2013 NHL Thread

[It's Damn Real!]

So far I got to tip my hat to the Kings and Phoenix, not for a second 1 month ago did I think this was gonna be the Western Conference final but at the same time its refreshing to see new teams in the final 4. The Kings haven't been there since '93 and this is Phoenix's first trip to the conference finals. Don't think LA is gonna make it look as easy as they did against Vancouver and St. Louis but I'm taking them to win the conference.

Rangers should be taking their series now considering they absolutely shattered the Caps confidence last night with that victory. I'm sure IDR's favorite player is Richards after last night.

One more thing, fuck New Jersey, stop winning and lose to Philly like you should.

Richards has been one of my favorite players in the NHL since the Tampa Years, and yes, he's my favorite Ranger. I didn't post about him that much here as much as I did on my Rangers forum, but everyone there fully understood how badly I wanted him in town.

And mega-fuckin-rep for the "fuck New Jersey" remark.

 

[Lowdown]

I think Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday according to the LA Times' site. If it is it looks like I'll have to skip at least the first hour of Impact. But I've been looking forward to this for too long so I'll be damned if I miss it.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Wrestling always takes a back seat to the NHL playoffs. Always.

DVR makes wrestling easy to watch on delay. It's what I do every week there's a game on that overlaps with the iMPACT! broadcast, and I never regret it. Certainly not half as much as I'd regret not seeing the team play live.

 

[Lowdown]

Damn skippy. Haven't missed not one Kings game during the playoffs, although I had an interruption during a thunderstorm that messed with my satellite a couple weeks back. Man I was pissed.

 

[CH David]

Well these playoffs had such promise with four teams from the Central in the West. But then Nashville and Phoenix had to fuck it all up by winning. Fuck them fuckers. I'm throwing my backing in the West to the Kings. They play a far more entertaining style of hockey, plus Jonathan Quick and Dustin Brown are fucking superb players. Fuck Phoenix, why can't you just lose then move to Quebec? I haven't watched much of either series, mostly because I couldn't stand a PHX/NSH series, and was never in a place to watch LA/STL.

As far as the East goes, Holtby had me rooting for the Caps a bit, but the edge, obviously, is going to the Rangers. As far as NJ/PHI goes, don't really care. Could go back and forth. NJ is in the driver's seat but the Flyers could make the comeback. They have done that kind of thing before. I just want both of those series to finish up so the Conference Finals can start, the Kings can play their game and hopefully beat Phoenix, and then move on to play for the Cup.

 

[Davi323]

Out of the East, I don't care who wins between New York and Washington...regardless of which team it is, I will be rooting for them against the winner of the Devils/Flyers. I hate both of those fucking teams. In the West, I haven't got a clue who I am going to root for yet. Being a Red Wings fan, I am more familiar with those teams than I am of any team from the East, however with all of the wackiness that has come out of the Western Conference, with the teams that are left, I have no real favorites. I may just watch the Western Conference finals without rooting for any specific team. When it comes to the Stanley Cup finals, it will largely depend on who is there. If it's either NJ or Philly, I will automatically root for the Western Conference team, regardless of who it is. If it's the Rangers or Caps, it will be a toss up.

 

[Showtime]

Out west I'm rooting for the LA Kings as being from Winnipeg I don't want my f-ing Desert Jets to ever accomplish anything better than advancing to the Western Conference Final. The NHL is probably clicking their heels at the money being generated from Phoenix going so far in the playoffs. If Phoenix wins I call a rigging. Gary Bateman would be like Vince McMahon, and Phoenix winning would be a version of DB/Sheamus WM. Gary slapping the face of Winnipeg fans by screwing them out of a Stanley Cup contending team, like how Vince slapped the IWC. (Not really at all, but I'll use this to fuel my passion for these playoffs.) Honestly though it didn't matter who the Kings played at this point. I've alway had a soft spot for the Kings that dates back to when Luc Robitille played for them.

Out East... I don't have a problem with any of the teams, save for the Capitals which I've never been a fan of, even before Ovie. I guess the Rangers are who I would be rooting for. Would make for a killer match up. NY vs LA.

 

[Lowdown]

Out west I'm rooting for the LA Kings as being from Winnipeg I don't want my f-ing Desert Jets to ever accomplish anything better than advancing to the Western Conference Final. The NHL is probably clicking their heels at the money being generated from Phoenix going so far in the playoffs. If Phoenix wins I call a rigging. Gary Bateman would be like Vince McMahon, and Phoenix winning would be a version of DB/Sheamus WM. Gary slapping the face of Winnipeg fans by screwing them out of a Stanley Cup contending team, like how Vince slapped the IWC. (Not really at all, but I'll use this to fuel my passion for these playoffs.) Honestly though it didn't matter who the Kings played at this point. I've alway had a soft spot for the Kings that dates back to when Luc Robitille played for them.

Out East... I don't have a problem with any of the teams, save for the Capitals which I've never been a fan of, even before Ovie. I guess the Rangers are who I would be rooting for. Would make for a killer match up. NY vs LA.

Seems like that's the Finals matchup that folks want to see. I think it would be a serious money maker, maybe even start a friendly rivalry in the big money markets. I know I'm pulling for a Rangers vs. Kings Final, and that for sure would go seven games.

 

[Stormtrooper]

My god last night was awesome for the Rangers. Well, I should say the last 10 seconds of the 3rd period and the OT session were awesome. The rest was pretty decent at best.

Game 6 is tomorrow in Washington. I don't know if the Caps can bounce back that quick. The extra day off after Game 3 helped them get over that Triple OT loss. If the Rangers get out to a Game 6 lead relatively early, I think the Caps will be done.

I would love to see a Rangers/Kings Cup final. The (should-be) Vezina Trophy Winner and Hart Trophy Finalist Henrik Lundqvist vs. Jonathan Quick should be enough to make everyone want to watch. Every game would be close, with a few going into a 4th period (or more).

Question for everyone. I'm setting the Over/Under on Brendan Shanahan not reviewing plays against the Rangers that merit suspensions for the remainder of the playoffs at 7. Do you take the over or the under? He's not reviewed like 10 of them already, so 7 is a pretty decent chance of him going over, which is what I'm going with.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

The New York Rangers are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since Wayne Gretzky was still playing in the league (1997) to play against their most hated divisional rivals — the New Jersey Devils.

The best part?

In 2004, Darryl Sutter led his team (Calgary Flames) to the Stanley Cup Finals by beating the 1, 2, and 3 seeds. John Tortorella (and Brad Richards) defeated Darryl Sutter's Flames in the Stanley Cup Finals.

2012, Darryl Sutter has led the 8th seeded LA Kings past the 1 and 2 seeds out West, and they are favorites against the Phoenix Coyotes — the 3 seed.

John Tortorella and Brad Richards are reunited with the New York Rangers and are also one round away from going to the Cup Final...

Awesome coincidence or what?

 

[nve316]

Almost gametime...

Go Kings Go!

 

[It's Damn Real!]

The key to killing the Devils, IMO, is a lot simpler than most are giving credit for:

1. Cross-ice dump-ins. Never let Brodeur play the puck. You neutralize yourself by allowing him to, because he's one of (if not the) best puck-handling goaltenders in league history. Teams that fail to cancel out his ability to do so tend to pay the price as the Devils will continually negate any offensive chances you're trying to develop by playing the puck within reach of him.

2. Rebounds. Brodeur is 40. 40. Let me say that again. FORTY! You can cite all the Dwayne Roloson's you want — fact is, history is not on his side. Exploit his fuckin' age! Make him work for every, single, solitary save, and keep him active. The more active he is, the more prone to lapses he is, and rebounds are one of the best possible ways to burn an older goaltender up, as their reflexes simply are not as good ast hey once were.

3. Close the gap on Kovalchuk. I'm aware he's one of the better one-on-one players in the league, but he's also one of the most easily frustrated forwards in the league too, and the closer you stick to him, the more difficult you make his life, which not only negates his offensive potential, but increases the potential he'll take stupid penalties in retaliation/frustration.

4. Work hard down low. It's been the key to our success in every series thus far. The Rangers' relentless work ethic along the walls is their greatest offensive weapon. Harness it!

5. Throw EVERYTHING at the net! Brodeur's weakness, due to age, is letting in really soft goals from bad angles near the goal line when pucks are thrown at his feet and end up deflecting in. In the playoffs those types of goals are often series-changers.

 

[Davi323]

Rangers/Devils? Definitely rooting for the Rangers in that series...and I changed my mind from earlier about not having a favorite in the Western Conference. It only took a few minutes of watching the Kings/Coyotes to find myself rooting for the Kings. I remembered how much I fucking hate Shane Doan. He is a piece of shit that was eaten by another piece of shit, digested, and then shit out again.

Besides, what could be better for the NHL's ratings than to have the two teams in the finals be NY and LA, the two biggest TV markets in the country? I want the NHL to grow, and having teams from those two markets should increase viewership.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Rangers/Devils? Definitely rooting for the Rangers in that series...and I changed my mind from earlier about not having a favorite in the Western Conference. It only took a few minutes of watching the Kings/Coyotes to find myself rooting for the Kings. I remembered how much I fucking hate Shane Doan. He is a piece of shit that was eaten by another piece of shit, digested, and then shit out again.

Besides, what could be better for the NHL's ratings than to have the two teams in the finals be NY and LA, the two biggest TV markets in the country? I want the NHL to grow, and having teams from those two markets should increase viewership.

Two biggest television markets in the U.S.

Not the two biggest hockey television markets in the U.S. Boston and New York are.

But I agree, and not just from a homer point-of-view, either. From an NHL perspective, the best possible scenario here is L.A./NYR.

No one (and I mean no one) gives a flying FUCK about the New Jersey Devils, and that's made as evident as can be by the fact the team is flirting so dangerously with bankruptcy right now, and Phoenix, though becoming a better LOCAL market through this, is still not a national draw in ANY sense.

 

[Lowdown]

Man I really think an NYR vs LAK finals is what the fans want to see as well as the NHL. The ratings would be great. These teams seem to be just about evenly match, with the edge and history in the Rangers' favor. I know the Devils have some swag from their last Cup win in '03, but I pick the Rangers. Plus they'd be the real challenge for the Kings if they met in the Finals.

 

[Lowdown]

Two biggest television markets in the U.S.

Not the two biggest hockey television markets in the U.S. Boston and New York are.

But I agree, and not just from a homer point-of-view, either. From an NHL perspective, the best possible scenario here is L.A./NYR.

No one (and I mean no one) gives a flying FUCK about the New Jersey Devils, and that's made as evident as can be by the fact the team is flirting so dangerously with bankruptcy right now, and Phoenix, though becoming a better LOCAL market through this, is still not a national draw in ANY sense.

Is it wrong that I enjoy your hate of the Devils? I don't mean any offense to you IDR, but its just entertaining. Hell you know I want that NYR/LAK finals.

 

[Davi323]

Two biggest television markets in the U.S.

Not the two biggest hockey television markets in the U.S. Boston and New York are.

But I agree, and not just from a homer point-of-view, either. From an NHL perspective, the best possible scenario here is L.A./NYR.

No one (and I mean no one) gives a flying FUCK about the New Jersey Devils, and that's made as evident as can be by the fact the team is flirting so dangerously with bankruptcy right now, and Phoenix, though becoming a better LOCAL market through this, is still not a national draw in ANY sense.

I didn't say hockey markets...my hope is that if it's LA/NY, the casual sports fan that normally wouldn't watch gives the NHL a try because it's LA/NY. This will be more effective if both the Clippers and Lakers get eliminated from the NBA playoffs this round, since it gives them less teams to watch instead.

There will always be bandwagon fans whenever "their" team makes it to the finals in whatever sport...but LA has a lot more potential bandwagon fans than just about anywhere else. Maybe some of those bandwagoners come back next year.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Just imagine the prospect of a New Jersey/Phoenix Stanley Cup Final. With both the winner and the runner up gone from their respective city in the forseeable future.

Even still, though, I'm hoping for a Kings/Devils final. The Kings have been hot, Quick has been amazing, and it would be nice to see hockey flourish out west in a non-typical market. And I'm rooting for the Devils for obvious reasons

 

[Mustang Sally]

The Rangers will either be inspired or drained from those two 7 game series.

If days off during a playoff series do more harm than good because they allow a team to let down, New York has it made in the shade.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

The Rangers will either be inspired or drained from those two 7 game series.

If days off during a playoff series do more harm than good because they allow a team to let down, New York has it made in the shade.

Then consider them inspired, because Tortorella himself has already noted that all this talk of the Rangers' squad being "tired" is essentially bullshit.

They were built for this exact type of a run, from top to bottom.

But I do agree with you that the days off are what hurt teams the most. The fact the Rangers are going from series-to-series is actually a plus, despite what most people would think.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

9 down, 7 to go!

Absolutely stellar performance from the Rangers tonight, sans that lapse in the second period.

Doing all the things I noted earlier they'd need to to succeed — especially throwing bad angle shots at Brodeur, gunning for rebounds and closing the gap on Kovy!

 

[Lowdown]

Yeah the Rangers killed it last night. Now for the Kings to keep that momentum going into Game 2 tonight.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

As if you didn't need any other reason to see what a joke of a franchise the New Jersey Devils are, and always have been...

http://devils.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=80236&navid=DL

Through exclusive presales, the majority of the seats at The Rock for all Devils home games this series, are in the hands of Devils fans. However, seats remain on the secondary market for purchase and to ensure the we “Protect Home Ice” below are some ways in which you as Devils fans can ensure the Rock is PACKED in RED.

If you own seats and have to sell for any of the home games because of conflicts, do NOT list your seats on the secondary market. Blogs such as Fire and Ice, In Lou We Trust, and HFBoards provide you with outlets to speak directly with other Devils fans who are looking for seats. This will ensure you are selling ONLY to other Devils fans. You can ask for pictures or meet them to deliver tickets, to ensure where their loyalty lies.

If you are unsure about conversing on Devils blogs to sell your tickets, you can call the Devils Fan Experience Team line at 855-DEV-ARMY, and as a service they will help you sell your seats you can’t use, to other Devils fans.

If you do not own seats already, visit secondary market ticket sales websites including Ticket Exchange to purchase your tickets immediately. Thousands of seats still remain for both Rangers home games at The Garden. Therefore, there is a window right NOW, for Devils fans to swallow up all the remaining tickets for the upcoming Devils home games at the Rock. Seize that opportunity now while it is still available.

--

Last I checked, legitimate franchises didn't need to sell their own fuckin' fans on buying tickets to their own home games in the Conference Finals, just to keep opposing fans out of the building.

Fold this fuckin' club already, please...

 

[Lowdown]

Kings put on a show in Game 2 with a complete shutout. Headed back to LA to hopefully close this series out. I'm still trying to figure out that penalty against Dustin Brown when Mike Smith clearly tripped and could've injured him. But whatever. 6 more wins to go.

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

So Kings are now up 3-0 against The Yotes which pretty much seals it for the Kings to go to the Finals. And history is in their favor as well, since 2008 they eventual Stanley Cup Champion has swept a Series (which Kings did vs. The Blues).

So if this holds The Kings will win the cup.