I see the NBA has it's own sticky for the upcoming playoffs. And I totally get it since the NBA has a much broader audience than the niche sport and market the NHL is all about. However, playoff hockey is second to none in terms of excitement and intensity, and it seems every semi-serious sports fan tunes in to take in the action. Its pretty common for me to talk with people who dont watch the NHL regular season much, but knows whats going on with the tournament leading to Lord Stanley's Chalice. If theres anybody here that cares to talk shop with me or whoever else that may decide to pay a visit on this topic, please fire away with your thoughts, feelings, and predictions! With that said:

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Habs V. Senators (Montreal leads 2-0)

If the Senators can tighten up their transition game and roll along with all 4 lines to keep up the pace with the ultra-quick Habs, the Sens have a fighting chance, and could tie up the series with their upcoming games on home ice. Carey Price is a very beatable goaltender, and the Sens have already shown they can score on the probable Vezina winner.

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Capitals V. Islanders (Series tied 1-1)

Its looking like the Caps are starting to get some consistent momentum in a series where they quite frankly look outmatched. The Isles are an extra aggressive team, and the Caps simply need to put on their big boy pants and begin to forecheck much more if they expect to steal a game in Nassau. Scoring always helps win games in the playoffs, but everybody knows consistent defense and goaltending are the real keys to winning, and the Caps gotta lean more towards beating the big New York Islanders at their own game. Capitals can put the puck in the net no problem so in essance, the focus needs to be shifted towards the dirtier side of the game.

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Somebody else's turn!

[Edited 4/18/15 11:27am]

apparently not.

i'm a bandwagon red wings fans when they're doing well. rabid hockey fans here in the D, even during the "lean years". my mentee is obsessed and is a rare black teen into hockey, he'd be able to enage with u if he were on here LOL.

datdude said:

apparently not.

i'm a bandwagon red wings fans when they're doing well. rabid hockey fans here in the D, even during the "lean years". my mentee is obsessed and is a rare black teen into hockey, he'd be able to enage with u if he were on here LOL.

Oh that doesnt surprise me at all. They dont call the D "Hockeytown" for no reason. And regardless of being a black teen into hockey or not (since hockey is obviously Canada's sport aka SUPER White lol), if people really took the time to learn the game and take in all it's intricacies, it would have so much more of a fanbase in the US. Contrary to some people's general thoughts of the game, the sport of hockey isn't a bunch of dimwitted foreigners going in circles on a sheet of ice. It's an acquired taste, no doubt. But once one gets a little more familiar with the game and sees these ultra-talented athletes making insane plays based solely on reflexes and the discipline it takes to execute them, they'll get hooked and it'll start to slowly consume them and it'll probably become their favorite sport. Take it from me, I was that guy. The NHL has never been in a better state, and theyre doing great things to sell the sport, especially to the markets that have always been out of their reach. Its continually growing here in America, and people are taking notice. And its no secret that pretty much all the major sportscasters and talking heads have consistently said that the NHL's playoffs are the best in all sports.

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And BTW: I appreciate your honesty when you say you're a bandwagon fan, and now is the time to start watching and rooting for the Wings. They're tied 1-1 with the Tampa Bay Lightning in an already intense series thats only going to get more dramatic. The next game is Monday, tune in and get your octopus ready!!

Well, I should do something for the Stanley Cup playoffs like I'm doing for the NBA playoffs, but I don't follow too much of it other than my Chicago Blackhawks. So here goes.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Washington Capitals 1 New York Islanders 2 F/OT

John Tavares' goal 15 seconds into overtime gave the Islanders a big Game 3 win over the Capitals.

NY Islanders lead series 2-1.


Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Nashville Predators 2 Chicago Blackhawks 4

Scott Darling stops the Predators while Jonathan Toews and Marion Hossa score goals for the Hawks.

Chicago leads series 2-1.

you're right ky, it IS extremely intricate and intense. playoff hockey is a whole 'nother beast. I've gone to a few wings games at The Joe and MAN, i was blown away. my first thought years ago was like, ok. before you get into the intricacies offense, defense, strategy, etc. you have to be able SKATE. no other sport requires such a "pre-req". RUNNING, on your own two feet which you've been doing since childhood is where you start with most other sports. And not just skate with hockey, but backwards AND forwards, able to switch directions on a dime and have some velocity. Now after that, you get into things like "stick control".... I'll stop here because its getting long, just say, i REALLY RESPECT hockey, its super hard to me, linebacker types flying at you with added velocity, AND, they can FIGHT you?! (Bob Probert anyone).

On another note, are you familiar with a book called Black Ice? ESPN did an expose years ago and now there's a book about Afro-Canadians who took to the sport in its nascent stages as they settled in Canada, Nova Scotia and other places after migrating/escaping the US during and after slavery. Apparently they contributed significantly to the development of the sport, just how much is (sadly) disputed.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Montreal Canadiens 2 Ottawa Senators 1 F/OT

Dale Weise scored the tying goal late in the third period and then won it 8:47 into overtime, leading the Habs to a 2-1 victory over the Senators on Sunday night, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Montreal leads series 3-0.

Let's go, Wild!!

I'm a Winnipeg Jets fan! Go Jets Go! First playoff game in Winnipeg in 20 years!!! (Monday 20 April 2015)

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

New York Rangers 2 Pittsburgh Penguins 1

New York came out early to score two goals while the Pens looked lifeless for most the game, but they did make a furious push to tie the game in the closing miunites but came up short.

NY Rangers lead series 2-1.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

St. Louis Blues 0 Minnesota Wild 3

Devan Dubnyk made 17 saves and Jason Pominville and Zach Parise scored second-period goals as the Minnesota Wild earned a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Monday.

Minnesota leads series 2-1.

datdude said:

you're right ky, it IS extremely intricate and intense. playoff hockey is a whole 'nother beast. I've gone to a few wings games at The Joe and MAN, i was blown away. my first thought years ago was like, ok. before you get into the intricacies offense, defense, strategy, etc. you have to be able SKATE. no other sport requires such a "pre-req". RUNNING, on your own two feet which you've been doing since childhood is where you start with most other sports. And not just skate with hockey, but backwards AND forwards, able to switch directions on a dime and have some velocity. Now after that, you get into things like "stick control".... I'll stop here because its getting long, just say, i REALLY RESPECT hockey, its super hard to me, linebacker types flying at you with added velocity, AND, they can FIGHT you?! (Bob Probert anyone).

On another note, are you familiar with a book called Black Ice? ESPN did an expose years ago and now there's a book about Afro-Canadians who took to the sport in its nascent stages as they settled in Canada, Nova Scotia and other places after migrating/escaping the US during and after slavery. Apparently they contributed significantly to the development of the sport, just how much is (sadly) disputed.

Oh for sure. And pretty much over 80% of the league is over 200-plus pounds. Most of the smaller guys are the snipers, the ones that usually get the puck behind the net, and the other teammates of theirs do their best to protect that guy and to make sure they dont get smashed. And its funny, you gotta be cut from a certain cloth to be a pro hockey player. They're the walking examples of true "athletes" and the conditioning those guys put themselves through is wild. And compared to the other 3 major sports leagues in the US, hockey players get paid peanuts. I mean sure, they get paid handsomely but not nearly as much as a starting pitcher or a hot-shot point guard.

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And No, I cant say Im familiar with that book. If you can believe it, theres only been ONE (!!!!) US-born black hockey player (Mike Grier). Crazy if you really sit and think about it considering how long the league has been semi-popular in the country. And theres a lot of black Canadian players that are making some major noise in the league right now, the most popular one being PK Subban, D-man for the Habs (AKA Montreal Canadiens). Hes an electric player, and you either love or hate him. I personally cant stand him, I think hes totally obnoxious (But I hate the Habs so..) but that doesnt take away the fact hes an astonishing player. And you also got my man Wayne Simmonds, a Power Forward for my Philadelphia Flyers. Hes tough, will fight, and hes consistently scored over 25 goals a season since hes been with us. Love having him, and hes a major fan favorite. If the NHL uses it's noggin, they should market these guys to the black market to show that the sport isnt A) A bunch of white boys with sticks and B) A very exciting sport they've slept on. Ive talked to a bunch of my black friends/associates and I've asked them why they dont watch it and the most popular answer being that they can't relate to it. It's alot easier for a lower-income family to buy their kids a pair of sneakers and a basketball instead of skates and padding and sticks (their words, not mine). It totally makes sense since a good pair of high-quality skates will easily run you $700. I dunno man, I just want to share it to people to enjoy and love what I've been enjoying and loving, you know? But really, all it takes is for somebody thats not really a fan to go see a game live and they'll have a whole new respect for it almost instantly. Happens every time.

[Edited 4/23/15 16:32pm]

[Edited 4/23/15 17:27pm]

7thday said:

I'm a Winnipeg Jets fan! Go Jets Go! First playoff game in Winnipeg in 20 years!!! (Monday 20 April 2015)

Sorry to see the Jets get swept. I personally hate the Ducks, and was really rootin' for your team. It was nice to finally see Winnipeg get into "The Dance" after so long! And how ironic is it that the year after Teemu Selanne retires, its the Ducks and Jets in the first round? Hes gotta laugh about that, I know I would.

jillybean said:

Let's go, Wild!!

2 games ago, The Wild looked totally unbeatable and I said to myself that if they kept that intensity up, theyll win the cup. Then, they totally shit the bed during Game 4 and the Blues proceeded to beat the hell out of them! They better get it together or else Zach Parise and co. are going to have a tee time sooner than they thought!

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

St. Louis Blues 0 Minnesota Wild 3

Devan Dubnyk made 17 saves and Jason Pominville and Zach Parise scored second-period goals as the Minnesota Wild earned a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Monday.

Minnesota leads series 2-1.

I appreciate you doing this! How about that triple-ot game the other night against the Preds? That game is a perfect example as to why playoff puck is second to none! And Im quietly rootin' for the 'Hawks because of my man Kimmo Timonen (you know the story behind that Im sure, and Im a Flyers fan so..)

kygermo said:

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

St. Louis Blues 0 Minnesota Wild 3

Devan Dubnyk made 17 saves and Jason Pominville and Zach Parise scored second-period goals as the Minnesota Wild earned a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Monday.

Minnesota leads series 2-1.

I appreciate you doing this! How about that triple-ot game the other night against the Preds? That game is a perfect example as to why playoff puck is second to none! And Im quietly rootin' for the 'Hawks because of my man Kimmo Timonen (you know the story behind that Im sure, and Im a Flyers fan so..)

It was an amazing game, but I had to bail out early because it was so late and I had to work the next morning.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 5

New York Islanders 1 Washington Capitals 5

The Islanders would score first for the fourth time in five games, but the Capitals would go on a tear, scoring five unanswered goals.

Washington leads series 3-2.


Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Tampa Bay Lightning 3 Detroit Red Wings 2 F/OT

Tyler Johnson led a stirring Tampa Bay rally late in regulation, then scored 2:25 into overtime to lift the Lightning to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night, evening their playoff series at 2-2.

Series tied at 2-2.

728huey said:

kygermo said:

I appreciate you doing this! How about that triple-ot game the other night against the Preds? That game is a perfect example as to why playoff puck is second to none! And Im quietly rootin' for the 'Hawks because of my man Kimmo Timonen (you know the story behind that Im sure, and Im a Flyers fan so..)

It was an amazing game, but I had to bail out early because it was so late and I had to work the next morning.

Yeah, I cant say I blame you! It was definitely a marathon. I skipped a good couple portions of the game as well since my brain was going numb at that point and I just needed a break. How these hockey players keep that intensity up after so much game action already is amazing. Im really hoping for a Hawks/Blues series next, as much as I like some of the players on the Preds and Peter Laviolette of course (Still pissed the Flyers fired him! GREAT coach).

The Pittsburgh Penguins, my most hated team in all professional sports (as a loyal Flyers fan) have just been eliminated by the New York Rangers. Since I'm a Flyers fan, we have very bitter rivalries with both of these teams, so having to root for either of them is something I hate doing. But since our rivalry with the Penguins is much more fierce and personal, I had to pull for the Rangers in this one if only because I hate them less. Glad it's over since now I don't have to cheer them on and I can now do what comes naturally to me and that's hope for the worse for the Broadway Blueshirts!

dayum Wings. you should be up 3-1. big difference from 2-2. SIGH. that's why folks don't wanna fool with y'all! losing a game and giving it away are way different. SMH!

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Washington Capitals 1 New York Islanders 3

Nikolay Kulemin scored the go-ahead goal with 9:27 left as the Islanders beat the Caps 3-1 on Saturday to force Game 7 in the first-round playoff series. Islanders captain John Tavares had a goal and assist, and Nick Leddy had two assists in what could still be the franchise's final game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Cal Clutterbuck then got the loud crowd on its feet to seal the win with an empty-net goal with 53 seconds remaining.

Series tied at 3-3.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 5

Detroit Red Wings 4 Tampa Bay Lightning 0

Petr Mrazek was fantastic not letting anything past him and saving 28 shots. The Red Wings at one point held Tampa Bay without a shot on goal for over 20 mintes, and they now have a 3-2 edge in the series and can close it out at home on Monday night.

Detroit leads series 3-2.

datdude said:

dayum Wings. you should be up 3-1. big difference from 2-2. SIGH. that's why folks don't wanna fool with y'all! losing a game and giving it away are way different. SMH!

That was just a sheer change of momentum, and it had to do with most of the Wings taking their shifts off and letting their foot off the gas. All it takes is ONE mistake and the next thing you know you're now tied with a team you were just 2 goals ahead of literally 10 minutes ago in real time. The Red Wings have veteran leadership and they should be able to bounce back since they've surprisingly dominated this series (and the Wings were the second to last wild card team!), and quite frankly I did not expect this series to go the distance. The Lightning were supposed to steamroll through Detroit in 5 games max. But when you have Henrik Zetterberg and The Great Pavel Datsyuk (Probably the most skilled forward I've ever seen in terms of both stick and puck handling. Seriously, youtube some of his classic clips. Dudes a fuckin' BEAST) as well as having Mike Babcock as your coach, The Detroit Red Wings have the tools and skills to give other teams legitimate nightmares. They can be downright terrifying, and they need to tap into that dark energy to win this series. They can do it. I'm pullin' for you guys, I really am. Playoff Hockey folks!

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Nashville Predators 3 Chicago Blackhawks 4

Duncan Keith scores the game winning goal for the Blackhawks with 3:48 remaining in the third period as they close out the series against the Nashville Predators. The Predators had led 3-1 in the first period, but Scott Darling was pulled from goal and replaced by Corey Crawford, who himself had been replaced earlier in the series. The Blackhawks then scored two goals in succession to tie the game after the first period. It was then a defensive affair until the Keith goal.

Chicago wins series 4-2.

[Edited 4/25/15 20:08pm]

Hey!

I'm a Torontonian so let's get the Leafs jokes out of the way now!!

Just joking!

I watched the Flames tonight finish the Canucks after being down 3-0 after the first 10 minutes of the first period - the Flames are hot right now!

Anaheim are also playing well right now and their game is very different than the Flames - the Calgary/Anaheim series could either be amazing or a blowout by Anaheim.

It's good to know there's another hockey fan in the building!!

J

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

St. Louis Blues 1 Minnesota Wild 4

Hockey fanms in the Twin Cities were going as wild as their team's nickname, as Zach Parise scored twice to lead the Wild into the second round of the playoffs, providing another disappointing end to the Blues' season. The Wild now host the Chicago Blackhawks in the conference semifinals.

Minnesota wins series 4-2.

[Edited 4/26/15 18:52pm]

10000Degrees said:

Hey!

I'm a Torontonian so let's get the Leafs jokes out of the way now!!

Just joking!

I watched the Flames tonight finish the Canucks after being down 3-0 after the first 10 minutes of the first period - the Flames are hot right now!

Anaheim are also playing well right now and their game is very different than the Flames - the Calgary/Anaheim series could either be amazing or a blowout by Anaheim.

It's good to know there's another hockey fan in the building!!

J

Lol, well I couldn't crack jokes over the Maple Leafs if I tried. They're too badly mismanaged and run down by their stupid habit of overpaying and overvaluing their players (C'mon now, Phaneuf aint worth half his yearly salary, and Phil Kessel is just a total bum). I have no hatred over the Leafs but rather total empathy. Just because you're the club affiliated with hockey the most and are probably the richest club in the league doesn't mean the people running it know whats best for the team. I really hope Shanahan turns things around for you: A cup-contending Maple Leafs team will do wonders in growing the league's popularity, especially here in the US. Plus, in my short career of hockey-watching, they've never been a threat and I want to see that change. But I totally despise the Habs as I'm sure you do as well. Lets go Sens!!!

.

And how about those Flames, huh? They're a young, gritty team that totally made the Canucks look old and obnoxious and I'm glad they were the ones to expose Vancouver and just how overrated they are. I think if Calgary keeps this rhythm and self-confidence going, they can possibly take out the Ducks which I'd LOVE to see. Can't stand Anaheim. And Calgary also has Johnny Goudreau, a guy from my neck of the woods (South New Jersey). He got a nice reception when the Flames played the Flyers in Philly this year. I hope the Ducks aren't writing the Flames off because of how good those assholes Getzlaf and Perry are playing (and dont get me fuckin' started on Ryan Kesler) because Calgary has the youth to really outwork and outplay Anaheim if Calgary smells even the slightest amount of blood in the water. Hoping and praying for an upset.

.

I'm looking really forward to Chicago/Minnesota too. Thats gonna be a brutal, old-time series. Im sure theres more than a few still-hurt feelings over the Hawks dismissing them last year so I'm expecting the Wild to get really aggressive really quickly. I can't believe the Blues collapsed like that. I was honestly thinking it was St. Louis' year.

[Edited 4/26/15 17:03pm]

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Montreal Canadiens 2 Ottawa Senators 0

The Senators rallied to win their next two games after falling behind 0-3 in the series, but they were unable to score against the Habs, as Montreal shut out Ottawa to advance to the conference semifinals.

Montreal wins series 4-2.

kygermo said:

7thday said:

I'm a Winnipeg Jets fan! Go Jets Go! First playoff game in Winnipeg in 20 years!!! (Monday 20 April 2015)

Sorry to see the Jets get swept. I personally hate the Ducks, and was really rootin' for your team. It was nice to finally see Winnipeg get into "The Dance" after so long! And how ironic is it that the year after Teemu Selanne retires, its the Ducks and Jets in the first round? Hes gotta laugh about that, I know I would.

Yeah, but the Hockey News predicted that the Jets would win Stanley in 2019, so here's hoping.

Washington Capitals advance to the second round tonight!

see what i'm saying about the Wings?! and i only fucks with them from afar. and this is exactly why. overachieve, get hopes up, blow opportunities to show themselves and others that the "overachieving" is the REAL them, then they crash back to earth/reality with a sickening thud and you're mad that you ever allowed them to get your hopes up in the first place