The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread

[Tekneek]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=280002

Former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away at a Toronto hospital on Tuesday, after a long battle with a blood disorder.

Zezel, 44, spent the last 10 years being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.

[Logan]

That sucks. Hell of a competitor.

[Maple Leafs]

Very sad.

The guy played for seven cities and was a fan favorite in all seven.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I will always remember Peter Zezel for his play along the boards. I don't think I watched one game in which he played where the TV guys at some point didn't mention something about how good he was along the boards because he could use his skates so well because he played soccer.

[Dr. Sak]

Looks like I'm a Wings fan again...how are you fellas

[Dr. Sak]

I'd love to know the last time the captain touched the conference championship trophy in either conference before tonight.

[Dr. Sak]

It was Lemieux in 91.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I'd love to know the last time the captain touched the conference championship trophy in either conference before tonight.

Not sure about after '02, but I do know that our guys pretty much paraded with it that year. Avoided it like the plague in '06 as a result.

As for tonight and the series in general, it just wasn't in the cards. From Eric Staal's whiff late in Game One right up to the crazy flying fluke of a goal that trickled over Ward's shoulder tonight, nothing went right. Whenever they'd get something going do some good, someone (usually a D-man) would commit a foolish error and any momentum quickly evaporated. Whenever the Pens did something right, they kept doing it right (other than perhaps the first couple of periods of Game Two and the opening minutes of Games Three and Four) and Carolina just couldn't find any way to turn it around when things went south on them.

I haven't made up my mind yet who I would like to see win should Detroit win tomorrow night. On one hand, having lived in Michigan, I know a championship would carry some serious meaning there given what's going on. In addition, Pittsburgh's got their championship already with the Steelers. On the other hand, the Pens haven't won the Cup in nearly 20 years and while I'm not a fan of either team, I know it's good for the league as a whole to have a big-time rivalry that seems to be brewing between the two sides, which would be more enhanced were Pittsburgh to knock off the champs.

All in all, though, a great run to end the season, filled with more heart-arresting moments than I ever wanted to see, but without them we never could have made it this far. It's been fun.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Looks like I'm a Wings fan again...how are you fellas

Would you give up the Phillies' World Series if it meant that the Steelers had not and Pens did not win their championships this season?

[Tekneek]

I am looking forward to a Wings/Pens final (again). As much as I like Lidstrom (one of the few all-time favorites of mine), I hope the Pens get this one in a 6 or 7 game classic series.

I am not assuming the Wings will win their current series, but it seems extremely likely.

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Tekneek

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=280002

Former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away at a Toronto hospital on Tuesday, after a long battle with a blood disorder.

Zezel, 44, spent the last 10 years being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.

Zezel did a lot of work around Toronto with minor hockey including coaching a team with Clarks and Gilmours kid on them.He;ll be missed in the community here.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Would you give up the Phillies' World Series if it meant that the Steelers had not and Pens did not win their championships this season?

Heck no. That World Series game I took my dad to is something I'll remember forever.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

As for tonight and the series in general, it just wasn't in the cards. From Eric Staal's whiff late in Game One right up to the crazy flying fluke of a goal that trickled over Ward's shoulder tonight, nothing went right. Whenever they'd get something going do some good, someone (usually a D-man) would commit a foolish error and any momentum quickly evaporated. Whenever the Pens did something right, they kept doing it right (other than perhaps the first couple of periods of Game Two and the opening minutes of Games Three and Four) and Carolina just couldn't find any way to turn it around when things went south on them.

Agreed on all this. The sad part is I think I'd feel better if they'd lost in 7 to Boston, you just hate to get blown off the ice like the Canes did against the Pens, but when bounces were going the way they were you just know it was not meant to be. And you certainly can't have the defensive lapses the Canes did when things are going that way.

But it was nice to be back in the Conference Finals, let's see if they can get back here again next year.

[Maple Leafs]

The Washington Captials are dirty cheaters who were all on steroids:
Report: Steroid dealer boasts of sales to Washington Capitals - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports

Or something to that affect. I don't like reading all the way through articles.

[Dr. Sak]

What investigators aren't sure of is whether Richard Thomas, 35, is telling the truth when he says he is the biggest steroid provider in Central Florida and that he sold mostly to professional athletes, including those on the Washington Capitals hockey team and Washington Nationals baseball team.

Must be shitty steroids if the Nationals use them.

[Fidatelo]

I am a little worried that, just as the NHL is regaining some popularity and momentum, some steroid scandals are going to pop up. Why wouldn't a bunch of players be using? Same goes for the NBA. It just makes no sense that the NFL and MLB would be chock full of 'roids but the NBA and NHL would be clean as a whistle...

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Why wouldn't a bunch of players be using? Same goes for the NBA. It just makes no sense that the NFL and MLB would be chock full of 'roids but the NBA and NHL would be clean as a whistle...

The argument has always been that hockey players don't need muscle mass the way that other athletes do. There's nobody in the NHL who looks like Jose Canseco or Shawn Merriman.

I heard a former athlete on the radio a few weeks ago when Manny was busted. He said he estimates that 70% of pro athlete PED users aren't using to bulk up, but to help with recovery from injury and to deal with the day-to-day grind.

If he's right, and given how tough a sport hockey is and how long the season is, I think it's almost a given that players must be using. Especially when you consider what a joke the NHL's drug testing is.

My guess is we'll find out sooner than later.

[Oilers9911]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I'd love to know the last time the captain touched the conference championship trophy in either conference before tonight.

That is such a stupid superstition. Then again most superstitions are. Every year two teams avoid touching the conference championship trophy and every year one team wins and one team loses.

[gstelmack]

Crosby pointed out last night in the interview that they did not touch it last year and things did not go there way, so why not try touching it this time?

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Crosby pointed out last night in the interview that they did not touch it last year and things did not go there way, so why not try touching it this time?

I'm not arguing with what he did, I just haven't seen someone touch it in a long time.

[DataKing]

I know that Yzerman used to avoid the thing like the plague, and I'm pretty sure Lidstrom has followed suit since then.

Edit: Scratch that....Steve picked up the Campbell trophy in '97.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree that it's a silly superstition, but, then again, superstitions are, by their very nature, pretty silly.

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

The argument has always been that hockey players don't need muscle mass the way that other athletes do. There's nobody in the NHL who looks like Jose Canseco or Shawn Merriman.

I heard a former athlete on the radio a few weeks ago when Manny was busted. He said he estimates that 70% of pro athlete PED users aren't using to bulk up, but to help with recovery from injury and to deal with the day-to-day grind.

If he's right, and given how tough a sport hockey is and how long the season is, I think it's almost a given that players must be using. Especially when you consider what a joke the NHL's drug testing is.

My guess is we'll find out sooner than later.

If guys are using, the NHL better hope to hell Crosby isn't one of them. I think if Ovie were caught they could still be alright, as he has been cast as the heel already. But if the poster-boy Baby Face is found to be using, that would kill them.

[DeToxRox]

I am not so sure I want Detroit to win tonight. Obviously I do but assuming they'd win game 6, I'd rather that be the scenario and I never thought I would ever say that. My reasoning is a win tonight means a good chance that we end up playing back to back Saturday and Sunday and Lidstrom and Dats still don't sound anywhere near 100%. That'd be a shitty way to start the SCF.

[Draft Dodger]

of course Crosby is using - look at all the facial hair that woman has now

[DataKing]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

of course Crosby is using - look at all the facial hair that woman has now

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

I am not so sure I want Detroit to win tonight. Obviously I do but assuming they'd win game 6, I'd rather that be the scenario and I never thought I would ever say that. My reasoning is a win tonight means a good chance that we end up playing back to back Saturday and Sunday and Lidstrom and Dats still don't sound anywhere near 100%. That'd be a shitty way to start the SCF.

God the NHL is dumb. Why does it have to start either Saturday or the following Friday? Why can't it just start 2-3 days after the last series ends? For example, lets say the Wings win in 6. Start the SCF on either Monday or Tuesday. Why wait for Friday?

If I'm the Pens today, I'm praying for the Hawks to roll over this evening so that I'm not sitting on my butt for a week and a half getting rusty.

[Fidatelo]

Dola

Despite the above scheduling complaints, I'm really excited for a Det/Pitt matchup though. This reminds me so much of the NYI/Edm matchups from 83 and 84, which are basically my earliest memories of the Stanley Cup. So much fun.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

I am not so sure I want Detroit to win tonight. Obviously I do but assuming they'd win game 6, I'd rather that be the scenario and I never thought I would ever say that. My reasoning is a win tonight means a good chance that we end up playing back to back Saturday and Sunday and Lidstrom and Dats still don't sound anywhere near 100%. That'd be a shitty way to start the SCF.

I agree with this. There's also the added factor that from tomorrow through next Wednesday afternoon, I will be out of the country. Given the contemplated schedule, if the Wings win tonight, I'd miss Games 1-3. No me gusta.

I don't think it's fair to blame the NHL entirely for a long delay if it happens. They aren't that stupid to think, "You know what'd be great for the playoffs? To have 6 days between the end of the Conference finals and the Stanley Cup finals! That'd be awesome!" I imagine the NHL will do what it can to get the Finals started within a few days of the end of the Wings/Hawks series, but NBC, I'm sure, has a lot of say in the matter. If there's a long delay, I think the blame falls more on NBC than the NHL.

NBC wants games on the weekends because they get more viewers and more viewers = More $$$$. Didn't someone mention that Conan O'Brien is scheduled to start his run on the "Tonight Show" next week or something? They certainly don't want NHL games bleeding into Conan's time slot on his Premier week.

[Honolulu_Blue]

No Datsyuk or Lidstrom (or Draper) for the Wings.

No Havlat or Khabibulin for the Hawks.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

of course Crosby is using - look at all the facial hair that woman has now

That made me spit my drink out!

[samifan24]

I'll be very disappointed if the NHL gets knocked down by a steroids scandal just as it really hits its stride coming back from the lockout.

[Dr. Sak]

[johnnyshaka]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Dola

Despite the above scheduling complaints, I'm really excited for a Det/Pitt matchup though. This reminds me so much of the NYI/Edm matchups from 83 and 84, which are basically my earliest memories of the Stanley Cup. So much fun.

Awesome comparison...rings true on so many levels.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by johnnyshaka

Awesome comparison...rings true on so many levels.

Yeah, I have seen this comparison floated out there a few times over the last couple of days. I reckon it will get a lot more play if the Wings make it.

If it happens, let's hope the result is a bit different than it was 25 years ago.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Agreed on all this. The sad part is I think I'd feel better if they'd lost in 7 to Boston, you just hate to get blown off the ice like the Canes did against the Pens, but when bounces were going the way they were you just know it was not meant to be. And you certainly can't have the defensive lapses the Canes did when things are going that way.

But it was nice to be back in the Conference Finals, let's see if they can get back here again next year.

Oddly enough, I felt better getting blown out. If the series had gone seven (regardless of how), I know I would have just absolutely been up all night last night. As it was, with the sweep and in the way it happened, I could just let it go knowing there really wasn't much use in it because it wasn't like one tiny play kept us from getting to the SCFs. A Boston loss would have been perhaps worse because Carolina was up 3-1 at one point in the series.

[Young Drachma]

I actually like the idea of back to back games. Not from the integrity of the game standpoint, but from a "at least it's on national tv and people might get engrossed and watch more," perspective.

They seriously need to work out a deal with ESPN or Fox. This is getting ridiculous.

[DeToxRox]

Ericsson is out also for Detroit with an appendectomy. They say he'll be ready for the next game.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Is that Steely McBeam rooting for the 'Canes now, too?

[DeToxRox]

That PK by Helmer was so reminiscent of Maltby in 2002 blocking like 4 shots on one PK without a stick.

[DataKing]

Awesome that Helm gets the OT game-winner...the kid deserves it and then some.

[DeToxRox]

The fact that Chelios was actually on the ice OT, and then attacking the net no less, had me thinking the worst but it's good. Sucks we have to see back to back games but it'll be fun.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Helm totally deserved to get the goal. He was great out there.

Well, thanks to this crazy schedule, we have back-to-back games on the weekend and I'll miss three games. Oh well...

Thoughts on the series. I think this will be very tough for the Wings, very tough for the following reasons:

1. Crosby and Malkin are playing at the top of their game right now. Both players are firing on all cylinders. Last year Malkin was in a fog for the entire finals. This will be a much stiffer challenge for Detroit.

2. Injuries. Ericsson has his appendix out? Lidstrom and Datsyuk are hurt. Draper is hurt. I expect the first three will play, but how healthy will they be? I've heard no update on Draper. Injuries aren't an excuse, just a fact of life in this 2 month grind. The Wings have been pretty lucky in the past with regard to injuries, but that luck seems to have run out. Pittsburgh seems pretty healthy at the moment.

3. Revenge and seasoning. The Penguins will be fueled by revenge and they have a year of seasoning under the belts. The Penguins were totally overwhelmed in Games 1 and 2 last year. The next 4 games were much closer and more indicative of the talent of both teams. The Penguins have been there now. That wont happen again.

4. The Hossa factor. Just smellls bad.

[Schmidty]

Well, that was fun!!

Bring on Cindy!!

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Helm totally deserved to get the goal. He was great out there.

Well, thanks to this crazy schedule, we have back-to-back games on the weekend and I'll miss three games. Oh well...

Thoughts on the series. I think this will be very tough for the Wings, very tough for the following reasons:

1. Crosby and Malkin are playing at the top of their game right now. Both players are firing on all cylinders. Last year Malkin was in a fog for the entire finals. This will be a much stiffer challenge for Detroit.

2. Injuries. Ericsson has his appendix out? Lidstrom and Datsyuk are hurt. Draper is hurt. I expect the first three will play, but how healthy will they be? I've heard no update on Draper. Injuries aren't an excuse, just a fact of life in this 2 month grind. The Wings have been pretty lucky in the past with regard to injuries, but that luck seems to have run out. Pittsburgh seems pretty healthy at the moment.

3. Revenge and seasoning. The Penguins will be fueled by revenge and they have a year of seasoning under the belts. The Penguins were totally overwhelmed in Games 1 and 2 last year. The next 4 games were much closer and more indicative of the talent of both teams. The Penguins have been there now. That wont happen again.

4. The Hossa factor. Just smellls bad.

I agree with you on all of these factors. However, I still do not believe the Pens have the depth that Detroit has. The Wings can roll four lines and can score from any of them, while the Pens really only have three or four players whom can score consistently. This series may go seven games, but my pick is Wings in six again.

[Fidatelo]

I have no idea how the finals will go. I suspect the stupid Red Wings will win again, but I'm hoping the fact they are banged up and the finals are starting within a reasonable amount of time will give the Penguins a shot. As much as I think Crosby needs to lay off the whining, he is a heck of a player and I'd like to see him and the Pens take the Cup from Detroit much like Gretzky and the Oilers did back in '84.

That said, as a hockey fan the most important thing to me is that most of the games are exciting, and that we go 6 or 7 games. It's been a great playoffs so far, and I hope it finishes on the same foot.

So, I'm going to cross my fingers and pick Pens in 7.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Looks like I'm a Wings fan again...how are you fellas

We can officially welcome you back into the fold, Sak. We're good. We're good. It's nice to have you back!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

I have no idea how the finals will go. I suspect the stupid Red Wings will win again, but I'm hoping the fact they are banged up and the finals are starting within a reasonable amount of time will give the Penguins a shot. As much as I think Crosby needs to lay off the whining, he is a heck of a player and I'd like to see him and the Pens take the Cup from Detroit much like Gretzky and the Oilers did back in '84.

That said, as a hockey fan the most important thing to me is that most of the games are exciting, and that we go 6 or 7 games. It's been a great playoffs so far, and I hope it finishes on the same foot.

So, I'm going to cross my fingers and pick Pens in 7.

But Crosby and the Penguins are still young. They will have plenty of opportunities to win it in the future.

Think about poor, old Nick Lidstrom. A venerable gentleman of the game. How many cracks does he have left at it? And what about good, ole Marian Hossa who gave up so many riches for an opportunity to win the Cup?

And what about Jonathan Ericsson? He was the last player picked in the draft. What a great story it'd be for him to finally get a chance to raise the Cup.

Have a heart!

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by DataKing

Awesome that Helm gets the OT game-winner...the kid deserves it and then some.

He's a great player. I'm not a Wings fan but I'm becoming a Darren Helm fan. How did Detroit not have a regular place in their lineup for this kid all year?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by samifan24

He's a great player. I'm not a Wings fan but I'm becoming a Darren Helm fan. How did Detroit not have a regular place in their lineup for this kid all year?

A combination of no cap room and not being able to send any regular player down without having to clear waivers. They already lost a very good young defense in Kyle Quincey at the beginning of the year because of the latter problem and didn't want to lose anyone else because of it.

Heck, Jonathan Ericsson, who has been on Detroit's top defense pairing in a lot of games this post season, didn't have a regular place in the lineup for the same reasons.

They'll both be there next year for sure.