NHL 2005-2006: The thread

[Keef]

Is there a penalty in the rulebook for turtling? Last time I checked, no.

It may not fall under unsportsmanlike conduct to challenge someone to a fight and then turtle, but it should.


Maybe Bolts fans should be pissed at Dingman for continuing to hammer on Neil when it was apparent he wasn't going to fight and helping the Sens get that 7-minute PP instead of focusing on the fact that Neil didn't fight.

If I were a Sens fan I'd be more embarassed that my team, which is overflowing with talent (and was leading the game when all this occured), is employing such dispicable tactics. Thank God I'm a Habs fan.

[DoctorNo]

Nice comeback. He got you good Doc. You must be awefully embarrassed now.

Very embarrassed.



Actually, not so much.

[Uncle Carl]

If you agree to fight, then turtle and make it look like the other guy instigated it, it's the same thing as diving. Making something that wasn't a penalty appear as though it was a penalty to the refs. I doubt it's in the books but unsportsmanlike conduct falls under the refs discretion.

As far as Lecavalier "having" to fight Chara that's ridiculous. There was a pile on and Chara pulled him out of the crowd. It happens every time there's a scrum like that, people tie up other people. It results in the gloves being dropped probably less than 10% of the time. Everyone on the ice was tied up with someone, not everyone dropped the gloves. Lecavalier dropped the gloves first. Chara could have really hurt him and didn't. The fact is as soon as the fight went to the ground, Chara stopped throwing. That's how it should be.

I think you're underestimating how willing guys are to fight someone they know is going to kick their ass. When you get to a higher level of hockey in tryouts all the guys trying to prove their toughness pick the biggest guy in training camp and scrap him, knowing he'll lose, but wanting to show he's tough. Lecavalier will fight to help give his team a boost. Or he'll fight cause he's frustrated. I don't know which was the reason this time but he dropped the gloves, and he threw the first punch.

[Real American Hero]

FTR, of all the Uncles, Carl's avatar and talk of fighting just makes me chuckle. I, for one, think Freddy could take 'em all.

Edit: Uncle Larry could be tough. I guess.

[Keef]

FTR, of all the Uncles, Carl's avatar and talk of fighting just makes me chuckle.

I don't think Carl can hear you. Maybe you should speak into the microphone.

[Uncle Carl]

Microphone one, microphone two. Oh yeah.

You don't want to mess with Gary, believe that.

[Keef]

As far as Lecavalier "having" to fight Chara that's ridiculous. There was a pile on and Chara pulled him out of the crowd. It happens every time there's a scrum like that, people tie up other people. It results in the gloves being dropped probably less than 10% of the time. Everyone on the ice was tied up with someone, not everyone dropped the gloves. Lecavalier dropped the gloves first. Chara could have really hurt him and didn't. The fact is as soon as the fight went to the ground, Chara stopped throwing. That's how it should be.

I think you're underestimating how willing guys are to fight someone they know is going to kick their ass. When you get to a higher level of hockey in tryouts all the guys trying to prove their toughness pick the biggest guy in training camp and scrap him, knowing he'll lose, but wanting to show he's tough. Lecavalier will fight to help give his team a boost. Or he'll fight cause he's frustrated. I don't know which was the reason this time but he dropped the gloves, and he threw the first punch.

Of course L didn't have to fight him. He could have pulled a Neil, but he's above that. Players dragging others out of a crowd and holding them is one thing - pulling a star player who you've clocked in a previous fight, locking them into a fighting stance and staring them down is totally different. What I'm saying is that C pulled L into a no-win situation. Either he ducked and covered, or he fought back and lost. Only the second situation gives you a chance at saving face.

Did you see the footage on Coach's Corner? I have a feeling it tells the story better than what was aired live.

And you have to at least admit Uncle that it is possible not to punch someone without holding your fist over them to brazenly display to the world that you beat them and could punch them while they're down.

[Uncle Carl]

Ya, the more I thought about it holding his fist over him was rubbing it in more than he had to. But you've got to admit C could have rearranged L's face, and a lot of other guys would have.

No one would have thought anything of L if he hadn't fought C. 8 other guys were grappling other guys at the same time, they didn't drop the gloves and are we talking about what cowards they are for not fighting? I've been in a million of those scrums. Big mess, usually in front of the net, you really don't even know who you're grabbing until you've got them. I pulled out some guy a couple months ago, by the time I realized he was twice my size he had already said let's drop em. I told him to settle down, I didn't feel like getting suspended. Truth was I didn't feel like get my dental work performed by an amateur. C did not seek out L on purpose. There's only 5 Bolts on the ice, 3 or 4 of them were probably already tied up.

L didn't have to pull a Neil, because C wasn't throwing any fists. If L hadn't thrown that first punch, the camera wouldn't have even been pointing at them, and no one would have said boo about the whole thing.

[Keef]

Ya, the more I thought about it holding his fist over him was rubbing it in more than he had to. But you've got to admit C could have rearranged L's face, and a lot of other guys would have.

No one would have thought anything of L if he hadn't fought C. 8 other guys were grappling other guys at the same time, they didn't drop the gloves and are we talking about what cowards they are for not fighting? I've been in a million of those scrums. Big mess, usually in front of the net, you really don't even know who you're grabbing until you've got them. I pulled out some guy a couple months ago, by the time I realized he was twice my size he had already said let's drop em. I told him to settle down, I didn't feel like getting suspended. Truth was I didn't feel like get my dental work performed by an amateur. C did not seek out L on purpose. There's only 5 Bolts on the ice, 3 or 4 of them were probably already tied up.

L didn't have to pull a Neil, because C wasn't throwing any fists. If L hadn't thrown that first punch, the camera wouldn't have even been pointing at them, and no one would have said boo about the whole thing.

Everyone knows C could beat L - and nobody knows that better than L. And C knew EXACTLY who he was pulling out - he was tugging on L's jersey for quite a while until L reluctantly moved away from the crowd. L wasn't doing any damage in the crowd and would have gladly left it if it was anyone but C goading him. Like you said, we don't know what was said between them, but if C didn't say, "C'mon, b---h, I'll let you take the first shot. C'mon. C'mon. C'mon, b---h. C'mon..." with his mouth he certainly said it with his eyes.

Trust me, if you saw the same footage I saw (the clip I saw followed L and C the entire time from when L was in the against the boards until after the refs broke it up) you would know what I mean. I'll try to find a link to the video (but that will probably not be until tomorrow).

[Livan33]

Even though I know Keef really enjoys threesomes, I think I'll stay out of this one, and just stick with the :popcorn:

[ShakeNBakes]

Even though I know Keef really enjoys threesomes, I think I'll stay out of this one, and just stick with the :popcorn:You bring the :popcorn:, I'll bring the :beer:

[Livan33]

You bring the :popcorn:, I'll bring the :beer:

:toast:

With Keef playing :guitar: and singing his remixes in the background we'll be all set.....actually some girls would be nice.....Uncle, you in charge of that?

[Uncle Carl]

I'll bring some ladies.

Alright Keef, listen, we're obviously not agreeing here. We're going to have to settle this the old fashioned way. Weight lifting competition.

Lunges, wrist curls and knee push-ups. You man enough? [Chara stare of death]

[Livan33]

I'll bring some ladies.

Alright Keef, listen, we're obviously not agreeing here. We're going to have to settle this the old fashioned way. Weight lifting competition.

Lunges, wrist curls and knee push-ups. You man enough? [Chara stare of death]

:lol:

[Keef]

I'll bring some ladies.

Alright Keef, listen, we're obviously not agreeing here. We're going to have to settle this the old fashioned way. Weight lifting competition.

Lunges, wrist curls and knee push-ups. You man enough? [Chara stare of death]

Uncle, you're talking to a man that doesn't know how to back down - Livan learned that the hard way during Weightlifiting Competition I. I'm not sure whether I'll have a good explanation for being the "wrist curl" champ, tho. :wink:

[ShakeNBakes]

Just make sure neither of you has a tooth in their pocket. Nobody needs a tooth-stabbing incident on their record

[Livan33]

Livan learned that the hard way during Weightlifiting Competition I

If by "learned that the hard way", you mean "won by the mercy rule" then I guess I did.

[Lucky Tom]

:capn:
Hey morans, take it to the reef. This thread is about hockey.

[Keef]

:capn:
Hey morans, take it to the reef. This thread is about hockey.

Now Lucky Tom is one guy I certainly wouldn't challenge to a wrist curl competition. He "trains" about 10 times a day.

Back to hockey, then. I found this on hfboards.com in this thread (http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=246464) in response to Mike Ribeiro's comments:

"I didn't see a cut, it's not like (Stillman) needed stitches," said Canadiens centre Mike Ribeiro. "I think he bit his tongue. But they missed the one on Saku, and that one was more obvious than Stillman. If you give it with four minutes left, give the other one, too. But four minutes for biting the tongue? I don't get it." (From here (http://www.nhl.com/news/2006/04/270380.html))




This rule is ridiculous, and I have to admit I AM CONVINCED that some players just bit the inside of their chick or their thong to allow their team to have a 4 min PP when there is 4 min left to a game.... if is so easy to get blood when using a tooth brush... Why would it be tough with a nail or two teeths?

I found the rules on the net about it:
1.1 If there is a high stick to a face: 2min
1.2 If you can see blood: 4 min
1.3 If the stick hits an eye: 0 min
1.4 If the eye falls on the ice, its at the referee interpretation.

http://hfboards.com/images/smilies/shakeshead.gif



I don't think there should be a penalty for this, as long as we're talking about consenting adults.

Sorry, I know what you mean to say, but, I couldn't resist the opportunity.

[Cannonball]

GO SABRES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wannabe Actuary]

under review in both Philly and Toronto....
really can't see it, but I think the puck went in with DesJardins

[Uncle Carl]

under review in both Philly and Toronto...:shake: Those delusional Leafs fans. Can't accept the fact that they're not in the playoffs.

[Irish Blues]

It may not fall under unsportsmanlike conduct to challenge someone to a fight and then turtle, but it should.
When it goes in the rulebook, fine. Until then, you can call it despicable and reprehensible and everything else - just make sure you include "but not against the rules."

If I were a Sens fan I'd be more embarassed that my team, which is overflowing with talent (and was leading the game when all this occured), is employing such dispicable tactics. Thank God I'm a Habs fan.
If the Sens win the Cup, I'm sure one of their fans will thank you for your comment as they celebrate near the capitol.

[Keef]

When it goes in the rulebook, fine. Until then, you can call it despicable and reprehensible and everything else - just make sure you include "but not against the rules."

Maybe you didn't catch this:

If you agree to fight, then turtle and make it look like the other guy instigated it, it's the same thing as diving. Making something that wasn't a penalty appear as though it was a penalty to the refs. I doubt it's in the books but unsportsmanlike conduct falls under the refs discretion.

I don't know whether to call you blind or illiterate, but let's just settle on "doesn't read very well".


If the Sens win the Cup, I'm sure one of their fans will thank you for your comment as they celebrate near the capitol.

If history is any indication I don't think I have to worry too much about the Sens winning the Cup. But even if they do, I'd rather eat s--t and die than be a Sens fan.

[hardinda]

Sabres decide to not show up tonight and we are knotted at 2 going back to Buffalo, this is starting to feel like a 7 game series.

[Cannonball]

Flyers look awful. They decided to stick with slow defensemen this year, huge mistake. If the Sabres play up to their level, this series won't even go 6. Only way Flyers get back into it, is if the Sabres let them ... they can't handle the Sabres when they are playing their best, even if Philly was playing their best.

Man, I really wish you hadn't said this. Jinx city.

Ugh. Sabres stunk. Credit to Philly. They played harder.

[Da Bears!]

This is flat out unacceptable. The Flyers need to take a long hard look in the mirror. That was not Flyer playoff hockey they played tonight!

[Uncle Carl]

This is flat out unacceptable. The Flyers need to take a long hard look in the mirror. That was not Flyer playoff hockey they played tonight!I agree, they got the win but Flyers need to play better. Rathje losing the puck when he was last man back and having to take a penalty to save a possible goal almost made me sick to my stomach. NHL players should never, EVER make plays like that. Nevermind Desjardins or whoever it was, for God only knows what reason falling onto his ass and costing Philly a goal after Esche made a nice save on Briere's breakaway. Buffalo is going to play a LOT better than that Tuesday, and if Philly plays like they did tonight, we could see another blowout.

Less game 2, this has been the most fun series to watch for me so far. I knew it would be a great series just because the teams are so different. Looking forward to Sunday's game.

[hardinda]

Man, I really wish you hadn't said this. Jinx city.

Ugh. Sabres stunk. Credit to Philly. They played harder.

I don't know about Jinx city. Sabres played horrible and lost by a goal. Back in Buffalo on Sunday ... there is a reason for home ice advantage, now it's the time to take advantage of that.

[SharksFan08]

Be nice....he's living up to his agreement.

Flyers will make this respectable...not sure they have enough to come back and win, but they'll make it respectable...

Are you living in a dream world?

:imwith:

[Wannabe Actuary]

with a 4 5 matchup, the series SHOULD be close. doesn't surprise me that home teams have won every game. I said the series would run long

what surprises me is that in the carolina/montreal series, a home team hasn't won yet at all.

[Swan]

what surprises me is that in the carolina/montreal series, a home team hasn't won yet at all.
Yeah, and with the series now tied up at 2, Carolina has the home-ice "advantage."

You shouldn't let things like that surprise you, Wannabe. It's only one series, and four games. I'm sure it's happened many times before.

What you should be surprised at is awesome facts like the following: When the Devils won the Cup in 1995, they broke the record for the most road wins in the playoffs by winning 10 games on the road that year.

When they won the Cup again in 2000, they broke that record again by winning eleven games on the road that year.

Now that's impressive.

[hardinda]

:imwith:

SharksFan, when you decide to make any comments relating to hockey, then you can rip on me. Until then, don't call your spouse stupid ... it's not nice.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yeah, and with the series now tied up at 2, Carolina has the home-ice "advantage."

You shouldn't let things like that surprise you, Wannabe. It's only one series, and four games. I'm sure it's happened many times before.

What you should be surprised at is awesome facts like the following: When the Devils won the Cup in 1995, they broke the record for the most road wins in the playoffs by winning 10 games on the road that year.

When they won the Cup again in 2000, they broke that record again by winning eleven games on the road that year.

Now that's impressive.
I know it's only a few games, but Carolina went 31-8-2 at home, 21-14-6 on the road in the regular season. So to go 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road to start the playoffs is unexpected. It's not unheard of, but not expected.

Montreal went 24-13-4 at home, 18-18-5 on the road in the regular season. So again, 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road wasn't the most likely outcome.

[DoctorNo]

I know it's only a few games, but Carolina went 31-8-2 at home, 21-14-6 on the road in the regular season. So to go 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road to start the playoffs is unexpected. It's not unheard of, but not expected.

Montreal went 24-13-4 at home, 18-18-5 on the road in the regular season. So again, 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road wasn't the most likely outcome.

Don't confuse "not the most likely outcome" with "absolutely shocking". As a (wannabe) actuary, you should know better.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Don't confuse "not the most likely outcome" with "absolutely shocking". As a (wannabe) actuary, you should know better.
I never said absolutely shocking. I said it surprises me....and I also said that it was not expected.

[Wannabe Actuary]

alright, time for the rangers to fight off elimination

[Da Bears!]

alright, time for the rangers to fight off elimination
Welcome to life with Yaromeer Yagger. ;)

[Wannabe Actuary]

life with him? he went out 53 seconds into the game...I doubt he returns at all this year (granted, they may not play (m)any more games)

[Da Bears!]

Exactly...the perrenial underachiever. And a flat out wuss, for that matter.

[Da Bears!]

Once he no longer had Mario to hide behind, he was exposed. I was glad when Da Pengin's got rid of him.

[Keef]

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20060429/CPSPORTS/604290551/5805/CPSPORTS

I'm far from fluent in French, but here's my attempt at a translation (EDIT: of the opening 3 paragraphs):

The Habs are not fully divulging the nature of the injury to their captian, Saku Koivu, hurt in the left eye, but it seems that is is much less serious than previously believed.

A source confirmed yesterday to La Presse that the opthamlogical exam did not reveal any critical damade. Koivu suffered a serious hit under the left eye, but the eye was not struck, and the Tricolour forward did not suffer a fracture to the orbital bone.

Also, if the swelling goes down in due course, according to our source, Kouvi could be in the line up agianst the Hurricanes toward the end of the series. The main question remains entirely hypothetical because complications can arise in the days following such an accident, and because the information was not supplied by the team.

[DoctorNo]

I never said absolutely shocking. I said it surprises me....and I also said that it was not expected.

You also never said "not the most likely outcome" - I inferred both from your posts. HTH.

[Swan]

I know it's only a few games, but Carolina went 31-8-2 at home, 21-14-6 on the road in the regular season. So to go 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road to start the playoffs is unexpected. It's not unheard of, but not expected.

Montreal went 24-13-4 at home, 18-18-5 on the road in the regular season. So again, 0-2 at home and 2-0 on the road wasn't the most likely outcome.
Whoa, I'm gonna have to stop you right there, Wannabe.

Are you trying to use regular season statistics to determine the degree of "shockingness" of events that occur in the playoffs? :-?

Allow me, at this time, to remind you of the most fundamental tenet in professional hockey:

Regular season stats mean jack sh** in the playoffs! :shake:

[Swan]

I'm far from fluent in French, but here's my attempt at a translation (EDIT: of the opening 3 paragraphs):

The Habs are not fully divulging the nature of the injury to their captian, Saku Koivu, hurt in the left eye, but it seems that is is much less serious than previously believed.

A source confirmed yesterday to La Presse that the opthamlogical exam did not reveal any critical damade. Koivu suffered a serious hit under the left eye, but the eye was not struck, and the Tricolour forward did not suffer a fracture to the orbital bone...
:lol:

I love that translation, Keef. "Tricolour forward"... Was that intentional on your part -- for humorous effect?

As you probably surmised, "tricolore" means "three colours" in French. It's just a term -- the Habs' jersey has three colours -- that these French Montreal broadcasters use to refer to the Habs.

"L'attaquant du Tricolore" thus translates to "Hab forward" in English -- not "Tricolour forward."

You're too much, dude. :lol:

P.S. Years ago, as is my understanding, the French people here would refer to the Habs as "Les Habitants," which is French for "The Home Team." (That, by the way, is where the term Habs originated from; it's short for Habitants.)

I guess that term slowly disappeared over the years, because now they always refer to them as "Les Tricolores."

[SharksFan08]

what surprises me is that in the carolina/montreal series, a home team hasn't won yet at all.

I don't get what's so controversial about this statement, or why it warrants ongoing criticism. Carolina, a heavily favored team, losing the first two games at home couldn't be characterized as surprising?

There were 14 entries in MH's predictions contest. 10 of them said Carolina would win in a short series. The other 4 said Carolina in a long series. So 10/14 didn't think Carolina would lose two games the entire series, let alone the first two at home. And I doubt those other 4 thought it was likely that Carolina would lose the first two and win 4 of the next 5. It looks like that surprised everybody. Wannabe can't say that it surprised him?

SharksFan, when you decide to make any comments relating to hockey, then you can rip on me. Until then, don't call your spouse stupid ... it's not nice.

Fair enough. I figured nobody really cared about Sharks-related stuff, but you asked for it:

Joe Thornton: I've never seen somebody dominate a game like he did in game 3, without even getting on the scoreboard. Amazing performance. In game 4 he looked off, uncharacteristic bad passes and turnovers. Their 4th line has made the most of every chance it gets, and Marleau's line (him and Bernier especially) is looking great.

That said, they stink at protecting leads. And if SJ advances, even though Calgary is a better team, the matchup that would scare me most is Colorado. Also, the Sharks are something like 2-24-2 all-time in Detroit. Even though regular season means jack sh**, I'm really hoping Edmonton can close that out.

[Keef]

:lol:

I love that translation, Keef. "Tricolour forward"... Was that intentional on your part -- for humorous effect?

As you probably surmised, "tricolore" means "three colours" in French. It's just a term -- the Habs' jersey has three colours -- that these French Montreal broadcasters use to refer to the Habs.

"L'attaquant du Tricolore" thus translates to "Hab forward" in English -- not "Tricolour forward."

You're too much, dude. :lol:

P.S. Years ago, as is my understanding, the French people here would refer to the Habs as "Les Habitants," which is French for "The Home Team." That, by the way, is where the term Habs originated from (it's short for Habitants).

I guess that term slowly dispappeared over the years, because now they always refer to them as "Les Tricolores."

Yeah, I thought I might have been to literal in my translation of "L'attaquant du Tricolore" :spnner: - glad you enjoyed it, Swan. I knew "Tricolore" refered to the 3 colours of their uniform - the English radio announcers on CJAD 800 sometimes refer to them as "Les blue, blanc et rouges" (red white & blue's) - but wasn't sure if they were also called "Tricolour" by the English fans in Montreal. That's interesting that the "Les Habitants" monniker has been fallen out of use among French-speaking fans because it's still used about as much as "The Canadiens" among English-speaking fans.

[Irish Blues]

I don't know whether to call you blind or illiterate, but let's just settle on "doesn't read very well".
I could give a rat's ass if we disagree, but if all you can do is lob out names instead of have a rational discussion then maybe you should pick up a class this summer on presenting a logcial argument.

So the referee has the discretion to call unsportsmanlike conduct as he sees fit. The next time a referee in an NHL game calls a player for unsportsmanlike conduct because the player turtles instead of fighting (regardless of the circumstance) will be the first time it's ever happened - and will quite probably be the last season that referee works in the NHL if he doesn't get the hook sooner by the league.

[ShakeNBakes]

3-2 flames.... both in the game and the series. WOOT!?!?

:beer::beer::beer::beer:

[Uncle Carl]

Fair enough. I figured nobody really cared about Sharks-related stuff, but you asked for it:No one cares about Sabres stuff, doesn't stop hardina.

I'd like to hear commentary on the Shakrs Preds series, haven't got to see much of that series.

[Livan33]

No one cares about Sabres stuff, doesn't stop hardina.

I'd like to hear commentary on the Shakrs Preds series, haven't got to see much of that series.

I agree, because I have a bunch of Sharks in my playoff pool.

btw it is now 2:29 AM and I have to study in the morning, so from the bottom of my heart, CONGRATULATIONS to EVERYONE who didn't go out and get drunk tonight.

P.S. This thread has disgusted me, you all need to get the hell out of the profession.

[Livan33]

Ciao

[Keef]

I'd like to hear commentary on the Shakrs Preds series, haven't got to see much of that series.

All I know about that is that the Habs could really use Yannic Perreault right now. Oh well - Snakes on a Plane.

[Livan33]

Your prodigal Hockey fan/Exam C taker to the North,
Livan33

[Keef]

CONGRATULATIONS to EVERYONE who didn't go out and get drunk tonight - except ShakeNBakes cause he had a Calgary win to celebrate


IFYQ.

[Livan33]

Good point, but SnB would have gone out and gotten drunk either way, so the win doesn't really make a difference.

[Keef]

I could give a rat's ass if we disagree, but if all you can do is lob out names instead of have a rational discussion then maybe you should pick up a class this summer on presenting a logcial argument.


I would point out the inconsistency between you defending unsportsmanlike play and then insisting on a formal style of rhetoric, but you could then point out that I argue in favour of sportsmanlike conduct and resorted to an ad hominem, so how about we call that even?

I will now construct a syllogism. You may argue the truth of the points, but it is a valid/logical argument:

What is wrongly got is quickest lost.

The Senators have gained some advantages through wrong means.

The Senators will soon lose said advantages.

So, as you can see I am perfectly capable of putting together a cohesive argument (partly cause I have graduated from top schools where I excelled in courses in philosophy). If I hadn't made the post you quoted right after my team had lost a playoff game it would have been much more reasonable, and if I were to take a summer class in presenting a logical argument, it would be purely for the 19-year-old tail.

[ShakeNBakes]

Good point, but SnB would have gone out and gotten drunk either way, so the win doesn't really make a difference.HEY!!! I resemble that remark.

I only had 4 pints to celebrate. I have to study today, or it probably would have been 6 or 7.

And for all you Degrassi fans, I just changed my sig line... :tup:

[DoctorNo]

Can I just point out here that OLN is doing a great job with their coverage?

[ShakeNBakes]

Can I just point out here that OLN is doing a great job with their coverage?are they doing their own coverage or are they just picking up TSN and CBC feeds?

[DoctorNo]

are they doing their own coverage or are they just picking up TSN and CBC feeds?

Both - and that's part of what I like. They do their regular game each day, which is much better-produced than at the beginning of the year. For their "bonus coverage", they use the TSN/CBC feeds and cut to the OLN studio at the intermissions.

And I've always liked Jack Edwards in the studio.

[hardinda]

Dominating shutdown performance by the Sabres today ... 3-0 going back to Philly, can we win a road game?!?!?!

[Irish Blues]

I would point out the inconsistency between you defending unsportsmanlike play and then insisting on a formal style of rhetoric, but you could then point out that I argue in favour of sportsmanlike conduct and resorted to an ad hominem, so how about we call that even?
I'll just put you on ignore. It'll accomplish the same thing.

[Keef]

I'll just put you on ignore. It'll accomplish the same thing.

Man - this is the 1st confirmed instance of someone putting me on ignore. And right after I offered a truce. Oh well - Snakes on a Plane.

:shrug:

[Uncle Carl]

And we've got our first series upset of the playoffs.

[DoctorNo]

Never have I been happier to be 100% wrong about a series prediction. Conference semis!

[Keef]

And we've got our first series upset of the playoffs.

That's not gonna help my playoff pool (picked 3 Dallas Stars), but congrats to Dr No and the Avs. I'm also happy for Theo - felt bad for how things finished with him in Montreal.

[Super Silver Haze]

Didn't some imbecile have Dallas going to the finals?

Edit: Now that I went back and checked - sorry Irish Blues and anyone else who the above statement applies to; I was referring to myself and myself only. :D

[SharksFan08]

Can I just point out here that OLN is doing a great job with their coverage?

I agree with you for the most part, tonight's Sharks game has been kinda bad though. They keep pronouncing Michalek's name wrong, and confusing the players.

What a lucky break on that goal to end the first. And then the shot of Ron Wilson jawing with some fan in the stands on the way to the locker room... not really what I'd like to see.

[Swan]

What a snoozer of a game that was. :sleep2: Final score: 2-1 Carolina.

I think the Habs are anxious to start their golf season, Keef. I seriously believe that. Any rational human being who saw tonight's game would think the same thing.

To say that the Habs put in a half-assed effort tonight is to give them 50 percent more credit than they deserve. And this is not the spoiled brat, can-turn-on-them-on-a-dime fan in me talking. Their performance tonight was absolutely horrendous -- at least in the final two periods; I didn't see the first.

Believe schmelieve, my friend. Say goodbye to these pathetic loosers. :wave:

[Keef]

I think the Habs are anxious to start their golf season, Keef. I seriously believe that. Any rational human being who saw tonight's game would think the same thing...Believe schmelieve, my friend. Say goodbye to these pathetic loosers. :wave:

Maybe Irish Blues was right when he said I'm incapable of having rational discussion, but I'm not about to write them off. They hit a post tonight, and a few the last game. True, the Habs had a weak start, but they got back into it thanks to Kovalev, and Huet kept them in it til the end. If they get some lucky bounces in the Phone Booth Tuesday things will be all evened out.

[Sour grapes]The first 2 calls against Montreal were phantom calls - hooking and high sticking when in both cases the Carolina players were actually grasping the Hab's sticks. Another noteworthy fact: Williams is now on a 3-game uncalled stick infraction streak.[/Sour grapes]

[yankeetripper]

Sharks move on! Still looking for the Sharks Devils cup final.

[ShakeNBakes]

Man - this is the 1st confirmed instance of someone putting me on ignore. And right after I offered a truce. Oh well - Snakes on a Plane.

:shrug:You know what, jerk?? You can make it two now. I'm sick of your always pro-Habs [text deleted per Term of Service #6]!!! You can take your snakes and your plane and shove them straight up your [text deleted per Term of Service #6]. :swear:

Ahhh, who am I kidding?? I love you man. But not in THAT way.. NTTAWWT

[DoctorNo]

I think that all of you can just go to hell!



Nah, I'm just kidding, too. You guys are all great. Even Mike and Maddog!

[Real American Hero]

I'm still not sold on Theodore, but has there been a bigger sieve in the playoffs than Manny Legace? That guy's given up at least one soft goal each game.

[Irish Blues]

Didn't some imbecile have Dallas going to the finals?

Edit: Now that I went back and checked - sorry Irish Blues and anyone else who the above statement applies to; I was referring to myself and myself only. :D
I did say:

the predictions (which I usually suck at, but I'll kick in for fun)
I nailed San Jose knocking off Nashville in 5, and I said Dallas-Colorado had 4-1 written all over it. Of course, I also took the Rangers over the Devils, figured Detroit would be up right now if they hadn't clinched, said Ottawa would need longer to take out Tampa, and had Dallas on the winning side of that 4-1 result.

[Wannabe Actuary]

My first round picks were:

Ottawa (S) - they won in 5,
Carolina (S) - they're up 3-2
New Jersey (L) - they won in 4
Buffalo (L) - they're up 3-2

Detroit (S) - they're down 2-3
Dallas (S) - they lost in 5
Anaheim (L) - they're down 2-3
San Jose (L) - they won in 5

Interpretation…I need to follow the west a little but more during the year, but hey, it's hard with not much being on TV and me being on the east coast

[seabass]

The west is just weird this year. I'm too lazy too look back and see who I picked, but I think I've got Detroit winning it all. Things aren't looking good...

[Real American Hero]

Interpretation…I need to follow the west a little but more during the year, but hey, it's hard with not much being on TV and me being on the east coast
What?!?! You're posting here without center ice?!? Maybe you were relying on those of us who see more of the west.

To paraphrase Dr. Suess:
I said I do not fear those pants
with the Oilers inside them
I said and said and said those words
I said them but I lied them

[DoctorNo]

Interpretation…I need to follow the west a little but more during the year, but hey, it's hard with not much being on TV and me being on the east coast


Interpretation: you picked all four favourites in the Eastern Conference, and then want us to believe that the fact that they're all ahead in the series is indicative of your prognosticative abilities.

[SharksFan08]

The west is just weird this year. I'm too lazy too look back and see who I picked, but I think I've got Detroit winning it all. Things aren't looking good...

Yeah, part of the knock on Dallas and Detroit coming into the season was that they were too old. Possible that it's catching up with them down the stretch.

But it does look like goaltending is the biggest issue in Detroit, and from what I saw of the Dallas series, Turco didn't play badly, but there were a ton of flukey goals.

[hardinda]

It's amazing that almost everyone is doing well in the East and very few are doing well in the west ... oh wait the upsets are happening out west. If the upsets were happening in the East, it would be the exact opposite. That's the way hockey playoffs work.

Also, why post on a hockey thread 3-4 times a day if you don't have Center Ice or other access to hockey games ;)

I did see that yahoo is streaming video of some of the playoff games. Comcast is as well. For those who are looking for games not shown in their area.

[Keef]

I'm still not sold on Theodore, but has there been a bigger sieve in the playoffs than Manny Legace? That guy's given up at least one soft goal each game.

Well, I was very sorry to see Gerber get the hook.

[seabass]

I understand you can count on at least 1, probably even 2 upsets in the first round, but we might have the #1 and #2 seed from the same conference bumped. Don't we have to go back to 1994 or somewhere around that time for the last time a #1 seed got bounced in the first round?

[Mike and Maddog]

I think that all of you can just go to hell!



Nah, I'm just kidding, too. You guys are all great. Even Mike and Maddog!

Gee thanks. That means so much to me.

..........
rangers make the playoffs for first time in, what a decade? And then are swept out in the first round. pathetic.


buffalo has the flyers one game from elimination. backs to the wall, etc.

there was a report that flyers will can hitchcock and bring in pat quinn.

[Real American Hero]

Yeah, part of the knock on Dallas and Detroit coming into the season was that they were too old. Possible that it's catching up with them down the stretch.

But it does look like goaltending is the biggest issue in Detroit, and from what I saw of the Dallas series, Turco didn't play badly, but there were a ton of flukey goals.
Detroit's biggest problem is not goaltending, though it's not helping matters. The Wings biggest problem is the same one that plagued them in '03 and '04. They are playing along the boards in the offensive zone, taking long shots with no screens. The best 50 minutes they put together were in the 3rd period and overtime in game 3 (even though they lost.) Then there's the anemic PP, followed by Manny.

[Super Silver Haze]

I understand you can count on at least 1, probably even 2 upsets in the first round, but we might have the #1 and #2 seed from the same conference bumped. Don't we have to go back to 1994 or somewhere around that time for the last time a #1 seed got bounced in the first round?
I know it happened to Ottawa sometime after 1994.

[Wannabe Actuary]

What?!?! You're posting here without center ice?!? Maybe you were relying on those of us who see more of the west.


Some of us don't have time to watch a game or two each night. :popcorn:

[Irish Blues]

I understand you can count on at least 1, probably even 2 upsets in the first round, but we might have the #1 and #2 seed from the same conference bumped. Don't we have to go back to 1994 or somewhere around that time for the last time a #1 seed got bounced in the first round?
The Blues in 2000 (lost to San Jose), the Bruins in 2002 (lost to Montreal). Ottawa was a 2 seed when they were waxed by Toronto in 2001.

[Irish Blues]

The last time the top 2 seeds in a conference got dumped in the opening round: 2002 (#1 Boston lost to #8 Montreal, #2 Philadelphia fell to #7 Ottawa).

[seabass]

The last time the top 2 seeds in a conference got dumped in the opening round: 2002 (#1 Boston lost to #8 Montreal, #2 Philadelphia fell to #7 Ottawa).

Ah ha... I definitely should have remembered that one.

[Super Silver Haze]

Ottawa was a 2 seed when they were waxed by Toronto in 2001.
Huh, okay. Also a 2 seed when they were waxed by Buffalo in 1999. 2 points behind the #1 seed in both those years.

[Real American Hero]

Interpretation: you picked all four favourites in the Eastern Conference, and then want us to believe that the fact that they're all ahead in the series is indicative of your prognosticative abilities.
Hey! I picked all the favorites out east as well (though it was probably more just pulling crap outta my arse)... and had the Devils in a short series. Out west, it wasn't all homer - there was some real thought.

2 teams scared me as a Wings fan; both are in Alberta. I was going to go long in that series until I saw the Wings/Oil game at the end of the season. The Wings owned that game, while the Oil was fighting just to make the playoffs.

Dallas I saw as a paper tiger, but the Avs struggled so much down the stretch, and needed poor play from the Oil and 'nucks to make the playoffs.

I didn't see the Flames scoring in bunches all season, and while Jiggy may not be in '03 playoff form, I figured they'd need Kipper to be huge. The Ducks, on the other hand, haven't been intimidated by the Flames physical game, and can put the puck in the net. So I figured a lot of 2-1 and OT games, where the Ducks scoring depth would be the difference.

I was ready to ride Nashville deep until 2 things happened - the Sharks jumped into the #5 slot, and Voucon's blood issue. Mason played well in net, but the Preds game changed with him there. Before Voukon went down, they were up and down the ice, giving up 40+ shots in what seemed like a ba-zillion games in a row. Mason comes in, they cut down shots against by playing more defensive hockey, and they lose the agressive edge they had.

If the Wings get past the Oil, and the Flames go out early, I didn't really see another team in the west slowing them down.

If they bow out early, I'll be disappointed, but not totally surprised. I'll wait a few weeks to blow up the team, but right now I can only see about a half dozen guys on the playoff roster that I'd call untouchable in the offseason.

[DoctorNo]

Some of us don't have time to watch a game or two each night. :popcorn:

That's true - I forgot about your very important activities (http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=64731). It's obvious that you're far too busy to watch hockey.

[Uncle Carl]

Hey! I picked all the favorites out east as well (though it was probably more just pulling crap outta my arse)... and had the Devils in a short series. Out west, it wasn't all homer - there was some real thought.

2 teams scared me as a Wings fan; both are in Alberta. I was going to go long in that series until I saw the Wings/Oil game at the end of the season. The Wings owned that game, while the Oil was fighting just to make the playoffs.

Dallas I saw as a paper tiger, but the Avs struggled so much down the stretch, and needed poor play from the Oil and 'nucks to make the playoffs.

I didn't see the Flames scoring in bunches all season, and while Jiggy may not be in '03 playoff form, I figured they'd need Kipper to be huge. The Ducks, on the other hand, haven't been intimidated by the Flames physical game, and can put the puck in the net. So I figured a lot of 2-1 and OT games, where the Ducks scoring depth would be the difference.

I was ready to ride Nashville deep until 2 things happened - the Sharks jumped into the #5 slot, and Voucon's blood issue. Mason played well in net, but the Preds game changed with him there. Before Voukon went down, they were up and down the ice, giving up 40+ shots in what seemed like a ba-zillion games in a row. Mason comes in, they cut down shots against by playing more defensive hockey, and they lose the agressive edge they had.

If the Wings get past the Oil, and the Flames go out early, I didn't really see another team in the west slowing them down.

If they bow out early, I'll be disappointed, but not totally surprised. I'll wait a few weeks to blow up the team, but right now I can only see about a half dozen guys on the playoff roster that I'd call untouchable in the offseason.I picked both 5 seeds, but no other upsets. The only 6, 7 or 8th seed that was really playing well heading into the playoffs was Montreal, and they were playing a team they were dominated by all year. Anaheim had been playing pretty good hockey but I didn't see Calgary going out in the first round. Colorado might have been one of the last upset picks I would have chosen. Theodore was rusty, they weren't playing well, they were very inconsistant all year, and Dallas was as far as I knew a solid team. I actually didn't see them play this year. Picked them to miss the playoffs, so they surprised me. Know they won about 10 games in shootouts, but they still had a great record without those wins. I was absolutely positive Rangers were going out first round, so wasn't going to pick that upset, already explained Montreal. A defending champ is never something to be taken lightly, but I just couldn't see Tampa beating Ottawa with their shakky goaltending. Out West, already explained Anaheim and Colorado. Edmonton got pretty lucky even getting into the playoffs. Wings were solid all year, this series has really surprised me. But of course it probably surprised everyone. Although in hindsight, it probably shouldn't have. Edmonton's a team that's built similar to Calgary, minus the great goaltending. They're solid on defence, enough talent up front to score one more than the team they're playing in a tight low-to-medium scoring game, and very gritty. They're a grinding team that is going to be very tough to play against in the playoffs. Perfect upset pick, if they get solid golatending, which I didn't think they would.

So I guess in defence of everyone who picked favorites, it really was tough to pick any upsets this year. Anaheim was the only 6, 7 or 8 seed I thought could pull an upset, if they had a good performance from Jiggy. Looks right now like Colorado could still be the only upset, even though Edmonton's in great shape to be the second, and you never know what will happen with Mtl/Car and Ana/Cal.

PS - I knew there WOULD be upsets, and I think I posted as such, I just had no idea who...

[hardinda]

Good thing none of us bet our life savings on our picks (besides M&M of course, he always gets his picks right)

[DoctorNo]

Good thing none of us bet our life savings on our picks

Do you know how much debt you can rack up in eleven years of college? I should have bet my life savings. :tup:

[hardinda]

Do you know how much debt you can rack up in eleven years of college? I should have bet my life savings. :tup:
Eleven? Aren't you on an actuarial forum? What have you been doing for 11 years? (besides chasing girls and drinking beer)

[DoctorNo]

Eleven? Aren't you on an actuarial forum? What have you been doing for 11 years? (besides chasing girls and drinking beer)

Four years getting my bachelor's degree, and seven years getting my doctorate, playing hockey, chasing beer and drinking girls. Or was it playing girls and chasing hockey?

I'll have "Been An Actuary" for two years in early June. Hoping to be an ASA by this time next year (knock on wood).

[Mike and Maddog]

Four years getting my bachelor's degree, and seven years getting my doctorate, playing hockey, chasing beer and drinking girls. Or was it playing girls and chasing hockey?



I think it was playing like a girl.

[DoctorNo]

I think it was playing like a girl.

I coached the university women's hockey team for six years, and some of them are pretty good. Better than you, even (if you can imagine that). So I'll take that as a compliment.

Is sexism still popular where you're from, M&M?

[ShakeNBakes]

I coached the university women's hockey team for six years, and some of them are pretty good. Better than you, even (if you can imagine that). So I'll take that as a compliment.

Is sexism still popular where you're from, M&M?that's three respectible burns in one thread in one day. DoctorNo, I salute you. :notworth:

[Irish Blues]

I coached the university women's hockey team for six years, and some of them are pretty good. Better than you, even (if you can imagine that). So I'll take that as a compliment.

Is sexism still popular where you're from, M&M?
Why does M&M hate women?

[Uncle Carl]

Why does M&M hate women?Probably because they hate him.

[Mike and Maddog]

I coached the university women's hockey team for six years, and some of them are pretty good. Better than you, even (if you can imagine that). So I'll take that as a compliment.

Is sexism still popular where you're from, M&M?

the women might be good, but I said "playing like a girl".

Is stupidity still popular where you're from?

[DoctorNo]

the women might be good, but I said "playing like a girl".

If you seriously meant for us to infer an actual girl (and not a female in general) from your comment, then I apologize for implying otherwise.

But that's not what you meant, and you know it.

[Mike and Maddog]

If you seriously meant for us to infer an actual girl (and not a female in general) from your comment, then I apologize for implying otherwise.

But that's not what you meant, and you know it.


Apology accepted.

[DoctorNo]

But that's not what you meant, and you know it.
.

[Irish Blues]

Those of you who took Detroit to win it all, .... come join those of us who picked Dallas to get to the Finals on the sidelines.

Ales Hemsky finally scores in the playoffs, twice in 2:47 to tie the game and then win it, and the President's Trophy winning team is out in the first round for the first time since St. Louis bowed out early in 2000.

[DoctorNo]

Yeah, wow.

[Uncle Carl]

I'm heading to bed here, can't wait til morning to see if Calgary's moving on. Flames-Oilers will be absolute mayhem if it happens.

[GefilteFish144]

I had a feeling about Colorado, but Edmonton is shocking. Between this year and his surprise performance in Minnesota a couple years ago I think Roloson's establishing himself as a big-time playoff goaltender.

[ShakeNBakes]

can somebody please tell me how I'm supposed to study Wednesday night?? There is absolutely zero chance that I'll get anything accomplished. Stupid Scott Niedermayer... :swear:

But I will say that the Flames played like absolute ass tonight, and kinda deserved the loss. They had better figure out what they're doing if they want to win on Wednesday.

[hardinda]

When's the last time 5-8 won in the 1st round, ever? Can't believe that could happen.

[bfore13]

Dominating shutdown performance by the Sabres today ... 3-0 going back to Philly, can we win a road game?!?!?!Nice game by the Sabres Sunday, it's just unfirtunate that the turning point of the game (PP goal late in 2nd) had to come off an atrocious goalie interference call. That should've been a nail-biting 3rd period as the Flyers stepped up their play in the 2nd but they lost all momentum with the Dumont goal. Also, I may not have seen much hockey this year but in past years I recall knee-to-knee hits being penalties (as they are the intent to injure variety).

Hopefully, the Flyers can bounce back tonight and play like they did in games 3 & 4. Maybe they could even score first tonight.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Those of you who took Detroit to win it all, .... come join those of us who picked Dallas to get to the Finals on the sidelines.

Ales Hemsky finally scores in the playoffs, twice in 2:47 to tie the game and then win it, and the President's Trophy winning team is out in the first round for the first time since St. Louis bowed out early in 2000.
:wave:

[Mike and Maddog]

Nice game by the Sabres Sunday, it's just unfirtunate that the turning point of the game (PP goal late in 2nd) had to come off an atrocious goalie interference call. That should've been a nail-biting 3rd period as the Flyers stepped up their play in the 2nd but they lost all momentum with the Dumont goal. Also, I may not have seen much hockey this year but in past years I recall knee-to-knee hits being penalties (as they are the intent to injure variety).

Hopefully, the Flyers can bounce back tonight and play like they did in games 3 & 4. Maybe they could even score first tonight.

stop whining. the better team will win the series. and buffalo looks like the better team in this series.

[seabass]

:yawn:

[Mike and Maddog]

PHILADELPHIA -- Every time the whistle blows to start a game in this Buffalo-Philadelphia series, the Sabres spill onto the ice like someone has left the coral gate open to a gaggle of frisky colts.


The Flyers? Well, how about a gaggle of Clydesdales?


In the first five games of this Eastern Conference quarterfinals series, the colts, er, the Sabres, have run circles around the Flyers early on, forcing them into early penalty trouble and scoring the first goal in five straight games. Heading into Game 6 on Tuesday, the Sabres have taken a lead no later than 6:05 into each contest.



The Sabres have done a consistent job of beating the Flyers to the puck in their first-round series.
Twice the Flyers have been able to rebound from the frenzied Sabres attack to win games. But three times, they have not, putting the Flyers on the brink of elimination.


"They start frantic," Philadelphia coach Ken Hitchcock explained Monday. "Furious pace, get the lead and pull out.


"I think we've got to match the frantic pace of the start without making big errors. But we've got to match the frantic pace."


As is so often the case in the playoffs, this series has become a test of wills.


It's not necessarily a test of which team can mimic or react to its opponent, but which team can exert its will over an opponent? It is a battle the Flyers must win or face a 31st straight spring without a Stanley Cup.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2006/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2429344

[hardinda]

Nice game by the Sabres Sunday, it's just unfirtunate that the turning point of the game (PP goal late in 2nd) had to come off an atrocious goalie interference call. That should've been a nail-biting 3rd period as the Flyers stepped up their play in the 2nd but they lost all momentum with the Dumont goal. Also, I may not have seen much hockey this year but in past years I recall knee-to-knee hits being penalties (as they are the intent to injure variety).

Hopefully, the Flyers can bounce back tonight and play like they did in games 3 & 4. Maybe they could even score first tonight.

Wah Wah, cry some more. Your team got dominated, outplayed ... and now you want to blame it on the refs. OK then.

[seabass]

So M&M, you ever gonna tell us why you're obsessed with Philly teams?

[ShakeNBakes]

So M&M, you ever gonna tell us why you're obsessed with Philly teams?because it's the city of brotherly love... (nudge, nudge)

[Irish Blues]

Nice game by the Sabres Sunday, it's just unfirtunate that the turning point of the game (PP goal late in 2nd) had to come off an atrocious goalie interference call. That should've been a nail-biting 3rd period as the Flyers stepped up their play in the 2nd but they lost all momentum with the Dumont goal. Also, I may not have seen much hockey this year but in past years I recall knee-to-knee hits being penalties (as they are the intent to injure variety).

Hopefully, the Flyers can bounce back tonight and play like they did in games 3 & 4. Maybe they could even score first tonight.
This goes for fans of all 16 teams in the playoffs this year.

People act like the only bad calls that have been made in the playoffs were against their team. If your team isn't mentally tough enough to overcome a questionable call and still win the game (or the series), then your team shouldn't hoist the Cup in mid-June. If your team had played the perfect game and one call blew it, I might consider the argument. But it doesn't happen. You can look back through any game and see opportunities to score (or keep the other team from scoring) that were missed.

Championship teams don't just win by luck. They persevere, they fight through adversity and overcome whatever challenges they face. When given a chance to capitalize on a mistake, they do it. When they give the other team a chance to capitalize on a mistake, they buckle down and work harder to make sure that mistake doesn't cost them.

Questionable calls happen. They've happened in years past, they'll happen in the future. But please quit pinning your team's losses on the officiating. If you want to say, "that was a horrible call" then go right ahead - just don't keep throwing up the "that call cost us the game" argument.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I love the billboard in philly...

"City of Brotherly Love?...Not during hockey season."

[hardinda]

Good point Irish, especially in a game you were shutout and had maybe 1 good scoring chance all game. Did the officiating cause that too?

[DoctorNo]

So M&M, you ever gonna tell us why you're obsessed with Philly teams?

My guess is that he's a WIP disc jockey.

[Real American Hero]

If the rest of the Wings had half the heart Stevie Y has, there'd be no need to be *****ing about the game tying goal last night. Back injury? Nope. The cap'n played with a torn oblique muscle, and with the exception of Hank Zetterberg was the best damn player they put on the ice.

[bfore13]

Questionable calls happen. They've happened in years past, they'll happen in the future. But please quit pinning your team's losses on the officiating. If you want to say, "that was a horrible call" then go right ahead - just don't keep throwing up the "that call cost us the game" argument.For those with reading comprehension problems, I never said it cost us the game. I said it ruined what could've been an entertaining 3rd period. As for Buffalo dominating the game, the Flyers outhsot them 14-6 in the 2nd and Miller had to make a couple of tough saves to keep them off the board. The Flyers deflated after the Dumont goal and let the Sabres again carry the play in the 3rd. While I understand that bad/no calls do happen, the powerplays are 38 to 24 for Buffalo in the series. The series could've played out much different if not for a couple of huge no-calls in game 1 (Knuble high-sticked and bloodied and Forsberg hooked leading to a turnvoer and Connolly goal).

[hardinda]

For those with reading comprehension problems, I never said it cost us the game. I said it ruined what could've been an entertaining 3rd period. As for Buffalo dominating the game, the Flyers outhsot them 14-6 in the 2nd and Miller had to make a couple of tough saves to keep them off the board. The Flyers deflated after the Dumont goal and let the Sabres again carry the play in the 3rd. While I understand that bad/no calls do happen, the powerplays are 38 to 24 for Buffalo in the series. The series could've played out much different if not for a couple of huge no-calls in game 1 (Knuble high-sticked and bloodied and Forsberg hooked leading to a turnvoer and Connolly goal).

Once again, now you are saying that Philly wouldn't be losing the SERIES if it weren't for the refs. Dude, are you watching the games?

[seabass]

Buffalo has been historically good about staying out of the box, and Philly probably doesn't have the speed to keep up without a little obstruction. I hate to borrow a CC line, but just because there's a penalty discrepancy, doesn't automatically mean the reffing has been bad. Aside from reffing being any sort of factor... the Flyers didn't score. If they're going to stew over a bad call for the rest of the game, or let a 2-0 or 3-0 lead get the best of them, they probably don't deserve the win. It sounds like that was the case in game 5.

[Uncle Carl]

Anyone who doesn't think bad officiating can impact a game, doesn't know anything about sports.

[Keef]

The series could've played out much different if not for a couple of huge no-calls in game 1 (Knuble high-sticked and bloodied and Forsberg hooked leading to a turnvoer and Connolly goal).

As a Habs fan, I can empathize with that. The officiating in the Habs-Canes series has been pretty bad at times. The Williams high-sticking on Koivu in game 3 could have been a 5 minute major, and then his high stick on Markov in game 4 was uncalled right before the Canes scored. Both were one goal games. It really doesn't take much to swing a game or series. I realize refs can't be perfect and Carolina (especially Ward & Brind'Amour) has been playing hard the past 3 games and deserve credit, but it'd be nice if things evened out.

[Keef]

Anyone who doesn't think bad officiating can impact a game, doesn't know anything about sports.

What Uncle said.

[hardinda]

Why don't you people realize calls go both ways???? There are a few times to blame refs for a loss and that is when a call directly impacts a game winning goal (or No Goal :) ) that is a game winner within the last 1 or 2 minutes of a game. Otherwise, it's part of the game. You can ask a fan of the other side and they'll also say "OMG that game was poorly called" ... "Did you see this and that and that" ... As a biased homer, you just say, "yeah, it's part of the game"

Bfore, there are quite a few non-calls on the Flyers, but you haven't even mentioned those and how those might have swung the game... or did they call everything perfect against the Flyers and missed many calls against Buffalo? Missed calls go both ways. There are a few times when officiating has a DIRECT impact on a game. Those times are very few and far between, the rest is just part of the sport.

As far as Philly v Buffalo goes, the Flyers have been outplayed in 3 out of the 5 games and OMG, they lost those 3 games. Officiating had nothing to do with any of those losses.

[Real American Hero]

Anyone who doesn't think bad officiating can impact a game, doesn't know anything about sports.
I'm not sure, but I think Holmgren is still stewing.

[yankeetripper]

Anyone who doesn't think bad officiating can impact a game, doesn't know anything about sports.
Or didn't watch this year's Super Bowl.

On another note - SHARKS get home ice next round. Go Ducks.

If Ducks win will it be the 1st time the top 4 seeds in conference have all lost in the first round? I remember a long time ago almost the whole western conference top seeds dropped the first round, maybe around 1980 the year the Islanders beat Vancouver for the cup but I can't rememeber if it was all 4 or not.

[hardinda]

Which is the advantage of playing a 7 game series. Usually over 7 games, you can tell who the better team is and whether or not the refs are really playing that big of factor. All though according to Philly fans, the Sabres don't make them look slow and it's all a big NHL farce to get the dream rating matchup of Ottawa v Buffalo ... LOL (I actually saw a Philly fan post that on hfboards.com :rofl:)

[Irish Blues]

Or didn't watch this year's Super Bowl.

On another note - SHARKS get home ice next round. Go Ducks.

If Ducks win will it be the 1st time the top 4 seeds in conference have all lost in the first round? I remember a long time ago almost the whole western conference top seeds dropped the first round, maybe around 1980 the year the Islanders beat Vancouver for the cup but I can't rememeber if it was all 4 or not.
The league was seeded 1-16 (because it was a balanced schedule) from about 1979 to 1982, when the playoffs went to the divisional format. The current setup started in 1994. So the best you'll get is to either look at when the #1 and #2 seeds in a division lost between 1982 and 1993, or back to the '68-74 (or so) era when the first round was between teams in the same conference.

And I know that in '93 the Norris Division saw the #1 and #2 seeds drop in the opening round (Chicago to St. Louis, Detroit to Toronto).

[SharksFan08]

For those with reading comprehension problems...

Wow, Irish Blues, twice in one week you've been accused of this. :tup:

[Wannabe Actuary]

hardinda...think we can get tom to add this emoticon?

:footwasinthecrease:

[hardinda]

hardinda...think we can get tom to add this emoticon?

:footwasinthecrease:

:nogoal: would be easier to type, don't you think?

Edit: he can copy off my avatar :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

:nogoal: would be easier to type, don't you think?

Edit: he can copy off my avatar :)
sweet...

[Wannabe Actuary]

maybe he can add :wideright: as well :wink:

[bfore13]

As far as Philly v Buffalo goes, the Flyers have been outplayed in 3 out of the 5 games and OMG, they lost those 3 games. Officiating had nothing to do with any of those losses.Are you saying that you can't win a game when you've been outplayed?? Hockey, with the goalie position, is the epitome of winning a game you have no business winning. As a Sabres fan you should be well aware of that since Hasek "stole" games all the time.

I'm not saying that calls haven't been missed both ways. I've been surprised a few times when the Flyers weren't penalized given how the officials have called most of the series. However, I don't recall any bad/no calls that changed the momentum or resulted directly in a goal like the Savage penalty or the no call on Forsberg. Game 1 was the perfect situation for a steal given how well Esche played and the Flyers likely win that game 2-1 w/o the Connolly goal.

[SharksFan08]

However, I don't recall any bad/no calls that changed the momentum or resulted directly in a goal like the Savage penalty or the no call on Forsberg. Game 1 was the perfect situation for a steal given how well Esche played and the Flyers likely win that game 2-1 w/o the Connolly goal.

I'm not with you on the Savage penalty and ensuing momentum swing. That's the kind that goes both ways.

But Hardinda, if you're going by your definition of officiating having a DIRECT impact on the game, do you really think the missed hook on Forsberg in Game 1 doesn't fall into that category?

[yankeetripper]

The league was seeded 1-16 (because it was a balanced schedule) from about 1979 to 1982, when the playoffs went to the divisional format. The current setup started in 1994. So the best you'll get is to either look at when the #1 and #2 seeds in a division lost between 1982 and 1993, or back to the '68-74 (or so) era when the first round was between teams in the same conference.

And I know that in '93 the Norris Division saw the #1 and #2 seeds drop in the opening round (Chicago to St. Louis, Detroit to Toronto).
Thanks IB, my NHL history is scetchy at best but it was the 81'-82'' season I was thinking about where 3 of the 4 division winners all lost in the 1st round and the Islander's were nearly 4 out of 4 in the 1st round before winning the cup - {from site I googled}

Mainly because of Gretzky's prodigious performance, the Edmonton Oilers scored a record 417 goals and led the Smythe Division by 34 points. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the New York Islanders, had the best regular-season record in the NHL to lead the Patrick Division, while the Montreal Canadiens took first place in the Adams Division and the Minnesota North Stars led the Norris Division.

Upsets abounded in the playoffs. In the Adams Division, the fourth-place Quebec Nordiques eliminated Montreal in the first round and beat the second-place Bruins in the second round. Another fourth-place team, the Chicago Blackhawks, won the Norris Division playoffs. Most shocking, perhaps, was the Los Angeles Kings' first-round upset of the Oilers. The Kings came back from a 5-0 deficit in Game 3 of the best-of-five series to tie it up. They then won in overtime and went on to take the series. The Kings, who finished fourth during the regular season, were then eliminated by the second-place Vancouver Canucks.

[hardinda]

I'm not with you on the Savage penalty and ensuing momentum swing. That's the kind that goes both ways.

But Hardinda, if you're going by your definition of officiating having a DIRECT impact on the game, do you really think the missed hook on Forsberg in Game 1 doesn't fall into that category?
I watched a replay of that "missed hook" and Kotalik never turned the blade of his stick into Forsberg. His stick stayed on Forsberg's stick the whole time. If he had turned his stick, it would automatically be a hook, b/c the stick was straight up in the air and it was stick on stick contact, it was not a penalty.

[Irish Blues]

Wow, Irish Blues, twice in one week you've been accused of this. :tup:
Considering my comment started with "This goes for fans of all 16 teams in the playoffs this year", if bfore13 wants to think I was directing that comment at him, :roll: I don't think I'm the one with the inability to comprehend. It's a shot across the bow at everyone that uses the officiating as a crutch for why their team lost.

[hardinda]

I'm not saying that calls haven't been missed both ways. I've been surprised a few times when the Flyers weren't penalized given how the officials have called most of the series. However, I don't recall any bad/no calls that changed the momentum or resulted directly in a goal like the Savage penalty or the no call on Forsberg. Game 1 was the perfect situation for a steal given how well Esche played and the Flyers likely win that game 2-1 w/o the Connolly goal.

So, you are saying if the Sabres don't score the first goal, the game plays out exactly the same? Uh, ok.

[SharksFan08]

I watched a replay of that "missed hook" and Kotalik never turned the blade of his stick into Forsberg. His stick stayed on Forsberg's stick the whole time. If he had turned his stick, it would automatically be a hook, b/c the stick was straight up in the air and it was stick on stick contact, it was not a penalty.

OK, hypothetically, if that had been a hook on Forsberg, would that missed call be a direct enough impact that fans could whine about it, in your opinion?

[hardinda]

OK, hypothetically, if that had been a hook on Forsberg, would that missed call be a direct enough impact that fans could whine about it, in your opinion?

Yes, I would probably whine about it if it went against me, but you cannot say it cost you the game. It happened within the first 5 minutes of a 60 minute game.

[bfore13]

So, you are saying if the Sabres don't score the first goal, the game plays out exactly the same? Uh, ok.I'm not saying it would play out exactly the same but, IMO, Esche had the best game of any goalie to this point in game 1. He was unconscious and playing way above his head. He stopped 39/41 shots in regulation (55/58 including OT). Based on that, I just don't think that the Sabres get another one by him during regulation.

[hardinda]

I'm not saying it would play out exactly the same but, IMO, Esche had the best game of any goalie to this point in game 1. He was unconscious and playing way above his head. He stopped 39/41 shots in regulation (55/58 including OT). Based on that, I just don't think that the Sabres get another one by him during regulation.

So, he would have had a shutout? B/c that was the first goal of the game, so they don't score the 2nd either?

[Not Mike]

Funny, when Derian Hatcher was knocking out Sidney Crosby's teeth with a high stick (without a penalty call), Crosby was labeled a whiner by the entire city of Philadelphia.

Nice to see the universe balancing out a bit.

[hardinda]

No, they'd never do that. They'd never get up in arms b/c Sabres fans cheered for a hit on a jumbotron, yet still managed to give nice applause as the injured player wobbles off the ice. In Philly, a guy gets a stick to the groin/stomach and they boo him as he's down, then boo him as he skates of the ice ... he's obviously faking it and that's why they are booing him. They show "class" in Philly.

Then there is the Philly TV announcers who said the Sabres showed the replay while Umberger was still down on the ice, which has now been proven by many in attendance to be a lie, it was shown while he was in the tunnel on the way to the lockerroom. The announcers also announced in the broadcast how Buffalo showed the hit over and over again, when in reality it was shown once after the hit and once during an intermission TV shown in simulcast on the jumbotron. The Philly fans however believed their announcers as the gospel. Gotta love it!!

Edit: Can you tell we are in game 6 of a playoff series :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

hardinda, I hate philly announcers, but at the time, what else can a fan watching the game go on other than what they say is happening? After the fact I was helpful in determining where the comments originated from, but I think a general statement that philly fans take the word of their announcers as the gospel is rather strong.

it's only human nature to believe commentary of an event that you're not at when it comes from someone who is at the event, or at least who is supposed to have more knowledge of what's going on at the event that you do

[hardinda]

Yes, but they continued to believe it ... even after those at the game brought out the truth. I think alot of Philly fans still believe it.

[Wannabe Actuary]

if that's the case, ok, but otherwise, believing it until corrected is understandable

[SharksFan08]

I wonder if it's torture for MH not to be able to chime in on any of these discussions... or if it's a nice little vacation for him.

Refresh my memory, when does he get to come back?

[Mike and Maddog]

Yes, but they continued to believe it ... even after those at the game brought out the truth. I think alot of Philly fans still believe it.

Those at the game? You mean some of the posters on this board are more believable than the announcers? I don't think so.

[Irish Blues]

I wonder if it's torture for MH not to be able to chime in on any of these discussions... or if it's a nice little vacation for him.

Refresh my memory, when does he get to come back?
When the series is over ... which could be as soon as about 10pm Eastern tonight (give or take).

[hardinda]

When the series is over ... which could be as soon as about 10pm Eastern tonight (give or take).
His quote was ... "I'll seeya after we come back and win in 6", here's hoping he got the game number right, but team wrong :)

[Mike and Maddog]

His quote was ... "I'll seeya after we come back and win in 6", here's hoping he got the game number right, but team wrong :)

they can't win in 6, so he can't come back.

[hardinda]

Where have you been? He can come back when the series is over ... this is the 2nd time we've tried to tell you this, but you don't actually read the thread, you just make random posts that make no sense.

[DoctorNo]

you just make random posts that make no sense.

"Mike and Maddog" = "Cameron Crazy"?

[Mike and Maddog]

Where have you been? He can come back when the series is over ... this is the 2nd time we've tried to tell you this, but you don't actually read the thread, you just make random posts that make no sense.

Another retard I see.

If he says "I'll seeya after we come back and win in 6", and that is not possible this year, how can he come back?

[hardinda]

Another retard I see.

If he says "I'll seeya after we come back and win in 6", and that is not possible this year, how can he come back?

The same way you come back even after the Flyers win a game, when you seem to think they won't win any.

[Mike and Maddog]

The same way you come back even after the Flyers win a game, when you seem to think they won't win any.

Wrong. I have not said "see you when..."

And I never said they won't win any. Never assume.

[DoctorNo]

Another retard I see.

If he says "I'll seeya after we come back and win in 6", and that is not possible this year, how can he come back?

I'll give you a hint.

If you say that you'll give me ten dollars if the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, that does not preclude you from giving me money at other times, both before and after the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.

Or if I say that I'll see you at the Cup parade in June, and we happen to run into each other at the Rockies game next week, does that mean that we didn't see each other at the Rockies game?

I'll let you ponder those for awhile.

[Uncle Carl]

I'll bet you that doesn't happen. If it does, I won't post again until after the series. If it doesn't, you don't post again until after the series.Mike and Maddog, here was the bet. Following now? After the misconduct MH said I'll see you guys after game 6, as in he was saying that Philly would win the series in 6. Need me to draw you a picture?

Now when you say but Philly can't win the series in 6 so he can't come back, reference DrNo's post.

[Judge Dredd]

omg....this is the worst insult thread ever. You guys are insulting each other over semantics.

I feel like I wondered into political.

[DoctorNo]

You guys are insulting each other over semantics.


For the record, every single insult thread in here is either started by, or directed at, Mike and Maddog, who makes less sense than Bob Dylan reading "Finnegan's Wake" in a wind tunnel.

[Judge Dredd]

For the record, every single insult thread in here is either started by, or directed at, Mike and Maddog, who makes less sense than Bob Dylan reading "Finnegan's Wake" in a wind tunnel.
I totally agree. I was sorta defending hardinda.

[hardinda]

3-0 Buffalo after 1, the fat lady isn't singing yet, but MH is warming up his typing fingers :)

Bfore - do you think the 2 handed chop by Forsberg over Max's legs should have been called a penalty?

[Wannabe Actuary]

through 1 period, Philly down 3-0...looking like crap
Carolina and Montreal tied at 1 after the first

[Wannabe Actuary]

make that 4-0

[Wannabe Actuary]

5-0....Esche is done....it's now half way through the game

[Uncle Carl]

I think Hardinda would agree MH is now allowed to post, as this series is over.

[Wannabe Actuary]

oh, but Philly had all that home team momentum....if only Buffalo hadn't scored that first goal :wink:

btw, Buffalo has scored first in all 6 games, now that's getting started right

[Wannabe Actuary]

buffalo gives up a goal, but gets it right back...

[hardinda]

Buffalo is on a permanent penalty kill, b/c they aren't trying to score. If however, Philly does something ... buffalo turn it right back on.

This last 20 mins will be one big boring period of hockey ... most likely (watch me be wrong)

[Uncle Carl]

buffalo gives up a goal, but gets it right back...Can we get more frequent updates please? The people reading tomorrow will want to know the order of scoring, when the penalties happened, icings, off-sides etc.

[hardinda]

Can we get more frequent updates please? The people reading tomorrow will want to know the order of scoring, when the penalties happened, icings, off-sides etc.

10 min misconduct ---------> Uncle Carl

How's that?

[DoctorNo]

Someone should call the Connecticut-area hospitals and see if Wannabe Actuary is alright.

Seriously, no updates in the last half hour? How are we supposed to know what's going on?

[Wannabe Actuary]

it's 7-1 now btw :wink:

[Wannabe Actuary]

haha, spoke too soon, but it's not CT...oddly enough, I'm watching a hospital tv show (House)

[MountainHawk]

Wow ... total lack of heart ... very depressing effort.


Well, at least I can enjoy all the OTs from here on out :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

Carolina just advanced as well

[Uncle Carl]

Disappointing way to see that series end. A goaltending duel ending with a weak angle blast from the circle with no screen. Just plain got beat by that puck.

Ottawa Buffalo should be fun to watch. Looking forward to it. Doubt I'll watch a game in the Carolina Jersey series.

[DoctorNo]

A goaltending duel ending with a weak angle blast from the circle with no screen.

Puck deflected off Craig Rivet's stick. Still disappointing, but a tough shot to stop.

[Wannabe Actuary]

swan...not everyone was watching that game. I was watching House and tracking the game online. others might have been cruising the board/thread and not checked sports sites yet

[DoctorNo]

others might have been cruising the board/thread and not checked sports sites yet

Riiiiiiight. Yeah.

[Uncle Carl]

Puck deflected off Craig Rivet's stick. Still disappointing, but a tough shot to stop.Did it? I didn't see that. Was early in overtime I think I was posting here just about to get on the couch and watch the OT and it was over. Not as bad then, I just saw Stillman take a shot and it looked like it went right in.

[DoctorNo]

Legion of Doom line on OLN right now.

[April 21, 1997, Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh]

[bfore13]

So, he would have had a shutout? B/c that was the first goal of the game, so they don't score the 2nd either?No, they still score the 2nd but likely lose 2-1 in regulation. As for last night, an impressive game for the Sabres which will give them confidence when they go into Ottawa. I missed the 1st period so I didn't see the Forsberg slash (and essentially missed any semblance of a hockey game). It will be interesting to see what Clarke does with this team in the offseason because Buffalo exposed them on so many levels.

Edit: I was trying to get a ticket for last night's game. Thank God that fell through.

[Cannonball]

Wow, the Flyers really stunk up the joint. They looked old and tired, like a bunch of Grampa Simpsons out on the ice.

Ottawa's gonna be real tough. Should be a good one.

[Super Silver Haze]

I would have rather seen Ottawa play Montreal than Buffalo, but on the other hand I think Keef would have said more hurtful things about my team than hardinda will.

[GefilteFish144]

Disappointing way to see that series end. A goaltending duel ending with a weak angle blast from the circle with no screen. Just plain got beat by that puck.

Ottawa Buffalo should be fun to watch. Looking forward to it. Doubt I'll watch a game in the Carolina Jersey series.

Ottawa-Buffalo will probably be the better series, but NJ-Carolina should be good too. Probably not a whole lot of scoring, but a couple of evenly matched teams. Just hope that the long layoff hasn't destroyed the momentum the Devils have with the 15-game win streak.

[Irish Blues]

It will be interesting to see what Clarke does with this team in the offseason because Buffalo exposed them on so many levels.
Clarke shouldn't get the chance to try again. The blame will go to Hitchcock on this year's collapse, but Clarke's strategy for putting a team together (get big guys who can hit but are average skaters, supplement the existing scoring with aging has-beens) has come back to haunt the Flyers too many times to consider it to be a fluke.

Clarke will take a 6'3", 225 lb. stiff over a 5'10" forward with a definite scoring touch. It's been like that for a while now, and it's not working. Clarke has to go if the Flyers ever plan on doing more in the playoffs.

[MountainHawk]

I've got to like Ottawa and New Jersey for the Eastern final at this point, though they both should be pretty good series.

[MountainHawk]

Clarke shouldn't get the chance to try again. The blame will go to Hitchcock on this year's collapse, but Clarke's strategy for putting a team together (get big guys who can hit but are average skaters, supplement the existing scoring with aging has-beens) has come back to haunt the Flyers too many times to consider it to be a fluke.

Clarke will take a 6'3", 225 lb. stiff over a 5'10" forward with a definite scoring touch. It's been like that for a while now, and it's not working. Clarke has to go if the Flyers ever plan on doing more in the playoffs.
Clarke is GM for life for the Flyers. As much as I wish that wasn't true, it is. Flyers fans can only hope that he learns his lesson from the beating this year.

[seabass]

Ironically, the articles I've read praised Hitchcock for keeping the team going with all the injuries on the team. I'm not sure what they'll do. They managed to get Forsberg last year, and although their payroll is at about $36 million (TSN has 2006-2007 salaries up), there's still room to make some moves.

[MountainHawk]

Here is what I'd like to see the Flyers opening night roster look like next season:


C: Forsberg, Primeau (if healthy, otherwise FA), Richards, Carter
W: Gagne, Knuble, Umberger, Radio, Handzus, Eager, Dimitrakos, Free Agent
EF: Potulny

D: Pitkanen - Free Agent (Redden/Chara preferably)
Hatcher - Meyer/Free Agent
Gauthier - Picard/Meyer

Picard / Other fill in

G: Niittymaki
Free Agent veteran backup


Nedved, Kapanen, and Rathje should all be traded (ha!) or waived and sent to play out their contracts in the AHL where they might actually be useful.

[Keef]

I would have rather seen Ottawa play Montreal than Buffalo, but on the other hand I think Keef would have said more hurtful things about my team than hardinda will.

Sorry Super Silver Haze (and anyone else any of my comments offended). They were written carelessly. Spezza actually attended my highschool (very briefly) and my bro had a class with him and said he was a cool guy and I would love to have both him and Redden playing for the Habs, so I can't really dislike the Sens that much.

Well, the Habs season is over. The silver lining is that Koivu attended the game and appeared to be on his way to recovery. Plus, I won't be going nuts trying to get the Hab's scores while I'm in Dublin in the next little while.

Congrats to all the teams for an exciting return of the NHL following the lockout and good luck to those still competing.

[Keef]

Disappointing way to see that series end.

If it had to end bad for the Habs, I'm glad it ended like that. I hate it when you can see your team about to get scored on - it's torture. A harmless-looking play that somehow results in the puck finding the back of the net is the way to go - less pain that way.

[seabass]

G: Niittymaki
Free Agent veteran backup
Nedved, Kapanen, and Rathje should all be traded (ha!) or waived and sent to play out their contracts in the AHL where they might actually be useful.

I think Esche is under contract too, Niity needs to be signed. If any of those contracts are dealt, I can see them making a play for Chara/Redden, but they're gonna be close to the max, and AFAIK, one of them will probably stay in Ottawa. There are still plenty of very good options out there on D though.

[MountainHawk]

Esche is under contract, but I think he needs to go somewhere else. Frank is the future in goal for the Flyers, and they can't keep doing this 50/50 nonsense.

[GefilteFish144]

Esche is under contract, but I think he needs to go somewhere else. Frank is the future in goal for the Flyers, and they can't keep doing this 50/50 nonsense.

With a real defence and special teams in front of him Esche can be a good goalie, definitely worth trading for a strong D or 2.

[Irish Blues]

Clarke is GM for life for the Flyers. As much as I wish that wasn't true, it is.
Yep ... which is why when the blame gets assessed, Teflon Bob will get another free pass for yet another playoff disaster.

[Keef]

When asked by the media about Ken Hitchcock's handshake at the end of the series, Lindy Ruff has this to say:

"He got it all wrong. He had his arm extended when he was still like 20 feet away; I only got the fingers, not a proper hand grip; and then he kept shaking for over ten seconds. Early extension, poor grip & late release. To me, that's three strikes - you're out!"

The reporters were bewildered

"C'mon guys, it's a joke. Don't you watch Seinfeld? It's one of his jokes. Gee, I'm not not knocking Ken, it's a joke.
IT'S A JOKE!"

[MountainHawk]

Yep ... which is why when the blame gets assessed, Teflon Bob will get another free pass for yet another playoff disaster.
Yeah ... I think the blame is going to fall on:

(1) injuries
(2) Hitchcock
(3) defense

in that order.


I'm not sure if I want Hitchcock around. He did a great job of getting 101 points with an AHL team for most of the season, but when we were healthy, we were prone to giving up 3rd period leads because we were too conservative.

Was the passive play due to all the injuries and Hitchcock not having confidence in letting them attack on offense, or is the passive play Hitchcock's strategy? If it's an ongoing strategy, I don't want him here, because I think the future of the NHL is the aggressive teams will win, not the ones that just sit back and try to make the fewest mistakes.

[ShakeNBakes]

Here we go Flames, here we go....

and for the record, I am not (and hopefully will not be) a part of the people who "blame their team's losses on the refs". If you bother to look back at a couple of my earlier posts, I totally blamed game 6 on the Flames playing like dirt bags. In fact they got a HUGE advantage out of a controversial call (the goalie interference no goal that wasn't really goalie interference), and somehow still managed to stink up the Pond. They had better remember how to play tonight, or they're going to be dusting off their golf clubs earlier than scheduled.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Here we go Flames, here we go....

and for the record, I am not (and hopefully will not be) a part of the people who "blame their team's losses on the refs". If you bother to look back at a couple of my earlier posts, I totally blamed game 6 on the Flames playing like dirt bags. In fact they got a HUGE advantage out of a controversial call (the goalie interference no goal that wasn't really goalie interference), and somehow still managed to stink up the Pond. They had better remember how to play tonight, or they're going to be dusting off their golf clubs earlier than scheduled.
hey, I was all about admitting the Rangers played like crap (then again who wouldn't realize that). But there are times refs can and do impact the results.

[ShakeNBakes]

hey, I was all about admitting the Rangers played like crap (then again who wouldn't realize that). But there are times refs can and do impact the results.I'm not arguing that, I'm not arguing anything. I just pointed out to whoever it was that originally said everyone was blaming losses on the refs that I am not an element of that set. Whether or not anyone else falls into that set, I'd like to quote a great movie "My name is Paul. And that ****'s between y'all" I guess what I'm really just trying to say Go Flames Go!!!

...don't hate, participate

[GefilteFish144]

because I think the future of the NHL is the aggressive teams will win, not the ones that just sit back and try to make the fewest mistakes.

The conservative, disciplined Devils will be a good team to test your theory. They certainly rolled all over the Rangers, but the way NY played just about any team could have rolled over them.

[MountainHawk]

The conservative, disciplined Devils will be a good team to test your theory. They certainly rolled all over the Rangers, but the way NY played just about any team could have rolled over them.
The Devils are disciplined, but not conservative.

They don't play a passive game at all. They forecheck pretty hard, and when they are on the PK, you don't see them standing in a small box just watching the other team pass around the outside.

[DoctorNo]

KKFN in Denver is now reporting that Steve Konowalchuk has been cleared to play, and will be skating for the Avalanche in the conference semifinals.

:yikes: :clap:

I sure didn't expect this!

[SharksFan08]

KKFN in Denver is now reporting that Steve Konowalchuk has been cleared to play, and will be skating for the Avalanche in the conference semifinals.

:yikes: :clap:

I sure didn't expect this!

all the more reason I hope Anaheim wins tonight...

[Real American Hero]

KKFN in Denver is now reporting that Steve Konowalchuk has been cleared to play, and will be skating for the Avalanche in the conference semifinals.

:yikes: :clap:

I sure didn't expect this!
Given that he hasn't played in '06 (IIRC), will he be able to do that much?

[DoctorNo]

Given that he hasn't played in '06 (IIRC), will he be able to do that much?

Dunno. But I'm stoked to find out!

(Remember that we're comparing him with Brad May, or Pierre Turgeon, either of whom I'm happy to sacrifice in order to get Kono into the lineup)

[ShakeNBakes]

WARNING!!! Only read this if you want to know the outcome of the game tonight before it airs..


Calgary 3, Anaheim 1.. YEAH BABY!!!

[Uncle Carl]

That was the first spoiler tag I saw today. Had no idea what it was, thought it was going to be a link to Flamesgirls.com or something, didn't want to click it at work.

[ShakeNBakes]

all I know is that the flames better have the period of their life or it's golf season. 3 shots in the second period??? THREE SHOTS??? :shake:

[Wannabe Actuary]

Let's go DUCKS!
Flying V!
:wink:

[Keef]

Let's go DUCKS!
Flying V!
:wink:

Isn't the Flying V an illegal formation?

[ShakeNBakes]

Let's go DUCKS! Because my Rangers lost. And at least until they lose out and then I'll pick a new favorite. And then once the Stanley Cup has been handed out, I'll say that I both predicted the outcome and was cheering for that team the whole time
Flying V!
:wink:IFYQ

[DoctorNo]

IFYQ

WA = M&M?

[Wannabe Actuary]

no, I picked Anaheim in the NHL playoff thing to win round 1 in a long series...just trying to get those points...

[Uncle Carl]

Top four seeds in the West knocked out in the first round. Wow.

[Wannabe Actuary]

hey, it's round 2 and we still have 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 alive (1-4 in the east, 5-8 in the west)

[Keef]

Sorry for your loss, ShakeNBakes. The sliver lining, if any, is that these chicks will need some consoling, too:

3695


3696

[hardinda]

Sorry for your loss, ShakeNBakes. The sliver lining, if any, is that these chicks will need some consoling, too:

3695


3696


Go FLAMES!!!

[ShakeNBakes]

Sorry for your loss, ShakeNBakes. The sliver lining, if any, is that these chicks will need some consoling, too:

3695


3696
it's okay... At least I'll have less distractions from studying for the next 2 weeks

who am I kidding? I'm getting drunk. Starting........ wait for it........ NOW!! :beer:

[Mike and Maddog]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike and Maddog
Danny Sheridan's odds against winning the Stanley Cup:

Philadelphia 6:1
Detroit 8:1
Pittsburgh 8:1
Colorado 9:1
Ottawa 10:1
Tampa Bay 12:1
Calgary 13:1
Vancouver 15:1
Boston 15:1
New Jersey 17:1
Toronto 18:1
Dallas 20:1
Los Angeles 22:1
San Jose 22:1
Montreal 25:1
Anaheim 25:1
Phoenix 25:1
Edmonton 30:1
Nashville 32:1
St. Louis 35:1
Chicago 40:1
Atlanta 45:1
N.Y. Islanders 45:1
Florida 50:1
N.Y. Rangers 60:1
Minnesota 75:1
Columbus 100:1
Carolina 250:1
Buffalo 500:1
Washington 750:1

Another chance for Philly to choke.


Posted way back on Oct 10.

Right on, again!

7-1 :lol:

What a joke of a team!

Philly chokes again.

[hardinda]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike and Maddog
Danny Sheridan's odds against winning the Stanley Cup:


Carolina 250:1
Buffalo 500:1




Wish I would have put $20 on each of these two teams.

[Mike and Maddog]

Yeah ... I think the blame is going to fall on:

(1) injuries
(2) Hitchcock
(3) defense

in that order.




You forgot the never ending road trip.

[Uncle Carl]

Thanks for stopping by, looks like your work here is done. See you next year M&M

[Jables]

Wish I would have put $20 on each of these two teams.

Quick, get in the DeLorean! Great Scott!

[Mike and Maddog]

Thanks for stopping by, looks like your work here is done. See you next year M&M


Flye bye night

By ED MORAN
morane@phillynews.com

"We had done everything we wanted to do at the start of the hockey game," said coach Ken Hitchcock after the game. "And then it was like shock for everybody. It was over so quick. It was just bang, bang, bang ... I've never been through anything like this."

IT STARTED AS the season of promise.

It ended in disaster.

After falling behind in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals to the Buffalo Sabres, three games to two, and staring at an elimination game in the Wachovia Center last night, the Flyers were dispatched from the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs in complete embarrassment.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/hockey/14487182.htm

What an Embarrassment!

Go Moran

[Real American Hero]

Wish I would have put $20 on each of these two teams.
Why? You'd still be out $40 in the end.

[seabass]

What an Embarrassment!



:obsession:

[Irish Blues]

:obsession:
You should follow in the footsteps of DoctorNo and make your 1000th post in honor of M&M.

[hardinda]

Due to "Dora the Explorer" the Ottawa v Buffalo series dates are all messed up.

They play Friday in Ottawa, don't play again till Monday

Then they play Wed and Thurs in Buffalo, then the schedule returns to an every other day schedule.

[Irish Blues]

Due to "Dora the Explorer" the Ottawa v Buffalo series dates are all messed up.

They play Friday in Ottawa, don't play again till Monday

Then they play Wed and Thurs in Buffalo, then the schedule returns to an every other day schedule.
Garth Brooks screwed up the Boston-Florida series several years back. I forget how bad the schedule was, but it was worse than this.

[hardinda]

Garth Brooks screwed up the Boston-Florida series several years back. I forget how bad the schedule was, but it was worse than this.

Atleast Garth is a valid reason, Dora the Explorer?

[Irish Blues]

Atleast Garth is a valid reason, Dora the Explorer?
You have to say, "Swiper - no swiping!" :tup:

[seabass]

You should follow in the footsteps of DoctorNo and make your 1000th post in honor of M&M.

:swear: I didn't keep track of my posts. I don't know what else there is to do really. He wussed out of naming his favorite teams and obsesses over Philly teams. Perhaps he had a bad cheesesteak experience, or maybe McNabb never returned his calls.

[Mike and Maddog]

New York Rangers defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh, who spent six weeks of the season in a substance abuse program, was arrested on a drunk driving charge in White Plains, New York on Tuesday, according to various local reports.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=164742&hubname=nhl

This after his stellar performance in the playoffs.

[DoctorNo]

7-1 :lol:

Wow! You had an 87.5% chance of being right! Way to go!

:blah:

[DoctorNo]

Perhaps he had a bad cheesesteak experience, or maybe McNabb never returned his calls.

Chunky soup overdose?