It's on like Donkey Kong - 2012 NHL playoffs

[Behshad]

RW helmuts always appeared to be Red or White, to me ...

That used to be red, but its worn out after so many years

[Moon Beam]

How I wish Detroit would have won last night.
I hope the Canucks clobber San Jose.

Triple S and Behshad, love your Avatars!

[Deb]

How I wish Detroit would have won last night.
I hope the Canucks clobber San Jose.

Triple S and Behshad, love your Avatars!

Love yours too Moonie, very pretty........where is that?

[Moon Beam]

Love yours too Moonie, very pretty........where is that?

That is in front of Peche Island, one of my favorite places to play.
It's in the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake St Clair.

[Triple S]

How I wish Detroit would have won last night.
I hope the Canucks clobber San Jose.

Triple S and Behshad, love your Avatars!

Thanks Moonie! Seeing the man in just a few short weeks. Judging from recent clips he's sounding pretty darned good, can't wait:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXkJN7e1_2U

[Jonny B]

I'm thinking a Canucks/Lightning final. It's certainly not the best possible story. The Canucks, trying to bring Canada the Cup. The Lightning, attempting to deny the Cup's return to Canada for the second time.

It's not as good a story as say, a Sharks/Bruins final. The Sharks showed some unexpected resiliency against the Red Wings sudden surge. However, I feel that if Choke Thornton wants to shake off the playoff softee label once and for all, he should be required to do it against the team that traded him.

The problem is I don't like the Sharks because they give up leads too easily.
And I don't like the Bruins because their offense has inflated numbers due to inferior Flyers goaltending. They'll be exposed to a Lightning team that is sound in both defense and goaltending.

The Canucks in 6. One goalie is underachieving. One goalie is overrated. This will be a high-scoring series.
The Lightning in 5 and their defense will lead the way. Lots of 1-0, 2-1 games possible.

[StevePerryHair]

I don't know if there are any Rangers fans here...sad..


http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/New- ... -28-051311

Updated May 14, 2011 1:12 AM ET
NEW YORK (AP)
New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment. He was 28.

The team announced Boogaard's death on Friday night, but gave no details.


TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.
The Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis first reported Boogaard was found dead in his home by members of his family. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office in Minnesota confirmed those details and said an autopsy was pending.

''Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual,'' Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said. ''He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.''

Boogaard signed a four-year, $6.5 million deal with Rangers in July and appeared in 22 games with them last season. He had a goal and an assist to go with 45 penalty minutes.

One of the most feared fighters in the league, Boogaard missed the last 52 games of the regular season with a concussion and shoulder injury and did not play in the playoffs.

''The NHLPA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Derek Boogaard,'' NHL Players' Association executive director Don Fehr said in a statement. ''Derek was a well-liked and respected member of the NHLPA, and his passing is a great loss to the entire hockey community. Our sincere condolences to Derek's many friends and family during this difficult time.''

Boogaard began his NHL career with Minnesota and appeared in 255 games with the Wild from 2005-10.

''The Minnesota Wild organization sends our deepest sympathies to the family of Derek Boogaard,'' team said in a statement. ''Derek was a fan favorite during his five seasons with the Wild and will be greatly missed here in Minnesota and throughout the NHL. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Boogaard family during this tragic time of loss.''

In 277 regular-season games with Minnesota and the Rangers over six seasons, he had three goals and 13 assists and 589 penalty minutes.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native was Minnesota's seventh-round choice, 202nd overall, in the 2001 draft.

It is the second death of a player in the Rangers organization in the past three years. Alexei Cherepanov, chosen by New York with the 17th overall pick in the 2007 draft, died in Chekhov, Russia, on Oct. 13, 2008, after collapsing on the bench during a KHL game while playing with Avangard Omsk. The 19-year-old Cherepanov didn't sign with the Rangers and never played in the NHL.

Roman Lyashenko, who briefly played with the Rangers several years ago, was found dead in a hotel room in Turkey while on vacation in 2003. His death was believed to be a suicide.

[Frontiers65]

GO VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Behshad]

Did anyone catch how Tampa Bay OWNED Boston last night ?!

[StevePerryHair]

Did anyone catch how Tampa Bay OWNED Boston last night ?!

They did great! They have that "away ice advantage" which is one of the things they have on their side. I watched them do it to the Pens ( ) and Caps! Their goalie is awesome, defense solid, and a pretty decent offense as well and it's consistent in every game I've watched. The Pens held up better against them and they were missing Malkin and Crosby! Hopefully they repeat it game 2!!

[S2M]

Did anyone catch how Tampa Bay OWNED Boston last night ?!

Behshad...listen. Just because you watch hockey doesn't mean you know the game. Tampa didn't 'own' Boston last night.

First of all, Boston is without their TWO best offensive stars: Mark Savard, and Patrice Bergeron - both out with concussions. In Savard's case, his career is probably over due to that wicked illegal hit by Matt Cooke that nobody saw. And Bergeron got questionably hit last series against Philly....so let's knock off the BS. If Yzerman, and Shanahan were out with injuries....I'm sure they'd be hard pressed to win anything.

Secondly, Tampa's goals were weak, lucky shots. Let's go through them, shall we? First goal. Seidenberg loses his stick in front of net. Hmmm...how does a player lose his stick? Either it was SLASHED out of his hands, or it was yanked out. Either way a missed penalty. So his only recourse is to kick the puck away. Just happened a Tampa player was there to knock the kicked puck in. Verdict: missed penalty, lucky shot. Second goal. a weak-ass backhanded prayer from the right wing by Clark...very lucky shot...but Thomas should have had it. Third goal. More of a Kaberle fuck up than a good play by Tampa....a giveaway in front of the net that Purcell keept whacking Thomase's left pad til it finally went in. Wow, look at the ownage.

Forth goal was a screen shot. A power play goal because of another bogus call. Boychuck legally hits a Tampa player(Brewer maybe?), and Lecavalier takes offense and tries to put Boychuck in a headlock. Boychuck tries to punch him. And can you imagine, only Boychuck visits the box.

Fifth goal. And empty netter. WOW....exciting!

Even Roloson said, 'We got a couple of lucky ones'

[StevePerryHair]

I have tickets for game 4 in Tampa!!! My hope is for a sweep, so I can be there for the excitement!! Though I know those are rare, and they pulled that one off last series. Never know though! They ARE capable. Unless of course the Bruins sucker punch them out of the games one by one....that's one way to win I guess! Can't WAIT for Saturday's game!!!

[Seven Wishes2]

I have tickets for game 4 in Tampa!!! My hope is for a sweep, so I can be there for the excitement!! Though I know those are rare, and they pulled that one off last series. Never know though! They ARE capable. Unless of course the Bruins sucker punch them out of the games one by one....that's one way to win I guess! Can't WAIT for Saturday's game!!!

Hate to tell you, but Tampa has more game misconduct penalties, game suspensions, and total penalty minutes than Boston this year. So much for that theory. Tampa, typical of most warm-weather teams, is the one that wins using the thug mentality as opposed to skill.

[Behshad]

I never claimed to KNOW hockey , but I know not to whine and blame it on anything and everything when my team loses. Unlike you Sean , I LOVE hockey and ENJOY a great game , even when my favorite team loses. I don't blame it on cheap goals and bad calls.
Besides good team effort , of course you need a bit of luck , which sometimes you can say a 3-1 or 3-2 game was due to luck. But a 5-2 game = Boston got PWNED !
You're a crybaby who ONLY watches sports to " bitch & moan ". If that means KNOWING hockey , then you know hockey more than the rest of us.

On a side note did you see the AMAZING goal Finland scored against Czech Republic yesterday in the semifinals of World Championship ?! I bet you would call it a cheap goal

[S2M]

I never claimed to KNOW hockey , but I know not to whine and blame it on anything and everything when my team loses. Unlike you Sean , I LOVE hockey and ENJOY a great game , even when my favorite team loses. I don't blame it on cheap goals and bad calls.
Besides good team effort , of course you need a bit of luck , which sometimes you can say a 3-1 or 3-2 game was due to luck. But a 5-2 game = Boston got PWNED !
You're a crybaby who ONLY watches sports to " bitch & moan ". If that means KNOWING hockey , then you know hockey more than the rest of us.

On a side note did you see the AMAZING goal Finland scored against Czech Republic yesterday in the semifinals of World Championship ?! I bet you would call it a cheap goal

You are so transparent, B, its not even funny. You ran in here just to announce Boston got 'PWNED'...if that's LOVING hockey, and ENJOYING a great game, you are daft. You're an instigator.

So let me get this straight...a 3-1 game is due to luck(2-goal differential), but a 5-2 game(5th goal an empty net) - so basically a 4-2 win(same 2 goal differential) is being owned? Airtight logic you got there......

[Saint John]

Did anyone catch how Tampa Bay OWNED Boston last night ?!

Behshad...listen. Just because you watch hockey doesn't mean you know the game. Tampa didn't 'own' Boston last night.

First of all, Boston is without their TWO best offensive stars: Mark Savard, and Patrice Bergeron - both out with concussions. In Savard's case, his career is probably over due to that wicked illegal hit by Matt Cooke that nobody saw. And Bergeron got questionably hit last series against Philly....so let's knock off the BS. If Yzerman, and Shanahan were out with injuries....I'm sure they'd be hard pressed to win anything.

Secondly, Tampa's goals were weak, lucky shots. Let's go through them, shall we? First goal. Seidenberg loses his stick in front of net. Hmmm...how does a player lose his stick? Either it was SLASHED out of his hands, or it was yanked out. Either way a missed penalty. So his only recourse is to kick the puck away. Just happened a Tampa player was there to knock the kicked puck in. Verdict: missed penalty, lucky shot. Second goal. a weak-ass backhanded prayer from the right wing by Clark...very lucky shot...but Thomas should have had it. Third goal. More of a Kaberle fuck up than a good play by Tampa....a giveaway in front of the net that Purcell keept whacking Thomase's left pad til it finally went in. Wow, look at the ownage.

Forth goal was a screen shot. A power play goal because of another bogus call. Boychuck legally hits a Tampa player(Brewer maybe?), and Lecavalier takes offense and tries to put Boychuck in a headlock. Boychuck tries to punch him. And can you imagine, only Boychuck visits the box.

Fifth goal. And empty netter. WOW....exciting!

Even Roloson said, 'We got a couple of lucky ones'

I'm not even sure why you watch sports, you're certainly not a fan. You're a fan of whining against missed calls ... but only against your team. When the Patriots, Red Sox or Bruins win, you gleefully come on here and rub it in. But your team can never lose fair and square (like last night). Not once can I remember you saying "We just got beat last night." Hey, the Blackhawks lost to Vancouver and guess what ... I watched 7 fucking games and can't remember one bad call. Not one! You? If you were a 'Hawks fan, you'd have had a laundry list of bad calls, missed calls, phantom calls and some other silly shit.

Listen, Boston got raped last night. When you come out and give up 3 first period goals in the conference finals at home and go through a stretch of over 2 periods without scoring, you got your asses handed to you. And no amount of bad calls, missed calls, Republican refs, liberal linesmen or on-the-take zamboni drivers can make up for Tampa Bay simply taking it to the Bruins. And I can assure you that we would not have heard a peep had the teams been wearing opposite jerseys last night.

[S2M]

Did you watch the game, Dan? If not, kindly refrain from commenting....again, if Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews were out with injuries - you'd be singing the same song....and btw, Vancouver is a better team than Chicago this year. The same can't be said for Tampa. Bruins won season series 3-1.

At some point injuries matter. No matter what you say. And calls matter. But you keep on keeping on commenting on shit you have no idea about. Tampa didn't score in the 2nd period either. And they also didn't score an even strength goal since the 1st. Tampa had a lucky 90 secs, and there was your game.

[Saint John]

Did you watch the game, Dan?

Just not the 3rd period. The game was over by then, so I turned on a cool 48 Hours Mystery episode.

if Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews were out with injuries - you'd be singing the same song

Wrong. Actually, I'd be more likely to admit that we got raped. Just like Boston did last night. And I love how you'll try and nullify the empty netter, but you don't nullify the Boston goal with about a minute left. You know, the same goal Boston scored when Roloson was probably thinking about post game blowjobs. Either they both count in an argument or neither does. But, please, no cherry picking!

btw, Vancouver is a better team than Chicago this year.

I fully agree. I watched them settle it on the ice.

The same can't be said for Tampa. Bruins won season series 3-1.

Yeah, and the season series means so much in the playoffs. Let them decide who's better on the ice. This series will do that.

At some point injuries matter.

Of course they do. But championship teams need to battle through them.

And calls matter.

Yeah, but only the calls against your team. Funny how you have this incredible ability to watch hundreds of games but never have I seen you come on here and say "Man, we really got a break on that bad call yesterday." Probably because your incredibly slanted view going into the game doesn't allow you to do so. It's just a conspiracy against every team you like.

[Behshad]

Yup I'm the transparent one

The 3-1 example I used is when a team is up 2-1 in a close game and finishes with an empty net goal.
Dan is spot in Sean. You simple need to stop being a DOPE ( Douche On Purpose Everyday )

So basically if your team wins the series you'll come in and brag&gloat and if they get knocked out you'll blame it on injuries and bad calls.


So no comments on Finlands "cheap" goal ?!

[S2M]

This is the difference, Dan...Boston is 2 for 45 in the playoffs on power plays. Savard is out, and Bergeron(our faceoff specialist) is out...out PP is non-existent....who cares if boston is on the PP, or a call goes against an opposing team? Tampa has a potent PP, so when a bogus call goes their way - it usually means a goal. Last night they were 1 for 5...Boston has a killer PK. If not for Thomas, I'm sure the score would have been 8-2.

Nice bogus equivalency on the empty net goal, and Boston's last goal....WRONG. You can't compare a vacant net, and one with a goalie present....nice try though. Valiant effort.

[S2M]

Yup I'm the transparent one

The 3-1 example I used is when a team is up 2-1 in a close game and finishes with an empty net goal.
Dan is spot in Sean. You simple need to stop being a DOPE ( Douche On Purpose Everyday )

So basically if your team wins the series you'll come in and brag&gloat and if they get knocked out you'll blame it on injuries and bad calls.


So no comments on Finlands "cheap" goal ?!

Nice goal. Lacrosse-style....seen it many times before. Nothing new.

[Saint John]

Nice bogus equivalency on the empty net goal, and Boston's last goal....WRONG. You can't compare a vacant net, and one with a goalie present....nice try though. Valiant effort.

Then don't fall behind and have to pull your goalie. Both were goals and they both count as the same ... one goal. Therefore, they're equally weighted and recognized as much by the NHL. Logic compels me to give them the equivalency they deserve. Hell, if anything, putting yourself in a position to score an empty netter on the road when the other team has an extra attacker is just as or more difficult than scoring a meaningless goal down by 4 with a minute left. But I won't argue that.

[Behshad]

Yup I'm the transparent one

The 3-1 example I used is when a team is up 2-1 in a close game and finishes with an empty net goal.
Dan is spot in Sean. You simple need to stop being a DOPE ( Douche On Purpose Everyday )

So basically if your team wins the series you'll come in and brag&gloat and if they get knocked out you'll blame it on injuries and bad calls.


So no comments on Finlands "cheap" goal ?!

Nice goal. Lacrosse-style....seen it many times before. Nothing new.

You're just a one-trick-pony crybaby

[StevePerryHair]

Tampa is essentially a new team....new owner...new coaches....some new players. For about a year now? And sometimes a team like that takes a while to gain their strength. They had a good enough season to get them to the playoffs. I only have seen them get stronger and stronger through these playoffs. Pens fans is general werent all pissy they lost their 2 key players half the season. They were proud that their team stepped up, pulled together, and still managed a great season regardless. I thought they fought long and hard in their series with TB, and though I think it COULD have been a different series with those guys, what if's don't mean shit. It's WHAT IS, and you just move on and hope for better luck next year! I have seen Tampa play twice live, and watched EVERY game beginning to end in the playoffs. They ARE a strong viable team. They have earned everything they've gotten.

[S2M]

Nice bogus equivalency on the empty net goal, and Boston's last goal....WRONG. You can't compare a vacant net, and one with a goalie present....nice try though. Valiant effort.

Then don't fall behind and have to pull your goalie. Both were goals and they both count as the same ... one goal. Therefore, they're equally weighted and recognized as much by the NHL. Logic compels me to give them the equivalency they deserve. Hell, if anything, putting yourself in a position to score an empty netter on the road when the other team has an extra attacker is just as or more difficult than scoring a meaningless goal down by 4 with a minute left. But I won't argue that.

Ahhh....I see. So lifting the puck in the air, while still in your defensive zone, and having no opponent's goalie in net - constitutes as difficult? Lemme jot that down.....

[S2M]

Behshad, at which point you make a viable, sound argument about anything - I'll be impressed....your constant ad hominem mumbo jumbo is about as awe-inspiring as the great invisible sky-wizard....

[RedWingFan]

This is the difference, Dan...Boston is 2 for 45 in the playoffs on power plays. Savard is out, and Bergeron(our faceoff specialist) is out...out PP is non-existent....who cares if boston is on the PP, or a call goes against an opposing team?

So it's everyone BUT the Bruins fault that they don't have scoring depth to man their power plays?

Think Bettman should take a look at Boston's pathetic PP numbers, point it out to the officials and tell them not to call any penalties because Boston doesn't have anyone to put the puck in the net?

What is the NHL supposed to do call a halt to the playoffs so those 2 can get healthy?

I'm sure all these sound very reasonable to you don't they?

[Behshad]

Behshad, at which point you make a viable, sound argument about anything - I'll be impressed....your constant ad hominem mumbo jumbo is about as awe-inspiring as the great invisible sky-wizard....

You are the last person on this planet I'd want to impress.
When was the last time you blamed YOUR team when they lost ?! You're not a sports fan , you just think memorizing few things like a parrot makes you a sports guru! Try to ENJOY a game once in a while , even when your team is losing.

[Behshad]

This is the difference, Dan...Boston is 2 for 45 in the playoffs on power plays. Savard is out, and Bergeron(our faceoff specialist) is out...out PP is non-existent....who cares if boston is on the PP, or a call goes against an opposing team?

So it's everyone BUT the Bruins fault that they don't have scoring depth to man their power plays?

Think Bettman should take a look at Boston's pathetic PP numbers, point it out to the officials and tell them not to call any penalties because Boston doesn't have anyone to put the puck in the net?

What is the NHL supposed to do call a halt to the playoffs so those 2 can get healthy?

I'm sure all these sound very reasonable to you don't they?

Now there's an idea

[S2M]

This is the difference, Dan...Boston is 2 for 45 in the playoffs on power plays. Savard is out, and Bergeron(our faceoff specialist) is out...out PP is non-existent....who cares if boston is on the PP, or a call goes against an opposing team?

So it's everyone BUT the Bruins fault that they don't have scoring depth to man their power plays?

Think Bettman should take a look at Boston's pathetic PP numbers, point it out to the officials and tell them not to call any penalties because Boston doesn't have anyone to put the puck in the net?

What is the NHL supposed to do call a halt to the playoffs so those 2 can get healthy?

I'm sure all these sound very reasonable to you don't they?

Absolutely not....I'm just saying that there is a winner and a loser in a game/series....the final score is the final score. Tampa got scoreboard. But in essense they didn't beat the real Bruins team. Like last years' NBA playoffs....Celtics had game 6 all but won. Their best rebounder went down with an injury, and they lost the game and the series.....At full strength the Celtics smoke the Lakers, and at FULL strength the Bruins smoke the Bolts....that's all I'm saying....of course the Lightning don't care HOW they win. But they wouldn't have beaten a complete team.