At 4/13/06 12:36 AM, VeryProudofYa wrote: Shit, San Jose won tonight and took one step closer to the ducks.
Looks like Anaheim will have to beat them to secure 5th.

I hope Anaheim do, because I want to move one step up the playoof chart. I think the Avs stand a better chance against the Flames than the Stars... just about

At 4/11/06 10:02 PM, ThePunisher52 wrote: That win gives the Red Wings the President's Cup trophy and home ice throughout the playoffs.

I don't know if I would want to win the President's Trophy. It always seems like the team that wins it is cursed for the playoffs. The most memorable team that I remember that was "cursed" were the 1995 Detroit Red Wings. They won more games than any other team in the history of the league, but couldn't win the Stanley Cup. They were swept in the finals by the New Jersey Devils.

So, the Leafs are really pulling at my heart and soul right now. They played like garbage for a good month and a half, pushing them way out of a playoff spot, and what do they do now? Win games and play well. Its still possible for them to make the playoffs, but Tampa has to self-destruct for it to happen. Argh.... Well, at least Aubin is playing well. Perhaps the goaltending question has finally been answered.

At 4/13/06 10:36 PM, -Canas- wrote: God, that was a painful first two periods.

Sure, the Flames are dominating as suspected, but for two periods I had to listen to the fucking Colorado announcers.

"Patrick Roy this, Sakic that, we won the cup here,"

Fucking annoying as hell. Broadcast the game for Christ sakes.

As always, Kipper nabs the first star for his team.

Ducks lost to the Oilers, giving up the game winner with like 30 seconds left :(.

At least they have a playoff spot secured.

At 4/13/06 09:47 PM, mighty_potato wrote: I don't know if I would want to win the President's Trophy. It always seems like the team that wins it is cursed for the playoffs. The most memorable team that I remember that was "cursed" were the 1995 Detroit Red Wings. They won more games than any other team in the history of the league, but couldn't win the Stanley Cup. They were swept in the finals by the New Jersey Devils.

That is true. They did get beat by the Devil. If I remember right, the Devils swept the Wings. However, the Wings rebounded and won the Stanley Cup in '96 to break a 52 year, I think, curse and then again in '97. But you are right, sort of, the Wings won the President's Trophy in '02 and lose in the 1st round, then they won it again in '03 and lost in the 2nd round. Then there was the lockout. However, I think this years team is a lot better than the past seasons. So I'm choosing the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup this year.

At 4/13/06 11:43 PM, ThePunisher52 wrote:

However, I think this years team is a lot better than the past seasons. So I'm choosing the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup this year.

How so?

They lost Brett Hull, who was a weapon on the power play. And their goaltending isn't as good.

I think Dallas may be a little overrated heading into the playoffs, they have what, 12 shootout wins? There isn't a shootout in the playoffs, so when it comes to that, they seem a little inflated.

I think the Flames will go far, so long as Kipper's health holds up.

At 4/13/06 11:48 PM, VeryProudofYa wrote:

At 4/13/06 11:43 PM, ThePunisher52 wrote:

However, I think this years team is a lot better than the past seasons. So I'm choosing the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup this year.

How so?

They lost Brett Hull, who was a weapon on the power play. And their goaltending isn't as good.

Yes, they did lose some pieces of the team, but nothing that hasn't been replaced to make them stronger. Sure, they lost Cujo, Boyd Deveraux, and Hull to Phoenix, Hasek to Ottawa, and some others, but the core of the team is in tact. Shanahan and Datsyk ares, in my opinion, having a career seasons. Yzerman is finally healthy for the first time since they won the Cup in '02, 5 gold medal Swedes (Holmstrom, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Kronwall, Samuellson) and 2 non-olympic who play lights out. Defense is pretty rock solid, though they have melted down a few times this season. They have the best penalty kill and are one of the top power play teams. Goaltending? Legace has 7 shutouts on the season, 1 behind Calgary's Kipprosoff. Chris Osgood is playing his best goaltending since he won those two cups with the Wings in the late 90s.

Also a 120 point season (with 3 games remaining), 30 road wins (with 2 of those 3 left on the road). Best season since their run from '96 to '98. Unfortunately, all that means jack once the playoffs start, because everyone starts from scratch.

At 4/14/06 12:34 AM, ThePunisher52 wrote:

At 4/13/06 11:48 PM, VeryProudofYa wrote:

At 4/13/06 11:43 PM, ThePunisher52 wrote:

However, I think this years team is a lot better than the past seasons. So I'm choosing the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup this year.

How so?

They lost Brett Hull, who was a weapon on the power play. And their goaltending isn't as good.

Goaltending? Legace has 7 shutouts on the season, 1 behind Calgary's Kipprosoff. Chris Osgood is playing his best goaltending since he won those two cups with the Wings in the late 90s.

He's now 3 behind Miika, but that point is still valid. He has little playoff experience and Osgood actually isn't playing that great, his save % is under 900, he just has the luxury of being on a good team.

Not to mention, Detroit is playing in the easiest division in hockey, and have gotten to play 24 games against the three worst teams in the West

Also a 120 point season (with 3 games remaining), 30 road wins (with 2 of those 3 left on the road). Best season since their run from '96 to '98. Unfortunately, all that means jack once the playoffs start, because everyone starts from scratch.

I bet the wings know that more the anyone.
Whooped by the Ducks in 03 anyone? :)

At 4/14/06 12:48 AM, VeryProudofYa wrote: Not to mention, Detroit is playing in the easiest division in hockey, and have gotten to play 24 games against the three worst teams in the West.

This is true. Chicago and St. Louis aren't all that great. Columbus is a tough team to handle when they play the way they know how, but if not, anyone can roll over them. Now Nashville, that is a team that gives the Wings fits. But since Vokoun is out for the remainder of the season and playoffs, they probably won't get far.

I bet the wings know that more the anyone.
Whooped by the Ducks in 03 anyone? :)

Indeed the Ducks did. The beat the Wings in the 1st round of the 2002 playoffs. Then they went on to represent the West in the finals against the Devils, if I'm not mistaken. In 2003, Calgary beat the Wings in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Then the Flames went on to represent the West in the finals again Tampa Bay, if I remember right. So, in other words, ANYTHING can happen when it come to the playoffs.

At 4/14/06 12:48 AM, VeryProudofYa wrote: Not to mention, Detroit is playing in the easiest division in hockey, and have gotten to play 24 games against the three worst teams in the West

But they have had to play against one of the best teams as well, in the Preds. (Until they lost Vokoun)

Legace is ready to lead the wings to the cup, I hate to say it. He's one of the most underrated goalies out there, along with Gerber of the Canes

At 4/14/06 10:38 AM, -Canas- wrote: Kipper has 10, sport.

But, he's played 23 more games than Legace. He's only made 3 more shutouts, which isn't that many.

Starts per shutout
Legace 7.14
Kipprusoff 7.30

They are really close, when you look at the bigger picture.

At 4/14/06 10:38 AM, -Canas- wrote: AHAHAHAHAHA

Oh, Vancouver.

HAHAHAH

At 4/14/06 12:48 AM, VeryProudofYa wrote: Goaltending? Legace has 7 shutouts on the season, 1 behind Calgary's Kipprosoff. Chris Osgood is playing his best goaltending since he won those two cups with the Wings in the late 90s.

Kipper has 10, sport.

As I pointed out in the post, champ. I was actually quoting punisher saying that Legace was 1one behind kipper, with 7.

I corrected him by saying he's 3 behind kipper, which of course means that kipper has 10, buddy.

At 4/14/06 12:58 AM, ThePunisher52 wrote: Columbus is a tough team to handle when they play the way they know how, but if not, anyone can roll over them.

So what do you think their chances are next year? I know the Blue Jackets can't possibly make it to the Stanley Cup this season, but would you put any money on them to win it all in the 06-07 season?

I love this.

Flames:
-Northwest Division Champs.

Canucks:
-Booking Early Tee-times.

GO BUFFALO AND CAROLINA!!!! hahah im from buffalo so i luv them and i live in north carolina so i love the canes, im one of the biggest hockey geeks EVER, iv also ben playin fer 8 years =)
.i think its gunna be buffalo against detroit in the cup. wat about uz guys

At 4/17/06 07:13 PM, BuffaloWing19 wrote: .i think its gunna be buffalo against detroit in the cup. wat about uz guys

I don't. You may be half right with Detroit, but I really doubt Buffalo will make it. They are probably going to start their rookie goaltender Miller, and it isn't good news with Mair done for the season. They'll have a first round matchup with either Philly, New York or New Jersey and I wouldn't really want to face any of them if I were Buffalo. Jersey is coming on strong, Philly usually steps it up in the playoffs to knock out one or two teams each year, and NY probably feels like it has something to prove. Out of the three, I would think Buffalo would want to play the Rangers as they also are probably going to go with their Rookie goaltender Lundqvist, and Buffalo would mostly just have to keep Jagr in check.

Ok, I'm a little worried about the Avs form going into the playoffs. We have all probability of going into a first round matchup with the Red Wings, which sucks balls for me.

Since they SWEPT us in the season series, this does not fill me with an aura of conficence.

It's time for the NHL's 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs!
These are the matchups for the East and the West...

Western Conference:

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Edmonton
(2) Dallas vs. (7) Colorado
(3) Calgary vs. (6) Anaheim
(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose

Eastern Conference:

(1) Ottawa vs. (8) Tampa Bay
(2) Carolina vs. (7) Montreal
(3) New Jersey vs. (6) NY Rangers
(4) Buffalo vs. (5) Philadelphia

Discuss!

At 4/19/06 01:05 AM, da_pope wrote: It's time for the NHL's 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs!

And it's time for my predictions. I shall venture each round as and when it comes

Western Conference:
(1) Detroit vs. (8) Edmonton

Detroit in 5

(2) Dallas vs. (7) Colorado

Colorado in 7 (I have to)

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Anaheim

Calgary in 6

(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose

San Jose in 4

Eastern Conference:

(1) Ottawa vs. (8) Tampa Bay

Ottawa in 6

(2) Carolina vs. (7) Montreal

Carolina in 4

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) NY Rangers

Rangers in 5

(4) Buffalo vs. (5) Philadelphia

Phillie in 7

At 4/19/06 08:43 AM, Coop83 wrote:

At 4/19/06 01:05 AM, da_pope wrote: It's time for the NHL's 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs!

And it's time for my predictions. I shall venture each round as and when it comes

What the Hell, I'll do the same.

Western Conference:
(1) Detroit vs. (8) Edmonton

Detroit in 5

(2) Dallas vs. (7) Colorado

Dallas in 7

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Anaheim

Calgary in 6

(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose

San Jose in 6

Eastern Conference:
(1) Ottawa vs. (8) Tampa Bay

Ottawa in 7 (It may be a year passed, but TB is still the defending champs and can step it up in the playoffs, so I have them duking it out in the end.)

(2) Carolina vs. (7) Montreal

Carolina in 5

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) NY Rangers

NJ in 6

(4) Buffalo vs. (5) Philadelphia

Philly in 6

At 4/20/06 03:31 AM, phileeguy wrote: What the Hell, I'll do the same.

Similar predictions to mine there (with a few tweaks, but who's going to agree at this stage of the game?)

Which of the 8 series is going to be the most fun to watch? I think NYR and NJ will be awesome to watch, as they are local rivals both with points to prove.

At 4/20/06 11:02 AM, Coop83 wrote: Similar predictions to mine there (with a few tweaks, but who's going to agree at this stage of the game?)

Maybe so, as I basically picked the same series winners minus the Dallas/Colorado series, with close to similar "won in" games. As much as I picked the favorites in most series, and the 4/5 seed series is a tossup, I really see no way to pick against them.

Detroit/Edmonton: Detroit split the series with the Oilers 2-2, both losses coming in OT, showing they played them well. Detroit always steps it up in the playoffs.
Dallas/Colorado: Dallas took the season series 3-1, have been playing nominally better than Colorado lately, and Colorado isn't going to be the same without the big name players they had in previous playoff seasons.
Calgary/Anaheim: They split the series 2-2, Calgary's got home ice, and I'll be damned to pick a team based on a movie.
Nashville/San Jose: Like I said the 4/5 seeded series is a tossup, they both are playing well of late, and split the series, but I feel that San Jose will take this one.
Ottawa/TB: Ottawa owns the Lightning this season 4-0, but TB are the defending champs, so they should make it interesting.
Carolina/Montreal: Carolina also killed the Canadiens 4-0 this year and Eric Staal was a madman. Adding Rex and Weight only make them look stronger.
NJ/NY: As much improved the Rangers were this year, New Jersey is hot and Brodeur always comes through.
Buffalo/Philly: Even though Buffalo won the season series I can't pick against my Flyers. Forsberg steps up when it counts so if he's healthy he will eat up Buffalo's rookie Goaltender.

Which of the 8 series is going to be the most fun to watch? I think NYR and NJ will be awesome to watch, as they are local rivals both with points to prove.

Yeah, I will have to agree with you there as well. It's been forever since the Rangers were in the playoffs and since its New York it'll be all hyped up.

At 4/20/06 04:30 PM, phileeguy wrote: Detroit/Edmonton: Detroit split the series with the Oilers 2-2, both losses coming in OT, showing they played them well. Detroit always steps it up in the playoffs.

And will take some beating this year.

Dallas/Colorado: Dallas took the season series 3-1, have been playing nominally better than Colorado lately, and Colorado isn't going to be the same without the big name players they had in previous playoff seasons.

I think with some key players coming back from injury for the Avs, we could have a great series on our hands. The kingpin is Theodore. If he can step up his tending, we'll be contenders.

Calgary/Anaheim: They split the series 2-2, Calgary's got home ice, and I'll be damned to pick a team based on a movie.

This one is going to be the closest of the series. Anaheim still have good players, and Calgary is the defending West Champs. Goaltending is at a premium here, both being great examples of their position.

Nashville/San Jose: Like I said the 4/5 seeded series is a tossup, they both are playing well of late, and split the series, but I feel that San Jose will take this one.

Nashville are pinning their hopes on a less well established goalie than Tomas Vokoun. They will be very lucky to survive against the most potent one-two combination in the NHL

Ottawa/TB: Ottawa owns the Lightning this season 4-0, but TB are the defending champs, so they should make it interesting.

I said the Lightning would collapse without Khabibulin, but they have done a great job to reach the playoffs. Don't expect them to stop there. Ottawa have the players and Ray Emery carried my fantasy team in the goalie stakes late on. Will his inexperience prove to be the sens' downfall?

Carolina/Montreal: Carolina also killed the Canadiens 4-0 this year and Eric Staal was a madman. Adding Rex and Weight only make them look stronger.

This looks one sided. Carolina has great stuff (from Gerber in net, to Staal and Weight up front) Eric Cole needs at least round 2 to make a comeback, expect to see him play playoff hockey this year.

NJ/NY: As much improved the Rangers were this year, New Jersey is hot and Brodeur always comes through.

Rookie goalies usually get eaten alive in the playoffs, but I'm not so sure with Lundqvist.

Buffalo/Philly: Even though Buffalo won the season series I can't pick against my Flyers. Forsberg steps up when it counts so if he's healthy he will eat up Buffalo's rookie Goaltender.

Phillie have the power, the depth and the skills to overhaul Buffalo. Expect to see it happen.

Now that the regular season is over, who won the top pick for next season's draft? It looks like St. Louis may have squeezed past Pittsburgh with the same number of regualtion losses, one less win and one more overtime loss.
So what will the draft order look like? If memory serves me right, they used a snake draft at the beginning of this season upon return from the lockout, so are they doing that again this time?

Looks like everyone is posting their predictions, lets see:

At 4/19/06 01:05 AM, da_pope wrote:

Western Conference:

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Edmonton

Detroit in 4

(2) Dallas vs. (7) Colorado

Dallas in 5

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Anaheim

Calgary in 5

(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose

Nashville in 7

Eastern Conference:

(1) Ottawa vs. (8) Tampa Bay

Ottawa in 4

(2) Carolina vs. (7) Montreal

Montreal in 7

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) NY Rangers

New York in 6

(4) Buffalo vs. (5) Philadelphia

Philadelphia in 6

And for the Stanly Cup Final: Ottawa vs Nashville

Yeah.

At 4/22/06 01:20 AM, -Canas- wrote: And you guys all thought Nashville didn't stand a chance, pffft

Finally someone else who thinks Nashville can win.

At 4/22/06 02:46 PM, da_pope wrote:

At 4/22/06 01:20 AM, -Canas- wrote: And you guys all thought Nashville didn't stand a chance, pffft

Finally someone else who thinks Nashville can win.

Best home team in the league. If San Jose steals one on the road it'll be over. Then again, San Jose has a rotten penalty kill.

I don't feel like commenting on all the matchups, but I think Calgary in 7, Ranger falling to the Devils in 5, Ottawa sweeping, and the Avs upsetting Dallas.

Over the past 22 matchups, the 7th seed has beaten the 2nd seed 13 times. This bodes well for the avs. And if Turco continues to let down during playoff action it is a trend that looks to continue.

Too bad fantasy is over, my players rocked the first two days.

Sillinger - G, A
Clark, G
Sakic, 2 A
Huet, W
Prucha, G
Elias, G, 3A

Others too, I'm sure, but that's what I know of off the top of my head.

I ended up finishing 2nd in the NGHL, which is a bit of a surprise because at one point I was in last and trying to merely finish in the top 10.

I got my stats on Elias incorrect, he had even more points in the Devil's destruction of the Rangers.
Today is game 2 of Flames/Ducks. Still don't know if J.S. Giguere is going to be playing, or what the nature of his injury is. In my opinion, Bryz and Jiggy are about equal when it comes to skill in net. I actually tend to give Bryz the nod because he's more athletic and gives up fewer rebounds. Giguere's main advantage is even when he does give up rebounds, he has excellent positioning and recovery. Plus, he had the incredible run a few years back.

And Kipper, well, he's the best there is right now. Probably for the forseeable future, too.

a bit surprised Gerber got smashed on so badly, he was clutch in the olympics.

Calgary will win Game 2 against The Ducks.

At 4/23/06 12:11 PM, Tiny_Brad wrote: Calgary will win Game 2 against The Ducks.

I think so, since it's home field.
Plus, they got outplayed last game and I think they want to rebound from that.

Yeah, I heard about Phanuef not having so great a game. I was at a friend's house last night and was only able to catch the OT winner.

San Jose took the special team's battle to the preds and collected 3 power-play goals to even the series and give Toskala his first playoff win.
2 of the powerplay goals were 5-on-3.

Oilers also won tonight, but I still have Detroit closing it out. After all, the oilers are better on the road than at home. I've got Detroit in 6.