NHL Conference Quarterfinals (Official Thread)

[xbrokendownx]

spurred on by the discussion in the rants/raves thread...heres a thread for the first round of the NHL playoffs

EAST

1. Washington vs. 8. Montreal
2. New Jersey vs. 7. Philadelphia
3. Buffalo vs. 6. Boston
4. Pittsburgh vs. 5. Ottawa

WEST

1. San Jose vs. 8. Colorado
2. Chicago vs. 7. Nashville
3. Vancouver vs. 6. Los Angeles
4. Phoenix vs. 5. Detroit

[WakingTheMisery]

I feel like any seed in the West could beat 2-8 in the east in a 7-game series. Damn shame.

[xbrokendownx]

the West will be a lot more unpredictable than the East IMO. the bottom half of the East sucks for the most part, although Philly or Boston could definitely steal a series

[larokr]

Agreed. More looking forward to the matchups in the West than the East.

[SwiftSilentDead]

I'm looking forward to the Coyotes/Wings series the most. That one has the most chance to go either way. I think Ottawa has their fair shot against Pittsburgh, too but Kovalev being out could hurt them.

[COTA]

Washington in 5
Philly in 6
Boston in 7
Pittsburgh in 5

San Jose in 5
Chicago in 6
Vancouver in 6
Detroit in 5

Edit: Just saw the prediction thread.

[WakingTheMisery]

I'm looking forward to the Coyotes/Wings series the most. That one has the most chance to go either way. I think Ottawa has their fair shot against Pittsburgh, too but Kovalev being out could hurt them.

I think you underestimate the Sens. I personally see them making the cup.

[larokr]

I honestly don't think that Kovalev being out is going to take a huge hit against the Sens.

[xbrokendownx]

the Sens allowed more goals than they scored. Montreal was the only other playoff team that can say this (and Nashville was even). that is not the sign of a team thats going to the cup finals

[WakingTheMisery]

the Sens allowed more goals than they scored. Montreal was the only other playoff team that can say this (and Nashville was even). that is not the sign of a team thats going to the cup finals

I picked Vancouver to win it all last year. I'm not expecting to be right.

[we are cured]

the sens have almost zero shot to go to the finals, IMO

[xbrokendownx]

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs420.snc3/25291_381525056686_53184441686_4034 771_4434663_n.jpg

Devils giveaways for games 1 and 2

[WakingTheMisery]

At least it isn't as gay as:

http://www.weinerd.com/images/new%20signs%20page/orange%20crush%201.JPG

[Jordachejeans91]

the sens have almost zero shot to go to the finals, IMO

Agreed

[Jordachejeans91]

I picked Vancouver to win it all last year. I'm not expecting to be right.

For some reason no matter how good Vancouver or San Jose is I just cant see either of them making it to the finals any year, but thats just me

[honkyg88]

Let's go Red Wings!

[OvieCanucksFan]

As a huge Canucks fan, I think Luongo is gonna be the downfall of them. That being said, I think the Sedins could very well rise to the challenge and outscore their goaltending problems away.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Doughty and Scuderi are going to have their hands full against the Sedin line but I think they match up well against them.

[KidRobot]

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs420.snc3/25291_381525056686_53184441686_4034 771_4434663_n.jpg

Devils giveaways for games 1 and 2

Oh noezzz. The business people in the fire lounge can't possibly show support for the team! They have deals to make!

[drevans18]

Agreed. More looking forward to the matchups in the West than the East.

they're all going to be unpredictable. i'm still banking that my flyers will beat the devils in 6. but after? the caps will clean up the east quickly. the west on the other hand? i have no idea.

[flask]

As a huge Canucks fan, I think Luongo is gonna be the downfall of them. That being said, I think the Sedins could very well rise to the challenge and outscore their goaltending problems away.

i wanna watch this series to hopefully see the kings get destroyed, and at the same time i dont want to hear the crowd cheer LOUUUU every time he scratches his ass.

[SgtSmegma]

Nashville sexual predators FTW

[jay_klinkhammer]

hmmmmmm.

Penguins repeat?

[emkvetwin]

Before any analysis takes place, I just need to say I'm incredibly stoked to watch the Kings in the playoffs, as I haven't gotten to do that since I was 12.

Anyway, my quick thoughts:
-The Kings can surprise people... if Jon Quick starts playing better than the last month has shown.
-Phoenix just finds ways to win, and Bryzgalov will beat Howard if this turns into a goaltending showdown.
-San Jose usually chokes, but they got the one team that won't give them problems.
-Nashville also finds ways to win, but Chicago is going to be too much for them to handle if Niemi is just decent.
-Washington and New Jersey will be fine.
-I think the East is pretty much chalk, although if Tuukka Rask stays on his game, Boston has a good chance.
-Yes, I do think goaltending is the most important aspect of playoff hockey. How'd you know?

[quesosauce]

avs fan here, go avs!

i know they are longshots, but they can hang with sanjose if the goatlending is good enuf

[Zeran]

I feel like any seed in the West could beat 2-8 in the east in a 7-game series. Damn shame.

the West will be a lot more unpredictable than the East IMO. the bottom half of the East sucks for the most part, although Philly or Boston could definitely steal a series

that's how i feel as well, except i don't have as much faith as you in boston causing an upset.

[Zeran]

avs fan here, go avs!

i know they are longshots, but they can hang with sanjose if the goatlending is good enuf

i'm an avs fan and i see us getting a game, maybe two if we play out of our minds. but we've been sucking in the past couple of weeks and i don't see it turning around enough to not really be embarassed too badly.

[quesosauce]

anybody here on HFboards?

[inthemidst]

hmmmmmm.

Penguins repeat?

I hope so...

[WakingTheMisery]

i'm an avs fan and i see us getting a game, maybe two if we play out of our minds. but we've been sucking in the past couple of weeks and i don't see it turning around enough to not really be embarassed too badly.

Shouldn't have traded your shootout champ.

[Zeran]

yeah, let's not talk about that.

[xbrokendownx]

man i cannot wait for tomorrow night

[WakingTheMisery]

Hate having to work during the game. My brother will have to text me the play by play.

[tommyishere]

man i cannot wait for tomorrow night

Friday for me...soo long

[xbrokendownx]

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3013/screenqi.png

[Zeran]

no way is that a real headline, hahah.

[gnetophyta]

I am hoping to hell that the Sens get their shit together; they're not exactly the best team under pressure. That said, I have faith they can rock this round if they do.

[imagination]

sharks fan, holla

i'll probably be here for about 2 weeks, maybe 4

alright, see you in october!!

[deadstar]

Just dont let Spezza beat us. He is a Penguins killer.

[fallout1819]

Spezza usually is but I think he's still missing Heatley on his wing. I dunno. PENS PENS PENS.

[thechrisformat]

I'll take a 2-1 Ottawa lead after 1, especially after the way the first 5 minutes went.

[thechrisformat]

What a deflection off the glass.

[I am Mick]

Pens are so sketchy right now

[deadstar]

Wouldn't be surprised to see Dupuis take Fedotenko's spot after that shift.

[thechrisformat]

Karlsson!

[I am Mick]

fucking Fluery

[I am Mick]

These linesmen are horrendous

[imagination]

i am getting so excited for the sharks game, especially for the steak haha

[deadstar]

Kennedy stealing that puck on the backcheck is the first one of those I've seen in a while from any of the Pens. I've said all year that the Pens forwards are cheating too much and its a stark contrast compared to Ottawa who always have 2 forwards coming back and helping their defensemen hold the blue line. It's upsetting that Bylsma has allowed them to coast like that.

[I am Mick]

What a fucking pathetic ending to that period. How do you not know how much time you have left

[deadstar]

Craig Adams you kidding me?

[I am Mick]

Craig Fucking Adams Ha

[thechrisformat]

Elliott looks awful.

[I am Mick]

Just keep getting pucks to the net, Elliot is not that good it shouldn't be that hard

[deadstar]

Between fedotenko and Poni, it looks like those guys have never actually played hockey before.

[thechrisformat]

10 saves on 13 shots so far. 77% save percentage.

[deadstar]

The encouraging part is Goligoski looks like a regular NHL defenseman so far.

[SwiftSilentDead]

The good thing for Ottawa is they've been been blocking a lot of shots to make up for Elliott's poor play.

[I am Mick]

Crosbys been fumbling the puck like crazy, needs to calm down and get a goal

[preppyak]

wow...how did Fleury not get that one?

[thechrisformat]

RUUTU! HUGE goal.

[I am Mick]

Pull Fleury now just so he'll come back strong on Friday

[deadstar]

What a killer goal. Really though they have been taking dumb penalties and just not playing smart hockey all season.

[deadstar]

and Bylsmas is really failing at getting crosby away from Phillips/Volchenkov. Its like he's playing the matchup at times.

[I am Mick]

Anyone else watching FSN hearing a super high pitched buzzing throughout the game? So annoying

[deadstar]

what a ridiculous pass by Crosby.

[I am Mick]

The Greatest Nhl Playerrrr

[I am Mick]

just shoot like a motherfucker right now

[I am Mick]

wtf use the timeout

[I am Mick]

fucking pathetic, totally deserved to lose that game

[thechrisformat]

GAME OVER! Thank you.

[tommyishere]

big win for Ottawa

[showmethefever]

what a ridiculous pass by Crosby.
Yes.
The Greatest Nhl Playerrrr
No.

[deadstar]

Haha he was being sarcastic about goligoski

[I am Mick]

indeed

[showmethefever]

Hahaha oh, my bad.

[I am Mick]

Hopefully that game was just the pens severely underestimating the Sens and we come back strong the next 4 games

[ShadowAmI]

Gotta put that loss on Fleury, and that weak ass defense. But pretty much just Fleury. 4 goals should win that game.

[SwiftSilentDead]

You have to give the Sens defense some credit, too. Volchenkov and Phillips were containing Crosby's line very well while they were out there. Kunitz penalty put the Pens in a hole, as well. It was a really sloppy game all around, especially the goaltending.

[drevans18]

big win for ottawa. surprised to see the pens lose at home... but thats gonna be a good series.

also, go flyers. boucher is actually starting to play well, the ONE thing we needed. he absolutely shut down that double minor on bartulis. that goal by the devils was a bouncer and went in, pretty lucky goal. but either way, great game.

[thechrisformat]

I like how the Pens (and it looks like the Coyotes, as well) fans had a "white out" when their team was wearing the dark home jerseys. Seems kinda contradictory to me.

[ShadowAmI]

The Sens get credit for playing very hard, if not well. Most of their goals were pure hustle. Having a goalie who gives up rebounds and is always out of position after the first save, combined with defensemen who ignore players crashing the net is a bad combo for the Pens.

[KidRobot]

It's only one game in a long series.

I didn't expect the Devils to sweep, obviously so I'm not ready to jump ship just yet. Honestly, I feel that we did dominate 2/3rds of that game. We had the puck in their zone for the majority of the game and outshot them nearly 2 to 1. All 3 of our defensive pairings had some sort of terrible play riddled into the game. Skoula's turnover was really awful.

Boucher played well, didn't have to make any insane saves really. Meh. Get em friday.

[xbrokendownx]

they have to figure out how to get their shots on net

[xbrokendownx]

superb defensive coverage

http://imgur.com/JBgz3.gif

[we are cured]

the real breakdown happens before the gif, when rolston gets caught looking over the wrong shoulder and pronger beats him to the net. once he's at the net, you can't really expect an a+ effort out of a wing covering one of the bigger guys in the game.

like you said, you need to get more quality opportunities on net, but...this is what laviolette teams do best. they do a great job of closing the passing lanes in the neutral zone, forcing carry-in's, and also excel at closing the shooting lanes in the defensive zone - which forces you to pinch a d-man or bring one of the forwards down low. then you end up getting caught in odd man rush situations against one of the better skating teams in this conference.

i do not like this matchup for the devils. honestly this is the one team (out of montreal, boston, NYR, atlanta) that was going to give them trouble. they would have handled the other four pretty easily, i think.

[xbrokendownx]

i agree with everything you said

[SwiftSilentDead]

I was blown away by Phoenix last night after the first period. What a great game.

[Zeran]

I like how the Pens (and it looks like the Coyotes, as well) fans had a "white out" when their team was wearing the dark home jerseys. Seems kinda contradictory to me.

i feel the same way.

[Zeran]

I was blown away by Phoenix last night after the first period. What a great game.

the atmosphere was incredible.

[I am Mick]

I like how the Pens (and it looks like the Coyotes, as well) fans had a "white out" when their team was wearing the dark home jerseys. Seems kinda contradictory to me.

If they had a "black out" the goalie wouldn't be able to see the puck for shit

[StrictlyBiznas]

Got tickets last night for Devils/Flyers game 5 in North Jersey. They're ridiculously cheap on StubHub.

[we are cured]

north jersey? really?

[StrictlyBiznas]

The Prudential Center is in Newark? Correct?

[we are cured]

are you going to games three or four in south philadelphia? or should i say eastern pennsylvania?

[StrictlyBiznas]

I live in South Jersey. I refer to places north of here as north jersey. And yes "South Jersey" "North Jersey" and "South Philly" are common terms around here.

[we are cured]

what point in the state do you consider to be north jersey? and is there a central jersey to you? (i'm not trying to be an asshole, i just want to know)

[xbrokendownx]

Milan Michalek torn ACL, done for year

[StrictlyBiznas]

what point in the state do you consider to be north jersey? and is there a central jersey to you? (i'm not trying to be an asshole, i just want to know)

I'd say Trenton divides it. And I've never refered to anything as Central Jersey, so no.

[COTA]

Milan Michalek torn ACL, done for year

Did he play last night? I know many were speculating it was a torn ACL when he got hurt a few weeks ago but haven't heard anything about it since.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Michalek was playing in a limited role last night.

[Zeran]

If they had a "black out" the goalie wouldn't be able to see the puck for shit

nah, they don't need to do a black out. but phoenix could have worn red and pittsburgh could have worn gold.

[we are cured]

whoa, mckenzie said michalek almost had his leg amputated after complications from his last knee surgery

[KidRobot]

If they had a "black out" the goalie wouldn't be able to see the puck for shit

Kings are doing it.

[I am Mick]

nah, they don't need to do a black out. but phoenix could have worn red and pittsburgh could have worn gold.

That's true

Kings are doing it.

Feel like that's a horrible idea. If the puck goes airborne at all in front of the goalie he's gona lose it in the crowd behind it.

[KidRobot]

Feel like that's a horrible idea. If the puck goes airborne at all in front of the goalie he's gona lose it in the crowd behind it.

It's not a t shirt giveaway initiated black out, but still a black out attempt.


They should give the fans behind the nets white t shirts to wear when Quick will be facing them.

[WakingTheMisery]

Quick plays with guys wearing black all of the time. I doubt it will affect him anymore than a normal night.

[Robb]

Feel like that's a horrible idea. If the puck goes airborne at all in front of the goalie he's gona lose it in the crowd behind it.

As a goalie, I can say this wouldn't be true. As long as there's light, nothing in the background is going to make you lose sight of the puck.

[emkvetwin]

I have been incredibly unproductive and nervous all day. I love it.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Powerplay is horseballs tonight. That's what killed us in game 1 last year and I'm hoping it's not what fucks us over here. Spacek is all over Ovechkin like I thought.

[Zeran]

god i hope montreal loses the next 4 games, and badly. i can't stand their media, and especially if they win this shit.

[xbrokendownx]

please win tonight.

[we are cured]

i love the playoffs

[SwiftSilentDead]

Same. Except when my team is playing because then it's all stressful, haha.

[WakingTheMisery]

I love the people that the playoffs bring out. My friends are so high on the Devils, Sabres, and Wings. Go figure. :rolleyes:

[we are cured]

Same. Except when my team is playing because then it's all stressful, haha.

yeah i was just explaining this to somebody, that i could enjoy the playoffs more when my team's not involved.

but i'd still take my team being in it over not...it's like hitting a hard drug, the highs are super high and the lows make you want to kill yourself.

[xbrokendownx]

Devils better win tonight because i am not looking forward to going to game 3 at the Wachovia center down 2 games to 0

[WakingTheMisery]

but i'd still take my team being in it over not...it's like hitting a hard drug, the highs are super high and the lows make you want to kill yourself.

And then once you can't get it, you find another drug. Mmmm...

[SwiftSilentDead]

but i'd still take my team being in it over not...it's like hitting a hard drug, the highs are super high and the lows make you want to kill yourself.

That's a pretty accurate statement. Especially after how things ended the last two years, haha. I kind of lose interest if my team's not in the playoffs for awhile, though. Like, I used to love watching the MLB postseason all the time but I haven't cared much about it the last three years.

[we are cured]

And then once you can't get it, you find another drug. Mmmm...

yeah, my drug is music. constantly hits and always makes me feel good. i love sports but not nearly as much as i used to.

That's a pretty accurate statement. Especially after how things ended the last two years, haha. I kind of lose interest if my team's not in the playoffs for awhile, though. Like, I used to love watching the MLB postseason all the time but I haven't cared much about it the last three years.

i'll always be able to watch hockey and football regardless of whether my team is in it. baseball i kind of need the mets to be involved to care.

[SwiftSilentDead]

i'll always be able to watch hockey and football regardless of whether my team is in it. baseball i kind of need the mets to be involved to care.

I've been getting burned out on baseball by the time football season starts so that's part of the reason why I haven't cared as much the past few years. I always follow the NHL and NFL playoffs, though but my teams really haven't had any long playoff droughts in awhile and I usually find another team to root for, haha.

[we are cured]

hockey used to be my main sport by far but the NFL is starting to supplant it. each game just means so much, and the week leading up to a game is awesome.

[ShadowAmI]

We've all felt this way, it's just most of us aren't on television when it happens.

wOYiuUkcYTY

[SwiftSilentDead]

I'm the other way around. Football has always been my favorite sport but hockey's been taking over lately. Still hope a lockout doesn't happen in the NFL after next year.

[tommyishere]

Zomg the HAWKS TONIGHT! YESSS!

[Stavie Steelo]

Zomg the HAWKS TONIGHT! YESSS!
Can't wait Campbell is back right.

[tommyishere]

Can't wait Campbell is back right.

He is skating, but I dont think he is playing. If the Hawks advance to the 2nd round Campbell and Johnsson will both be back I believe, it will give them a huge boost on the D.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Fedotenko scratched, Mike Rupp playing tonight instead.

Not a good start.

[I am Mick]

Feds was horrendous last game, I'm glad he's scratched

[Healthy Scratch]

sutton with a vicious elbow to leopold's head. jesus.

[I am Mick]

lol NHL is all about cracking down on head shots and they don't call that? that's absurd

[ShadowAmI]

Kept his elbow at his side my ass

[SwiftSilentDead]

He got nothing for that?

[deadstar]

Thank god skoula is terrible. Someone should start counting the times Richards takes himself out of position trying to go for a big hit. He just did it there during a 4 on 4 and it almost led to a goal.

[deadstar]

and man these refs have swallowed these whistles in the Penguins-ottawa game. Hate when games in post-season are called differently.

[I am Mick]

Do they use the same refs throughout a series?

[SwiftSilentDead]

This game better finish in regulation because I want to watch the Preds.

[Zeran]

i am loving this philly-new jersey series so far.

[deadstar]

Yawn. This is the type of game that slowly allows the game to creep back to where it was pre-lockout. I dont care about not taking guys off after every scrum. They just have let go about numerous interference, trips, holds already this period in the name of "letting them play".

[deadstar]

Sutton literally dragged Malkin to the ice and yess a penalty is finally called haha

Its anything goes out there tonight. Good job Mccreary. And now he randomly picks someone out of a scrum to make a point. Sigh.

[deadstar]

Staal has been really terrible tonight. Like noticeably bad.

[ShadowAmI]

lol @ Rutuu's acting job

[Gumbyjag]

Go Yotes! Wednesday's game was spectacular, and fun as hell to be there.

Am very optimistic for this year's playoffs. No matter what there's a good match.

[deadstar]

and Niemi with a big mistake.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Nashville looking a lot better in the third. This is how you beat the Hawks. Put more pressure on their defese and pin them in their own zone for awhile. Knew they would get through to Niemi eventually. Hope they keep this up because the Hawks can tie it easily if they lay off.

[WakingTheMisery]

Some good games tonight. Erat almost just had a great play.

[WakingTheMisery]

Nice goal by Seabrook.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Great win. Rinne kept them in it for the first two periods and then they finally turned it on after they tied it up. Defense did a solid job of limiting the Hawks' offense for mot of the third period, too.

[deadstar]

I dont know. Suttons hit still bothers me that he went so high on Leopold. It was almost a forearm. He does have a history of hits like this, not that it should have a bearing on this hit. Just bothersome that a guy goes high.

ak1DIzvD3eE

[WakingTheMisery]

The Yotes forecheck is just great. Glad they kept pressing in this game.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Coyotes have been responding well to all of Detroit's goals. What a goal by Lombardi.

[deadstar]

Bryz probably should have come out and played that one.

[SwiftSilentDead]

Filppula had Aucoin beat on that so there wasn't much he could do. 4 goals in less than 5 minutes, haha.

[Killadelphia]

fudge.

[TSTLSOOM]

Before any analysis takes place, I just need to say I'm incredibly stoked to watch the Kings in the playoffs, as I haven't gotten to do that since I was 12.

Anyway, my quick thoughts:
-The Kings can surprise people... if Jon Quick starts playing better than the last month has shown.
-Phoenix just finds ways to win, and Bryzgalov will beat Howard if this turns into a goaltending showdown.
-San Jose usually chokes, but they got the one team that won't give them problems.
-Nashville also finds ways to win, but Chicago is going to be too much for them to handle if Niemi is just decent.
-Washington and New Jersey will be fine.
-I think the East is pretty much chalk, although if Tuukka Rask stays on his game, Boston has a good chance.
-Yes, I do think goaltending is the most important aspect of playoff hockey. How'd you know?
wooo

[cohenisababe]

Before any analysis takes place, I just need to say I'm incredibly stoked to watch the Kings in the playoffs, as I haven't gotten to do that since I was 12.

Anyway, my quick thoughts:
-The Kings can surprise people... if Jon Quick starts playing better than the last month has shown.
-Phoenix just finds ways to win, and Bryzgalov will beat Howard if this turns into a goaltending showdown.
-San Jose usually chokes, but they got the one team that won't give them problems.
-Nashville also finds ways to win, but Chicago is going to be too much for them to handle if Niemi is just decent.
-Washington and New Jersey will be fine.
-I think the East is pretty much chalk, although if Tuukka Rask stays on his game, Boston has a good chance.
-Yes, I do think goaltending is the most important aspect of playoff hockey. How'd you know?


I hope he just had first time jitters. I'm a big Niemi fan! And all this talk about no experience..hes not the only one...go hawks!

[WakingTheMisery]

Preds are winning the Cup.

[pand75]

Word.

[yayitsjoe]

nay.