The NHL Playoff Thread

[CFH]

Here's my opinion on the series:

Detroit - Anaheim: This is a really intriguing match-up. I really think the Red Wings will win, probably in 6 or 7 games, but I think they'll emerge from this series so banged up that the winner of the Vancouver - Chicago will have an excellent chance of pulling the upset and advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. I just think Anaheim's physicality combined with the fatigue that comes along with the short off-season which results from winning the cup make this one very close to call. However, Detroit's offense and defense are among the best in the league and I think their depth carries them to a victory if (and it's a big if) Osgood can stop the puck with any regularity.

Vancouver - Chicago: This is a hard one for my to analyze objectively, as I live and die with the Canucks. During the regular season, the Canucks demonstrated they were able to defeat Chicago handily in a playoff-like atmosphere, and I think their defense and Luongo (the best goalie in hockey - his playoff numbers are staggering) will prevail over the high-flying but inexperienced Blackhawks. It's going 6 or 7 though, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Chicago come out on top in the end.

[CFH]

Late in the season, the Canucks played the Blackhawks in what was a very important game. The Canucks desperately needed a victory and it looked very likely that these two teams would meet in the first round. The Canucks beat the Blackhawks 4-0 and a full on line-brawl (complete with hair-pulling) broke out between the Blackhawk's tough 4th line and the Canucks' top line (though the Sedin twins did little) after Luongo took a punch/shove to the face. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8YHuTs-C_w

[CFH]

The round 2 match-ups in the East are now set:

Boston (1) - Carolina (6): Carolina has been on fire lately, but the Bruins are going to be too much for the 'Canes in my opinion. Cam Ward will continue his outstanding play, but it won't be enough to carry Carolina to the Conference finals. Boston in 6

Washington (2) - Penguins (5): Ovechkin - Crosby, the match-up the NHL execs dreamed about (though it's probably happening a round earlier than they hoped). The Pens are my pick to emerge from the East, I think they exploit the young, inexperienced Washington goaltending and win in 6. The Penguins just have too much skill, firepower, and experience.

[CFH]

Quick playoff update before I go out drinking with the missus:

Canucks leading the Blackhawks 2 games to 1 in their series.

Red Wings and Ducks are tied 1 - 1, they're playing game 3 as I type this.

The Capitals are leading the Penguins 2 to 0. Woohoo, go Ovie.

The Bruins and Hurricanes are tied 1 - 1 in their series.

[Youngblood]

F Ovechkin.

F The Caps.

Barrrr humbug.

Oh, and F you too for liking it. I hope the entire Canucks come down with a new evolved strain of Pig flu and die a slow, miserable death. Kinda sorta.

[Youngblood]

^^ Well that was a bit harsh. Maybe just a cold or sumthin.

God I'm so cranky lately.

I need to fix it somehow. Hopefully my next fight will clear that up. I mean, I am ofc kidding in 99% of my posts, but feel mean-spirited in the same breath...

[amat]

this thread is no good for me.