Almost that time of the year!!

Rodja · 03-31-2006, 12:56 PM

My favorite time of year is almost here...PLAYOFFS. The race out west should be very interesting. If San Jose gets in the playoffs, they could easily make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. As long as Detroit or Dallas do not win the cup, I will be happy.

Mulletsoldier · 03-31-2006, 01:08 PM

Word to that, I hate them both...It is pretty tight out west, especially the Northwest considering Edmonton, Colorado, Calgary and Vancouver most likely will make the playoffs..

uhockey · 04-01-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodja

My favorite time of year is almost here...PLAYOFFS. The race out west should be very interesting. If San Jose gets in the playoffs, they could easily make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. As long as Detroit or Dallas do not win the cup, I will be happy.

Disagree on SJ, absolutely agree on Det and Dallas.

Alas my kings have given up, gotten one of the NHLs best coaches fired, and look AWFUL. I hate hockey.

Rodja · 04-01-2006, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhockey

Disagree on SJ, absolutely agree on Det and Dallas.

Alas my kings have given up, gotten one of the NHLs best coaches fired, and look AWFUL. I hate hockey.

San Jose is streaking in the most important part of the year. They have experience, a great goaltender, 2 top centers, and a big defense. Don't forget that they made it to Game 7 of the Western Finals last season.

LuckyBoy · 04-02-2006, 02:14 PM

the hottest team in the west is anaheim. never thought theyd be a threat but theyve come on. but i agree, to hell with detroit and dallas. the northwest division is nuts, im pulling my hair out with how inconsistent my avs are. theyre either 2 points outta first or 2 points from missing the playoffs entirely.

Mulletsoldier · 04-02-2006, 03:18 PM

I agree with Rodja in that if San Jose makes the show, they can do very well...But, I have to come back to my flames. Although they are offensively challenged a majority of the time, their home ice GAA is very, very low. Barring a setback in the next two weeks they will have home ice advantage against their first round opponent which doesn't fare well for whoever that may be. Also, though teams may beat Calgary on a given night, I think it is fair to say their are the most physically demanding team to play against, and playing them that many times in such a short period makes it very difficult.

uhockey · 04-02-2006, 03:34 PM

IMO, the Flames will represent the West in the finals. As long as the Kipper plays well, they are solid at both ends of the ice.

Anaheim looks good too.....and I can't figure out why.

In the East......who the hell knows? So inconsistent......NJ is looking awesome suddenly, so is Florida. Why? Because of goaltending.

As usual, the playoffs will hinge on whoever gets that one goalie that plays out of his skull for 16 games. Tough to bet against Marty, even if his team isn't top notch.

Mulletsoldier · 04-02-2006, 03:37 PM

Yeah, I agree..The Flames live and die by Kipper/their defence..When him/it is impeccable they only need one to two goals to beat you. And I totally agree, Calgary should rep the west in the finals..I just can't see any of the teams in the west consistently bringing enough physicality to compete with Calgary possibly 7 games in a row.

IainDaniel · 04-06-2006, 03:25 PM

Agree on San Jose... ever since they picked up Thorton, they have one of the better records in Hockey. Right now they are in the 8th spot with 2 games in-hand to play over Vancouver. They also have a home and home coming up with Vacnouver which will be crucial for both teams playoff hopes.

As much as I hate to say this..... and yes they still have to prove they are a playoff team. I think Ottawa will be the team to beat. I know really out on a limb there

CDONDICI · 04-06-2006, 10:52 PM

Yea, I am def pumped for the playoffs, any see the flyers rangers game last nigth, that was a great game even though the flyguys lost.

Lightning · 04-07-2006, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDONDICI

Yea, I am def pumped for the playoffs, any see the flyers rangers game last nigth, that was a great game even though the flyguys lost.

That was an awesome game. Unfortunately its only a matter of time before my Rangers fold and break my heart.

Rocky82 · 04-07-2006, 01:24 PM

My Devils are on a tear, peaking at just the right time (although Brodeur could be a little better). They're 8-2 in their last 10 against the top 8 teams in the East. That's all I'm gonna say.

Oh yeah, and the Rangers will choke. Would be very surprised if they make it out of he first round. Jagr will try to do too much and the team will suffer. The playoffs are about an entire team giving 110% every night, not watching a superstar try and run the game on his own.

CDONDICI · 04-07-2006, 02:12 PM

Yea the rangers had a good season, but I really don't see them doing much in the playoffs.

Although It looks like it could be anyone, flyers, canes, sens, devils, buffalo, rangers, they all seem like any could beat any on a good day.

I haven't really seen much of the west, but according to total pts east and west are fairly even.

max silver · 04-08-2006, 12:11 AM

I'm another flames fan, and look forward to what hopefully is another long playoff run. I agree on the fact they are seriously offensively challenged, but considering they more or less play a playoff style of hockey year round, that shouldn't affect them too much come playoff time. It'd be nice if they could get everybody on the blueline healthy for a change though.

uhockey · 04-08-2006, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky82

My Devils are on a tear, peaking at just the right time (although Brodeur could be a little better). They're 8-2 in their last 10 against the top 8 teams in the East. That's all I'm gonna say.

Oh yeah, and the Rangers will choke. Would be very surprised if they make it out of he first round. Jagr will try to do too much and the team will suffer. The playoffs are about an entire team giving 110% every night, not watching a superstar try and run the game on his own.

Seriously, looking around at the teams that will be in the playoffs this year...how can ANYONE bet against Brodeur? Sure, NJ isn't the best team in the league, but then again neither was Anaheim with Giguere the year they made a run for the cup......and Brodeur is a hell of a lot better and more proven that "giggy."

Rocky82 · 04-09-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhockey

Seriously, looking around at the teams that will be in the playoffs this year...how can ANYONE bet against Brodeur? Sure, NJ isn't the best team in the league, but then again neither was Anaheim with Giguere the year they made a run for the cup......and Brodeur is a hell of a lot better and more proven that "giggy."

Being a die hard devils fan all my life, believe me nothing helps me sleep at night more at this time of year than knowing that no matter what happens, Marty will be between the pipes...However, with playoff hockey it doesnt matter who's the best goalie, it's who's playing out of their mind at that specific time. My only worry in the east is Lundqvist playing as he has all year. In fact, I'm pretty certain he'll play well, but he'll let in a few soft goals and send the rangers home in the first or 2nd round. I dont care how many olympic medals or world junior championships, or Frozen Four appearances you have, NOTHING prepares you for the NHL playoffs. You're either ready or you're not.

That being said, I'll be the first to say that the Devils havent had their best year, and the offense has looked rather impotent, but they've won their last 6-7 games and are peaking at just the right time.