2015 NHL Hockey Playoff Talk

[CDSmith]

I'm starting it a bit early this year because the race is so damn tight. In fact I don't think it's ever been this tight of a playoff race. In past years any team with generaly over 90 points was pretty much in.

This year you need close to 100 points or there's no hope.


Sens -- probably the best story in the league, an incredible playoff run they've had. Christ I wish fans were tossing burgers on the ice back when I played the game. Still don't know if they're in but I'd kind of like to see them do it, if for no other reason than one of their best players (Stone) is from Winnipeg.

Rangers -- In my opinion the best team in the regular season. Called this over two months ago, they've always had more points than most (if not all) AND they always had a game or two in hand over most (if not all) other teams. Definitely a cup contenter.

Kings -- surprisingly it looks as though the defending Stanley Cup champions won't make it through to the post-season. Sad, but I take solace in the fact that my Jets had something to do with it. :D

Pens -- who would have thought they'd have such a sucky finish to their season?

Wild --- Does anyone really want to play the Wild (or the Jets if they make it) in the 1st round of the playoffs? Another incredible late-season run to nail a wildcard spot. The Dube!


Habs, Caps, Blues, Preds, Hawks, Ducks, all major contenders.

Who's your team?

[Mutt]

Still lopsided with the Western Conference having better teams - Chicago has to be the favorite from the West but St.Louis, Anaheim,Minnesota, LA if they make it, are all quality teams that could all make it to the Stanley Cup Final, and the only team in the East who would give the survivor of the war in the West would be the Rangers, though possible Montreal and Washington could ride hot goaltenders to the Final.

Almost too much parity in the NHL these days for my liking.

[flashfire]

Calgary is having an amazing season considering most picked them to finish last and they lost their best d-man a couple months back. Jonny Hockey and Sean Monahan are 21 and 20 years old and dominating. Hope they end the Kings season tonight

[EonBlue]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Sens -- probably the best story in the league, an incredible playoff run they've had. Christ I wish fans were tossing burgers on the ice back when I played the game. Still don't know if they're in but I'd kind of like to see them do it, if for no other reason than one of their best players (Stone) is from Winnipeg.

Who's your team?

Sens fans here. They still have a chance but they pretty much have to win their last two games and hope a few of the other teams lose their last two. Even if they don't make it this last month and a half has been quite the run and the last week or so has felt like the playoffs. It's been fun.

Mark Stone is awesome and I think he is going to be one of the best players in the league.


.

[JFK]

I think the Leafs are gonna take it this year

[AntonMG]

Originally Posted by JFK

I think the Leafs are gonna take it this year

Check my "Location" for this year's winner

[kane]

As a big Pens fan I am always hopeful, but they have crashed and burned lately. Part of it is injuries and part is just. . . well I'm not sure. They might not even make the playoffs. If, however, they do they have the talent to go deep, but do they have the drive and will they be able to overcome the injuries and do so.

I'm not holding my breath.

[Pseudonymous]

Wild will be out first round

Hawks have to be favorites

Got to love blues as an overall team and they have the playoff type of players but sadly they lack the superstars that can't be held off the scoresheet.

rangers are east's best chance to fight for cup

montreal are overachievers that i dont see winning it all (good team, not great)

Tampa is probably my 2nd choice to come out of the east

You'd think anaheim would be a favorite but i've watched them alot this year and unless they dramatically increase how they play, they can definitely be beaten, honestly if they face a real hard working team early, like winnipeg, i could see there being an upset

Hope jets make it in, if they do, they'll be favorites for an upset

Canucks will beat calgary and lose in 2nd round. Calgary is too inexperienced

I like preds chances too

[scuba steve]

pulling for the blues. oshie, 'merican

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by AntonMG

Check my "Location" for this year's winner

Hey did you happen to enjoy the way the Jets bent over the Habs in that game a few weeks ago and made them their bitch? :D


Wouldn't be a hockey thread without smacktalk, right?

[xKingx]

Stanley Cup Champs of 2015

[AntonMG]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Hey did you happen to enjoy the way the Jets bent over the Habs in that game a few weeks ago and made them their bitch? :D


Wouldn't be a hockey thread without smacktalk, right?

I don't remember...

[Ramster]

Down to the wire it is going with the Sens winning big last night. The west is set but the east only has the top 4 set, after that anyone of 3 teams including Ottawa can finish in 5th or even out of the playoffs. Big game tonight for Pittsburgh against the Islanders.

[CDSmith]

Just got this in my morning email ---

CLINCHED! Blake Wheeler says get your white shirts ready. The city of Winnipeg will host NHL playoff hockey for the first time since 1996. The Jets got a single point in a 1-0 shootout loss to Colorado and then watched as the Calgary Flames beat the L.A. Kings 3-1. So the Flames and Jets both punched their tickets for the playoffs while the defending champion Kings are done. This marks the first time since the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006-07 that the defending champs have failed to make the playoffs the following season. Stanley Cup Playoff tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 14th at 10AM

Senators continue push for playoffs: The Eastern Conference playoff race will come down to the final day of the regular season. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves as Ottawa blanked the Rangers 3-0 while Florida doubled Boston 4-2. The Sens have 97 points; the Penguins have 96 while the Bruins have 95.

98 seems to be the magic # this year. If your team can't make that then they're out of luck. East, west, doesn't matter. The playoff picture is that tight on both sides.

Whatever, the Jets are IN.
I'd pretty much say the Sens are IN as well. Boston and Pittsburgh can fight over the scraps. :D

[AntonMG]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Just got this in my morning email ---

CLINCHED! Blake Wheeler says get your white shirts ready. The city of Winnipeg will host NHL playoff hockey for the first time since 1996. The Jets got a single point in a 1-0 shootout loss to Colorado and then watched as the Calgary Flames beat the L.A. Kings 3-1. So the Flames and Jets both punched their tickets for the playoffs while the defending champion Kings are done. This marks the first time since the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006-07 that the defending champs have failed to make the playoffs the following season. Stanley Cup Playoff tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 14th at 10AM

Senators continue push for playoffs: The Eastern Conference playoff race will come down to the final day of the regular season. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves as Ottawa blanked the Rangers 3-0 while Florida doubled Boston 4-2. The Sens have 97 points; the Penguins have 96 while the Bruins have 95.

98 seems to be the magic # this year. If your team can't make that then they're out of luck. East, west, doesn't matter. The playoff picture is that tight on both sides.

Whatever, the Jets are IN.
I'd pretty much say the Sens are IN as well. Boston and Pittsburgh can fight over the scraps. :D

How did you like being a Calgary fan?

[atom]

GO WILD! Looking forward to taking my son to a few playoff games :-)

[PR_Glen]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Hey did you happen to enjoy the way the Jets bent over the Habs in that game a few weeks ago and made them their bitch? :D


Wouldn't be a hockey thread without smacktalk, right?

was just going to say.. all that hockey talk and no mention of the jets! You only pretending to live out there or what?? hehe

[Varius]

I'm really not sure who I'd rather the Ducks play right now: Chicago, Minnesota or Winnipeg.

I, too, could see Winnipeg pull off an upset in the first round.

All those teams are hot coming in, while Ducks are just sort of floating - though, they have been resting players and still experimenting with lines and D pairs til the very end.

In the end I have faith a healthy Getz (hopefully, for first time in last few playoffs) and Kesler step up and become unstoppable and we cruise on through to the 2nd round.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by kane

As a big Pens fan I am always hopeful, but they have crashed and burned lately. Part of it is injuries and part is just. . . well I'm not sure. They might not even make the playoffs. If, however, they do they have the talent to go deep, but do they have the drive and will they be able to overcome the injuries and do so.

I'm not holding my breath.

Any good Jets fan will tell you injuries are no excuse. No team has been plagued more than Winnipeg has, all of our key players have been sidelined at one time or another this season. At one point our entire core of D were out. But out depth players stepped up to the plate and kept the team in the race.

When depth players step up like that it bolsters moral like nothing else can I tell you.

Originally Posted by Ramster

Down to the wire it is going with the Sens winning big last night. The west is set but the east only has the top 4 set, after that anyone of 3 teams including Ottawa can finish in 5th or even out of the playoffs. Big game tonight for Pittsburgh against the Islanders.

Hearing that the Sens beat the Rangers last night was mind-blowing. Granted NY chose to rest several key players, but this win for Ottawa couldn't have been more sweet for them I'm sure.

Originally Posted by AntonMG

How did you like being a Calgary fan?

That's stretching things a bit. Fan? No, I was hoping they'd win, not for them but for my own selfish reasons. I'd have liked to see the Jets make it on their own steam, but this isn't the first case of a team making it in via a helper from some other club. I/we will take it any way it comes. :D

Originally Posted by atom

GO WILD! Looking forward to taking my son to a few playoff games :-)

If they keep on the way they've been playing you're going to be in for some great games.

Originally Posted by PR_Glen

was just going to say.. all that hockey talk and no mention of the jets! You only pretending to live out there or what?? hehe

I didn't want to come off as "boastful". :D

[AntonMG]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

That's stretching things a bit. Fan? No, I was hoping they'd win, not for them but for my own selfish reasons. I'd have liked to see the Jets make it on their own steam, but this isn't the first case of a team making it in via a helper from some other club. I/we will take it any way it comes. :D

I know, I was just trolling a bit
It's good to have that many CA teams making the cut this year!

[candyflip]

(Don't) Go Sabres.

[2MuchMark]

I'm not really much of a hockey fan and hardly watch the games on TV, but I do get interested when my home team (Habs) enter the playoffs, and have to admit too that watching them play against Boston is pretty exciting. As soon as the Habs are out though, I lose all interest.

[munki]

Kings are out, playoffs don't even matter anymore in my house. What a terrible fucking season. Shameful to watch them throw it away.

[kane]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Any good Jets fan will tell you injuries are no excuse. No team has been plagued more than Winnipeg has, all of our key players have been sidelined at one time or another this season. At one point our entire core of D were out. But out depth players stepped up to the plate and kept the team in the race.

When depth players step up like that it bolsters moral like nothing else can I tell you.

Injuries are always an excuse. If you lose your best players your team simply is not as good. Depth players can help fill that void for a while as can quality coaching. I personally think the Pens haven't got the depth in their system or on their team to overcome what they faced this season.

According to this the Pens were the 5th most injured team in the league losing 333 man games to injury.

The Jets were 14th with 226 man games. That is still a lot but it is still 107 man games fewer.

The Pens clear issue is that when key guys go down they don't have guys that can fill that void for long periods of time.

They still have a chance to make the playoffs. It is a three team race between them, the Sens and the Bruins, but if they do I don't think they will go very deep.

[Spunky]

It's all ok,The Sedins will bring home the cup to Canada

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by kane

Injuries are always an excuse.

Except as I said if you're a Jets fan. It's not just "man hours" it's what specific players are out. In Winnnipeg's case it was pretty much every one of their tope players including their only 'marquee' guy if you will... Dustin Byfuglien, plus as I mentioned the entire top 4 of their
D. Few teams could maintain a winning season under such injury weight, the Jets did.

Originally Posted by kane

The Pens clear issue is that when key guys go down they don't have guys that can fill that void for long periods of time.

That's what I was hinting at. :D

Originally Posted by kane

They still have a chance to make the playoffs. It is a three team race between them, the Sens and the Bruins, but if they do I don't think they will go very deep.

Well as we now know they're in. (if they couldn't beat the Sabres they really didn't deserve it anyway, but Boston didn't deserve to make it either). Several analysts are saying the Pens are "first round fodder", which may be true.... or it may not. I've said it a thousand times if I've said it once, once a team is IN they tend to go into a whole different mode, and different gear if you will. They go into playoff mode.

And we've seen all too often a wildcard team take it all the way. There are the favorites, the powerhouse teams, but that can sometimes mean very little in the playoffs.


Congrats to the Sens and Sens fans. STONE ROCKS! (best say thankyou to Winnipeg for that guy)

Playoffs start Wednesday night. My PVR is all revved up.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by Spunky

It's all ok,The Sedins will bring home the cup to Canada

Oh what turboganja u smokin' now boy?

[kane]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Except as I said if you're a Jets fan. It's not just "man hours" it's what specific players are out. In Winnnipeg's case it was pretty much every one of their tope players including their only 'marquee' guy if you will... Dustin Byfuglien, plus as I mentioned the entire top 4 of their
D. Few teams could maintain a winning season under such injury weight, the Jets did.




That's what I was hinting at. :D



Well as we now know they're in. (if they couldn't beat the Sabres they really didn't deserve it anyway, but Boston didn't deserve to make it either). Several analysts are saying the Pens are "first round fodder", which may be true.... or it may not. I've said it a thousand times if I've said it once, once a team is IN they tend to go into a whole different mode, and different gear if you will. They go into playoff mode.

And we've seen all too often a wildcard team take it all the way. There are the favorites, the powerhouse teams, but that can sometimes mean very little in the playoffs.


Congrats to the Sens and Sens fans. STONE ROCKS! (best say thankyou to Winnipeg for that guy)

Playoffs start Wednesday night. My PVR is all revved up.

The beauty of the NHL is that in the playoffs anything can happen. The Pens have talent. with Crosby and Malkin they can score and if Fleury plays well they could do well.

The problem they seem to have had all season is that the drop off after Crosby/Malkin has been big. They are going to need some bigger production from the role players if they want to go deep. Not to mention their D is the walking wounded right now. The last 5-6 games of the regular season they only dressed 5 defensemen. That won't work in the playoffs.

[KyleC]

Tampa Bay all the way.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by kane

The beauty of the NHL is that in the playoffs anything can happen. The Pens have talent. with Crosby and Malkin they can score and if Fleury plays well they could do well.

The problem they seem to have had all season is that the drop off after Crosby/Malkin has been big. They are going to need some bigger production from the role players if they want to go deep. Not to mention their D is the walking wounded right now. The last 5-6 games of the regular season they only dressed 5 defensemen. That won't work in the playoffs.

I'm almost convinced Crosby & Malkin could carry them to the 2nd round virtually all by themselves. With some solid goaltending, and assuming they're playing at their top form.

Almost. As fierce as their level of talent is, this year is different. Pretty much every other team that made the playoffs are strong teams who are going to be tough to beat.For starters, getting past the Rangers is going to be monumental. No one sees them doing it. No one. What can I say, it'll either be a decent series or it'll be a 4-straight blowout.

But if they do somehow manage to take down the team with the best record in the regular season, holy shit that will be huge.



Here are all the matchups for round 1 ----


-=EAST=-

Pens
Rangers

Montreal
Ottawa Sens

Lightning
Red Wings

Capitals
Islanders


-=WEST=-

Ducks
Jets

Blues
Wild

Predators
Blackhawks

Canucks
Flames



So at least two Canadian teams are going to be eliminated in round 1.

[CDSmith]

Greenguy is running a playoff hockey pool over here: 2015 Jenks Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool

if anyone's interested. I'm putting together my picks now. Should be fun.

[PR_Phil]

I feel bad for Carey Price, such a good goalie, possibly the best player in the league this year, and he will be out in the first round because the Habs can't beat the Sens

[Nicholas FirstMobileCash]

5 Canadian teams are in this year! Too bad the first round will eliminate at least 2 of them.

Here's to hoping that the Stanley Cup comes back to Canada! More specifically, Ottawa ;)

Go Sens So!

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by PR_Phil

I feel bad for Carey Price, such a good goalie, possibly the best player in the league this year, and he will be out in the first round because the Habs can't beat the Sens

A positive thinker. I like it.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

Greenguy is running a playoff hockey pool over here:

2015 Jenks Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool

if anyone's interested. I'm putting together my picks now. Should be fun.

Btw this is a cash pool, cost only $21 to enter. Your winnings depends on how many enter.

You think you know hockey? Then put your money where your mouth is and get in the game.

[CDSmith]

This just in; Patrick Kane is set to return to the Blackhawks lineup for game one.

That's it, we're all doomed.



In other news on last night's Sportscenter (TSN) two out of the three analysts predicted it will be the Winnipeg Jets who make it the farthest out of the 5 Canadian teams in the playoffs. One of them further predicted the Jets would win the Stanley Cup.

Wouldn't that be something? :D

[flashfire]

Originally Posted by CDSmith

I'm almost convinced Crosby & Malkin could carry them to the 2nd round virtually all by themselves. With some solid goaltending, and assuming they're playing at their top form.

Almost. As fierce as their level of talent is, this year is different. Pretty much every other team that made the playoffs are strong teams who are going to be tough to beat.For starters, getting past the Rangers is going to be monumental. No one sees them doing it. No one. What can I say, it'll either be a decent series or it'll be a 4-straight blowout.

But if they do somehow manage to take down the team with the best record in the regular season, holy shit that will be huge.



Here are all the matchups for round 1 ----


-=EAST=-

Pens
Rangers

Montreal
Ottawa Sens

Lightning
Red Wings

Capitals
Islanders


-=WEST=-

Ducks
Jets

Blues
Wild

Predators
Blackhawks

Canucks
Flames



So at least two Canadian teams are going to be eliminated in round 1.

but 2 will be in the 2nd round for sure...

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by flashfire

but 2 will be in the 2nd round for sure...

I guess I wasn't in a glass-half-full frame of mind yesterday. :D


The question is... which two? Habs? Sens?

'Nucks? Flames?


I predict the flames take Vancouver in seven, and oh, what the hell, I say Sens beat Morreal in seven as well.

Habs are the total favorite but Ottawa has been one the hottest teams in the league of late. (if not THE hottest)

[Pseudonymous]

almost time! i can hardly control myself!

[Mutt]

Originally Posted by Pseudonymous

almost time! i can hardly control myself!

yep, almost time for the Canucks to lose to the Flames and you won't be able to control your crying.

[Ramster]

It all starts tonight

[Pseudonymous]

LETS DO THIS!

[Martin]

Hey CD, I'll be watching your Jets closely. They could end up being the sweet hearts at the dance. Could go all the way bud. What they lack in talent they make up for in ruggedness. Might just impose their way to the cup. Should be exciting.

[scuba steve]

i'd like ovie to finally get one

[AntonMG]

[EonBlue]

.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by Martin

Hey CD, I'll be watching your Jets closely. They could end up being the sweet hearts at the dance. Could go all the way bud. What they lack in talent they make up for in ruggedness. Might just impose their way to the cup. Should be exciting.

I'm definitely interested to see how they do. Would be ecstatic if they make it to round 2. Beyond that I'll be simply amazed and dumfounded at their tenacity.

"what they lack in talent" --- I know what you meant there but I should probably point out that there is a huge amount of unsung talent on this team. Wheeler for example. Here is a guy who is often underestimated. The only guy I've seen match his burst of speed to create his own breakaway is Phil Kessel, the difference being Wheeler actually scores. :D

Sheifele is another one. Hard worker in the corners, can hit hard when needed, and he has the ability to be a veritable sniper in the slot.

Jim Slater -- I actually thought this guy was trade bait up until the last few months. But his faceoff win % is off the charts lately, he's stepped up his physical game some (which was always tough to begin with), he's creating more quality chances on goal for his linemates, and he's shown he can put the puck in the net more.

Matthew perreault -- When this guy is 'on' he's a scoring machine. Could possibly be the most dangerous man on the ice.

Pardy -- "who the hell is Pardy?" lol. That's right. Who is he? He's basically a guy they call in when one of the regs is out with an injury. This guy's gameplay lately has been very impressive. Same with another similar guy Ben Chiarot, playing D amazingly solid.

Lowry -- Big tough and fast. And he can score.

And perhaps one of if not THE most underrated forwards in the NHL is Brian Little.

Then there's Pavelec. Playing maybe the best hockey of his career lately. 3 shutouts in a row to finish out the regular season. I mean seriously.


Byfugien
Ladd
Myers
Stafford
TROUBA
Thorburn
Frolic

Basically every guy on this team has been giving every other team in the league fits all season. I realize that the Ducks won all 3 reg season games over the Jets this year but they were not lopsidedly decisive by any means. All three were close ones that could have gone either way.

Hopefully the puck starts bouncing the Jets way in this series. :D

I guess we'll see tomorrow night, game 1.


Edit: MARK STEWART -- How could I forget him? Often the hardest working guy on the ice. I don't know anyone who has blocked more shots or levelled more guys at the blueline than Stewart, and that goes for any team. The guy is a machine.

[CDSmith]

Originally Posted by EonBlue

I like the direction this thread is going.


Keep 'em coming.


Ottawa "Cinderella" Sens -- it's official; since early February they are in fact the best team in the league. They had a better win % than anyone, finishing ahead of the Rangers (2nd) and the Wild (3rd).

Most dangerous team in the East.

[amacontent]

It all doesnt matter. Rangers will hoist THE CUP this year. I predict a 16-5 Cup Run. Do I get a cookie if im right.

[Ramster]

Originally Posted by amacontent

It all doesnt matter. Rangers will hoist THE CUP this year. I predict a 16-5 Cup Run. Do I get a cookie if im right.

NO, but I'm sure someone can arrange a handjob