Obligatory annual 'Go Wings!' post for playoff time.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » April 26, 2007, 11:59 am

I really doubt the Sens will beat the Devils. Emery isn't great and will have a hard time stopping the #1 Devils line. NJ's defense is just too good. They position themselves so that the shooter never gets a clean shot. If Ottawa wants to score, it will have to be on breakaway or on some 2-1 scenario.

Vancouver is too hurt right now, especially with a key PP guy like Sami Salo out of the lineup. I love Luongo to death but I don't think he can stop everything. Anaheim will take this one.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » April 26, 2007, 1:41 pm

Trek was almost right...

Ottawa will beat New Jersey and it will be a romp if Brodeur plays like he did against Tampa. Emery may not be the absolute best but he's solid and on a roll. The Sens are far deeper at all other postions than the Devils.

Ducks showed some of it last night, in how they will manhandle the Canucks. Dallas physically dominated Vancouver and Anaheim will too...except they have a better offensive punch than the Stars did.

Sharks will dine on Pink Wings. They won't be as undisciplined as the Flames were, which is the reason Detroit won that round. Play em hard, get in Hasek's face and its over.

3 more games left in the mismatch of the round, the Sabres vs the pretentious hype...er Rangers. Only one team in this series if for real and they don't wear blue.

miir · Post by **miir** » April 26, 2007, 2:07 pm

I think the Sens will have problems with the Devils.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » April 27, 2007, 11:23 am

Go Sharkies~!

Post by **Sylvus** » April 27, 2007, 11:26 am

I'm pretty sure that's a bannable offense, Pherr. Xou?

miir · Post by **miir** » April 27, 2007, 11:30 am

Detroit didn't beat Calgary.
Calgary beat Calgary.

Sharks in 4.

Post by **Sylvus** » April 27, 2007, 11:35 am

That's ridiculous. Detroit scored close to twice as many goals as Calgary in that series and dominated shots on goal. Detroit beat Calgary.

I'm not sure that Detroit will beat the Sharks, but this one is going 6 games at least.

miir · Post by **miir** » April 27, 2007, 11:38 am

Sylvus wrote:That's ridiculous. Detroit scored close to twice as many goals as Calgary in that series and dominated shots on goal. Detroit beat Calgary.

The Flames spent more time in the penalty box than in the Wings zone.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » April 27, 2007, 1:14 pm

Sylvus wrote:That's ridiculous. Detroit scored close to twice as many goals as Calgary in that series and dominated shots on goal. Detroit beat Calgary.

I'm not sure that Detroit will beat the Sharks, but this one is going 6 games at least.

Actually Miir is spot on: Calgary didn't maintain their discipline and composure, especially in Detroit, and thats what decided that series, not any kind of domination by the Wings. Shots on goal is one of the most meaningless stats in hockey: it doesn't account for blocks on a good chance or a weak shot from centre ice. The series was decided when Calgary was in the penalty box. Its all kind of a moot point though: Detroit moved on, Calgary's playing golf.

Saying Detroit is going to push the Sharks to 6 verges on wishful thinking to me. San Jose took game 1 by phyiscally punishing the Wings and keeping most of the shots to the outside (the strategy Calgary tried when they kept their heads). Detroit needs to make some adjustments or they'll be joining the Flames on the fairways, but I don't think they can.

miir · Post by **miir** » April 27, 2007, 2:37 pm

I actually hope it goes 7.
I have a ton of Sharks in my playoff pool.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » April 27, 2007, 5:34 pm

sharks in 5

Waran · Post by **Waran** » April 30, 2007, 12:47 am

Anyone happen to catch the double overtime game between the Rangers and Sabres?

Fantastic game with end to end action. Literally couldn't change the channel watching all the shots that hit the post and slid across the crease behind the goalie.

Great game

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » April 30, 2007, 1:33 am

It was the most exciting OT of the playoffs so far. It was nice seeing Jagr play and actually try.

Al · Post by Al » April 30, 2007, 11:13 am

Lynks wrote:It was the most exciting OT of the playoffs so far. It was nice seeing Jagr play and actually try.

It would have been a much shorter game had the Sabres tried before the 3rd period. They looked like garbage for the majority of regulation. Not that that is really different from any other games this year, I just can't believe their defense (Miller especially) was able to keep it 1-0 and not 10-0. And I'm a Sabres fan...

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » April 30, 2007, 11:38 am

I agree, but the Sabers were complete garbage in the third also. Lots of turnovers and at one point, I saw them run into their own teammates.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 3, 2007, 2:22 am

Wow, what a fantastic game 4 in the Detroit/San Jose series. It would have been fantastic even if San Jose had won in OT, but I'm even happier since Detroit did.

Waran · Post by **Waran** » May 3, 2007, 3:22 am

Die Wings Die!

Post by **Sylvus** » May 3, 2007, 9:45 am

Sylvus wrote:I'm not sure that Detroit will beat the Sharks, but this one is going 6 games at least.

What up now, bitches??

masteen · Post by **masteen** » May 7, 2007, 6:53 pm

I think the Rangers/Sabres series was the best hockey I've seen in like 10 years. The final game this weekend was a fucking classic.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » May 7, 2007, 7:07 pm

I agree.

The Sabres/Sens series will be a bloodbath. So much bad blood between both teams, especially what happened earlier in the season. The winner of that one is really going to be hurting in the final.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 8, 2007, 12:41 am

*pffffffft* to all you naysayers who thought the Sharks would crush Detroit.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 8, 2007, 12:42 am

Xouqoa wrote:*pffffffft* to all you naysayers who thought the Sharks would crush Detroit.

Indeed!

How about this round, did the Wings win it or did the Sharks lose it?

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » May 8, 2007, 1:09 am

The Sharks gave away the series once again. You saw simple fundamental mistakes kill them over and over, they played worse than poorly, Gratz Wings

Trek · Post by **Trek** » May 8, 2007, 1:20 am

Sylvus wrote:
How about this round, did the Wings win it or did the Sharks lose it?

Well, all your mocking aside.... the Sharks should have swept the series and didnt due to their own lack of play. Which is fine since I hate em and would have to cry if they won a cup before the Kings.

Not that the Kings are ever going to win a cup, but still

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 8, 2007, 2:24 am

Well, I hope the other teams who remain in the playoffs continue to be generous to Detroit and keep giving them wins until they are holding the Stanley Cup again.

Al · Post by Al » May 8, 2007, 7:26 am

masteen wrote:I think the Rangers/Sabres series was the best hockey I've seen in like 10 years. The final game this weekend was a fucking classic.

I don't remember a better series, and I have seen some good ones.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » May 8, 2007, 12:05 pm

The series turned on Detroit's comeback at the end of game 5. Scoring the tying goal in the last minute gave the Wings a huge emotional boost, then winning it in OT took the heart out of the Sharks. Until then it was San Jose's series (although not by much). Seriously how many times did the Sharks blow leads? You can't keep letting your opponent back in the game like that and still win.

Detroit vs Anaheim - I like the Ducks in 6. More consistent defensive play and a toughness that the Wings don't have. The Ducks may not have quite the offensive depth but they have the killer instinct the Sharks lacked.

Buffalo will beat the Sens in 6 games too... but only if they wake up: if they sleep walk like they did against the Rangers, they'll be in trouble. I think this will be the best series of the playoffs.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 8, 2007, 4:40 pm

Wulfran wrote:Detroit vs Anaheim - I like the Ducks in 6. More consistent defensive play and a toughness that the Wings don't have. The Ducks may not have quite the offensive depth but they have the killer instinct the Sharks lacked.

I think it'll go 7, with Detroit winning at home in the deciding game. It'll be a good match up either way, and I love the fact that Pronger is a Duck now since the Blues never make the playoffs. Losing Schneider will really hurt the
Wings on the blue line (unless Chelios keeps playing 26 minutes a game... unbelievable at 45 years old) and on the power play, but I think they have plenty of the toughness that you are saying they lack. They really have stepped it up physically the past year.

I think the trump card will be Babcock's knowledge of some of his previous players, and the fact that Detroit has a more talented offensively minded club. Lang and Bertuzzi need to get it going, though.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » May 8, 2007, 6:00 pm

Detroit shut down their top line. When a team manages to do that, the opposing team starts to get discouraged. While the Sharks just didn't show up for the remaining games, it was all because of the great job the Red Wings did by stomping on their hopes and dreams.

Where was Thorton and Cheechoo and Marleau and Michalek? They were too busy putting up with Draper and Holmstrom.

For this upcoming series between Anaheim and Detroit, at the start of the playoffs, I would of said Ducks in 5. Things change. Datsyuk seems to have found momentum. While the Wings lack in size, I believe they will use the Ducks aggressiveness to their advantage (creating penalties). Whowever is the first to win 3 games will end the series.

I will still pick Anaheim but will secretly cheer for Detroit so the cup can come to my home town (Bertuzzi!)

Al · Post by Al » May 9, 2007, 11:11 am

I think the Sabres/Sens series is going to be crazy. There are never fights in the playoffs. There will likely be fights in this series.

Trek · Post by **Trek** » May 10, 2007, 9:17 pm

Ottawa in 6

Ducks in 5

Waran · Post by **Waran** » May 12, 2007, 2:03 pm

Xouqoa wrote:I think it'll go 7, with Detroit winning at home in the deciding game. It'll be a good match up either way, and I love the fact that Pronger is a Duck now since the Blues never make the playoffs.

That Pronger didn't save the Oilers last season, he's not going to be a factor with the Ducks playoff hopes this year either. Case in point, nothing in last nights game.

And hey now, we made the playoffs for 25 straight years before not making it the past two years, so I doubt that hardly qualifies for "never making the playoffs." So neener!

I hate both teams equally. One reason, of course is it's Detroit, second reason for the aforementioned Chris "Crybaby/Gets penalties in the playoffs" Pronger.

Unfortunately, I hate the Ducks the lesser of the two, so I'll choose Anaheim. I'd never join the Wing bandwagon!

When the dust settles, the East wins regardless.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 13, 2007, 2:50 am

Waran wrote:That Pronger didn't save the Oilers last season, he's not going to be a factor with the Ducks playoff hopes this year either. Case in point, nothing in last nights game.

And hey now, we made the playoffs for 25 straight years before not making it the past two years, so I doubt that hardly qualifies for "never making the playoffs." So neener!

I hate both teams equally. One reason, of course is it's Detroit, second reason for the aforementioned Chris "Crybaby/Gets penalties in the playoffs" Pronger.

Unfortunately, I hate the Ducks the lesser of the two, so I'll choose Anaheim. I'd never join the Wing bandwagon!

When the dust settles, the East wins regardless.

Well, Pronger almost saved them but his shot hit the crossbar and shot back out to the middle of the ice.

(whew!)

I know the Blues made the playoffs for 25 years, I just couldn't resist a little jab. I think they'll be back in a couple more, just need some time to rebuild.

Ottawa looks good. Buffalo, not so much. They're down 2-0 and have to go on the road for the next two. That's going to be tough for them!

Waran · Post by **Waran** » May 13, 2007, 4:00 pm

Definitely enjoy the jabs Xou

Afterall, you are a Red Wings fan hehe.

As far as the rebuild goes, John Davidson has done one hell of a job since coming here, which is an outlook many share here in STL. Can't wait for next season, which is very rare considering what we've gone through the past several years here.

For as many years as I can remember, the Blues have always traded picks away for slooooooooooooooow veterans which didn't amount to anything. (Keith Tkachuck anyone) They finally have the right outlook on the draft in building speed and youth so we'll hopefully be back in the thick of things.

Agree with you about Ottawa, looking good for them so far.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » May 13, 2007, 5:13 pm

The Blues picked up the Red Wings sloppy seconds when they signed Manny Legace.

I'm just kidding. I love Legace but I always wondered why no one would sign him. He's a great goalie.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 13, 2007, 11:15 pm

Lynks wrote:The Blues picked up the Red Wings sloppy seconds when they signed Manny Legace.

I'm just kidding. I love Legace but I always wondered why no one would sign him. He's a great goalie.

Yeah, I was upset that he had to take the fall for the lack of offense in the playoffs last year against Edmonton.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 14, 2007, 12:43 pm

Ouch, tough break towards the end of Period 3 for the Wings on the Ducks goal.

NHL Rulebook wrote:In the event that a goalkeeper has been pushed into the net together with the puck after making a stop, the goal will be disallowed. If applicable, appropriate penalties will be assessed.

In the event that the puck is under a player in or around the crease area (deliberately or otherwise), a goal cannot be scored by pushing this player together with the puck into the goal. If applicable, the appropriate penalties will be assessed, including a penalty shot if deemed to be covered in the crease deliberately (see Rule 55(c) -- Falling on Puck).

Ah well, gotta steal one in California now.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » May 14, 2007, 3:00 pm

Xouqoa wrote:
Lynks wrote:The Blues picked up the Red Wings sloppy seconds when they signed Manny Legace.

I'm just kidding. I love Legace but I always wondered why no one would sign him. He's a great goalie.
Yeah, I was upset that he had to take the fall for the lack of offense in the playoffs last year against Edmonton.

Thats been Detroit's thing for the last 10 years: if they don't go all the way, its the goalie's fault. Doesn't matter if the only forward playing with any desire was Stevie on a bad knee, or the defence corps was a bunch of pylons, it was Osgood's fault or Cujo's or Legace's. I would say its largely been a media thing except that with the revolving door they've had in net, either the front office agrees or buys into it. I hate Hasek but at least when he's there they don't blame the goalie.

As for the goals yesterday, Randy Carlisle said it all "they made the right calls". The one where Hasek carried it into the net's a bit unfortunate for Detroit but thats the down side of a goalie that flops like a fish out of water all the time

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 14, 2007, 3:18 pm

Wulfran wrote:Thats been Detroit's thing for the last 10 years: if they don't go all the way, its the goalie's fault. Doesn't matter if the only forward playing with any desire was Stevie on a bad knee, or the defence corps was a bunch of pylons, it was Osgood's fault or Cujo's or Legace's. I would say its largely been a media thing except that with the revolving door they've had in net, either the front office agrees or buys into it. I hate Hasek but at least when he's there they don't blame the goalie.

As for the goals yesterday, Randy Carlisle said it all "they made the right calls". The one where Hasek carried it into the net's a bit unfortunate for Detroit but thats the down side of a goalie that flops like a fish out of water all the time

Yeah, it'd be nice if they could get a skilled prospect and grow him through the AHL, but that really seems to be a position where goalies emerge and become "hot" out of the blue. I don't hear too much news about young goalies that have a (comparable) skillset of a Crosby or a Ovechkin. So, I guess that's why Detroit usually relies on free agency to pick up goalies, and why they feel they are able to axe them easier since there was no time lost investment wise.

I can't blame the loss entirely on the 3rd Ducks goal, because the OT goal they got was well executed (and poorly played by Detroit). I just thought it was questionable at best, and nobody seemed to give it a second thought at the time.

miir · Post by **miir** » May 15, 2007, 10:33 am

The Sens are looking unstoppable.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 16, 2007, 10:44 am

Wings looked nice last night. I really like that Johan Franzen kid!

Er, I mean, it's too bad the Ducks lost that one! (since the Wings can do nothing on their own) I heard that the Wings' brass will probably be talking to the league today and trying to get Pronger suspended for a game since it was actually him who went head-hunting on Holmstrom, moreso than Rob Niedermayer.

Knarlz · Post by **Knarlz** » May 17, 2007, 11:41 am

I live near Buffalo and several friends are pissed that the Sabers managed to hang on and pull off one win. They have allready conceded the series (I think there have been 2 comebacks ever from down 3-0) but now have to use their tickets at big bucks and can watch them loose the series at home.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 17, 2007, 11:48 am

Knarlz wrote:I think there have been 2 comebacks ever from down 3-0

I don't know specifically for the NHL, but I think I read yesterday that there have been 4 comebacks total from a 3-0 deficit in the history of all professional sports. Obviously by "all" I mean those played in North America.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 17, 2007, 12:30 pm

I wouldn't write off Buffalo yet. They have a great team, and are definitely able to come back if they just take it one game at a time.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » May 17, 2007, 3:29 pm

Xouqoa wrote:I wouldn't write off Buffalo yet. They have a great team, and are definitely able to come back if they just take it one game at a time.

The Sabres are a good team with a lot of talent but they're playing a good team with arguably as much talent and the best goaltender of the playoffs this year. Buffalo won't win 4 in a row as much as I would love to see it: the Sens are too good to allow it.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » May 17, 2007, 3:34 pm

The Sens owe all their success to Aflie's new skates! I never would of thought they would be doing this well.

miir · Post by **miir** » May 17, 2007, 3:44 pm

Wulfran wrote:The Sabres are a good team with a lot of talent but they're playing a good team with arguably as much talent and the best goaltender of the playoffs this year. Buffalo won't win 4 in a row as much as I would love to see it: the Sens are too good to allow it.

There would be much laughter on the streets and in the bars of Toronto if the Sens managed to blow this.

As much as they deserved their 'choke' label in the past, I think this might be their year.

miir · Post by **miir** » May 17, 2007, 3:44 pm

Sylvus wrote:Wings looked nice last night. I really like that Johan Franzen kid!

Er, I mean, it's too bad the Ducks lost that one! (since the Wings can do nothing on their own) I heard that the Wings' brass will probably be talking to the league today and trying to get Pronger suspended for a game since it was actually him who went head-hunting on Holmstrom, moreso than Rob Niedermayer.

After the first series, the Wings have earned every one of their victories.

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » May 19, 2007, 10:29 pm

Ottawa puts down the Sabres and moves on to the big dance! Let's see who comes out of the west and have ourselves a good ole Canada VS the US Stanley Cup final!

Trek · Post by **Trek** » May 20, 2007, 10:03 pm

the Wings shoulda won that game, they totally dominated the entire game. To bad for Lilja, I think he is a decent Dman but that is going to haunt him for a long time.