NHL Discussions

[King_Nothing]

Staal Vs Staal will be great to see, I like both Eric and Jordan. Marc not so much as I HATE The Rangers.

[Metfan72]

Staal Vs Staal will be great to see, I like both Eric and Jordan. Marc not so much as I HATE The Rangers.

Yeah, not much of a fan either, but the truth. Marc is the most talented, most complete player of the 3.

But Eric is exciting to watch and he has had the benefit of having Ronnie Franchise & Rod Brindamour to help him in his young career.

[King_Nothing]

Francis and Brind'Amour are 2 of the classiest ppl in the game. Ron Francis was an exceptional hockey player, and very consistant. It's great to see him behind the bench.

[maidencolorado]

Stay tuned as NHL will always have the most exciting post season of any sport.

Usually true, but it seems especially so this year. The teams who walked through round 1 were seriously challenged in round 2, we've got a fantastic rivalry going in the West finals and Sid the Kid and crew against the cardiac Canes.

I'll agree that the league would probably like to see a 7 game finals between the Pens and Wings, but i can't imagine they'd be disappointed with the Hawks / Pens either. That is the more appealing matchup to me (aside from being a Hawks fan) just to see all that young talent playing for the Cup.

Sadly, the Canes just aren't a big enough name for the league to want them in the finals from a marketing perspective, but any combo of teams could make for a great series.

[escape]

I would not say the NHL has allways had the most exciting playoffs. Back when they had that toe in the crease rule, it really sucked the life out of the game at the time. As for this year (besides the fact that my nucks decided to blow chunks after game 4). It's been great hockey. As for the third round the Wings should be able to get past the hawks in 5 (maybe 6 at the most). The Pens and Cans could be a hard fought season that may go to 7, but I'll say pens in 6. So that will make it a rematch of last year and just like the Oilers did in 84 in their re-match against the mighty Islanders I'll take the Pens to win the cup.

Just to take another shot as Osgood..........Is he the best goaltender in wings history? I know he said he's the wings all time leader in playoff wins. I assuming he past Terry in that, but when Terry played they only played 2 rounds and from 69 to 86 the wings would only win 3 playoff games.

Going off topic for a second check out my youtube page sometime.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CanuckfanNSTGS

[maidencolorado]

I wouldn't put Osgood as the top Wings goalie ever. Hard to compare the different generations, Terry had fewer rounds in the playoffs, so fewer chances to rack up the wins. He also played in an overall more talent rich league and one where teams and players were more familiar with each other. The overall style of hockey now is different than it was then as well.

No, I'm not saying players now are less talented. I'm saying that the league has spread the talent too thin with all of the expansion. Teams now sometimes face each other fewer times, so goalies and skaters generally have less knowledge about each others strengths, weakness and tendencies.

If Osgood skates the Cup again this year, he simply has to be recognized as one of the all time greats, but I'd still not put him above Roy or Brodeur as a pure goaltender

[escape]

This Detroit vs Chicago series is looking alot like it did in 95. The Hawks are in the game and are colse to winning it, but are coming up short.

[maidencolorado]

They may still make a series out of it, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a rematch of last year's finals.

Carolina could be short a couple, Ruutu out, Cole game time decision.

[Judge B]

This Detroit vs Chicago series is looking alot like it did in 95. The Hawks are in the game and are colse to winning it, but are coming up short.

Yeah, it sure reminds me of 90s. Good times...

[hellawaits77]

Wow, how about Malkin's 3rd goal tonight??

If the Pens can sharpen their 'D' up and get through the 'Canes in under 6, I really think they can beat the Wings. The way all 4 lines have been playing, forechecking, being phsical..... The offense is their, the 'D' has just gotta play that much better.