Over_Zealously_Apathetic: Anybody else see that Caps/Bruins matchup as an upset? I guess it all depends on Holtby.

Nope.

Boston is a deep, skilled, team. And, as much as I loathe the play of the fantastically overrated Zdeno Chara, he has a way of frustrating players like Ovechkin (who is coming off a lack-luster season). I don't see the Caps making it out of this round.

That said, it IS the playoffs and stranger things have happened. Washington can find another gear and Holtby can play out of his mind, giving them a chance. And maybe Boston starts running out of steam after a short off season ant the regular season grind.

Pituophis: Boston is a deep, skilled, team. And, as much as I loathe the play of the fantastically overrated Zdeno Chara, he has a way of frustrating players like Ovechkin (who is coming off a lack-luster season). I don't see the Caps making it out of this round.

As much frustration as Ovechkin has had this season and for the past several playoffs, I don't see Chara pushing him past tilt or anything. That matchup is going to be overhyped in this series.

I still would not put my money on the Caps though, but I think it could go 6.

I think the biggest difference you can see between the Boston and Washington is scoring depth.

Projected third lines.

Boston:
Kelly : 20-19-39 +33
Pouliott: 16-16-32 +18
Rolston 3-12-15 +7*

* Only for Rolston's time with Boston, 21 games played.

Washington:
Hendricks: 4-5-9 -6
Beagle: 4-1-5 -2 **
Johansson: 14-32-46 -5

** Beagle only played 41 games.

As I half-drunkenly stated to my buddies as we watched the games last night, I have no idea why people are picking Phoenix to win.

Blackhawks are taking that series.

lunchinlewis: Pituophis: Boston is a deep, skilled, team. And, as much as I loathe the play of the fantastically overrated Zdeno Chara, he has a way of frustrating players like Ovechkin (who is coming off a lack-luster season). I don't see the Caps making it out of this round.

As much frustration as Ovechkin has had this season and for the past several playoffs, I don't see Chara pushing him past tilt or anything. That matchup is going to be overhyped in this series.

I still would not put my money on the Caps though, but I think it could go 6.

Well, what I mean is that Chara handles players like Ovechkin really, really well. Ovechkin will try and go through Chara. That's not the best strategy. Chara's just to big and long and he makes use of that 30 foot (with stick) wingspan he's got. The players that are successful are the ones that are willing to use quick stick-work and get in close. It's almost gotta be a boxer's mentatity with Chara. Eliminate his range advantage, get in close amongst his feet, make him rely on footwork, and then he's forced to take a penalty, or you get by him for a scoring chance. Datsyuk, in their infrequent meetings, is quite adept at this. Also, in last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, Desharnais from MTL was able to do the same, and quite effectively. Frankly, that's not Ovechkin's game. He's a power forward through and through and Chara is best at handling those guys. That is what will frustrate Ovechkin. I don't think he'll go berzerker or anything, I just think his chances will be limited.

Rev.K: Blackhawks are taking that series.

I would wager it's because Crawford's been awful (except against Detroit, whom they're not playing), the alternative is the mentally sound Razor Ray Emery, Toews hasn't played since February and, given his concussion history, may not make it out of the first couple of games.

DAY 2
7:00, NHLN: OTT - NYR [Game 1]
7:30, NBCS: WAS - BOS [Game 1]
7:30, CNBC: SJS - STL [Game 1]
10:00, NBCS: CHI - PHX

Full playoff schedule with times and TV (new window)

Pituophis: I would wager it's because Crawford's been awful (except against Detroit, whom they're not playing), the alternative is the mentally sound Razor Ray Emery, Toews hasn't played since February and, given his concussion history, may not make it out of the first couple of games.

Regular season statistics, I know, but:

Chicago had more wins
Chicago had a better home record
Chicago scored 32 more goals

Granted they had Toews for a good chunk of that, but the only thing Phoenix really has going for them is home ice and Mike Smith.

That's hardly a conclusive argument for a Phoenix win. Plus, Phoenix plays the most strangling, shut down, utterly unwatchable hockey of any team in the league. If Chicago busts that open, they're done.

Honestly I would like to see the Coyotes win just because Phoenix is my hometown and they really have something to prove. I honestly don't see it happening though.

Pituophis: Well, what I mean is that Chara handles players like Ovechkin really, really well.

Oh, no doubt. Ovechkin has had all kinds of scoring troubles for the past season and a half. But that's against everybody.

The key to handling Ovechkin is to make his line play defense. Because he sucks at that, so it's easy to do. If you can watch the game tonight, note how many of his shifts get used up by making him play 75% of the shift in his own zone. That's the bigger key to how this series will go, IMO.

Rev.K: That's hardly a conclusive argument for a Phoenix win. Plus, Phoenix plays the most strangling, shut down, utterly unwatchable hockey of any team in the league. If Chicago busts that open, they're done.

Well, to continue playing Devil's Advocate...
1) No denying that, Chicago does have more wins.
2) Phoenix has a better road record than Chicago. Push?
3) Misleading statistical. Chicago scored 241, Phoenix scored 210. Chicago allowed 231, Phoenix allowed 194. Goal differential is Chicago +10, Phoenix +16

I'm not saying I agree with the argument. I'm just guessing at what people are leaning on for their reason to pick against the Hawks. Seems like a lot of folks on the TeeVee are picking Chicago to go to the finals. Melrose did yesterday. I think Chicago is largely viewed as the favorite?

Over_Zealously_Apathetic: That said, if Mike Green continues to be averageMike Green, they ain't going far.

FTFY

No suspension, $2500 fine for Weber's attempt to injure on Zetterberg. Which I predicted in the thread last night. Guess I got something right this post season.

Best watch out, Crosby...it's open season on star players after the horn has sounded.

Pituophis: I think Chicago is largely viewed as the favorite?

Everyone making picks on Fark has picked Phoenix.

Maybe not everybody, but a lot. Way more than I would have expected.

Rev.K: Everyone making picks on Fark has picked Phoenix.

Maybe not everybody, but a lot. Way more than I would have expected.

Full disclosure, I picked PHX, but for me it was a coin toss. I think Chicago is not as deep as they've been the past few years, and their goaltending is bad. I also think PHX is really looking to get out of the first round and for the first time in their recent playoff history, their goaltender doesn't appear to be completely out of his gourd (have fun with Bryz, Philly!).

I will not be surprised at all if Chicago wins.

Byron Bitz will get a phone call from Shanahan.
(new window)

soopey: Byron Bitz will get a phone call from Shanahan.
(new window)

As he should. That was a dangerous hit on a player in a vulnerable position.

And then of course, the retard Canuck fans booed the call.

Rev.K: soopey: Byron Bitz will get a phone call from Shanahan.
(new window)

As he should. That was a dangerous hit on a player in a vulnerable position.

And then of course, the retard Canuck fans booed the call.

I was long passed out by then. I saw it this morning. It was an extremely stupid and dangerous hit. I'm guessing 1 game.


BTW: The NHL wheel of justice has added a new infraction, "chokeslammed"

Pituophis: No suspension, $2500 fine for Weber's attempt to injure on Zetterberg. Which I predicted in the thread last night. Guess I got something right this post season.

Best watch out, Crosby...it's open season on star players after the horn has sounded.

Shea Weber had best get the shiat kicked out of him tomorrow night. I might actually root for Detroit then.

Over_Zealously_Apathetic: I just smell upset.

Be honest. You wanted to pick an upset of sorts so you looked at all the matchups, threw out the 4seed vs 5seed (because picking the 5 seed is hardly going to win you any bragging rights) and settled on this series.

I'm saying that you didn't smell upset, you coerced it into your thinking, then picked a series to attribute it to.

For tonight:


STL will come out on fire at home and will win. They will be shaking off their late slump.

Midway through the season, I kept picturing a troll face on the Senators' logo, so I'll go with them for the series, but a Rangers win tonight.

Phoenix will be out to prove themselves, so I'll say OT with winner unclear.

All right, let's see some more upsets tonight.

netweavr: fatalvenom: i1045.photobucket.com

You realize they lost that battle, right?

But did they win the war?

/I don't know. I guess I have to wait until 600: Oiled Clad Spartan Boogaloo comes out

netweavr: fatalvenom: i1045.photobucket.com

You realize they lost that battle, right?


Seemed to work last year.

Let's Go, Bruins!!!!




I don't have any Washington mockery images yet... : (

My money is on St Louis, Halak has one solid playoff run to his name with a mediocre team and the Blues were a fairly good regular season team. They also seem to have some depth...but really I haven't followed them that closely.

I'm also cheering for Nashville, because, well, why the hell not. Last night's game was really an odd one, the goals and some of the saves were freaky. The incident at the end of the game will be resolved quickly by Detroit.

idesofmarch: Why is it the Bruins fans post more images than everyone else? Compensate much? :-P

For what? Having a defending championship team?

Maybe I just liek pikchurz. Big words hurt head.