, but not bad.


Oh, our list is better than that too. :p We have created more top picks in the NHL draft than any other team (okay sure, that number is only four, but still). If Tavares goes first (as I'm inclined to think he will) that will mean london will have produced 3 1st picks since 2002.

The drafts are pretty incredible... check out the wikipedia page, it's got it all on there.