Great game between the Avalanche and the Sharks last night. It came down to the wire but the Avalanche got a second score late in the game to win it. I don't follow hockey to closely anymore so forgive me for not knowing names but the goalie for the Avalanche made a few strange plays that really could have hurt Colorado, luckily it didn't and they won. Also, when did Danny Heatly join the Sharks? I realized he was playing for them last night and had no idea he had switched teams.
NHL Thread - 2009-10
- Thread starter Mr. TM
- Start date
Having listened to several prognosticators on the radio and on the television, having read several newspapers and magazines, and having read the posts in these forums regarding the NHL playoffs, I have a question for you guys.
Does anyone give my Boston Bruins any chance at all against the Buffalo Sabres? I can understand why many people are considering the Sabres the favorites going into this series, but I don't think I've heard or read one opinion which has given Bruins fans any hope whatsoever.
I can't be all alone, can I? Sure it would be an upset, but stranger things have happened.
Come on, Bruins fans, where are you?
Does anyone give my Boston Bruins any chance at all against the Buffalo Sabres? I can understand why many people are considering the Sabres the favorites going into this series, but I don't think I've heard or read one opinion which has given Bruins fans any hope whatsoever.
I can't be all alone, can I? Sure it would be an upset, but stranger things have happened.
Come on, Bruins fans, where are you?
WWE Manster03
Pre-Show Stalwart
Hopefully my Penguins can overcome that game 1 loss to the Senators and take this series. If they can do that, I think it is 50/50 that they can beat Washington this year. I hope they can repeat though.
Heatley was traded for Cheechoo during the offseason, after Heatley wanted a trade. (I am so going to laugh if Heatley's Sharks don't make it as far as the Sens he wanted out of).
As for the the goalie, it is Craig Anderson. He is a rookie, so every mistake he makes, I can hardly fault him. But I think he has done a fantastic job all season. I watch that team, and they are so unlike Avs teams from the past. there is no Roy, Sakic, Forsberg, Tanguay, Drury, Blake, Bourque, Morris, Deadmarsh, Lemiuex, etc. all those guys who made the Avs such a great team. Instead they have these youngins who are all looking great, and I hope score at will against the choke artists.
But yes, the goal with just a few seconds left was so exciting. I got excited, and I hate the Avs. I just want the Sharks gone.
I give the Bruins little chance. They limped into the playoffs, and now they get to play one of the best put together teams I have seen in a while. Little star power on the Sabres, but big hearts that make them such a complete team. And how can anyone doubt against Miller's gutsy big game play from the Olympics. If he brings it into the post season, its game over Bruins.
I really don't give the Pens much of a chance of beating the Caps this year. However, I do give them a good chance of beating the Sens. Sens are battlnig injuries ands should not have been able to get 5 goals against Felury. HE will have to play a lot sharper than that.
simpsons_fanatic742
WZPC Intercontinental Champion
We get back into Playoff action tonight with some great first round games: Washington/Montreal, Vancouver/Los Angeles, Chicago/Nashville, and Buffalo/Boston.
To hatehabsforever: First off, I fucking love your name if it does in fact relate to the Canadiens. Second, I don't have Boston advancing past the Sabres either and here's why. Their offence has been gutted and with the departure of Kessel and the injury to Savard they have not been the same. Also, Rask was great in the regular season, but the playoffs are a whole new experience and I don't think he can out duel Miller. Buffalo seems more put together than Boston and that's why I have them advancing. Remember though, crazier things have happened.
To the poster who asked about Heatley, he was traded to the Sharks in the off-season for Milan Michalek and Johnathan Cheechoo. Michalek worked out well for the Senators, but Cheechoo did not and he was placed on waivers during the season. Also, Michalek is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This will be his 4th(!) surgery on his knee.
Note to TM: Craig Anderson isn't a rookie. It's true this is his first year as a starter, but he was a back-up for Florida for a good couple of seasons before Colorado signed him. Honest mistake.
To hatehabsforever: First off, I fucking love your name if it does in fact relate to the Canadiens. Second, I don't have Boston advancing past the Sabres either and here's why. Their offence has been gutted and with the departure of Kessel and the injury to Savard they have not been the same. Also, Rask was great in the regular season, but the playoffs are a whole new experience and I don't think he can out duel Miller. Buffalo seems more put together than Boston and that's why I have them advancing. Remember though, crazier things have happened.
To the poster who asked about Heatley, he was traded to the Sharks in the off-season for Milan Michalek and Johnathan Cheechoo. Michalek worked out well for the Senators, but Cheechoo did not and he was placed on waivers during the season. Also, Michalek is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This will be his 4th(!) surgery on his knee.
Note to TM: Craig Anderson isn't a rookie. It's true this is his first year as a starter, but he was a back-up for Florida for a good couple of seasons before Colorado signed him. Honest mistake.
Of course my name refers to the Canadiens, I hate those bastards and I always have. Unfortunately you're likely right in your comments about the Bruins/Sabres series, although Boston looked pretty good last night and certainly put up a good showing against the Sabres. A bounce here or there and it could easily have been a reversal in the score. I guess I'm just surprised because with most of the other series, while there may be a clear favorite in the various match-ups, there seems to be some people giving the undergo a chance, whereas I don't see anyone anywhere giving Boston a chance. While the Sabres probably are the better team, I just don't think the difference is so great that no one is giving them a snowballs chance in hell of winning. Sure it would be an upset, but not a monumental one.
Like those goddamn Canadiens beating the Capitals would be!
GREAT night in hockey last night, sorry to break your guy's hearts, but the Canadiens killed Ovechkin! Too bad I was on the Sabres game to see the goal live, but damn, the Montreal Canadiens were good last night. They get game one, and took all the momentum in that game.
Boston got lucky last night, and didnt even get the win. I think the NHL really has to market Miller to the American audience because he is what is drawing in a lot of fans. So I am hoping for a long playoff for him.
Canucks won last night in a nail biter. But not 10 seconds after I yelled at the TV for Samuelson to get his ass in front of the open slot, what does he do? Scores his second goal from there in overtime for the Canucks to take the first game. If the rest of the series goes like this, there is going to be a lot of hair loss however, theg Canucks should play better than they did.
Boston got lucky last night, and didnt even get the win. I think the NHL really has to market Miller to the American audience because he is what is drawing in a lot of fans. So I am hoping for a long playoff for him.
Canucks won last night in a nail biter. But not 10 seconds after I yelled at the TV for Samuelson to get his ass in front of the open slot, what does he do? Scores his second goal from there in overtime for the Canucks to take the first game. If the rest of the series goes like this, there is going to be a lot of hair loss however, theg Canucks should play better than they did.
I agree with you TM about Miller. Besides my two good friends being hockey nuts, Miller and his Olympic performance are probably a big reason as to why I'm starting to get back into hockey. The guy is just an absolute stud in the net and I'd love to see a long playoff run for him and Buffalo.
The People's Peep
Mr. Manager
So far its another great night of playoff hockey. As of right now, 3 of the 5 games are finished and the ones that arent are tied. Looking like an unpredictable playoffs.
The upsets continue as the preds killed the hawks 4-1. did not see that coming. The penguins had to score late to escape with a win and not lose their first two home games.
Finally, the devils-flyers game. i was actually at the game. all i can say is wow. the atmosphere was electric and the rivalry between the two teams felt like it was just kicked up a notch in the series. a very physical and fiesty game. a lot of flyers fans were present but they all left disappointed after a very good back and forth game (sorry theo, but lets go devs). I tend to have bad luck when going to see the devils. ive only seen them win once (now twice) and i was even at a game that was suspended because the lights went out. but tonight was a great game and we even got the win.
The upsets continue as the preds killed the hawks 4-1. did not see that coming. The penguins had to score late to escape with a win and not lose their first two home games.
Finally, the devils-flyers game. i was actually at the game. all i can say is wow. the atmosphere was electric and the rivalry between the two teams felt like it was just kicked up a notch in the series. a very physical and fiesty game. a lot of flyers fans were present but they all left disappointed after a very good back and forth game (sorry theo, but lets go devs). I tend to have bad luck when going to see the devils. ive only seen them win once (now twice) and i was even at a game that was suspended because the lights went out. but tonight was a great game and we even got the win.
People's Champ
Bleeding Teal
What a game last night! Damn I was drained after the game. I got to say I loved the heart and fight the team showed last night, with Nabby having a terrible game. The back and forth that went on was incredible. Everyone in the Tank was having that sick feeling when we saw the Avs score 70 seconds into the game. But the Sharks would not quit. The best effort yet.
Nabby has to step up if they are to win tho. He had allowed 5 goals on 13 shots. 13 shots! That will not get it done. And the Sharks had to fight hard for their goals. But you have to believe that the Sharks are much stronger after this. The came back 5 different times from 1 goal deficts. They have to be confident that they know they can come back at any point against this team.
We are still waiting for our top line to get a goal. Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley have to step up in these next couple games on the road. But I love that Scott Nichol got a goal, as he was doing all the dirty work all game to help this team. What a game and I believe the Sharks proved themselves last night.
Nabby has to step up if they are to win tho. He had allowed 5 goals on 13 shots. 13 shots! That will not get it done. And the Sharks had to fight hard for their goals. But you have to believe that the Sharks are much stronger after this. The came back 5 different times from 1 goal deficts. They have to be confident that they know they can come back at any point against this team.
We are still waiting for our top line to get a goal. Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley have to step up in these next couple games on the road. But I love that Scott Nichol got a goal, as he was doing all the dirty work all game to help this team. What a game and I believe the Sharks proved themselves last night.
PsychoBlack
Damn it feels good to be a Taylor!!
the champ is coming from the west vancouver is just playing at an amazing level right now and chicago is just to talented to not get back ther so the western finals will end up eventually being a preview of the playoff finals
simpsons_fanatic742
WZPC Intercontinental Champion
Well another crazy day of NHL Playoff hockey is in the books. Let's look at the games played today:
Coyotes/Red Wings: Phoenix came into Joe Louis Arena and played a great game to beat the Red Wings and take a 2-1 series lead, reclaiming home ice advantage. The Coyotes are playing some great hockey and they have every chance in the world to win this series and make noise in the playoffs.
Devils/Flyers: Tight game again between these two clubs, but in overtime Carcillo was the hero scoring the GWG and sending the Flyers to a 2-1 series lead. Brodeur played great and really kept the Devils in the game, but the Flyers pressure was too much.
Penguins/Senators: The Penguins played a great game tonight and the Senators couldn't keep up with their offence as the Pens won to take another 2-1 series lead. It seems like Pittsburgh is slowly getting back in the groove and that could be dangerous for the rest of the East.
Blackhawks/Predators: After a surprise game 1 win, the Predators were looking to extend their lead in the series, but after a shaky game 1 Niemi stepped up and shut down the Preds on route to a 2-0 Blackhawks win. This series is now 1-1 going back to Nashville.
Shark/Avalanche: Oh man if you didn't watch this game you missed an amazing goaltending performance by Craig Anderson. The shots in this game were 50-16 for the Sharks after 3 periods and with stats like that you would assume that San Jose would win, but you'd be mistaken. Anderson played his heart out and lead his team to overtime where a fluke goal gave Colorado the 1-0 win and the surprising 2-1 series lead. One minute into overtime, Dan Boyle was just trying to shoot the puck to his defence partner behind the net, but instead shot it into his own net. Nabokov was stunned, Boyle was pissed, and the Avs were elated. Colorado had no business to win this game, but Craig Anderson was a beast tonight. The Sharks have to rebound on Tuesday and avoid going down 3-1.
Coyotes/Red Wings: Phoenix came into Joe Louis Arena and played a great game to beat the Red Wings and take a 2-1 series lead, reclaiming home ice advantage. The Coyotes are playing some great hockey and they have every chance in the world to win this series and make noise in the playoffs.
Devils/Flyers: Tight game again between these two clubs, but in overtime Carcillo was the hero scoring the GWG and sending the Flyers to a 2-1 series lead. Brodeur played great and really kept the Devils in the game, but the Flyers pressure was too much.
Penguins/Senators: The Penguins played a great game tonight and the Senators couldn't keep up with their offence as the Pens won to take another 2-1 series lead. It seems like Pittsburgh is slowly getting back in the groove and that could be dangerous for the rest of the East.
Blackhawks/Predators: After a surprise game 1 win, the Predators were looking to extend their lead in the series, but after a shaky game 1 Niemi stepped up and shut down the Preds on route to a 2-0 Blackhawks win. This series is now 1-1 going back to Nashville.
Shark/Avalanche: Oh man if you didn't watch this game you missed an amazing goaltending performance by Craig Anderson. The shots in this game were 50-16 for the Sharks after 3 periods and with stats like that you would assume that San Jose would win, but you'd be mistaken. Anderson played his heart out and lead his team to overtime where a fluke goal gave Colorado the 1-0 win and the surprising 2-1 series lead. One minute into overtime, Dan Boyle was just trying to shoot the puck to his defence partner behind the net, but instead shot it into his own net. Nabokov was stunned, Boyle was pissed, and the Avs were elated. Colorado had no business to win this game, but Craig Anderson was a beast tonight. The Sharks have to rebound on Tuesday and avoid going down 3-1.
Anderson played like a fucking hero tonight. I missed most of the action, choosing to watch this game, and I really picked the right game. He was magnificent, best goaltending performance I have seen since Luongo went for 6 hours in the win over the Stars.
Anderson after the game had a glow, and with that glow, they courage to stand up to the high powered San jose Sharks, Colorado has a great shot of winning.
Poor Nabokov... Only people that can beat him are his own teammates.
Anderson after the game had a glow, and with that glow, they courage to stand up to the high powered San jose Sharks, Colorado has a great shot of winning.
Poor Nabokov... Only people that can beat him are his own teammates.
It's Damn Real!
The undisputed, undefeated TNA &
The 2010 Craig Anderson reminds me so much of the 2003 Jean-Sébastien Giguère, it's scary. The fact Anderson broke into this mold as a late-bloomer and out of a back-up shell is impressive, too. I have to admit that he's really proven me wrong seeing as I had him peggged as quite the flash in the pan (like Theodore), but wow have I been wrong.
Avs really have a shot at doing something here if Anderson can continue to play at this clip game-after-game.
The real story though, is what happens to San José in the event they're yet again dismantled by a "lesser" team in the first (or second) round for the fourth (fifth?) time in as many years? I'd imagine they'd let Marleau and Nabokov walk in free agency, no? Risky move with letting Nabby walk though, IMO (despite his perennial playoff drought) seeing as the market for UFA goaltenders is quite weak. Behind Nabby, Toskala, Turco, Theodore and Mason head up the "big" names, and behind that are bigger question marks in Dan Ellis and Ray Emery. I doubt either would really be the one to go to.
Avs really have a shot at doing something here if Anderson can continue to play at this clip game-after-game.
The real story though, is what happens to San José in the event they're yet again dismantled by a "lesser" team in the first (or second) round for the fourth (fifth?) time in as many years? I'd imagine they'd let Marleau and Nabokov walk in free agency, no? Risky move with letting Nabby walk though, IMO (despite his perennial playoff drought) seeing as the market for UFA goaltenders is quite weak. Behind Nabby, Toskala, Turco, Theodore and Mason head up the "big" names, and behind that are bigger question marks in Dan Ellis and Ray Emery. I doubt either would really be the one to go to.
People's Champ
Bleeding Teal
Ok ill tell you what willl happen should they lose again to an inferior team.....major changes. And not just with players. Management will be changed as well. We can't have ANOTHER season end in a first round bounce. For whatever reason the Sharks just haven't been able to get it done, and if they can't then major changes are needed. Some say why when you have a team that once again had the best team in the West and blah blah blah. No one gives a shit about the regular season here anymore. Its about the playoffs. And if you can't get it done with this team, then people gotta go.
Now on to the game. All I could say is....wow. Anderson had himself an unbelievable game no doubt. But it was really unbelievable. How do you not score on one of your 51 shots? And Nabby played great as well. He didn't have as many saves as Anderson, but that save on the break away in the 2nd was awesome. I don't blame Nabby for that goal. I can't. But wow no luck for the Sharks.
Game 4 tomorrow is huge. We needed to take one back in Denver and still have that chance tomorrow. Being tied 2-2 after 4 is so much more different than being down 3-1. This game is massively important.
It's Damn Real!
The undisputed, undefeated TNA &
I realize that wholesale change will likely be the course of action you'll take, but unless we're talking blockbuster trade a la Heatley again, what can San José really accomplish other than addition by subtraction in letting Marleau & Nabokov walk, and who are they really replacing either with in the interim? I suppose if they think Thomas Greiss is capable of stepping in full-time, that'd certainly constitute wholesale change, but is he really ready?
And what about Marleau? Career year in his UFA season will certainly earn him a near-$7M contract in the open market, but how do you replace that kind of veteran leadership & goal scoring with what's available on the market for scoring left-wings (which I think we'd agree he's fully transitioned into becoming by now). Outside of Kovalchuk (who will sign a monstrous contract), you're down to the three Alex's (Ponikarovsky, Tanguay & Frolov) and Ray Whitney.
People's Champ
Bleeding Teal
On Marleu, what goal scoring? In the regular season yes, but what has he done in the playoffs? We have enough veteran leadership IMO. As I said earlier we here in SJ do not care about the regular season. The Sharks always do well in the season. But come playoff time they disappear. And Marleau has been at the height of it. We have grown tired of his play (or lack thereof) during the most important time of the season. Once again no goals in the first 3 games. When he lost his "C", the calling was for him to be gone. And now its the same. Who do we replace him with? Not sure yet. But a change is needed if he can't step up. Won't matter who we would have to get to replace him.
As far as Nabby goes I'm not so sure he should be let go. He's had a rough start for this series but I agree that I'm not sure Thomas is ready either. I say keep Nabby but you have to have him on a short leash. You can't let him struggle to much longer. Of course all this could be avoided if they just win haha.
Well, 40 wins was not enough for Luongo, as he was not named a finalist for the Vezina, because the NHL is filled with fucking idiots apparently who only watched the last month of the fucking season.
Yes, one of the hottest goalies all season up until the Olympic break was not named, and Martin Brodeur, who was only good after the break, playing a lot of shit teams was named. Fucking NHL, hope they fold.
But Brodeur wont win.
Either Miller or Brygalov will win, and I think it will be Miller. If anything, its because Miller has been incredibly marketable after the Olympics that the more they push of him, the better for the league in America.
Yes, one of the hottest goalies all season up until the Olympic break was not named, and Martin Brodeur, who was only good after the break, playing a lot of shit teams was named. Fucking NHL, hope they fold.
But Brodeur wont win.
Either Miller or Brygalov will win, and I think it will be Miller. If anything, its because Miller has been incredibly marketable after the Olympics that the more they push of him, the better for the league in America.
The People's Peep
Mr. Manager
i watched marty all year and he played very well all year. he had like one or two short stretches of bad play. and he didnt play a lot of shit teams. the NHL schedule makes every team play every team and the devils are in a division that has three of 5 teams in the playoffs.
With that said, i believe Miller will win. he stood on his head all year. i dont know if the voters are supposed to take the olympics into consideration, but if they do, its miller in a landslide.
It's Damn Real!
The undisputed, undefeated TNA &
Common misconception with Marleau, IMO, as he's shown up plenty in the post-season yet still gets shit for disappearing from San José & hockey fans a like. I don't get it.
He went 2-1-3 in 6GP last post-season, 4-4-8 in 13 GP in 2008 and 3-3-6 in 11GP in 2007. Does he have to produce at a PPG clip to not get hitched with that ridiculous notion that he doesn't show up when it matters most? If anyone deserves that moniker, it's Nabokov.
Yes, Marleau has 0 goals in 3 games to start this series right now, but so does Heatley and Thornton. The question is on the big guns, not one particular pistol.
For a guy who played in way too many games, he just came in first in wins. The only reason his GAA was low was because he had an incredible young core of defensemen backing him up. Im sorry, but the most important stat for a goalie is your save percent, and he wasnt even in the top 10.
It's Damn Real!
The undisputed, undefeated TNA &
Miller & Bryzgalov deserved a nod here, but Brodeur (yet again) led the league in shutouts, wins and games played, and was third in the league in GAA. Quietly asserting himself as the most dominant goaltender in the league year-after-year if you ask me, so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him "steal" this again despite the fantastic play from Bryzgalov & Miller all season long.
Shit game for Luongo and the Canucks in general. I cannot believe that Los Angeles is shooting better than 50% on the power play right now. If Canucks lose this series, they will either have to blame Johnson's broken foot, the key to the Canucks powerplay at center, of blame the Sedins for their lack of production, especially on the power play.
It really sucks that that goal, a goal I have seen 100 times count, was disallowed. If you direct your foot in a direction, and keep the same momentum, its a goal if it hits your foot. Its not a kicking motion. That goal being disallowed, and then the goal by the Canucks a minute after that could have made it a different game. Poor play.
It really sucks that that goal, a goal I have seen 100 times count, was disallowed. If you direct your foot in a direction, and keep the same momentum, its a goal if it hits your foot. Its not a kicking motion. That goal being disallowed, and then the goal by the Canucks a minute after that could have made it a different game. Poor play.
The People's Peep
Mr. Manager
i will say that you are right about the defensemen. not only them, but the fowards played great D and that highly contributed to his success. but i wouldnt say he was undeserving. He played at the top of his game even with playing so many games. and if i remember correctly, as i watched almost all of their games this year, the devils dont give up too many shots, which could lead to his sub top 10 save percentage.
It's Damn Real!
The undisputed, undefeated TNA &
I gotta say man, I'm really laughing at your little user title thing there The People's Peep. "NJ Devils = Stanley Cup Champs"? HA! Silo Cup Champs, maybe, because they're about to be drinking some liquid bitter from them to swallow down that cold hard and jagged pill we call reality when the Flyers knock them out of the Playoffs in the first-round for the third time in as many years.
If ever there was a team that refused to learn from past mistakes not named the Rangers, it's the Devils.
How's that Kovalchuk trade working out for you, by the way?
If ever there was a team that refused to learn from past mistakes not named the Rangers, it's the Devils.
How's that Kovalchuk trade working out for you, by the way?