The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Big comeback by the Caps tonight. Sorry, Flyers fans, looks like it's going to be another early exit from the playoffs.

reply to post by chissler


Yeah, Anaheim took a lot of bad penalties. One of the Ducks players summed it up best when he said they were just undisciplined.

Dallas scored all of their goals on Power Plays. That's not to say that they wouldn't have scored any of those goals had it been even strength, but it definitely wouldn't have been four goals, and the game would have definitely been different.

Stupid penalties in the offensive zone will do that to you.

Anyways, congrats to the Caps and Penguins and also to the Wild for evening the series! Although all of them won their division, they're still viewed as "underdogs". At least to me, anyway. So you can't help but cheer for them.

Although I can't say much given my team's failures in the playoffs in recent years.

But still, I hate the Flyers and Avalanche, and don't care too much for the Sens, so its nice to see.

[edit on 4/12/08 by NovusOrdoMundi]

reply to post by NovusOrdoMundi


The Avs/Wild game last night was excellent. I was out at a movie and didn't get to catch the Pens/Sens game, but I heard it was very entertaining.

I'll be making a run later to grab some cold beer later and gearing up to watch the Habs/Bruins tonight.

Big game #2!

Detroit 4 - Nashville 2 (Detroit leads 2-0)

Montreal 3 - Boston 2 (Montreal leads 2-0)

Dallas 2 - Anaheim 1 - in progress at the moment.

Too bad Beantown can't play good hockey against Montreal, I was really looking forward to a Canadiens first round exit, maybe a new miracle on ice will play out(watch out for Boston switching their goaltenders, remember what happened last year against Carolina Habs fans?) The Washington game was great, as was the Pittsburgh-Ottawa game(it never gets old telling Sens fans that your gonna but them a broom so that they can sweep too, same as whats going to happen to their team)

May have to update some of those predictions I made, erred on the side of caution, not calling for any sweeps, but now I see 3 happening easily.

Ain't playoff hockey great?

You can't count on the Predators for anything, can you? I haven't watched the games because personally, I really despise the Red Wings and their games are boring to watch.

I would literally watch every other series except that one.

So since I haven't watched it, I don't know truly how well Nashville has played, but none of that matters because all that does matter is goals for and against and I know they've had more against than for.

I only managed to see highlights of the Habs-Bruins game. That was funny seeing the crowd just explode when Kovalev scored that OT goal. I can't imagine how fun that would be to be at a playoff game and your team scores the OT winner at home. Doesn't matter if it's just the first round, that'd still be awesome.

Now, about my team, I didn't think they dominated the Ducks as much as they did in Game 1. In fact, I don't even think it was close. But what I am proud of is that they stayed with it, even when Anaheim took back the momentum with those two goals and then the three consecutive power plays. They stayed with it, didn't panic and waited for an opportunity, which they got from Modano on the PP.

I think this one just came down to Turco outplaying Giguere. Turco did allow a couple goals, but in his defense, they were good goals that would have been pretty difficult to stop.

I'm also relieved at the fact that they managed to score 3 even strength goals. I was a little concerned at first that they were only scoring on the power play. I was happy they were converting those chances, but you gotta score even strength too. So those three goals were nice to get.

2-0 and on to Dallas! I say it ends in 6. As much as I'd like to see a sweep, I just don't think it'll happen. I say they split in Dallas, Anaheim wins back in Anaheim and Dallas finishes it off in Game 6 in Dallas.

Boston 2 - Montreal 1(OT): Looks like a little ray of hope in Beantown. That was a fun game to watch, and an exciting finish. Montreal did not look like the team that simply dominated the Bruins all year.

Philadelphia 2 - Washington 0: Washington almost looked scared, especially Ovechkin at some points, wouldn't really carry the puck, just try to pass it off right away. Both goalies played solid games, and you can tell the Caps were frustrated. I'm not worried though, even though Washington has lost 12 playoff series after winning the first game.

NJ 4 - NY 3(OT): Big win for New Jersey, hopefully it can turn into a few more. What does everyone think of Sean Averys attempts at distracting Brodeur, not a big deal or should it have been a penalty?

Calgary 4 - SJ 3: Great comeback by the Flames, good to see Cujo playing like that. Kipprusoff has been a little bit off his game all year, but he'll bounce back and with a solid number 2 goalie, I really see the Flames taking this series.

All the games I've managed to watch so far have been exciting, I don't see why Hockey is not as popular in the US as oh, Baseball to pick out a sport that is no where close to being as fun to watch as hockey. But I guess trying to spot that black puck on the white ice is a little too much(j/k) With Americas lust for violence and such, why is a sport where you can actually fight not more popular?

3 games on the schedule tonight, can't wait

What
A
Game

All I can say is... GO FLAMES GO!

(and the hit was clean)

Originally posted by Kronik98
Boston 2 - Montreal 1(OT): Looks like a little ray of hope in Beantown. That was a fun game to watch, and an exciting finish. Montreal did not look like the team that simply dominated the Bruins all year.

Ya, Montreal didn't have their best game. Good game though, and well, the odds caught up to them. Boston was bound to win a game sooner or later. I think Habs beat them 12 or 13 straight going back two seasons ago.

Originally posted by Kronik98NJ 4 - NY 3(OT): Big win for New Jersey, hopefully it can turn into a few more. What does everyone think of Sean Averys attempts at distracting Brodeur, not a big deal or should it have been a penalty?

Avery = no class. That was nothing if not a bush league move, if I ever saw one. Avery must think he's still playing ball hockey on the playground. It is in the rules, a ten minute misconduct, plain and simple.

Originally posted by Kronik98Calgary 4 - SJ 3: Great comeback by the Flames, good to see Cujo playing like that. Kipprusoff has been a little bit off his game all year, but he'll bounce back and with a solid number 2 goalie, I really see the Flames taking this series.

Go Flames! I'm cheering for them to knock out Sharks. How about another Habs-Flames Final? The rubber match.

Originally posted by Kronik98All the games I've managed to watch so far have been exciting, I don't see why Hockey is not as popular in the US as oh, Baseball to pick out a sport that is no where close to being as fun to watch as hockey. But I guess trying to spot that black puck on the white ice is a little too much(j/k) With Americas lust for violence and such, why is a sport where you can actually fight not more popular?

This I can not answer. However, hockey is popular in the northern states so I just put it down to the fact that where there is no winter, there is no hockey.

That's more like it. 1-0 Habs, up 3-1 in the series. Price is the first rookie goalie to record a playoff shutout since, you guessed it, Patrick Roy in 1986. The prophecy is being fulfilled. Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy, now Carey Price.

''To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high.''

Go Habs...

[edit on 15-4-2008 by TheComte]

[color=#D20A12]2008 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS - ROUND #1

#1: Montreal Canadiens: 3
#8: Boston Bruins: 2

#2: Pittsburgh Penguins: 4
#7: Ottawa Senators: 0

#3: Washington Capitals: 1
#6: Philadelphia Flyers: 3

#4: New Jersey Devils: 1
#5: New York Rangers: 4


[color=#07156B]2008 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS - ROUND #1

#1: Detroit Red Wings: 3
#8: Nashville Predators: 2

#2: San Jose Sharks: 3
#7: Calgary Flames: 2

#3: Minnesota Wild: 2
#6: Colorado Avalanche: 3

#4: Anaheim Ducks: 2
#5: Dallas Stars: 3


OK, so, biggest surprise of the first round - what is it? The Devils going down in 5? Ottawa being swept? The Capitals on the verge of elimination?

I think the surprises are more in the East than the West. Although I don't think I expected Nashville to keep it that close to Detroit. But besides that, all the series had the potential to be close and so far they have been.

My prediction so far is coming true for the Dallas-Anaheim series. I said they'd split in Dallas and Anaheim would win Game 5. Hopefully Dallas can wrap this up on Sunday though. Anything can happen in Game 7's.

My predictions for all the other series, though, aren't going so well:

Montreal over Boston - On track, but a little close
Ottawa over Pittsburgh - Wow...
Washington over Philadelphia - Again, wow..
New Jersey over New York Rangers - Once again..
Detroit over Nashville - Still on track, still going to happen
San Jose over Calgary - Still on track, probably will happen
Minnesota over Colorado - I don't think it will happen
Dallas over Anaheim - Hopefully it'll happen

[edit on 4/19/08 by NovusOrdoMundi]

Hmm, I'm getting a little scared because of Montreal's lack of scoring over the past three games. Just three goals for, not going to cut it. Hopefully they can win tonight. I don't want it to go seven games; anything can happen.
I am surprised that Washington didn't stay hot. Oh well, they're not out of it yet.
Too bad for Nashville after tying it late in last night's game. I was hoping they could win that one.

Well, the Capitals stayed alive today. Couldn't watch the game because I was at work, but at least I could check the score. Glad the CAps pulled it out, now Game 6 is the next hurdle.

I'm looking forward to another Boston victory tonight, looking towards a game 7. Montreal has looked a little weak(except maybe Kovalev) and Price finally showed that he's still a rookie. Gonna be a good
one tonight.

I'm not all that suprised by the Rangers taking New Jersey in 5. Brodeur did not look to be at the top of his game like he usually is. He still played well, but I saw too many non-Brodeur like plays.

Good game in Detroit last night. Thought that they would have held Nashville off, but the Preds are a resilient team. I don't really have a favorite for this one, but I think Detroit will take the series next game.

It was so sweet seeing Pittsburgh sweep the Sens. Now they can all get of my back about how "good" they are. Look at you now, out in 4. Whats the first excuse I'm gonna hear?

Dallas and Anaheim is turning into a real good series. Thought that Dallas would take it last night, but guess I was wrong. Judging by my first set of predictions, that happens a lot.

Tough loss for Calgary last night, gonna be an uphill battle for the series now. I still believe that Calgary will win in 7. Maybe they should start Cujo in one of the last 2 games after he played so well replacing Kipper in the comeback victory. They're Canada's best chance for a cup, so Go Flames Go.

Minnesota - Colorado is the one series I haven't followed too much, but judging by the highlights, its been another good series. I'm still calling Minnesota, but they have their work cut out for them.

Good playoffs so far, been exciting Hockey to watch. I'm glad to have hit the day shift for the next few weeks, so I'll be getting my fill. To all the regular participants in this here thread, we should start some kind of pool for round 2. Nothing too fancy, just pick winning teams and star players for the series or something. Any thoughts?

OK, I'm officially scared Habs are going to lose to Boston after being up 3 games to 1. They are playing like crap. Come on, ya bunch of bums! :w:

Bye Bye Ducks!

I loved the empty net goal with 3 seconds left. Just rub it right in their face a little more.

Possible Semifinal Matchups & Scenarios

SCENARIO 1 (Canadiens, Flyers and Sharks Advance)
Flyers at Canadiens
Rangers at Penguins
Avalanche at Red Wings
Stars at Sharks

SCENARIO 2 (Canadiens, Flyers and Flames Advance)
Flyers at Canadiens
Rangers at Penguins
Flames at Red Wings
Avalanche at Stars

SCENARIO 3 (Canadiens, Capitals and Sharks Advance)
Rangers at Canadiens
Capitals at Penguins
Avalanche at Red Wings
Stars at Sharks

SCENARIO 4 (Canadiens, Capitals and Flames Advance)
Rangers at Canadiens
Capitals at Penguins
Flames at Red Wings
Avalanche at Stars

SCENARIO 5 (Bruins, Flyers and Sharks Advance)
Bruins at Penguins
Flyers at Rangers
Avalanche at Red Wings
Stars at Sharks

SCENARIO 6 (Bruins, Flyers and Flames Advance)
Bruins at Penguins
Flyers at Rangers
Flames at Red Wings
Avalanche at Stars

SCENARIO 7 (Bruins, Capitals and Sharks Advance)
Bruins at Penguins
Rangers at Capitals
Avalanche at Red Wings
Stars at Sharks

SCENARIO 8 (Bruins, Capitals and Flames Advance)
Bruins at Penguins
Rangers at Capitals
Flames at Red Wings
Avalanche at Stars


Hopefully I didn't miss one. It looks right, though.

Alright, my heart can start beating again.

I haven't been on such a rollercoaster of emotions in a long time.

Where the was the Habs team that played tonight been the last four games?

Whew, tough first series, as they all are. In '86 the Has squeaked past Hartford in seven before going on to win the Cup, so maybe this bodes well. A couple days rest and they should be ready for whoever, Rangers or Flyers.

Quite a comeback for the Caps tonight. Down 2-0 in the second, they showed the kind of heart that wins game sevens. Good series here again, but I'll stick with the Caps at home.

So the Habs pulled it out. At least that means there's one more shot at a Canadian cup. They played a solid game, and Price looked like the goalie they need him to be.

Nice to see Washington also force a 7th game. Took Ovechkin a while to get going, but looks like the monkey may finally be off his back.

2 game 7's tonight. Go Caps, Go Flames.

Both teams I wanted to win their game sevens were beaten. Good game in Washington, they lost because of that freak play where their own guy ran into the goalie, taking him out of the play. Sh#$ happens.
Calgary was just disappointing to me. They were never really in the game. Better luck next year.
As for the Habs, bring on the Flyers, baby! Another classic matchup, but let's say Canadiens in five games. Briere will be shut down. And Pitts vs NYR I think will be a great series. I hope it goes seven with a few overtimes thrown in. Should make the Conference finals easy pickin's for the Habs.

2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

[color=#D20A12]2008 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS - ROUND #1

[color=#07156B]#1: Montreal Canadians
[color=#F15A23]#6: Philadelphia Flyers

Game 1: Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Philadelphia at Montreal - CBC, RDS
Game 2: Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Philadelphia at Montreal - CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Game 3: Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Montreal at Philadelphia - CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Game 4: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Montreal at Philadelphia - CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Game 5: Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Philadelphia at Montreal - CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Game 6: Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Montreal at Philadelphia - CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Game 7: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Philadelphia at Montreal - CBC, RDS

If Necessary
All Times Eastern Standard Time


[color=#EFE4A1]#2: Pittsburgh Penguins
[color=#07156B]#5: New York Rangers

Game 1: Friday, April 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh - VERSUS, CBC
Game 2: Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 2:00 PM: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh - CBC, NBC
Game 3: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Pittsburgh at New York Rangers - CBC, VERSUS
Game 4: Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Pittsburgh at New York Rangers - CBC, VERSUS
Game 5: Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 2:00 PM: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh - NBC, CBC
Game 6: Monday, May 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM: Pittsburgh at New York Rangers - CBC, VERSUS
Game 7: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at TBD: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh - CBC

If Necessary
All Times Eastern Standard Time


[color=#07156B]2008 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS - ROUND #1

[color=#D20A12]#1: Detroit Red Wings
[color=#730D2B]#6: Colorado Avalanche

Game 1: Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7:30 PM: Colorado at Detroit - VERSUS, TSN
Game 2: Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 3:00 PM: Colorado at Detroit - NBC, TSN
Game 3: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM: Detroit at Colorado - VERSUS, TSN
Game 4: Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 10:00 PM: Detroit at Colorado - VERSUS, TSN
Game 5: Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 1:00 PM: Colorado at Detroit - NBC, TSN
Game 6: Monday, May 5, 2008 at 10:00 PM: Detroit at Colorado - VERSUS, TSN
Game 7: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at TBD: Colorado at Detroit - TSN

If Necessary
All Times Eastern Standard Time


[color=#067683]#2: San Jose Sharks
[color=#037029]#5: Dallas Stars

Game 1: Friday, April 25, 2008 at 10:00 PM: Dallas at San Jose - VERSUS, TSN
Game 2: Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 9:00 PM: Dallas at San Jose - VERSUS, TSN
Game 3: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 7:30 PM: San Jose at Dallas - TSN
Game 4: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 9:00 PM: San Jose at Dallas - VERSUS, TSN
Game 5: Friday, May 2, 2008 at 9:00 PM: Dallas at San Jose - VERSUS, TSN
Game 6: Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 9:00 PM: San Jose at Dallas - VERSUS, TSN
Game 7: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 10:00 PM: Dallas at San Jose - TSN

If Necessary
All Times Eastern Standard Time


Predictions

I was 4-4 in the first round. Hopefully I do better in the second round:

Philadelphia over Montreal
Pittsburgh over New York Rangers
Detroit over Colorado
Dallas over San Jose


GO STARS!!

Woot, Habs played badly but came back to take game one. What's with Richards sticking the knee out? Cost his team the game. Briere got shut down and without him Flyers have no chance, no chance.
In all seriousness, Montreal has got to play better to have a chance at the Cup this year. But, I know they can do it.