NHL 2008 Playoffs Thread

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Final day of the regular season was yesterday, and now it's playoff time.

Here's the matchups:

Eastern Conference
Montreal vs. Boston
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
Washington vs. Philadelphia
New Jersey vs. New York Rangers

Western Conference
Detroit vs. Nashville
San Jose vs. Calgary
Minnesota vs. Colorado
Anaheim vs. Dallas

Go HABS!!!!!!

[Keystone]

I can't even watch the Pens vs Ottawa unless I upgrade my satellite package.

Fuck the NHL.

[O'Zebedee]

They have playoffs when the Oilers don't make it?

[Keystone]

They have playoffs when the Oilers don't make it?
:mad:

The problem down here in Amurrica is the combination of the NHL's lack of marketing and the popularity of American Armorball (NFL) over hockey, a superior game.

I can't fucking see most of the playoffs.

[O'Zebedee]

GO HABS!!!

Hockey will never take over from American football - it's just too regional a game. That's unfortunate for the American States where it likely vies for the public dollar as much as other sports, but that's how it be.

Gotta have naturally occurring ice for a good chunk of the year for it to make sense, and while Pittsburgh and Boston can claim this, Charlotte, NC, Florida and LA can't.

[Keystone]

GO HABS!!!

Hockey will never take over from American football - it's just too regional a game. That's unfortunate for the American States where it likely vies for the public dollar as much as other sports, but that's how it be.
Pens games are regularly sold out, even in our soon-to-be- replaced decrepit Arena. We have Crosby and Malkin and Hossa. The management is spending money on players.
Unfortunately, we have the goddamned Stillers, which keep us and the rest of the US in a coma about superior sports such as hockey.
Gotta have naturally occurring ice for a good chunk of the year for it to make sense, and while Pittsburgh and Boston can claim this, Charlotte, NC, Florida and LA can't.
Can't see why these folks have hockey franchises. It's a dilution of the league.

[omni]

I'll be happy as long as the Noo Yawk Ranjizz' lose to the Devils in the first round, even though I think the Devils were a better team last year. The West looks much more competitive this year considering how dominant Detroit and San Jose were. I'll make predictions for these, even though many will be close:

Eastern Conference
Montreal
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
New Jersey

Western Conference
Detroit
San Jose
Colorado
Anaheim

Hockey will never take over from American football - it's just too regional a game. That's unfortunate for the American States where it likely vies for the public dollar as much as other sports, but that's how it be.



I was at an NFL game this past winter and I was appalled how they literally stop the game every two plays and blast ads through the radio and scoreboard, so that you're getting the equivalent of the 5 minutes of commercials after every incomplete pass that viewers at home get. They also turn on the radio in the bathroom at halftime so that you can listen to Pepsi commercials while you take a piss. It was all so absurd I could barely believe it.

[harjit]

He's been so laid back for a while, it's kind of nice to see the old irascible Keystone again. Although I'm glad this time it wasn't due to another drug deal firefight out in front of his porch by da diversity.

While we're on the topic of crimes by minorities, I'm waiting for Hakluyt to don his Sens avatar so I can steal it off him, yet again, this playoff year.

[Count Eustace II]

I'll be happy as long as the Noo Yawk Ranjizz' lose to the Devils in the first round, even though I think the Devils were a better team


The Jew York Rangas owned the New Joisey "White" Devils this season and will crush them in the playoffs. Brodeur's days are numbered and Lundquist's star is rising.

I love the NHL, especially the post season. Which other team sport is 99% White?

[Masty]

The Jew York Rangas owned the New Joisey "White" Devils this season and will crush them in the playoffs. Brodeur's days are numbered and Lundquist's star is rising.

I love the NHL, especially the post season. Which other team sport is 99% White?I'm a newbie to the N.H.L. and the team I've taken a liking to is the Rangers. I was talking to a bloke from Chicago the other week at the Liverpool versus Everton football game, he said to put my money on The Wild. Any truth in that?

[O'Zebedee]

Interesting - I wonder why he says that? I personally think they'll have their hands full with Colorado in the first round.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Interesting - I wonder why he says that? I personally think they'll have their hands full with Colorado in the first round.

Goaltending wins playoffs and Backstrom is 4-1 vs. Colorado this year, 7-1-1 in his career. 1.98 GAA. He might pull it off.

[Masty]

Shouldn't this thread have dates, times, links etc? It would be appreciated, unless it's neo-niggerlo doing the providing.

Can the games be seen live on the 'net?

[Trojan]

Pens games are regularly sold out, even in our soon-to-be- replaced decrepit Arena. We have Crosby and Malkin and Hossa. The management is spending money on players.
Unfortunately, we have the goddamned Stillers, which keep us and the rest of the US in a coma about superior sports such as hockey.

Can't see why these folks have hockey franchises. It's a dilution of the league.

I should point out that Keystone is a definite minority in Pittsburgh, the city is a Steelers city first and foremost. While I enjoy the Pirates and love the Penguins, no team reaches the hearts of the city like the Steelers.

But I should add that was one hell of a Pens win tonight!!

[Keystone]

I should point out that Keystone is a definite minority in Pittsburgh, the city is a Steelers city first and foremost. While I enjoy the Pirates and love the Penguins, no team reaches the hearts of the city like the Steelers.
Yeah, I'm a minority. The NFL is a non-stop thug fest and too many Stillers fans are shameless, jock-sniffing wigger jagoff metrosexuals or embarrassing deep-suburban knucklefucks wearing $500 worth of Authorized NFL Merchandise to the game they drove to in their Steeler Edition PT Cruisers. At least when the guy in your avatar was playing, there were still actual Steel Workers making Steel in Pittsburgh.

But I should add that was one hell of a Pens win tonight!!
Go Pens!

[Scryllak]

I've taken a liking to hockey lately. I went to a local minor-league hockey game not long ago (the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL), and it was at least as exciting as the Braves and Falcons games I've been to.

[Keystone]

I've taken a liking to hockey lately. I went to a local minor-league hockey game not long ago (the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL), and it was at least as exciting as the Braves and Falcons games I've been to.
It's a better game. Forget the NFL, and my beloved baseball has transformed into 3 hour marathons of Tedious.

[Jake Featherston]

Final day of the regular season was yesterday, and now it's playoff time.

Here's the matchups:

Eastern Conference
Montreal vs. Boston
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
Washington vs. Philadelphia
New Jersey vs. New York Rangers

Western Conference
Detroit vs. Nashville
San Jose vs. Calgary
Minnesota vs. Colorado
Anaheim vs. Dallas

I don't follow sports, but I'm still pleased to see that San Jose is in the play-offs. Does anyone think there's a chance they'll do anything big this year?

[Jake Featherston]

Can't see why these folks have hockey franchises. It's a dilution of the league.

I totally agree. San Jose probably shouldn't have one either, but at least we're located on the very southern end of the Pacific Northwest, so its not quite the level of absurdity associated with hockey teams in Phoenix and such places.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

oh yes.......

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080412/kovalev_81024.jpg

[Keystone]

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0412/nhl_g_malkin_600.jpg

6 points in 2 games for Malkin.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Savour every moment, Keystone. You're gonna have a dynasty on your hands soon enough.

[Keystone]

Savour every moment, Keystone. You're gonna have a dynasty on your hands soon enough.
The Lemieux Group is spending money wisely through GM Ray Shero. Amazing turn-around, really.

[Keystone]

BOS 2 MTL 1

Habs in 6 games.

[Trojan]

Sid the Kid takes it home for 3-0 Series lead - - can it be 4 in a row??

GO PENS!!

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Much more surprising than the Pens winning the first three is Ottawa's complete collapse since they were the strongest team in the first half of the season. I think we're seeing the changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference as the Pens, Caps, and Habs step in to become the dominant forces.

[O'Zebedee]

The Ottawa playoff collapse is an Eastern Canadian tradition - they're just getting better at it.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

The Ottawa playoff collapse is an Eastern Canadian tradition - they're just getting better at it.

yep, they've mastered it so well that they might do it in 4 games this year.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Montreal 1 - Boston 0

Habs up 3-1 in the series and could wrap it up at home on Thursday :)

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080415/price_77553.jpg

[James DeGrizz]

Sweet, other Pittsburghers. The Pens are gonna sweep, can't wait for tonight.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Congrats Pens fans....lol @Ottawa. I was up in uni when Ottawa got their team and their incredibly naive fans would always tell me that they'd win a cup "within the next two years" every year.

They've now perfected the annual playoff choke by losing the first 4 games of the first round. Owned.

This win also signifies the changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference as the Pens (dynasty in the making), the Habs, and the Capitals (with Ovechkin, aka God) taking the role of leaders from the Sens and Devils.

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080416/redden_78043.jpg

[Hakluyt]

Ottawa sucked in the second half of the season, but the problem seems to be weirdly psychological. They were obviously the uncontested leaders in the first half, but then lost any trace of confidence after their first losing streak.

They have, however, been the most consistently good team in the Eastern Conference for the past decade, and they deserve recognition for that. They've made the playoffs 11 years in a row, second only to Detroit's 12 in the West. Making it to the finals last year was a good shot of experience, which they ultimately weren't ready to follow up on; bowing out early this year will be a chastening that should put the focus back on leadership and strategy rather than just throwing the raw talent out there and hoping for the best.

Also getting rid of Emery, the most corrosive and divisive influence on the team this year, will be a huge gain.

[O'Zebedee]

I agree. Ottawa was had some fantastic teams - during the regular season - and have even had some good playoffs, but they're cursed in some way.

The same ouija board (http://www.alarmpress.com/1459/music-news/the-bedlam-in-goliath-offers-weird-ouija-tale-of-the-mars-volta/) problems that cursed the Mars Volta recently?

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Time to clean out your lockers......

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080417/emery_49364.jpg

[Trojan]

Congrats Pens fans....lol @Ottawa. I was up in uni when Ottawa got their team and their incredibly naive fans would always tell me that they'd win a cup "within the next two years" every year.

They've now perfected the annual playoff choke by losing the first 4 games of the first round. Owned.

This win also signifies the changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference as the Pens (dynasty in the making), the Habs, and the Capitals (with Ovechkin, aka God) taking the role of leaders from the Sens and Devils.

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080416/redden_78043.jpg

Thanks - yep, it was a great series to be a Pens fan.

GO PENS!!

[Niccolo and Donkey]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!11

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080421/Habs_76867.jpg

[raven]

Time to clean out your lockers......

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080417/emery_49364.jpg
What kind of Nigga is he? He was born in Canada so chances are he's Afro-Caribbean? Somali or Nigerian (Iginla's father was a Nigerian import)? Haitian or other French Negro? Or (quite rare) the small numbers of "original" Canadian Blacks? (the ones that have been in Canada for a long time. Like O'Ree.)

[Trojan]

Thanks - yep, it was a great series to be a Pens fan.

GO PENS!!

and the Pens still rock!!

[Hakluyt]

What kind of Nigga is he? He was born in Canada so chances are he's Afro-Caribbean? Somali or Nigerian (Iginla's father was a Nigerian import)? Haitian or other French Negro? Or (quite rare) the small numbers of "original" Canadian Blacks? (the ones that have been in Canada for a long time. Like O'Ree.)
I'm pretty sure he's an "old stock Anglo-Black" :p You can usually tell by their voices - so removed from any American or Caribbean influence they sound like typical white people. Youtube up some Emery to see what I mean.

[Count Eustace II]

and the Pens still rock!!

Down with the Penguins. They got lucky against the Rangers last night, by cheati.....oh, screening Lundquist.

That's OK because the Rangers WILL take this series and WILL go to the Stanley Cup Finals.

[Trojan]

Down with the Penguins. They got lucky against the Rangers last night, by cheati.....oh, screening Lundquist.

That's OK because the Rangers WILL take this series and WILL go to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Well, that's two in a row. Think the Rangers can do the same on their home ice? They sure looked tired in the 3rd.

[raven]

I'm pretty sure he's an "old stock Anglo-Black" :p You can usually tell by their voices - so removed from any American or Caribbean influence they sound like typical white people. Youtube up some Emery to see what I mean.Well I just looked him up on google and saw his wikipedia page. It appears that he is of Barbadian descent. So he is Afro-Carribbean but not the usual Jamaican, Trini or Haitian.

[Keystone]

Down with the Penguins. They got lucky against the Rangers last night, by cheati.....oh, screening Lundquist.

That's OK because the Rangers WILL take this series and WILL go to the Stanley Cup Finals.
:o

..........

[Trojan]

:o

..........

Do the Pens rule or what? Must really realy suck to be a Rangers fan right now!!

[Trojan]

8 and 1 in the playoffs - half way there!!

[Keystone]

8 and 1 in the playoffs - half way there!!
The Pens roll on.

Maybe the Cup?

[James DeGrizz]

I was listening to this on the radio and it was quite a nail biter! GO PENS!

[Keystone]

Pens beat the Filthy Flyers 4-2 in Game One.

Malkin with 2 goals.

http://post-gazette.com/pg/08130/880648-100.stm

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Pens beat the Filthy Flyers 4-2 in Game One.

Malkin with 2 goals.

http://post-gazette.com/pg/08130/880648-100.stm

I didnt' expect the Pens to go this far this year...they're a year ahead of schedule.

[Trojan]

I didnt' expect the Pens to go this far this year...they're a year ahead of schedule.

They have such a young team, this is just the beginning ...:dance2:

[Empress Cheesatine]

Bye, Avs.....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/181248189_1ffd522d2f.jpg

[Trojan]

Pens roll on - 10 and 1 in the playoffs!!!

Wow, what a run!!

[Keystone]

Pens 4 Flyers 2

Up 2 to zip in the Eastern Finals.

Sweet.

[Trojan]

And another one down

11 and 1 in the playoffs

3 and 0 in the series

five more and we get the cup!!

[James DeGrizz]

God, I know this may be somewhat of a BS post, but the Penguins rule so much! I listened to the game (I don't have a TV) and god was it exciting!

[Keystone]

Pens 6 Flyers 0

To the Finals...

[Trojan]

Pens 6 Flyers 0

To the Finals...

Unbelievable - 12 and 2 in the playoffs!!

Now for the final show!!

[Keystone]

Heigh-ho! Here we go!

[Keystone]

End of period 1:

Pens 0 Wings 0

Detroit goal disallowed for goaltender interference.

[Keystone]

Both goaltenders excellent.

Kronwall must be stopped...:mad:

[Keystone]

Detroit 1 Pens 0 in the 2nd. Pens get caught in a line change. Samuelsson scores.

[Keystone]

After 2 periods Wings 1 Pens 0.

Detroit outshot us 16-4.

[Warka]

Key, is there anywhere I can watch it live online?

[Keystone]

Key, is there anywhere I can watch it live online?
Not that I know of, prac.

[Warka]

Not that I know of, prac.

Bah, listening from the other room will have to do then (working with AutoCAD trying to get some homework done here). Thanks.

[Warka]

That's 2.

http://stumbleinn.net/forum/images/smilies/sipcoffee.gif

[O'Zebedee]

Bah, listening from the other room will have to do then (working with AutoCAD trying to get some homework done here). Thanks.

Ferchrissakes - in matters like these, ASK A CANADIAN.

CBC Website (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/)

On the right is a live video feed.

[Keystone]

That's 2.

http://stumbleinn.net/forum/images/smilies/sipcoffee.gif
Samuelsson playing like Gordie Howe. Finishes a check behind the net and then slams home a gimme rebound by Fleury.
2-0 Wings. Fleury taking too many shots on goal.

fuck.

[Keystone]

Ferchrissakes - in matters like these, ASK A CANADIAN.

CBC Website (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/)

On the right is a live video feed.

Not available in capitalist countries....:p

[O'Zebedee]

What - seriously? Blocked?

[O'Zebedee]

I blame the fake, stupid Nazis.

[Keystone]

What - seriously? Blocked?
Blocked/{French word for Blocked}

[O'Zebedee]

Tabernacle!

[Warka]

Tabernacle!

Tabernac is right- blocked. Thanks, anyway.

[Warka]

That's 3.

http://stumbleinn.net/forum/images/smilies/sipcoffee.gif

Perfect hockey, as the Canuck announcer called it.

[Warka]

And 4 for a wrap.

Take notes to pass along to your little birdies, Key? :p

[Keystone]

4-0 Detroit, now.

Pens getting bitch-slapped.

game over.

[Keystone]

And 4 for a wrap.

Take notes to pass along to your little birdies, Key? :p
First time the Pens got stood up like that in the playoffs. 4 good power plays with nothing to show.
Ach.

[harjit]

I wistfully recall this time last year when Hakluyt and I still had our Sens avatar. :(

[Hakluyt]

I wistfully recall this time last year when Hakluyt and I still had our Sens avatar. :(
A sad state of affairs. :( I always cheered for Detroit when I was a kid for some reason, but that's presumably because it was during the Yzerman/Federov years and kids just like a winning team (Ottawa was usually last or second-last in the league at the time). Yzerman was born in my neighbourhood however (Nepean); and it often turns out that US teams often have more Canadians than Canadian teams (like in 2007 Anaheim had more Canadians than Ottawa did).

[Warka]

That's 2 shutouts now.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

That's 2 shutouts now.

The similarity between this series and the 1982-83 series between the New York Islanders and the Edmonton Oilers is eerie. We're seeing the last win by the older generation who have a wealth of experience against a future dynasty who have time on their side. The Isles easily brushed aside the Oilers in '83, only to lose to them in '84.

[Keystone]

That's 2 shutouts now.

http://guitarsandaudio.com/extras/shite/fork-potato.jpg
..........................

[James DeGrizz]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08150/885706-61.stm

I'm surprised no one has posted this yet.

[Trojan]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08150/885706-61.stm

I'm surprised no one has posted this yet.

Amen - now for game four - gotta even the series.

[Keystone]

Pens lose 2-1. Back to Detroit down 3 games to 1.

The Wings are brutal. A great hockey club right now..

[Warka]

Pens lose 2-1. Back to Detroit down 3 games to 1.

The Wings are brutal. A great hockey club right now..

Don't count 'em out yet. Knowing Detroit, they'll give it away at the end as they're known to do more often than not.

[Trojan]

Don't count 'em out yet. Knowing Detroit, they'll give it away at the end as they're known to do more often than not.

Game five may never end - how many overtimes before it counts as game six?

[James DeGrizz]

And The Pens Win in Triple Overtime!

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/02/five-red-wings-penguins.html

[Burrhus]

I like watching hockey...all white guys.

[Trojan]

And The Pens Win in Triple Overtime!

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/02/five-red-wings-penguins.html

Wow - what an awesome game!!

[robpost3]

Good for the Pens nice to see em back on top...
To think they were gonna sell em a while back...

[Keystone]

It's on...Game 6

[Keystone]

Wings convert on their first power play. Zafalski on a beautiful high shot. Assist Zetterberg.

Det 1 Pgh 0.

[Keystone]

Wings kill a 5 on 3 Pens power play........Shoot the fuckin puck!

[Keystone]

Pens back on their heels. Wings clogging up the neutral zone. Where is Crosby?!! Anyone who compares him to Mario Lemiuex should fuck off.

[Keystone]

Wings 2 Pens 0 now in the 2nd period. Pittsburgh just standing around.

[Keystone]

Malkin wakes up.

Penguins score!

[Keystone]

3-1 Detroit now...late 3rd period.

Fleury knocks the puck in the net by sitting on it....
:(

[Keystone]

Red Wings will lift Lord Stanley's Cup.

Outstanding finish...Detroit 3 Pittsburgh 2

Congrats Wings fans...We'll be back!

The best sport on earth.

[Warka]

Red Wings will lift Lord Stanley's Cup.

Outstanding finish...Detroit 3 Pittsburgh 2

Congrats Wings fans...We'll be back!

The best sport on earth.

Was a great series.

[Niccolo and Donkey]

Quite a good playoffs altogether...one of the better ones in years. Like I've already said on this thread, this playoff is reminiscent of 82-83 when the Islanders beat the up and coming Oilers.

The Pens, barring any unforeseen catastrophic injuries, will win next year.

[1-800]

Why the hell is the hockey season so damn long?

[Keystone]

Was a great series.
I can't sleep for awhile..too hyped.

Congrats Prac.

[O'Zebedee]

I'm always glad to see the Cup go to a real team - congrats, Detroit (and Prac.)

(By real team I mean one that isn't in Florida or something...the Pens would've been worthy champs as well)

[Keystone]

Quite a good playoffs altogether...one of the better ones in years. Like I've already said on this thread, this playoff is reminiscent of 82-83 when the Islanders beat the up and coming Oilers.

The Pens, barring any unforeseen catastrophic injuries, will win next year.
Might need a coaching change. Badger Bob rising from the dead would be a plus.

[O'Zebedee]

Might need a coaching change. Badger Bob rising from the dead would be a plus.

RIP.

I'm trying to think who is out there that would be a good fit...

[Niccolo and Donkey]

RIP.

I'm trying to think who is out there that would be a good fit...

Mike Nikolyk
Dan Maloney
John Brophy

[O'Zebedee]

Brophy, eh? He probably deserves another shot. Where the hell is Ted Nolan these days?

[O'Zebedee]

Ah, Google.

Nolan is with the Islanders.

[Trojan]

Was a great series.


It was a hell of a run, didn't think the Pens would make it past the second round - a good year all around.

Congrats Detroit, see you next year.

[Keystone]

Well we're down to the Pirates for our sports "entertainment".

Think I'll get out my old flannel 1979 World Series pennant signed by Mike "Easy" Easler and wave it around for luck.

Yay