OT: NHL Playoffs

[COOL MAN]

Guess I really don't care all that much what happens from here on out; though I don't figure on finding too many reasons to pull for either the Rangers or Black Hawks.

I'm definitely not "rooting" for the Craps; but I think they're going to be tough to beat (even for the NYR) in the East if Holtby holds up. He's still got to outplay King Henrik in Round #2, though; and that ain't easy to do. When push comes to shove in the East, it's obviously pretty easy to pull for Tampa against everyone else; but man, I can't imagine too many folks anywhere having much in the way of confidence in Bishop right now.

As for the West, it's equally easy to root for the Wild and/or Flames; I'm therefore trying to figure out if Minnesota can actually beat the Hawks. They better win one of the first two games in Chicago; because it's seems pretty apparently the Hawks can win in St. Paul (and anywhere else). LIke everyone else, I'm trying to figure out if Quenneville still has a circus of his own creation in goal, or if they were lucky enough to survive the one they had versus Nashville (and Crawford settles back in where he belongs).

I'm not exactly a Ducks fan, but I won't have any trouble rooting for them against Chicago if both make the conference finals. I'm also not altogether sure their goaltending is much better than that of either Chicago or Tampa. Meanwhile, about the only thing I've been able to feel good about in the past week is that.....at long last..... the League finally caught up with that career headhunter, Nik Kronwall.

 

[torontoeers]

Guess I really don't care all that much what happens from here on out; though I don't figure on finding too many reasons to pull for either the Rangers or Black Hawks.

I'm definitely not "rooting" for the Craps; but I think they're going to be tough to beat (even for the NYR) in the East if Holtby holds up. He's still got to outplay King Henrik in Round #2, though; and that ain't easy to do. When push comes to shove in the East, it's obviously pretty easy to pull for Tampa against everyone else; but man, I can't imagine too many folks anywhere having much in the way of confidence in Bishop right now.

As for the West, it's equally easy to root for the Wild and/or Flames; I'm therefore trying to figure out if Minnesota can actually beat the Hawks. They better win one of the first two games in Chicago; because it's seems pretty apparently the Hawks can win in St. Paul (and anywhere else). LIke everyone else, I'm trying to figure out if Quenneville still has a circus of his own creation in goal, or if they were lucky enough to survive the one they had versus Nashville (and Crawford settles back in where he belongs).

I'm not exactly a Ducks fan, but I won't have any trouble rooting for them against Chicago if both make the conference finals. I'm also not altogether sure their goaltending is much better than that of either Chicago or Tampa. Meanwhile, about the only thing I've been able to feel good about in the past week is that.....at long last..... the League finally caught up with that career headhunter, Nik Kronwall.

Yes happy to see Kronwall was finally dealt with...one game turned out to be all summer!
Rangers will be tough but I think if one team has a shot it's the cRaps. They've got the size and skill to match up well and as you say it will depend on Holtby outdueling Lundqvist (although even if he falters they have a more than capable backup)...I actually picked Wash to win the east in my pool (so far so good although I have difficulties rooting for them outright)

One that intrigues me is Ducks/Flames...Flames really have nothing to lose since they weren't even supposed to be here really? Both teams have a remarkable number of come from behind 3rd period victories this year...10 and 12 apiece I believe! Both teams have a young D core. Something tells me when Getzlaf / Perry decide to turn it on the Flames will fold late like the Jets did though...unless Hiller (who likely still has some nasty feelings to his former employer) can stand on his head...

Not sure if you heard as well Sid will actually play in this years World Championship's! First time since 2006 (health and deeper runs in the playoffs likely alot to do with it)...folks are rather happy to hear it up here although it always has been an afterthought of a tourney with NHL playoffs in full swing...

I suppose one good aspect about his decision is it tells us there are NO lingering health issues for him now...it's been a few years since we've been able to say that!

 

[COOL MAN]

I do find myself wondering if guys like Toews or Kane (or Subban, for that matter) would play for their respective IIHF teams if they went out early like the Pens (and we already know Karlsson already said NO to the Swedes).. Of course, these two Teflon characters are worshipped by the hockey media and can do nothing wrong.

Then you've got Geno saying YES to playing for Russia......and he's being criticized as supposedly playing hurt for the Pens (but being quick to play for his country). The manner in which the Penguins and their players are treated by the media continues to be an outright disgrace. At least McLellan is sounding pleased that Sid showed up.

Like many, I want to think the Flames can play the Ducks tough; but you beat the Jets 4 straight.....including consecutive games in the looney bin.....and it's clear you're playing well. They've got the size, skill, and depth to win the Cup.....but their (IMO) questionable goaltending keeps everyone they play in the series. And Boudreau doesn't exactly instill much confidence behind the bench.

If the Flames can find a way to take away home ice......though I never thought Anaheim had much of a home ice advantage to begin with.....they at least have a shot, particularly because they probably have the best legs of anyone in the Playoffs. I also forgot about the Hiller factor.....that's actually a pretty compelling sub-plot.