NHL Playoffs baby! Discussion thread...
- Thread starter Andyroddickfan
- Start date
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
^^^
Boston get a bad reputation for how they play. Personally I always enjoy watching them, Krejci is a really attractive player, whilst Jagr still has his moments. I also enjoy seeing the work of Lucic and Horton, Marchand is a pest but he's one of the best skaters in the league for sure.
Boston scored the best goal of the playoffs imo, in the first game against Pittsburgh where the Krejci line played 3-4 quick passes in a row and he sniped it.
Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOy8zuDyGeM
I know when i'm watching them i'll see great goaltending, defense, Lucic and Horton being wrecking machines, huge heart, great skating and comedy from Marchand
Hopefully they can keep it going for another series.
Boston get a bad reputation for how they play. Personally I always enjoy watching them, Krejci is a really attractive player, whilst Jagr still has his moments. I also enjoy seeing the work of Lucic and Horton, Marchand is a pest but he's one of the best skaters in the league for sure.
Boston scored the best goal of the playoffs imo, in the first game against Pittsburgh where the Krejci line played 3-4 quick passes in a row and he sniped it.
Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOy8zuDyGeM
I know when i'm watching them i'll see great goaltending, defense, Lucic and Horton being wrecking machines, huge heart, great skating and comedy from Marchand
Hopefully they can keep it going for another series.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
They both are a blend of the two...a lot of muscle and good skaters on both sides and both beneficiaries of ample good fortune in the comebacks they engineered. Boston's resilience was shown in one period while Chicago dug out of that 3-1 hole in games vs the Wings. They showed a little of that bounceback in OT last night...for 30 minutes it was mostly going the Kings' way but that pretty pass from Toews and the better one-timer from Kane was the decider!
I think the league should be happy with this matchup, not only from the Original Six angle. These are two really well-rounded squads, hopefully capable of continuing their peak play all the way to the end. I may not expect much from either in '13-'14 though...playing until almost July will leave a severe hangover!
Blackhawks v. Bruins for the Cup eh???? I'm definitely going to follow this one. I want Chicago to win (da da da...da da da...da da da-hate that song but will tolerate it for the next few games), but it would be cool to see Jaromir Jagr hoist the trophy one more time.
BTW-D**n you Pittsburgh Penguins!!!!!
BTW-D**n you Pittsburgh Penguins!!!!!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Never really got their fascination with the song. I'm a Chelsea fan, back when it came out 5 or so years ago it was very big here. I'd go to away games and they would play it before the start, not realising it would cause all of us Chelsea fans to go mental and start singing. They would always stop it half way through because the home fans didn't like it
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Its better than the 7nation army song that is chanted all over the place and poeple from Baltmiore seem to think they invented chanting it at games.
Regardless Im pullin for Bruins. Screw Chicago.
Regardless Im pullin for Bruins. Screw Chicago.
Richard Pur
Rookie
I'm from Chicago and don't know what to think. I thought the Hawks would take the Red Wings much easier than they did......and was super worried about the Kings who they disposed of in 5 games.
All I know is that the Bruins are the biggest team in the league and have decent talent to go with it. A hot goalie. They're deep too.
Interesting matchup. Having home ice could be the difference. Hope the Bruins don't goon it up too much (good chance of that happening!)....or that the refs don't let them.
All I know is that the Bruins are the biggest team in the league and have decent talent to go with it. A hot goalie. They're deep too.
Interesting matchup. Having home ice could be the difference. Hope the Bruins don't goon it up too much (good chance of that happening!)....or that the refs don't let them.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
That was the BEST game I have ever seen, and I missed the first two periods due to work!
The third period was pure epic...to tie it up for OT after surrendering the PP goal shows utter resilience and then Crawford & Co. stoned the Bruins so many times in OT! To end it on a deflection of a deflection was the only fitting ending!
I think this series goes all the way. If it's 3 OTs in game 7, I will be on a list for a heart transplant...this one won't be fit for survival!
Marchand has now surpassed The Rat on my "most hated" list! Too damn chippy in a chicken***t way...how the refs didn't whistle him for intentionally tripping Crawford is beyond me.
The third period was pure epic...to tie it up for OT after surrendering the PP goal shows utter resilience and then Crawford & Co. stoned the Bruins so many times in OT! To end it on a deflection of a deflection was the only fitting ending!
I think this series goes all the way. If it's 3 OTs in game 7, I will be on a list for a heart transplant...this one won't be fit for survival!
Marchand has now surpassed The Rat on my "most hated" list! Too damn chippy in a chicken***t way...how the refs didn't whistle him for intentionally tripping Crawford is beyond me.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Not to worry, you still managed to catch 4 periods
6am UK time is a new record for the playoffs this year. I think you're right about it going the distance and there being plenty more OT throughout the series. Will be interesting to see if Horton misses any games, he's been incredible so far.
max
Legend
Oh, please.
max
Legend
I used to play hockey bitd.
I've ALWAYS been a Blackhawks and Bruins fan, slightly more Chicago, though, since we used to have season tickets to the old stadium.
Good victory last night. This is really a dream matchup for me and it's looking like one that will be long remembered, so keep an eye on it.
I've ALWAYS been a Blackhawks and Bruins fan, slightly more Chicago, though, since we used to have season tickets to the old stadium.
Good victory last night. This is really a dream matchup for me and it's looking like one that will be long remembered, so keep an eye on it.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
It will be interesting to see how the Bruins react to the tough loss...the escape act vs the Leafs filled their sails until last night but losing after being up 3-1 late may be the "pin in the balloon". If they lose game 2 without resistance or in another "jaws of victory" collapse, it'll be hard but not impossible to mount a comeback. If I were Julien, I would remind the squad it took a wide shot off a skate and a double-deflection to tie and win game 1! A game of inches, eh???
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
The Bruins also hit the post in the first game, a game of inches indeed!
They say they could play each other 100 times and they would each win 50, it's certainly looking like that at the moment. The next 2 games are huge in Boston, they managed to win every game at home in the finals two years ago before knicking the last one in Vancouver. They already have taken Chicago's home ice advantage away, now hopefully they can take care of business at home.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Forget inches, try millimeters! Clang, clang, clang go the goalposts...finally one bounced in. Very fitting the Bruins got the break in their favour (spelling for you, Fena:twisted.
Didn't see the game due to work...hope I can take a night off for Game 3 and beyond.
. Didn't see the game due to work...hope I can take a night off for Game 3 and beyond.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Forget inches, try millimeters! Clang, clang, clang go the goalposts...finally one bounced in. Very fitting the Bruins got the break in their favour (spelling for you, Fena:twisted
Didn't see the game due to work...hope I can take a night off for Game 3 and beyond.
Appreciated! For my next trick, i'll have to champion the merits of "colour" over "color"
It was similar to game 1 in many ways, the standard was just as high. I think both teams wanted to get the OT over quickly though so it was a great 10 minutes of action. Both teams would of been dead on their feet for the rest of the series if it was another 3+ periods of OT!
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Appreciated! For my next trick, i'll have to champion the merits of "colour" over "color"
It was similar to game 1 in many ways, the standard was just as high. I think both teams wanted to get the OT over quickly though so it was a great 10 minutes of action. Both teams would of been dead on their feet for the rest of the series if it was another 3+ periods of OT!
One good thing about the lock-out...less miles on the wheels plus their bodies are more used to abbreviated turnaround time from one game to the next. Thankfully, travel time between Chicago and Boston won't leave them as weary as a transcontinental trek.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
THUD! That's the sound of the Hawks hitting the wall tonight! Utter domination by the Bruins. Quenneville must shake them up a bit to compete in Game 4 or they are done. The power play is anemic, no forechecking to keep it in the neutral zone or the Bruins' end. Crawford was great with the exception of that pass across his crease for the second goal.
I'm hoping they can shake this off and steal Game 4. Otherwise, it's not going past six!
I'm hoping they can shake this off and steal Game 4. Otherwise, it's not going past six!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Dominated
the Bruins powerplay looked to be starting to click aswell, things couldn't of gone much worse for the Blackhawks.It's those bottom two lines for the Bruins that I mentioned before the series with the Pens that are getting it done. The likes of Paille, Seguin, Kelly etc.. They're too much for anyone it seems. They were a huge part of the reason they won in 2011 and it looks like they could be doing it again this time round.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
We've got a series again! After five plus periods of pure offensive frustration, the Hawks finally solved Rask & Co. in a big way. I gotta hope they can keep up something of a scoring pace back home in Game 5.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Solve Rask? Maybe, I don't think that's the case though. The Bruins didn't defend as well as they usually do, Rask was sold down the river for a couple of goals I thought.
I don't think Boston will be too upset, if anything they seem to of got to Crawford and found his weakness on the glove side. Everytime they go there they seem to score. It bodes well for them and I think they will fancy their chances of getting 2 more against him.
It's made things interesting for sure, but i'm not about to change my prediction just yet
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Solve Rask? Maybe, I don't think that's the case though. The Bruins didn't defend as well as they usually do, Rask was sold down the river for a couple of goals I thought.
I don't think Boston will be too upset, if anything they seem to of got to Crawford and found his weakness on the glove side. Everytime they go there they seem to score. It bodes well for them and I think they will fancy their chances of getting 2 more against him.
It's made things interesting for sure, but i'm not about to change my prediction just yet
I said "Rask & Co.". Hossa got back in action, which let Joel Q. merge his other "tops" together and Kane/Toews produced after they decided to go more aggressively at Chara...he was on ice for five of the six goals. The dump-in and pushing to the net paid off. They know it's very important to get a crowd in front of Rask if they are to beat him often.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
WTF? The refs just ruined the ending of a perfect game by swallowing the whistle on a blatant trip before the open-net clincher! I was pulling for the Hawks and they probably would still have won without that missed call but c'mon! Make the last 30 seconds mean something the way it should have been.
Crawford bounced back nicely. Game 6 will be a test if he can keep it up. I'm concerned about Toews' condition for Monday night. Concussion???
Crawford bounced back nicely. Game 6 will be a test if he can keep it up. I'm concerned about Toews' condition for Monday night. Concussion???
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I really thought the Bruins were going to bring that one back.
Ahh well, they'll win the next two, no worries
max
Legend
I really thought the Bruins were going to bring that one back.
Ahh well, they'll win the next two, no worries
. . .. Funny!!!!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
They were in the same position 2 years ago, before winning the last two games 5-2 and then 4-0 to win it all
Everyone has knocked my Bruins predictions over the course of the playoffs, but they've proven alot of people wrong so far. I'm sticking by them to finish it off, if i'm wrong then at least i've stayed consistent
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Ouch, that doesn't sound good. I saw a few articles where people had him as their Conn Smythe winner should the Bruins take it. I think Kane will if Chicago finish it off, but it will be interesting to see who they pick if the Bruins come back.
max
Legend
They were in the same position 2 years ago, before winning the last two games 5-2 and then 4-0 to win it all
Everyone has knocked my Bruins predictions over the course of the playoffs, but they've proven alot of people wrong so far. I'm sticking by them to finish it off, if i'm wrong then at least i've stayed consistent
I'm a big Bruins fan myself; I'm in the delicious position of seeing my two favorite teams duke it out, but the dynamic stuff the Hawks are doing is fantastic.
I wore my Hawks jersey to church this morning. . . and joked with my wife about wearing the Bruins one there with me.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Now that would of made for an interesting service
Chicago have looked good, Kane especially. It will be interesting to see what happens with Toews though, they seem to lack chemistry when the lines get mixed up (when Hossa was out they struggled to get the right blend), also when Toews sat the Bruins seemed to be on top and nearly pulled it back last night.
Boston seem to be able to mix and match more so Bergeron might not be as much of a miss. I still think Crawford struggles a bit on the glove side so there are chances to beat him.
There are certainly things the Bruins can look at and feel they're still in with a shot. The playoffs have been great, hopefully the finals go to 7 games to finish it off nicely.
max
Legend
It's been interesting trying to explain to non-hockey friends why checking and fighting makes sense in hockey. I used to play defense, so I know how well the Bruins are executing there.
I've been expecting more from Hossa, but Kane's been picking up the slack. I think a Toews out matters less than a Bergeron out. . . but these teams are like flip sides of twin sisters, so there's a real yin and yang of the two being on the sidelines now.
I've been expecting more from Hossa, but Kane's been picking up the slack. I think a Toews out matters less than a Bergeron out. . . but these teams are like flip sides of twin sisters, so there's a real yin and yang of the two being on the sidelines now.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
On paper I agree, if Toews and Bergeron are missing, they cancel each other out. I still think Chicago struggle a bit with chemistry when they have to mix lines. The ones that work are extremely effective, but if someone is missing or they are trying to mix and match, they can struggle. Earlier in the playoffs when Keith and Seabrook weren't playing together, both of them struggled too (the Detroit series mostly).
The Bruins certainly have their backs to the walls, but I remain optimistic. Hopefully they win tonight and have a bit of momentum going to Chicago for a classic game 7.
dParis
Hall of Fame
Looks certain that Toews will play tonight. How effective remains to be seen.
What is the latest on Bergeron's status?
It appeared after the first few games that the Blackhawk's best is better than the Bruin's best. I'm glad Q consolidated their strength by putting Kane on the first line, but if both Toews and Bergeron can't play, or can't play to their normal standars, I think that evens things up a bit.
What is the latest on Bergeron's status?
It appeared after the first few games that the Blackhawk's best is better than the Bruin's best. I'm glad Q consolidated their strength by putting Kane on the first line, but if both Toews and Bergeron can't play, or can't play to their normal standars, I think that evens things up a bit.
When I was a kid, I loved watching hockey: it was a beautiful sport to behold. The grace of the athletes, and their hand/eye coordination and speed handling the puck were incredible. They just seemed like they were floating out there, lending an incredible and innate elegance to the sport.
Hockey has long had a credibility/publicity problem because of the fighting. I still wonder how popular the sport could be if the sport had fouls in much the same way that basketball calls fouls for anything other than incidental contact. I believe the sport would be far more popular.
The 2013 stanley cup had the highest tv ratings in years, and there was nary a fight in sight; it could just be a coincidence, but I believe a lot of sports fans would gravitate to the sport if the emphasis were on competition, rather than on 'extra-curriculars.'
There is a huge untapped market for hockey. If fighting were penalized and sanctioned more severely, and if some rule changes were instituted to increase scoring, I think the nhl could literally double it's tv audience in just a few years.
NHL attendance has always been phenomenal (ticket prices being far more affordable than nba games by about half), and the fans are usually incredibly passionate, which is often a rarity with nba fans.
I would love to see hockey become a more high profile sport in the US: the potential is definitely there.
Hockey has long had a credibility/publicity problem because of the fighting. I still wonder how popular the sport could be if the sport had fouls in much the same way that basketball calls fouls for anything other than incidental contact. I believe the sport would be far more popular.
The 2013 stanley cup had the highest tv ratings in years, and there was nary a fight in sight; it could just be a coincidence, but I believe a lot of sports fans would gravitate to the sport if the emphasis were on competition, rather than on 'extra-curriculars.'
There is a huge untapped market for hockey. If fighting were penalized and sanctioned more severely, and if some rule changes were instituted to increase scoring, I think the nhl could literally double it's tv audience in just a few years.
NHL attendance has always been phenomenal (ticket prices being far more affordable than nba games by about half), and the fans are usually incredibly passionate, which is often a rarity with nba fans.
I would love to see hockey become a more high profile sport in the US: the potential is definitely there.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Nooooooo! How did that happen, crazy finish.
Ahh well, the Islanders have the next 4 wrapped up so hopefully the Blackhawks enjoy this one, they deserve it
Oh, I hope you are spot on in this prediction. We need a younger goalie that can "Billy Smith" the league!
Incredible ending to a great series! Look forward to '13-'14 season, hoping it can match the level of these Cup playoffs...probably not possible with the short break these guys are gonna have and the Olympics interrupting the season's flow.
As to the other posts about banning the fisticuffs...never in a gazillion years! Goonery, yes! But if you legislate fighting out, there's no way the speed and power of the game will be maintained. These are big, strong athletes moving at exceptional speeds in very close quarters. Of course, tempers will rise under those circumstanses. Let them get the steam out, go to the sin bin, cool off and continue. It's worked for nearly a century, don't change it!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I agree, it was a little disappointing we didn't try and get Bernier before the Maple Leafs got him yesterday. Niederreiter wants to leave, whilst throwing in one of the young goalies wouldn't of been a problem. That's the price Toronto payed for him.
