NHL (no 2012) 2013 season

[Luke]

I haven't watched much of the Blackhawks during the year, but when their backs on the wall, do the muster or do they fade?

As a Blackhawks fan, I really can't talk about the Blackhawks. We're weird like that as we think whatever we say will have an impact on an actual game.

Same with the Cubs. You mutter "Cubs are doing pretty good this year" and Zambrano throws out his arm, Soriano starts batting .020, and Derick Lee's daughter gets cancer.

[pierrot]

I just can't believe the Rangers were spared by a single fluke goal. They had absolutely nothing going for them for a period and a half, and the Bruins were just stomping on their necks. Am I just crazy, or is there anyone else who thinks there's some scripting going on in the NHL? I got that feeling a little bit in Bs - Leafs game 7, Pens - Sens game 3, and Bs - Rangers game 3. I know Bylsma said that he wanted Malkin out on the power play for possession, but I still don't see a reason to put a forward on defense on the power play in the last minute of a one goal game where you're up. And with the Rangers getting the last 11 power plays at home? That's not just a streak. That's lopsided, and there were at least three blatant (not just regular ol' blatant) penalties that went uncalled in game 3. Something stinks with the officiating this round, though. That much I feel fairly certain of.

Conspiracy theories aside, I had a feeling about the Red Wings after they won the series against the Ducks: a feeling that the longer they stay in the playoffs, the more dangerous they would be for any team that gets put against them. So far, I don't feel wrong. I haven't watched the series with the Blackhawks that closely, but I saw some of the highlights (or lowlights) of Toews' play in the last game or two, and it doesn't look pretty. Maybe Hossa or Kane get a hat-trick each in their next three games, but barring that, I would think they need a Captain who's going to play like a Captain in order to have much hope.

[the King]

So how about those Wings last night? Sure is quiet in Chicago.

Don't get cocky kid.

I only have a few dogs left in this fight. In order, Blackhawks, Bruins, Penguins.

I know King won't likthae this, but I really hope the Wings choke and start making mistakes, as that might be the only way Chi-town advances.

At least you have a built in excuse for liking the Blackhawks, but the Bruins and Penguins too? Those were choices, blah.

Well, I wouldn't say the Wings choked anything, but they did make some mistakes and the Blackhawks have made the most of them, but there is a reason why Chicago was a 1 seed and the Wings a 7. This playoff run has been interesting as a Wings fan. After 20 years of being the favorite and having young upstart teams take us to the limit or upset us we are on the opposite end and it's been fun. Mostly because unlike every other year I haven't had any expectations(except for when we went up 3-1). Either way at the beginning of the playoffs if you would of asked me if I would take a game seven in round 2 with the best team in the regular season this year I would of taken it. Plus we are doing it with a core of young players, a lot of them rookies. Should be fun tonight.

Back to the 2nd rd, I do see the Hawks dominating the Red Wings, as this series will be a turning page for the next model team (not using "dynasty") - Red Wings and Devils are (SHOULD) heading to re-build phase for years to come.

This is the re-build.

[Luke]

At least you have a built in excuse for liking the Blackhawks, but the Bruins and Penguins too? Those were choices, blah.

We've been over this before. I'm a fan of the sport, and a fan of the athletes. That's why I have a dozen or so sweaters. Got to root for my home team, but at the same time I don't mind rooting for other teams.

Ray Bourque, at least to me, personifies hockey perfection. Great player, and a great human being. I'll always love the team he played for, and his #77 reveal still gives me goosebumps. One of the best moments in sports ever.

Not to snub Adam Oates or Andy Moog or Juneau, but what Cam Neely did for cancer research was pretty damned special as well. An organization built around strong men with strong family values is rare in sports.

The Penguins? Well the obvious answer is Jaromir's mullet and Mario's bewildering skills. Plus the 80's away sweater is completely terrific.

[the King]

I knew about your man love for Ray Bourque, but didn't know about the Penguin thing. Plus I was busting balls more than anything. For me, just like Bourgue represents everything right about hockey to you, Sidney Crosby represents everything that's wrong about Gary Bettman's NHL.

[Luke]

... Sidney Crosby represents everything that's wrong about Gary Bettman's NHL.

Two line passing cherry pickers? I hate 'em too.

[pierrot]

I get a strangely 'Red Sox vs Yankees' vibe from the Eastern Conference Finals match-up. I'm hoping the Bruins tell the Pens that one can't buy everything with money, but I'm not really expecting all that much. I think the Bruins are built much better defensively, but it's a lot easier to shut down one lightning line, than three with a fourth forward of the year candidate.

Some random things I've noticed in this playoffs: If Chicago ends up winning their best of seven, the four remaining teams will be the last four consecutive Stanley Cup winners facing off with a team two years removed from each team's own win. (Pens (2009) - Bruins (2011) / Hawks (2010) - Kings (2012)) If Boston and either the Hawks or Red Wings make it to the finals, the Bruins will have played three of the four rounds in original six match-ups.

Anyone else still going on the playoff beard?

[BogusMeatFactory]

Tonight is the night. Come on Red Wings, pull through this.

I am not going to lie, I was amazed that they got this far against the Blackhawks. Happy and proud, but still amazed.

[pierrot]

I don't know if I'm more surprised that Detroit is in a game 7 with Chicago, or that Detroit didn't close out the series in game 5 or 6.

So glad I'm not a Chicago fan after that call. Shit woulda got broke.

[Blu]

Well I'll be tossed in a tornado and boned in a barnyard, that was a great game. Disappointed that we lost in overtime. Funny to see that while we were having a "rebuilding" season, we made it pretty far in the playoffs.