2006 NHL Playoff Thread

[Dr. Sak]

Cam Ward is having another stellar game!

[Dr. Sak]

That is a back breaking goal right there...

[gstelmack]

Early in the game I thought Edmonton was doing a good defensive job protecting their goalie. It wasn't enough, but they were playing hard and doing their best.

Now, I'm fast losing all respect I had for them and sympathy over the Rollosson injury. If they hurt a Cane (and they've come close), sympathy may turn to hatred. Come on guys, this is the 00's, not the 80's.

[gstelmack]

Glad to see Ward get his second shutout of the playoffs. Now that we're inside Edmonton's head, let's go up and finish this thing off...

[Wolfpack]

Eh, it's a 5-0 game. I expected it to get a little chippy. The only seriously bad hit was the one by LaRoque (sp?). The others were not nearly as bad as that one.

IMO, though, getting testy like that when the game is well-decided is counterproductive. Instead of just draining all emotion from the game and moving on to the next one, it kept Carolina going after it and will likely ensure they have better intensity coming into game three. I think back to when Carolina got trashed by NJ in game four. Carolina got a little chippy, but generally kept the emotions in check, didn't surrender any kind of goal to give New Jersey momentum in the third period, and then went back to Raleigh and took the series-clincher, largely because I think they didn't give New Jersey any carryover energy from game four.

[gstelmack]

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

[Travis]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

Meh, not much to say about that game. They played about as poorly in front of Markkanen as possible, and a few bounces helped Carolina put the game away.

Time to see what they do back and home and see if they can respond the way they did in the San Jose series. Right now Carolina has to be happy that Edmonton didn't get the split with how game 1 went, and even happier that Edmonton came out awfully flat in game two.

[Karim]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

Waiting for the draft...

[bbor]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

The habs have been golfing since the 1st round.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

Why would I be paying any attention to an NHL playoff thread?

[Karim]

Apparently, the Russians and the NHL have finally come to a transfer agreement...
http://rushockey.com/events.php?i=sl...sl_news&id=498

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Where'd all the Canadians go in this thread?

Updating it, they're probably all hung over and haven't woken up yet, particularly our Alberta contingent.

Well played by Edmonton. They did deserve to win given we couldn't do squat in the offensive end for much of the game. Both teams' PKers did outstanding work given all the man advantages that went on.

Brindy's postgame behavior was, needless to say, foolish and unfortunate. He can whine all he wants about possible interference, but even if it was, I look at it as a balance-out for McGoo's blowing dead the second period goal when it was still loose between Ward's legs. I wouldn't have been able to enjoy a one-goal win if we got an opponent's goal taken off the board like that. Edmonton played better and got the deserving result because of it.

My pessimism has come raging back in full force after last night's game, to the point I begin to think Edmonton will sweep four in a row to win the Cup. Carolina only really dominated game two and the third periods of game one and game three. I fully expect the series to go back to Raleigh 2-2 at this point. Game five will pretty much decides who will win the Cup.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That was exactly how the Oilers needed to play. The game unfolded perfectly for them. Get the early goal, stay out of the box, forecheck well, and play a tight, solid defensive scheme. Other than the WIlliams break away, I can't recall any other oddman rushes the Oilers gave up. They out-worked the Canes which kept the Oilers out of the box for the most part and put the Hurricanes in it. Markanen wasn't called on to be spectacular, but he made the saves when needed. The save on the Williams' breakaway is exactly what you need from your goalie: the timely save. Giving up that goal would have been a killer.

Ryan Smyth's goal was classic Smyth. Exactly the type of goals you need out him.

Should be interesting to see what happens in Game 4.

[gstelmack]

Agreed, Carolina caught a break on the goal wave-off, and Markkannen played a fantastic game last night. Carolina had a fair number of chances that Edmonton stopped cold. I'm not all that pessimistic about Carolina's chances; I felt like last night Edmonton played very well as opposed to Carolina playing particularly poorly.

[Maple Leafs]

I know we have six months to go, but the competition for Best Sports Moment of the Year is officially closed. Seeing Joey Moss belting out the Canadian anthem from the Oilers bench was just awesome.

[Draft Dodger]

can we get Pierre McGuire a front office job somewhere so that I don't have to watch him on TV? thanks.

[Karim]

IT. IS. OVER!

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

can we get Pierre McGuire a front office job somewhere so that I don't have to watch him on TV? thanks.

He supposedly turned down the assistant GM job for the Penguins.

[miami_fan]

I am not a big hockey fan, but the way the national anthems were conducted last night was absolutely AWESOME! Not the singer per se, but the way the crowd respond with wild cheers after the US anthem and the rousing crowd rendition of the Canadian anthem.

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by Karim

IT. IS. OVER!

GO. TO. BED!

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by bsak16

He supposedly turned down the assistant GM job for the Penguins.

DAMN HIM

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by bsak16

He supposedly turned down the assistant GM job for the Penguins.

He's been openly campaigning for Montreal or Ottawa jobs. He comes on the radio here and just kisses the team's behind, so the fans love him (good thing they don't hear what he says when he's on in other markets).

[gstelmack]

Another nice game by Markannen, even in the loss. Glad to know that if Carolina wins this series, no one will be able to (legitimately) place an asterisk next to the win.

Just a hardfought game all around. I think Carolina is the better team, but Edmonton isn't going down easy.

[Dr. Sak]

From Hockeybuzz.com

Jack Johnson On The Move? 06/14/2006 @ 02:47 PM

It appears that the Carolina Hurricanes will be dealing Jack Johnson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for their first round pick, second overall in the draft on June 24th. The Canes intend to select Jordan Staal brother of Eric. Johnson has lost favour with Carolina since he refused to join the team for the playoff run. This refusal bothered Canes management and even brought a comment from Canes GM Jim Rutherford to the affect of, "If Johnson were Canadian, he would have said yes". Johnson is an American. We`ll see what the next week and half brings, but if I were Johnson, don`t make room for a Stanley Cup ring. Jordan Staal will turn 18 in September and is a member of the OHL`s Peterborough Petes who made it to the Memorial Cup this spring.

[DeToxRox]

If that Johnson deal is indeed true, good for Pittsburgh. Double J is imho better then Erik Johnson, though its' very close. But the big thing is the fact Crosby and Jack are best friends, and that can be very beneficial in his development.

[ice4277]

Why would you refuse to be called up for a playoff run?

[NoSkillz]

Originally Posted by ice4277

Why would you refuse to be called up for a playoff run?

If he played a playoff game, his would lose his college eligibility, something he's not interested in at this time.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

If he played a playoff game, his would lose his college eligibility, something he's not interested in at this time.

I can attest Jack Johnson has NO DESIRE to leave Michigan.

I work with Matt Hunwicks (Jacks D Partner, Michigan captain next year) dad and he's said Jack has no desire to leave college, apparently he's having an absolute blast. That said a lot can change, but as of right now there seems to be nothing from Johnson that states he wants to leave.

[kingfc22]

What a save by Markkanen (sp?)


EDIT: Awww, nevermind. It hit the post.

[bbor]

Jordan Staal with the 2nd overall pick is a little too early for him IMHO.I think there are a few other players i would take before him.

[bbor]

Dola....great OT....but the Oilers are on there last legs.Pronger is gassed big time.

[sterlingice]

Post!

SI

[sterlingice]

No post!!!

SI

[heybrad]

Wow

[kingfc22]

Wow. Turnover on the power play. Just wow.

[sterlingice]

And hockey season lasts another game

SI

[Wolfpack]

I am utterly sick to my stomach right now. They f'ing deserved to lose the way they played tonight. The only thing that worked was the PP and then it turns around and bites us because our players were so f'ing lazy with their passes. They almost coughed it up before that, but then to give up a breakaway shortie IN YOUR OWN END.... I'm so depressed. I'm cursed, too. I don't think I'll ever see a team of mine win a championship again. Jimmy V used up all the magic in 1983. This one is going 7 and I fear it'll be Edmonton hoisting the Cup on our ice after that game.

[Wolfpack]

Hmm...let's see....


F*! F*! F*!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Nope. Still don't feel better.

[Fidatelo]

Wow, that is the largest over-reaction to a loss I've ever seen.

Dude, your team still has 2 chances to put this thing away, and I haven't seen anything from Edmonton that makes me feel it isn't entirely possible, if not probable, that the 'Canes will win one of 'em.

Now back away from the window ledge and get a good night's sleep.

[Draft Dodger]

all I want to say is that I really, really like that Hemsky kid

[Draft Dodger]

nah, there's a couple of other things I want to say.

I'll take Harvey's energy over Laraques any day. And He had several decent chances to boot.

Who was the Oiler that Ward bumped into immediately after the game? That would have been something useful McGuire could have told us about, but I assume he was already on the ice trying to kiss MacTavish's butt, er, I mean interview him.

One great shot NBC showed in the game was a shot from the point from a Hurricane, and 3 Oilers went down to block it in unison. awesome.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Wow, that is the largest over-reaction to a loss I've ever seen.

Dude, your team still has 2 chances to put this thing away, and I haven't seen anything from Edmonton that makes me feel it isn't entirely possible, if not probable, that the 'Canes will win one of 'em.

Now back away from the window ledge and get a good night's sleep.

Yeah, I probably overreacted, but only a little (and the second post was more an attempt at humor more than anything). I'm pessimistic by nature, generally. It comes with the territory of being a Wolfpack fan over the past two decades. You come to expect things to fall apart just as it looks like you've got it made. I can't count the number of times teams I've rooted for have come undone when on the cusp of something big.

As for sleeping on it, well I have. And I feel...not a whole lot better. As you say, Carolina does still have two cracks to win it, but to lose in the fashion they did last night and then to have to confront going back to Edmonton to try to win it there doesn't give a lot of confidence. It likely means a game seven next week in Raleigh and if they screw around like they did last night it won't matter a whole hell of a lot that they do have home ice for game seven.

I think what's bothering me isn't the fact that they lost. It's how they lost. If I never saw the game and you said to me that Edmonton won 4-3 in OT, I'd have been unhappy, but only a little and only for a bit. I'd then start hoping that Carolina can find a way to put it away on the road, and failing that, there's always home ice in game seven. The way they lost last night I can find little solace in any of those points right now.

It's probably the hardest I've taken a loss since the Wolfpack squandered a big lead late against Vanderbilt in the NCAAs three years ago. I had a right good shout outside my front door after that one. I wanted to do it last night, too, but didn't want to wake the neighbors.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Wow, that is the largest over-reaction to a loss I've ever seen.

There's a tree in Massachusetts that might disagree with you.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Oilers played a great game. Markanen was solid once more. There was a stretch early in the 2nd period where Carolina had 3-4 great chances and could not captialize, some thanks to Markanen and some due to good defensive play. The Oilers have the momentum now. The crowd at home should give them one hell of a lift Saturday night so they should be able to come out flying once more. If they continue to play their game, there is no reason why they can't win this thing. Raffi Torres was a force out there. He doesn't look all that big, but the guy must be solid as a rock. He crushed Ward and Weight and Recchi kept bouncing off him like some little flea or something. Between those hits and the Menahluk (or however you spell that Shark winger's name) hit, Torres has made his presence felt.

Hemsky really shows flashes of brilliance out there. I can see where he would be incredibly frustrating. It's so obvious at times how talented he is and then he seems to just disappear for full stretches of a game or a game entirely. Fedorov was blamed of the same thing while in Detroit. He just seemed to disappear at times and looked disinterested, but when he was going there were few better.

You have to like the Oilers' chances now. You have Game 6 at home and then anything can happen in Game 7. It will be interesting to see how Cam Ward responds to all of this. He looked a bit off in the first period. It's possible the pressure is getting to him and it's only going to get worse.

These are both good teams. Carolina did dominate the play for long stretches. If both teams are playing their best... it's a toss-up.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

There's a tree in Massachusetts that might disagree with you.

Agreed.

[Travis]

Provided that Markkanen continues his level of play, the Oilers have a chance to force a game 7. If they can ever get it through their heads to quit taking stupid penalties, I'd almost consider it likely that they would. Unfortunately, given that they've played over 100 games in the new NHL and still can't seem to understand that putting your stick to a guys waist is going to be a penalty every time, it's hard to fathom that mistakes like that won't end up costing them in the end. Giving Carolina 3 PP goals in game 5 nearly gave them the game, so hopefully that's the wake up call they need to smarten up.

As for Torres and Hemsky, welcome to life watching the Oilers. Probably the two most talented forwards we have, when they decide to play. At least with Hemsky you get the sense that experience and maturity will help him, with Torres, it's complete disinterest for periods at a time that render him completely useless, but when he does decide to play, he can take over ever facet of the game.

If only we could get those guys (and Samsonov) to show the drive/desire that Pisani/Moreau/Smyth show on a shift to shift basis, we'd be in the drivers seat in the series right now.

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

There's a tree in Massachusetts that might disagree with you.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

There's a tree in Massachusetts that might disagree with you.

a thing of beauty

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Travis

Provided that Markkanen continues his level of play, the Oilers have a chance to force a game 7. If they can ever get it through their heads to quit taking stupid penalties, I'd almost consider it likely that they would. Unfortunately, given that they've played over 100 games in the new NHL and still can't seem to understand that putting your stick to a guys waist is going to be a penalty every time, it's hard to fathom that mistakes like that won't end up costing them in the end. Giving Carolina 3 PP goals in game 5 nearly gave them the game, so hopefully that's the wake up call they need to smarten up.

As for Torres and Hemsky, welcome to life watching the Oilers. Probably the two most talented forwards we have, when they decide to play. At least with Hemsky you get the sense that experience and maturity will help him, with Torres, it's complete disinterest for periods at a time that render him completely useless, but when he does decide to play, he can take over ever facet of the game.

If only we could get those guys (and Samsonov) to show the drive/desire that Pisani/Moreau/Smyth show on a shift to shift basis, we'd be in the drivers seat in the series right now.

Poor Matt Greene. Poor, poor Matt Greene. I feel bad for the kid. I always like young big, tough bruising defensemen and it's hard to see the guy go out there and try to "play his game" and continue to take penalties without fail. I have started to refer to him as "Ole Two Minutes."

Samsonov has a decent amount of points in these playoffs, I was actually surprised at how many, considering he isn't anywhere near as much of a presence as the Pisani/Peca/Moreau/Smyths. He does some shifty stick-handling every once in a while, but that seems to be it for long stretches. There was a lot of talk of the Wings trying to lure him to Detroit (since his family lives here), but I am just not sure he's what the Wings need up front.

Here's what a buddy of mine - an big Oiler fan and one of Edmonton's Finest - said about Torres a couple of weeks ago:

"Regarding Torres, he reminds me of Messier in his youth in that you can tell in the first period if he’s going to have an impact. If you see him in a scrum following a whistle or arguing with someone from the bench - watch out. I don’t understand why teams don’t stay away from him, once he’s emotionally involved he’s twice the player."

[Wolfpack]

The Oilers can take all the stupid penalties they like at home. Carolina's PP is considerably worse away from the RBC Center.

I also agree that Ward finally looked very mortal last night. He didn't do anything special, not like Markannen who got several good saves, including a nice lucky one that thwacked him when he wasn't looking. I'm awfully concerned about his mental makeup heading into game six right now. You can tell he's not the same as he was during that four-period strech from the end of game one into game two. I think Markannen has outplayed him the last three games.