The official NHL thread

[Mazerati]

Fuck this Capitals vs Rangers series is turning out to be as expected, brutal. Just when I thought all was lost it's going to 7. That 3rd period was balls out. I wasn't worried but it got my attention, 4-1 in the 3rd wasn't gonna happen. I would have tossed the TV out the window.

If the Rangers don't bring their best game they're gonna lose because the Cap's are going to show up. 2012 - 2013 all over again.

Hat's off to the Flames....I wished they would have pulled tonight's game out. They are solid bunch, they get Giordano back and fill in a few holes they're going to be tough in the pacific.

It's a shame in those last 2 games those end of the 2nd period penalty's were really big time momentum killers..but Calgary played the best they could and the future looks really bright

Told you not to bet on Calgary.

Lol it was a fun ride tho

[UtahRatt]

Good luck Cap fan's, I expect Washington to bring everything they have tonight. If the Rangers don't do the same it's going to be a long night for NYR. Fact is someone has to step up, they don't have an Ovechkin who's been unstoppable. They're gonna need someone other then relying on Kreider or Brassard to show up like Nash who's been mostly silent.
So far it's been a game of dominating goalies. Holtby has been amazing.
The Rangers are going to have to fill the middle and find a way to get the rebounds while keeping the Cap's from getting second chances.

Should be another great game. Both teams have been evenly matched this series I hope the Ref's stay out of it.
If the Cap's win I hope they beat Tampa.

[pieceofme]

Good luck Cap fan's, I expect Washington to bring everything they have tonight. If the Rangers don't do the same it's going to be a long night for NYR. Fact is someone has to step up, they don't have an Ovechkin who's been unstoppable. They're gonna need someone other then relying on Kreider or Brassard to show up like Nash who's been mostly silent.
So far it's been a game of dominating goalies. Holtby has been amazing.
The Rangers are going to have to fill the middle and find a way to get the rebounds while keeping the Cap's from getting second chances.

Should be another great game. Both teams have been evenly matched this series I hope the Ref's stay out of it.
If the Cap's win I hope they beat Tampa.

He scored tonight. But he hadn't had a point in the previous four games!

[Aerosmith87]

Good luck Cap fan's, I expect Washington to bring everything they have tonight. If the Rangers don't do the same it's going to be a long night for NYR. Fact is someone has to step up, they don't have an Ovechkin who's been unstoppable. They're gonna need someone other then relying on Kreider or Brassard to show up like Nash who's been mostly silent.
So far it's been a game of dominating goalies. Holtby has been amazing.
The Rangers are going to have to fill the middle and find a way to get the rebounds while keeping the Cap's from getting second chances.

Should be another great game. Both teams have been evenly matched this series I hope the Ref's stay out of it.
If the Cap's win I hope they beat Tampa.

He scored tonight. But he hadn't had a point in the previous four games!

[pieceofme]

Good luck Cap fan's, I expect Washington to bring everything they have tonight. If the Rangers don't do the same it's going to be a long night for NYR. Fact is someone has to step up, they don't have an Ovechkin who's been unstoppable. They're gonna need someone other then relying on Kreider or Brassard to show up like Nash who's been mostly silent.
So far it's been a game of dominating goalies. Holtby has been amazing.
The Rangers are going to have to fill the middle and find a way to get the rebounds while keeping the Cap's from getting second chances.

Should be another great game. Both teams have been evenly matched this series I hope the Ref's stay out of it.
If the Cap's win I hope they beat Tampa.

He scored tonight. But he hadn't had a point in the previous four games!

Figured that would be your emotion!

Hoping for a Tampa/Anaheim final, with Anaheim winning it.

[UtahRatt]

Good luck Cap fan's, I expect Washington to bring everything they have tonight. If the Rangers don't do the same it's going to be a long night for NYR. Fact is someone has to step up, they don't have an Ovechkin who's been unstoppable. They're gonna need someone other then relying on Kreider or Brassard to show up like Nash who's been mostly silent.
So far it's been a game of dominating goalies. Holtby has been amazing.
The Rangers are going to have to fill the middle and find a way to get the rebounds while keeping the Cap's from getting second chances.

Should be another great game. Both teams have been evenly matched this series I hope the Ref's stay out of it.
If the Cap's win I hope they beat Tampa.

He scored tonight. But he hadn't had a point in the previous four games!

He had to be stopped to win. Who you going to focus on the Rangers since Nash cooled off a month ago.....It's been a team effort in the playoffs.

Ovechkin had to be stopped. He was flying around laying the hits, putting a lot of pucks on goal giving his team a chance. He won the first game, the second goal was luck...And gave them a shot tonight. Holtby is the MVP but by the 2nd period everyone was dead including Alex. Ever time he got the puck he was a threat. Another no call on Boyle.........

Like someone of us talked about, it was a battle to the end, Cap fan's are probably feeling more burned after having a commanding lead but I'd like to think we slowed Alex down as much as he didn't step it up.


Brutal series.

[pieceofme]

I think the conference finals look pretty damn good personally.

And no team left that I hate which is a bonus!

[pieceofme]

I think the conference finals look pretty damn good personally.

And no team left that I hate which is a bonus!

[UtahRatt]

I had nightmares before the playoffs of facing Tampa in the conference finals and seeing Ryan Callahan, he was my favorite player, was pissed to see him go so I had visions of him going off during the series. Now it looks like he might be out? Hate to say I hope so.

Still....
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rangers - Not really looking forward to see Brian Boyle or Anton Stralman either. I dug those guys last year now I have to hate them.

It's going to be interesting.

[jizzyjizim]

Their shooting percentages and ridiculous amount of 3rd period comebacks this season is unsustainable.

They have a great coach though, and some very good young players. I think they will regress personally. They should still finish above Edmonton though!


Oh and Oshawa are completely closing down McDavid and the Otters.

Joshua Brown a defensive prospect for Florida is playing for Oshawa. [/quote]

they aren't shutting down McDavid too much, he had 4 points last night in an OT loss, can't win this by himself, he has 49 Points in the Playoffs ...THE PLAYOFFS you can have your Joshua Brown.. I'll take McDavid, Nurse ( who just picked up 3 assists in his first game with the Barons last night ) and Drasaitl ( who just won the MVP for Kelowna in the finals in the WHL ) so much fuckin talent on this Oilers team.. I pray to god they pick up a goalie and some Defense in the offseason...

[UtahRatt]

Someone was telling me I think it was about the Oilers.

How many years did they have the number one pick? Or have they've had high picks every year for what seems like forever? Maybe it's the Leafs...

I don't mind the Oilers but come on.

[jizzyjizim]

Someone was telling me I think it was about the Oilers.

How many years did they have the number one pick? Or have they've had high picks every year for what seems like forever? Maybe it's the Leafs...

I don't mind the Oilers but come on.

2010 #1- Hall
2011 -#1 Nuge
2012 -#1 Yak
2013 -#7 Nurse
2014 -#3 Drasaitl
2015 -#1 McDavid ?

oh, it's an insane amount of high drafts picks in recent years and I can see why fans of other teams are upset but out of the 4 #1 picks, they were only the worst team in the league twice..I'd pick success over those draft picks anyday..sucks being an Oilers fan the last few years, I can only hope with Chiarelli being the GM now and them getting rid of the "old boys" club ( Lowe, MacT ) that they'll finally grab a legit starting goalie and a Dman who can play big minutes..

[WOLF]

Someone was telling me I think it was about the Oilers.

How many years did they have the number one pick? Or have they've had high picks every year for what seems like forever? Maybe it's the Leafs...

I don't mind the Oilers but come on.

2010 #1- Hall
2011 -#1 Nuge
2012 -#1 Yak
2013 -#7 Nurse
2014 -#3 Drasaitl
2015 -#1 McDavid ?

oh, it's an insane amount of high drafts picks in recent years and I can see why fans of other teams are upset but out of the 4 #1 picks, they were only the worst team in the league twice..I'd pick success over those draft picks anyday..sucks being an Oilers fan the last few years, I can only hope with Chiarelli being the GM now and them getting rid of the "old boys" club ( Lowe, MacT ) that they'll finally grab a legit starting goalie and a Dman who can play big minutes..

I think the Habs and Oilers have complimentary assets that can help each other in a trade. If I were the Oilers I would tab Zach Fucale as my goalie of the future, and sign a veteran for some patchwork now. Carey Price isn't going anywhere for a decade, and Fucale has won a World Junior, and now is lighting it up in the QMJHL playoffs. He's won at every level. Jarred Tinordi, a stay at home 6'6" D can also be had, as well as some veteran pieces - perhaps even Emelin or Markov and Tomas Plekanec.

On the Habs side, Yakupov DID play with Galchenyuk in Sarnia, but I would target Hall or Eberle.

Not sure who the Oil are willing to deal, or what it would take to wrestle a stud forward out of Edmonton, but the Habs have assets that can help the Oilers now and in the future IMO.

[pieceofme]

they aren't shutting down McDavid too much, he had 4 points last night in an OT loss, can't win this by himself, he has 49 Points in the Playoffs ...THE PLAYOFFS you can have your Joshua Brown.. I'll take McDavid, Nurse ( who just picked up 3 assists in his first game with the Barons last night ) and Drasaitl ( who just won the MVP for Kelowna in the finals in the WHL ) so much fuckin talent on this Oilers team.. I pray to god they pick up a goalie and some Defense in the offseason...

I wrote that original comment after game 2. Yes, some impressive stuff by McDavid. But you're failing to realise that because the game was being played in Erie, they were able to make the first change and thus get the favourable match ups. Of course I'm not saying Joshua Brown > McDavid. Just saying it is pretty cool that he is being shut down.

Drasaitl did not look good when he played for the Oilers earlier this season. And has Nurse played a game in the NHL yet? More like, so many talented prospects the Oilers have! Lets see if it works out for them. I doubt it will be next season though. They still need goaltending, and more established defensemen. I mean how long have we been hearing this is the Oilers year when their young players take the next step.

I reckon the Oilers are more likely to win the lottery (again) next year than make the playoffs!

[pieceofme]

Someone was telling me I think it was about the Oilers.

How many years did they have the number one pick? Or have they've had high picks every year for what seems like forever? Maybe it's the Leafs...

I don't mind the Oilers but come on.

2010 #1- Hall
2011 -#1 Nuge
2012 -#1 Yak
2013 -#7 Nurse
2014 -#3 Drasaitl
2015 -#1 McDavid ?

oh, it's an insane amount of high drafts picks in recent years and I can see why fans of other teams are upset but out of the 4 #1 picks, they were only the worst team in the league twice..I'd pick success over those draft picks anyday..sucks being an Oilers fan the last few years, I can only hope with Chiarelli being the GM now and them getting rid of the "old boys" club ( Lowe, MacT ) that they'll finally grab a legit starting goalie and a Dman who can play big minutes..

I think the Habs and Oilers have complimentary assets that can help each other in a trade. If I were the Oilers I would tab Zach Fucale as my goalie of the future, and sign a veteran for some patchwork now. Carey Price isn't going anywhere for a decade, and Fucale has won a World Junior, and now is lighting it up in the QMJHL playoffs. He's won at every level. Jarred Tinordi, a stay at home 6'6" D can also be had, as well as some veteran pieces - perhaps even Emelin or Markov and Tomas Plekanec.

On the Habs side, Yakupov DID play with Galchenyuk in Sarnia, but I would target Hall or Eberle.

Not sure who the Oil are willing to deal, or what it would take to wrestle a stud forward out of Edmonton, but the Habs have assets that can help the Oilers now and in the future IMO.

Now MacT has gone, maybe the organisation will actually value their players for fair value.

Peter Chiarelli traded Seguin from Boston! Maybe there is hope for a good trade with the Oilers now!

[jizzyjizim]

they aren't shutting down McDavid too much, he had 4 points last night in an OT loss, can't win this by himself, he has 49 Points in the Playoffs ...THE PLAYOFFS you can have your Joshua Brown.. I'll take McDavid, Nurse ( who just picked up 3 assists in his first game with the Barons last night ) and Drasaitl ( who just won the MVP for Kelowna in the finals in the WHL ) so much fuckin talent on this Oilers team.. I pray to god they pick up a goalie and some Defense in the offseason...

I wrote that original comment after game 2. Yes, some impressive stuff by McDavid. But you're failing to realise that because the game was being played in Erie, they were able to make the first change and thus get the favourable match ups. Of course I'm not saying Joshua Brown > McDavid. Just saying it is pretty cool that he is being shut down.

Drasaitl did not look good when he played for the Oilers earlier this season. And has Nurse played a game in the NHL yet? More like, so many talented prospects the Oilers have! Lets see if it works out for them. I doubt it will be next season though. They still need goaltending, and more established defensemen. I mean how long have we been hearing this is the Oilers year when their young players take the next step.

I reckon the Oilers are more likely to win the lottery (again) next year than make the playoffs!

I don't think they'll be a lottery team IF they can land a LEGIT starting goalie and a LEGIT dman who can play big minutes, amazing what good goaltending and average D can do for a team.. If Chiarelli doesn't address these 2 major holes we'll be drafting Auston Matthews next year ( come on, with our luck you know we will )
Regarding Draisaitl , yes he was brutal in the 39 games he played this year.. They basically made him the 2C behind Nuge as an 18 year old and he failed, sent him back to the WHL and he wins the MVP of the playoffs and a title...as for Nurse , he was sent back pretty much right away and I'm glad.. He was dominant for the Soo this year and won gold in the World Juniors, kid is gonna be a beast in a few years, the Oilers have made more important moves in the last month than they have in 5 years..

[pieceofme]

they aren't shutting down McDavid too much, he had 4 points last night in an OT loss, can't win this by himself, he has 49 Points in the Playoffs ...THE PLAYOFFS you can have your Joshua Brown.. I'll take McDavid, Nurse ( who just picked up 3 assists in his first game with the Barons last night ) and Drasaitl ( who just won the MVP for Kelowna in the finals in the WHL ) so much fuckin talent on this Oilers team.. I pray to god they pick up a goalie and some Defense in the offseason...

I wrote that original comment after game 2. Yes, some impressive stuff by McDavid. But you're failing to realise that because the game was being played in Erie, they were able to make the first change and thus get the favourable match ups. Of course I'm not saying Joshua Brown > McDavid. Just saying it is pretty cool that he is being shut down.

Drasaitl did not look good when he played for the Oilers earlier this season. And has Nurse played a game in the NHL yet? More like, so many talented prospects the Oilers have! Lets see if it works out for them. I doubt it will be next season though. They still need goaltending, and more established defensemen. I mean how long have we been hearing this is the Oilers year when their young players take the next step.

I reckon the Oilers are more likely to win the lottery (again) next year than make the playoffs!

I don't think they'll be a lottery team IF they can land a LEGIT starting goalie and a LEGIT dman who can play big minutes, amazing what good goaltending and average D can do for a team.. If Chiarelli doesn't address these 2 major holes we'll be drafting Auston Matthews next year ( come on, with our luck you know we will )
Regarding Draisaitl , yes he was brutal in the 39 games he played this year.. They basically made him the 2C behind Nuge as an 18 year old and he failed, sent him back to the WHL and he wins the MVP of the playoffs and a title...as for Nurse , he was sent back pretty much right away and I'm glad.. He was dominant for the Soo this year and won gold in the World Juniors, kid is gonna be a beast in a few years, the Oilers have made more important moves in the last month than they have in 5 years..

Those are some big Ifs.

I hope Draisaitl does well. Although with McDavid he does become potentially expendable. Maybe could use him and the Penguins pick for defensive help?

Outside of Nurse, the defensive prospects are decent but not great.

Yeah I think the Oilers will be better. Probably finish in the bottom 10 though, and as you said still win the lottery

[chungasrevenge]

Rangers vs Chicago would be the highest rated final in the US and Anaheim vs Tampa would be the lowest rated final of all time in the US. Bettman needs to have a sit down with the officials.

[UtahRatt]

I don't think they'll be a lottery team IF they can land a LEGIT starting goalie and a LEGIT dman who can play big minutes, amazing what good goaltending and average D can do for a team.

For sure, then again the Flames made it to the 2nd round. How scary would they have been with a goalie and a D man.

[UtahRatt]

Can I just say how much I hate day games, morning games actually. This is twice is as many weekends the Rangers get to play morning games. They seem to get the least time off and are the first to play.


Either way. Morning games suck, don't even feel like a game, more like practice.

[jizzyjizim]

I don't think they'll be a lottery team IF they can land a LEGIT starting goalie and a LEGIT dman who can play big minutes, amazing what good goaltending and average D can do for a team.

For sure, then again the Flames made it to the 2nd round. How scary would they have been with a goalie and a D man.

I would love to have the goaltending the Flames had this year in Hiller/Ramo compared to what we had in Scrivens/Fasth, Giordano would have helped this team a bit more in the Ducks series as well..I'm not exactly sure what the Flames need to get to the next level, they have a nice mix of forwards and D ( Gio/Brodie) as well as Hiller/Ramo....

[WOLF]

Can I just say how much I hate day games, morning games actually. This is twice is as many weekends the Rangers get to play morning games. They seem to get the least time off and are the first to play.


Either way. Morning games suck, don't even feel like a game, more like practice.

Day games SUCK. It's all about the league pandering to US TV. The Canadian networks, who actually pay more rights $ than their US counterparts, would much rather show games in prime time.

It sickens me that the league displeases actual fans, in the hopes they can attract a few new fans as a lead in to the Preakness. As if anyone is going to say "I think I'll stay in on this nice sunny Saturday and try this hockey thing before the horse race".

Dear Gary: Hockey fans don't like day games, hockey players don't like day games, people in Arizona and South Florida don't care for hockey, water is wet, the sky is blue.

[Aerosmith87]

I don't mind day games every once in a while. It's nice to have a few beers then have the entire night open to go out, etc.

[grizzly31]

I pvr them and watch them later that evening. Works well as long as no one tells you the score!
Yesterdays Ranger / Lightening game took about 1:45 skipping through the commercials and intermissions (except Coach's Corner of course). I can't stand Strobo as the host of HNIC anyway so it was a bonus to be able to fast forward through his bullshit.

[UtahRatt]

I don't mind day games every once in a while. It's nice to have a few beers then have the entire night open to go out, etc.

Once in a while like twice a year......

The last two Saturday's were shot because game times were at 10am-11am. By the time the games over the day is blown and it just doesn't feel like Hockey. Tennis or golf maybe. Even the Hawks game is at 1pmMT...I could see the regular season but the Conference Finals, I don't see the NHL doing themselves any favors with new and regular fans with these time slots when it's big games. I can't see the ratings coming close to a night game.


Nice win Rangers, they played better then the score suggests but they better capitalize when they can or the Boltz are gonna open up.
Callahan playing so soon after his emergency appendectomy blew me away, that's hockey for ya. Most other sports players would take a month off.

[UtahRatt]

I pvr them and watch them later that evening. Works well as long as no one tells you the score!
Yesterdays Ranger / Lightening game took about 1:45 skipping through the commercials and intermissions (except Coach's Corner of course). I can't stand Strobo as the host of HNIC anyway so it was a bonus to be able to fast forward through his bullshit.

I'm so close to adding DVR or whatever, I can't stand commercials. I'd do it and just start half way in. I watch all basic TV series online to skip commercials.

The Ranger vs Tampa game seemed pretty fast paced to begin with, 1:45 without the BS sounds sweet. Little break in ice time would make for great viewing.

[pieceofme]

Can I just say how much I hate day games, morning games actually. This is twice is as many weekends the Rangers get to play morning games. They seem to get the least time off and are the first to play.


Either way. Morning games suck, don't even feel like a game, more like practice.

Day games SUCK. It's all about the league pandering to US TV. The Canadian networks, who actually pay more rights $ than their US counterparts, would much rather show games in prime time.

It sickens me that the league displeases actual fans, in the hopes they can attract a few new fans as a lead in to the Preakness. As if anyone is going to say "I think I'll stay in on this nice sunny Saturday and try this hockey thing before the horse race".

Dear Gary: Hockey fans don't like day games, hockey players don't like day games, people in Arizona and South Florida don't care for hockey, water is wet, the sky is blue.

I'm an actual fan, and I'm okay with day games here and there. And attracting new fans is important for any sport.

Really rooting for Anaheim, and hoping for an Anaheim/Tampa final. Bored of Chicago.

[Anne_Thrax]

Shaw was so proud of himself when he headbutted the puck into the net. They should have let that goal stay just because of it's sheer awesomeness.

[Facedown]

Don Sweeney new Bruins GM.

[grizzly31]

Mike Babcock new coach of the Maple Leafs