2012 NHL Playoffs (LA Kings: Stanley Cup Champs)

[gellar]

NHL must hate who's left in the West

The fix is in for LA.  VLAC.

[leo8877]

NHL must hate who's left in the West

The fix is in for LA.  VLAC.

It's the largest market left!  It's true!!!

[kronovan]

Bye bye Hawks!

Yep. Wow, didn't expect them to lose their last game 4-zip. I thought if there was a team that was for sure going to beat the team finishing above them it was the Hawks. I don't like it when the sunbelters get beyond the 1st and I'm hoping the Preds beat them next round. And come on Devils, take out those suntanning swamp cats!

[JayDee]

Wouldn't the white out work better if the team they are backing was also wearing white??

Back before the NHL fucked it up, the home team always wore white.  The tradition came from that.

Ah I didn't know that.  I always wondered why the NHL was backwards that way.  Although I guess the NFL wears colors at home.

Ya, it used to be Home = white and Away = whatever colour from the rainbow the visiting team is. Which was one of the best parts of going to a game live in that every game you would see different bright coloured jerseys. Now it's always "Your team colour" vs. white. When I go to a Leafs game it's Blue vs White. Every time. It sucks.

Apparently the change was made when 3rd jerseys became popular and most of them were non-white. Instead of making the visiting team wear white once in a while when the home team wanted to use their 3rds, they changed the whole thing up.

It's a small thing, but it sucks, makes me a bit more angry than it should, and still actually confuses me once in a while when I turn on a game at random.

[kronovan]

My prediction about attendance at Coyote games in Scottsdale next round; 20-33% of the seats will be filled by Canadians on golfing vacations. 

[theohall]

My thoughts today on the Blues/Kings series:  Whoever wins will lose the next round... it's going to be that brutal and could well go seven games (and multiple OTs).  Attrition is going to destroy both teams.

Also since both teams basically play the same defensive shell/counterattack, the series is going to come down to special teams execution.  LA might have a slight early advantage here given that the Blues got to play a terrible, terrible PK team in San Jose and could be rusty in facing an actual good PK for the first game or so against LA.  That's grasping at straws though... realistically both teams are pretty even.

Also due to the play styles, if there are no penalties called these games will be as boring as a 90s Devils series.

The same could be said of the Nashville/Phoenix series.  Both teams have outstanding goaltending and play solid defensively.  I would not be surprised to see both series go 7 games.  The only time LA soundly defeated the Blues this season was before Hitchcock took over and Halak was playing like ass back in October.  The next 3 games were split - 1-1-1 and were all decided by 1 goal.

[Devil]

It's a small thing, but it sucks, makes me a bit more angry than it should, and still actually confuses me once in a while when I turn on a game at random.

I like it. Teams should wear their colors at home, not be forced to wear white.

[theohall]

What the fuck was Seguin doing wearing that big chain link around his neck? (post game interview)

It's given by the team to a player after every win in the playoffs. Last year it was some old beat up jacket bought on EBay, this time it's ridiculous chain link necklace. It's a team unity thing I think.

Also, back to back game days followed by a two day layoff before a Game 7. Eff you NBC.

Screw those really boring awards.  After a Blues win, the players vote and hand out this wonderful award to someone:

The Weenie of the Game

[gellar]

My thoughts today on the Blues/Kings series:  Whoever wins will lose the next round... it's going to be that brutal and could well go seven games (and multiple OTs).  Attrition is going to destroy both teams.

Also since both teams basically play the same defensive shell/counterattack, the series is going to come down to special teams execution.  LA might have a slight early advantage here given that the Blues got to play a terrible, terrible PK team in San Jose and could be rusty in facing an actual good PK for the first game or so against LA.  That's grasping at straws though... realistically both teams are pretty even.

Also due to the play styles, if there are no penalties called these games will be as boring as a 90s Devils series.

The same could be said of the Nashville/Phoenix series.  Both teams have outstanding goaltending and play solid defensively.  I would not be surprised to see both series go 7 games.  The only time LA soundly defeated the Blues this season was before Hitchcock took over and Halak was playing like ass back in October.  The next 3 games were split - 1-1-1 and were all decided by 1 goal.

Agreed on the defensive bit for all four teams, but I just think our teams are meaner and will end up doing a lot more hitting than the other two teams.

[Devil]

That's so cute! Mean Western Conference teams!! Ha!! 

Getting my last post in before I'm kicked out!

What a disappointment. Never expected them to really contend for The Cup or even reach the ECF, but man, you gotta at least win this round agains the Panthers!!!!

Marty sucked tonight and hopefully retires.
Zach is on his way to Detroit.
Other than Volchenkov, the defense didn't look too bad in this series.
Kovy played well all season and in this series, just out there alone a lot of the time against FLA.
Elias, Clarkson, Parise, Henrique all didn't show up when they needed them. The scoring depth was supposed to help this team win a series this year but they vanished.
No sense of urgency either.

Frustrating.

Ah well, they are going to have cap space, but if they have real money to spend, unload it for Suter.

[gellar]

Suter is going to Detroit too, yo.

[Devil]

(I'm back for another game)

Really think Detroit will get both? That's NFL-Like if they grab the 2 best free agents. Good for them though if they do.

[kronovan]

Jeez Devil, if you took a minute to stop whining you might have noticed your team won tonight.  Zajak for the overtime winner - that was a good game by him and Kovy. Looking forward to the 7th game.

[gellar]

(I'm back for another game)

Really think Detroit will get both? That's NFL-Like if they grab the 2 best free agents. Good for them though if they do.

If Lids retires, they have lots of cap space.  I see it happening.

[Devil]

Jeez Devil, if you took a minute to stop whining you might have noticed your team won tonight.   Zajak for the overtime winner - that was a good game by him and Kovy. Looking forward to the 7th game.

I noticed! Shocked, but I noticed!!

I did do a lot of whining, but really, you'd be pretty pissed if your team lost to the Panthers!

All my whining stands though, it's all true!  

[pr0ner]

(I'm back for another game)

Really think Detroit will get both? That's NFL-Like if they grab the 2 best free agents. Good for them though if they do.

If Lids retires, they have lots of cap space.  I see it happening.

Assuming the cap goes up again (let's give them at least $22 million free), they do have holes created by Hudler, Helm, Stuart, and Quincey hitting various levels of free agency to worry about, too, in addition to filling Lidstrom's spot.  It'll be interesting to see how they could manage to get both Weber and Parise signed and fill their other holes

[Blackjack]

GO CAPS!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 

Caps fans have been bashing GM McPhee over the Joel Ward signing all season long. For one second though, he looks like a genius. 

[leo8877]

Bruins are out.

[Isgrimnur]

Yup.  Washington didn't really deserve to win that game, though.  Tourney scores are updated.  Less than 1/4 of the entries have a shot at a cup winner.  If the Rangers go out tomorrow, that gets cut in half.

[Clanwolfer]

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!

There, that's out of my system. What a sequence. Knuble - who was only back in the lineup because Nick Backstrom got himself suspended - starts the play, and Ward, who's been under fire since he was supposed to be signed to be clutch in the playoffs, justifies just about every penny of that $3M this year by ramming it home.

George McPhee just let out a long sigh of relief on that one. And I'm saved any beard-related decisions for another little while!

I will say this - utmost, absolute respect to the Bruins and their fans, with one exception. That was the closest-played series in history (only time ever that six or seven games have all been decided by one goal), it was agonizing at every point including when the Caps had a lead, the trolling was pretty much good-natured on both sides, and pretty much every player was a warrior. I don't hate Boston after this series the way I've hated the Rangers, Flyers, and Pens - pure respect for a battle hard-fought, either way it would have gone.

That said - fans in Boston should NOT have been chucking their beers at the Caps as they celebrated the goal. That was a low move, and sucked, and I'd be mad about it if Washington fans did the same.

[kronovan]

Yup.  Washington didn't really deserve to win that game, though.

Umm...the team that wins deserves to win. Awesome job Caps, I say its a bit of retribution for all those series they choked in when they were expected to win. Now that the shoes on the other foot....

Now if the Sens can just do it tomorrow against the Rangers.   

[Devil]

Bruins are out.

One thing that would make me happier would be a miracle win tomorrow night.

The only thing better than seeing Steelers fans cry is watching Bruins fans cry. Never gets old.

Beside my joy from this, to regular Bruins fans like Kozzy: They ran into a hot goalie and a team playing over their heads. What are you gonna do? They won last year, it ain't that bad.

If the Sens and Devils can win (highly doubtful)...Devils open at home against the Caps. 

[Clanwolfer]

Bruins are out.

One thing that would make me happier would be a miracle win tomorrow night.

The only thing better than seeing Steelers fans cry is watching Bruins fans cry. Never gets old.

Beside my joy from this, to regular Bruins fans like Kozzy: They ran into a hot goalie and a team playing over their heads. What are you gonna do? They won last year, it ain't that bad.

If the Sens and Devils can win (highly doubtful)...Devils open at home against the Caps. 

You in Jersey? I'll spot you a ticket for that. I hear they're cheap, and it's an excuse to wear a Caps jersey in May.

[kronovan]

Yah, I'm really counting on the Devils to put away the fun-in-the-sun cats tomorrow night. Seriously, I can't bare looking at Jovo-cop's gray beard for more than 1 more night.   Go Devils!  

[Devil]

Bruins are out.

One thing that would make me happier would be a miracle win tomorrow night.

The only thing better than seeing Steelers fans cry is watching Bruins fans cry. Never gets old.

Beside my joy from this, to regular Bruins fans like Kozzy: They ran into a hot goalie and a team playing over their heads. What are you gonna do? They won last year, it ain't that bad.

If the Sens and Devils can win (highly doubtful)...Devils open at home against the Caps. 

You in Jersey? I'll spot you a ticket for that. I hear they're cheap, and it's an excuse to wear a Caps jersey in May.

Nope - Stuck in Boston - I only make it down there for the Finals. Thanks though. Would LOVE to make the trip this year, but unless I'm bringing 4 defensemen with me, I don't think there will be a Western Conference team coming to Newark this spring.

Wow - An outpouring of support for the Devils?! Thanks guys!

Need Koz and gellsy in here to put me back in my place!

[Koz]

Eh, it's like you said, they won it last year, can't feel too bad. I didn't even really watch the game. Sacrilege I know. While it was the closest series ever it was also one of the most boring I've ever watched. Lots of defense, lots of mistakes, bad special teams. Meh. The Bruins wouldn't have gotten past Philly or really anyone else and I don't think Washington will either.

I'll be rooting for the cats because of my man crush on Kevin Dineen, but I will support whoever wins. Don't really care for Philly or the rags or Ottawa.

[Blackjack]

This is what we're growing to love about Holtby, although he does sometimes get carried away. 

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=174842

Rich Peverley tries to get in the kitchen of Braden Holtby, but the Washington netminder won't have any of it.

He reminds me of Olie Kolzig at times (who's now a consulting goaltender coach for the Caps).

Amazing series. That's the first time in Cup history every game was decided by one goal, and there were 4 OT games.

And so far, it just means my Caps will at least get as far as last year. Baby steps. 

[Canuck]

Ahhah Boston out! Really does my soul good.  Hard to believe that both of the Stanley Cup finalists of last year are out in the first round this year. Good old Joel Ward! I grew up watching him play for the Owen Sound Platers and he was a terrible player who somehow managed to get a decent amount of points.  I had no idea that his career had been so mediocre until the past couple of years.  Good to see that that still gets you $3 million per year.  Anyways glad to see him get a big goal!
I think Washington might be my team this year as I don't like anyone in the Western conference and I am liking this young goalie Holtby.  If the Sens go out then they're definitely my team.  Be nice for Obama to have a Washington team in the White House.  No second chances for you Thomas! lol

[El-Producto]

Hahahahahaha Bruins.


Go Sens!

[Isgrimnur]

Now I want to see a NJ/NSH final, as no one picked either team for Cup winners. 

[gellar]

Now I want to see a NJ/NSH final, as no one picked either team for Cup winners. 

Yeah I'm pretty much screwed in that thing.


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[ScubaV]

If the Panthers and Senators win tonight I'll have gone 8/8 at picking winners*.

*winning at losing that is

[Isgrimnur]

You've got two people that will share that with you. 

[El-Producto]

http://www.dave.ca/2012/04/26/boston-bruins-fans-take-racist-comments-to-social-media/

Stay classy Boston.

[kronovan]

http://www.dave.ca/2012/04/26/boston-bruins-fans-take-racist-comments-to-social-media/

Stay classy Boston.

Dude, seriously I don't see how this in any way reflects the sentiments of Bruins fans. A few asshat racists who live in Boston demonstrating their lack of intelligence is far from The Fans. Saying that is about as legit as saying the 1000 punks amongst a crowd of 100,000 law-abiding citizens that rioted last June in Vancouver represents The Fans. Of course that hasn't stopped some jerks here from claiming otherwise.    No need to stoop to their level though.  

[El-Producto]

I guess I should have qualified my post by saying I do not believe at ALL that Bruins fans were responsible for this.  I just found it very unfortunate that stuff like this even hapens in 2012.  I would say the majority of Bruins fans I've had discussion with over the past year or so, have been nothing but good people.

[PeteRock]

http://www.dave.ca/2012/04/26/boston-bruins-fans-take-racist-comments-to-social-media/

Stay classy Boston.

Dude, seriously I don't see how this in any way reflects the sentiments of Bruins fans. A few asshat racists who live in Boston demonstrating their lack of intelligence is far from The Fans. Saying that is about as legit as saying the 1000 punks amongst a crowd of 100,000 law-abiding citizens that rioted last June in Vancouver represents The Fans. Of course that hasn't stopped some jerks here from claiming otherwise.    No need to stoop to their level though.  

Yet similar logic continues to permeate generalizations about the Philadelphia fan base.  And those generalizations are often defended, not dispelled. 

I find such attention applied to any fans, regardless of the size of the sample base, to be a refreshing break from the usual vilification of Philadelphia fans.

Not that we do much to thwart such a reputation, but we aren't the only ones presenting questionable judgment. 

Good thing these fans haven't seen The Hunger Games.   

[leo8877]

http://www.dave.ca/2012/04/26/boston-bruins-fans-take-racist-comments-to-social-media/

Stay classy Boston.

Dude, seriously I don't see how this in any way reflects the sentiments of Bruins fans. A few asshat racists who live in Boston demonstrating their lack of intelligence is far from The Fans. Saying that is about as legit as saying the 1000 punks amongst a crowd of 100,000 law-abiding citizens that rioted last June in Vancouver represents The Fans. Of course that hasn't stopped some jerks here from claiming otherwise.    No need to stoop to their level though.  

Yet similar logic continues to permeate generalizations about the Philadelphia fan base.  And those generalizations are often defended, not dispelled. 

I find such attention applied to any fans, regardless of the size of the sample base, to be a refreshing break from the usual vilification of Philadelphia fans.

Not that we do much to thwart such a reputation, but we aren't the only ones presenting questionable judgment. 

Good thing these fans haven't seen The Hunger Games.   

I thought Philly fans loved the image they are portrayed with?

[PeteRock]

I thought Philly fans loved the image they are portrayed with?

Nice of you to illustrate my very point.

As with any grouping of fans, there are those proud of our surly nature, and those embarrassed and tired of it.

But according to most, we're all loud and proud of our asshattery. 
 

[Koz]

Aww, nice to see all the Boston love. You guys really do care!