The NHL Playoffs Thread!

[PuRock]

[quote name='ravens__' date='12 April 2010 - 09:51 AM' timestamp='1271080310' post='389784']
My predictions for the first round: (yes, I followed JEEPercreepermd's scheme )

#1 WSH vs #8 MTL (WASHINGTON IN 4): That might sound like an exaggeration to most but MTL is just the opponent the Caps would want in the first round. Even if the Habs made it in, they're just not good this year and I predict a blow out granted by WSH.
[/quote]

The one rule I've always followed by is don't assume a playoff series win against a Canadian team will be easy. We have to travel far and their house will be electrifying.

The Caps have to take care of business at home. They can't allow for a slip up in the first game.

I'd much rather prefer drawing a team like Boston.

Ottawa will be a tough series for the Pens, if Ottawa can turn on their hot streak ability.

[PuRock]

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens (Capitals in 6)
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers (Jersey in 6)
#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins (Sabres in 7)
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators (Pittsburgh in 6)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche (San Jose in 5)
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators (Chicago in 4)
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings (Vancourver in 5)
#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings (Detroit in 6)

We should have some sort of contest to see who can guess the series correctly. Anybody game? 2 points for a correct guess of amount of games, 1 point for correct winner (not right amount of games).

[PuRock]

The league has released the official dates of the first round.

Wednesday:
Ottawa @ Pens
Colorado @ San Jose
Detroit @ Phoenix
Philadelphia @ New Jersey

Thursday:
Montreal @ Washington
LA @ Vancouver
Boston @ Buffalo

Friday:
Nashville @ Chicago

For the complete listing of all the first round series. [url="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=524941"]See Here.[/url]

[ravens__]

That's what I also thought last year about the Habs until they were rooted by the B's at home during the play-offs. They sure are the most historic team in the league but they don't play by that title those last years.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 April 2010 - 04:44 PM' timestamp='1271083453' post='389799']
The one rule I've always followed by is don't assume a playoff series win against a Canadian team will be easy. We have to travel far and their house will be electrifying.

The Caps have to take care of business at home. They can't allow for a slip up in the first game.

I'd much rather prefer drawing a team like Boston.

Ottawa will be a tough series for the Pens, if Ottawa can turn on their hot streak ability.
[/quote]

As for your idea concerning the contest, I really like it. I'm all for it.

[cursona pirate]

1.caps in 5
2.devils in 7
3. sabres in 6
4. ottawa in 7

1. sharks in 5
2. preds in 6
3. kings in 7
4. detroit in 7

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 April 2010 - 08:40 AM' timestamp='1271083243' post='389797']
Why are the Islanders like a punching bag for Crosby and the Pens?

Ovie had magnificent chances yesterday and was getting robbed by Thomas all day long. While Crosby was having fun with his punching bag.

Congrats to Stevie Stamkos for not letting Ovie be the sole winner. And Sedin for having a monster season. I think Sedin should be league MVP this year.
[/quote]

Crosby's punching bag truly is the Flyers, go look at how many PPG he has in all the games he has played them. Also, since you brought it up I would like to point out that there is only 1 punching bag in the Atlantic, while in the Southeast the only team that isn't a punching bag for Ovie and the Caps are the Hurrcanes, you have to admnit that division is pitiful.

If someone's up for keeping track of the points for guessing who wins series I'll be in on it, sounds like a neat idea.

[XxSizzleXx]

Has the West ever been this Top Loaded!?!!? I mean, when is the last time you see 7 of the 8 playoff teams have over 100 points, that is nuts.

[PuRock]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 April 2010 - 04:09 PM' timestamp='1271102986' post='389955']
Crosby's punching bag truly is the Flyers, go look at how many PPG he has in all the games he has played them. Also, since you brought it up I would like to point out that there is only 1 punching bag in the Atlantic, while in the Southeast the only team that isn't a punching bag for Ovie and the Caps are the Hurrcanes, you have to admnit that division is pitiful.

If someone's up for keeping track of the points for guessing who wins series I'll be in on it, sounds like a neat idea.
[/quote]

I agree about the southeast is weak. But all the teams (Florida, Tampa Bay, Atlanta) always come to play against the Caps. We never really get a chance to truly own any of them.

We actually fared well against the better teams this year, and fared poorly against our divisional foes.

[PuRock]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 April 2010 - 04:12 PM' timestamp='1271103120' post='389957']
Has the West ever been this Top Loaded!?!!? I mean, when is the last time you see 7 of the 8 playoff teams have over 100 points, that is nuts.
[/quote]

Luckily if you're an eastern team fan, only one of those western teams makes it out.

The league sort of looks like the NBA has for years. A strong western conference with a pitiful eastern conference.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 April 2010 - 02:21 PM' timestamp='1271103690' post='389960']
Luckily if you're an eastern team fan, only one of those western teams makes it out.

The league sort of looks like the NBA has for years. A strong western conference with a pitiful eastern conference.
[/quote]

I'd have to disagree with ya on that Pu, while the Western conference is tougher and more skilled, I truly believe that the reason you don't see 7 100 point teams in the East is because the teams are a lot more competitive and even. I mean basically up until almost the last day any of Atlanta,New York maybe even Carolina could have easily slipped into the playoffs if they didn't blow it.

We will have some good entertainment until the draft at least:P

[cursona pirate]

the western conference is always tough.

[XxSizzleXx]

Indeed, I don't see San Jose making an early exit this year. I can see them in the Conference finals this year.

[George70]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 April 2010 - 04:12 PM' timestamp='1271106758' post='389980']
Indeed, I don't see San Jose making an early exit this year. I can see them in the Conference finals this year.
[/quote]

I agree with you on this one, Sizzle, I can see the Sharks in the Western Finals against the Blackhawks.

As for the East, I still see the Caps winning that conference.

[PuRock]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 April 2010 - 05:01 PM' timestamp='1271106066' post='389975']
I'd have to disagree with ya on that Pu, while the Western conference is tougher and more skilled, I truly believe that the reason you don't see 7 100 point teams in the East is because the teams are a lot more competitive and even. I mean basically up until almost the last day any of Atlanta,New York maybe even Carolina could have easily slipped into the playoffs if they didn't blow it.

We will have some good entertainment until the draft at least:P
[/quote]

Good point. The east is very competitive and yes a lot of teams could've slipped into the playoffs. But the west really only had one bad team (Oilers). So it's not like they were beating up on weaker teams in their conference. Their second worse team in their division would've been competitive in our conference.

Total wins:
West - 635 wins
East - 595 wins

The wins differential comes at the hands of eastern teams losing to western teams. You didn't see 100 points teams in the east because we didn't have the same win percentage as the west had upon us.

In Conclusion, the Eastern conference was the red-headed step child of this league this year. But nothing compared to the Eastern Conference in the NBA.

[XxSizzleXx]

Agreed, because in the end there is no denying that the West is and has been the tougher Conference for a few years now.

So who wants to volunteer to keep track of the points to have a little fun with guessing on who wins each Series?? Should a new thread be made for it?:S:S

I think a great way to score it would be give 4 points for picking the winner of each series, and then deduct 1 point for each game you are off.
So say I pick Detroit to win in 5 and they win in 7, I would get 2 points. (4 for correct winner and then minus 2 because I was 2 games off)

[PuRock]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 April 2010 - 05:22 PM' timestamp='1271107369' post='389991']
Agreed, because in the end there is no denying that the West is and has been the tougher Conference for a few years now.

So who wants to volunteer to keep track of the points to have a little fun with guessing on who wins each Series?? Should a new thread be made for it?:S:S
[/quote]

We might as well do it in here, it's not like we'll have too many partakers. I can keep track of the points. In my next post I will create the "Official Playoff Series Contest" Ballot.

Use this to officially cast your predictions. You can update or enter up until 7 PM eastern time on Thursday.

[u][b]Contest Rules[/b][/u]:
You win nothing, if you win you get to gloat about your win and can be deemed "hockey expert" on the Ravens message board.

Round 1 : 2 points for correct amount of games, 1 point for correct winner (if games wasn't correctly predicted).
Later Rounds: To be determined.

Should we increase the amount of points you can win by round? That way you still have a chance at the end?

[PuRock]

[u][b]My "Official Playoff Series Contest" Ballot[/b][/u]:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens (Washington in 6)
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers (New Jersey in 6)
#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins (Buffalo in 7)
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators (Pittsburgh in 6)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche (San Jose in 5)
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators (Chicago in 4)
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings (Vancouver in 5)
#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings (Detroit in 6)

[cursona pirate]

HERE IS MY OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE FIRST ROUND!!!!!

[quote name='cursona pirate' date='12 April 2010 - 03:55 PM' timestamp='1271102115' post='389949']
1.caps in 5
2.devils in 7
3. sabres in 6
4. ottawa in 7

1. sharks in 5
2. preds in 6
3. kings in 7
4. detroit in 7
[/quote]
here are mine above! yeah i know the ottawa senators! i just got a feeling

[Ngata Chance]

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens (Washington in 4)
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers (New Jersey in 7)
#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins (Buffalo in 6)
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators (Pittsburgh in 6)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche (San Jose in 4)
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators (Chicago in 5)
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings (Vancouver in 4)
#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings (Detroit in 6)





Still pissed my Flames didn't make it, but life will go on somehow.

[XxSizzleXx]

*OFFICIAL 1ST ROUND PICKS*

Washington in 6
Philadelphia in 6
Boston in 7
Pittsburgh in 5

San Jose in 6
Chicago in 6
Los Angeles in 7(my darkhorse pick)
Detroit in 5

[FlaccoFlicker]

they start tomorrow right or tonight?

[PuRock]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='13 April 2010 - 05:26 PM' timestamp='1271193966' post='390441']
they start tomorrow right or tonight?
[/quote]

Tommorrow night, the Pens open it up against the Sens. Caps start up Thursday night.

[MsMarvel73]

[quote name='PuRock' date='13 April 2010 - 05:41 PM' timestamp='1271194870' post='390448']
Tommorrow night, the Pens open it up against the Sens. Caps start up Thursday night.
[/quote]


WOO HOO! Flyers Devils tomorrow night at 1930!!! Zach Parise thinks the series will be "something special". We owned the Devils during the regular season....time to own them again!

[FlaccoFlicker]

i gotta go search when my wings will begin their beatdown

[PuRock]

Last chance to play the "Pick the Series" contest.

You have until 7 pm tonight to pick the series.

[XxSizzleXx]

Pittsburgh knows what it takes to win and I really believe they are going to turn up the heat big time. Saddle up, cause we're ready to go!

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='PuRock' date='14 April 2010 - 05:45 PM' timestamp='1271281508' post='390960']
Last chance to play the "Pick the Series" contest.

You have until 7 pm tonight to pick the series.
[/quote]
ahh i didnt do the pickem in time but ill say anyway
pens in 6
philly in 6
caps in 4
buffalo in 7

sharks in 5
chicago in 5
detroit in 5
canucks in 6
i mean their arent any finals yet

[MsMarvel73]

Woo scoreless through the first.

[PuRock]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='14 April 2010 - 08:22 PM' timestamp='1271290951' post='390999']
ahh i didnt do the pickem in time but ill say anyway
pens in 6
philly in 6
caps in 4
buffalo in 7

sharks in 5
chicago in 5
detroit in 5
canucks in 6
i mean their arent any finals yet
[/quote]

Your're good.

[PuRock]

This is the Ottawa team I was hoping to see. Trying to sneak a game at the igloo early!