Stanley Cup Playoffs

[speed stick]

So as some of us know the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs just started. So what team are you rooting for?

I would have obviously cheered for the Oilers but since they never had a chance of making the playoffs after making all those trades I decided I might cheer for Ottawa. In the east anyway, for the West I like San Jose.

BTW, I hate the Flames, not because of the team itself. Its the damn fans that are arrogant.

[The Dude]

Red Wings! They better crush Calgary, I can't take any more 1st round loses! Burtuzzi needs to get healthy. Easy 4-1 victories do not last long in the play offs

[speed stick]

I definitly want the Red Wings to take Calgary out. I was with a bunch of friends last night who are Flames fans and we all watched the game. I loved it! They also decorated their car all with Flames stuff.

[bobo_ess]

Canucks all the way

[speed stick]

LOL. Such an old skool Canucks avy. They got beat pretty good last night. Shut out. I would probably rather see Vancouver advance over Dallas. I actually hate Dallas now that I think about them.

[<3frosty]

LOL. Such an old skool Canucks avy. They got beat pretty good last night. Shut out. I would probably rather see Vancouver advance over Dallas. I actually hate Dallas now that I think about them.

And they hate you. :rocket:


Im hoping for Dallas to beat Vancouver, and i cant wait for tonights game. What a perfect way to start the series though, a 4OT game.

[speed stick]

YA!! Vancouver took the Stars down in the first OT. I'm also really happy with the Flames loss.

[bobo_ess]

^Same, stupid flamers

[Bowser]

Nice logo. By the way, Bert is going to leave Detroit after this playoffs, I can feel it.

[bobo_ess]

he became a liability after his probation,,,Vancouver needed him the last time they were in the playoffs. im glad they traded him for luongo, the last piece of the puzzle. I think he'll stay there for a while since his talents are appreciated in vancouver

[Bowser]

I'm not saying that Bert will return to Vancouver; don't get me wrong. I loved him, and I think he got a bit of bum rap. But I think that trading him to Florida was the best thing that the Canucks could have done for the franchise. I agree that he was a bit of liability. But I also think that Bertuzzi won't stay in Detroit, because he simply isn't cut out to be a Red Wing. Granted, he is a powerful player, but it always seemed like he played his best hockey against Detroit. Whenever he played against the Red Wings, the air was charged with electricity. when you saw him charging in on the opposition, you knew what was going to happen.

But now, it just seems like that air of invincibility is gone. Now that he is with the Red Wings, that killer instinct seems to be missing. A lot of the fun of those Detroit games now seems to be gone; and now that he is on the same side as them, that antagonism seems to have disappeared.

I don't know, it was a bit like when Trevor Linden was traded. He may be playing in another team's uniform, but he just doesn't seem right in those colors.

Anyway, that's enough ranting for now. Who does everyone think will win the Stanley Cup?

[The Dude]

I'm not saying that Bert will return to Vancouver; don't get me wrong. I loved him, and I think he got a bit of bum rap. But I think that trading him to Florida was the best thing that the Canucks could have done for the franchise. I agree that he was a bit of liability. But I also think that Bertuzzi won't stay in Detroit, because he simply isn't cut out to be a Red Wing. Granted, he is a powerful player, but it always seemed like he played his best hockey against Detroit. Whenever he played against the Red Wings, the air was charged with electricity. when you saw him charging in on the opposition, you knew what was going to happen.

But now, it just seems like that air of invincibility is gone. Now that he is with the Red Wings, that killer instinct seems to be missing. A lot of the fun of those Detroit games now seems to be gone; and now that he is on the same side as them, that antagonism seems to have disappeared.

I don't know, it was a bit like when Trevor Linden was traded. He may be playing in another team's uniform, but he just doesn't seem right in those colors.

Anyway, that's enough ranting for now. Who does everyone think will win the Stanley Cup?


Bertuzzi hasn't played that many games in Detroit, I think he still needs some time to get used to Detroit's play style.

Who do I think will win? Detroit :)

They are such a different team then they were during the Yzerman/Bowman years. I like how they mix the finess of European style hockey (Zetterburg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Hasek ) With scrapper players (Draper, Chelios, Maltby, Holstrom) The way the Red Wings control the puck is just amazing.

[speed stick]

I can kinda see the Ducks getting far in the playoffs because they always do so. They are already kicking the shit out of Minnesoda. I think the Ducks will win the West atleast.

[Shadow Voa]

Ive got my money on Anaheim Ducks to take the cup this year. NJ robbed them last time they made it in the final game, but I dont think they will be denied this time.

[bobo_ess]

i kinda see nashville getting if vocoun (misspelled) doesn't get injured.

i think vancouver will go far if luongo doesn't get injured

[The Dude]

noooooo Pitsburg is fucked, behind 3-1 in the series

[speed stick]

Yup Penguins just lost. I'm happier with Ottawa winning that serious. Atm, Ducks are tied with Minnesoda. Minnesoda is down 3 games to none so they need to win. I want the Ducks to win that one. And the Canucks won today as well.

EDIT: Oh damn Minnesoda really turned it on in the final period. Wild win 4-1.

[bobo_ess]

noooooo Pitsburg is fucked, behind 3-1 in the series

i think this team will be the new Oilers of the 80's , kessel should jump on that team

[speed stick]

^I doubt that, the Oilers were an indestructable team in that time. Its gonna take more then what the Penguins got to become them.

[bobo_ess]

^I doubt that, the Oilers were an indestructable team in that time. Its gonna take more then what the Penguins got to become them.

yup, worse trade EVER,

that rivals boston letting go of babe IMO.

[speed stick]

I don't follow any other sports so I have no clue what to compare it to.

Anyway, Atlanta was the first team eliminated.

The Quarter final series are now at

East
Sabres up 3 - 1 on NYI
Devils and Lightning tied at 2
Senators up 3 - 1 as well
Rangers won 4 - 0 vs Thrashers

West
Detroit 2 - 1 vs Calgary (Go wings)
Ducks lead 3 - 1 vs Minnesoda
Canucks lead 3 - 1 vs Stars
Sharks lead 3 - 1 against the Predators

It would really suck to be a fan of the Atlanta Thrashers. Nothing worse then not being able to celabrate after a playoff victory. And to make things worse, Atlanta was 3rd in the east and New York was 6th. Kudos to the Rangers.

[bobo_ess]

i want vancouver and the rangerz to lock horns again

[speed stick]

Well at this point I sure see the Rangers having a damn good chance to get to the finals. Just hope the time off won't hurt them. I would't mind seeing them go far.

[The Dude]

i want vancouver and the rangerz to lock horns again

That would be pretty swiit. Looks like Pittsburg is fucked, down 3-0 in the 3rd.

[speed stick]

Yup, Penguins lose. Red Wings also loose which is gonna make work a bit unpleasant tommorow as the Flames fans will be all happy again. Dallas managed to win in OT to keep themselves alive in the playoffs which is good even though i want the Canucks to win that series. The Wild were just eliminated also. I thought they would have done better then that against the Ducks, but then again the Ducks are damn amazing.

[The Dude]

Wow, what a way to end a a series with double over time. I pretty much jumped out of my easy chair when Franzen ended it. I gotta hand it to Kipper, he is one amazing goalie

The Stars and Chanucks should be a good game 7, I'm rooting for the Stars :thumbr:

[WolfmanNCSU]

Playoff Hockey is always so good. Not sure what team I am pulling for to take the whole thing, especially since my team (Carolina) shot themselves in the foot and slipped out of the playoff race. At least these series have been great to watch.

[Dralor]

Yeah that was nice especially after getting slashed multiple times by the backup goalie the game before. Including the one right across the chest...

[speed stick]

Damn I was so happy when Detriot scored, that should keep those damn Flames fans quiet. I am about to go and watch the Vancouver and Dallas game on TV now.

And thats really odd how the 2 teams that made it to the Stanley Cup finals didn't make the playoffs. I mean Carolina wins the cup, and somehow misses the playoffs. Weird....

[The Dude]

Picks for the next round?

Red Wings and Sharks - very close series, I have no idea who will win
Ducks and Chanucks - Ducks in 5
Sabers and Senators - Senators in 5
Rangers and New Jersey -Rangers in 6

[bobo_ess]

man that game #7 in vancouver was good, vancouver really stuck it to them in the 2nd period.

[speed stick]

Yes that was an insane game. Big finish for Vancouver as well since they got those 2 empty net goals.

I think the Sharks can take the Wings, not sure how many games but thats what I think.

Ducks should be able to take Vancouver down since the Ducks are always amazing in the playoffs and have been doing really well so far.

Not sure who between the Sabres and Senators though, I like both teams what personally would prefer to see Ottawa advance.

I sure hope New York takes New Jersey out, never liked them much.

Round 2 starts tonight.

[Sever Citrin]

MMkay. I'm not horribly well known on the forums right now, though I've been here for a while, so now is the perfect time for me to make all of you either hate me or love me when it comes to sports. :3

Red Wings forever. I have called all but ONE series in this first round, so I'm 7/8 when it comes to the teams and 5/8 when it comes down to how many games - and this is the 4th year running for those kinds of numbers. So let's see my personal round 2 predictions (including my huge Red Wings bias. :3)


Red Wings and Sharks:
-insert long string of curses- This was not what I wanted. The Sharks have a very, VERY solid team that has defeated the Wings 3/4 times in the regular season - something that bodes ill for the wheeled wings. However, the strong ability for the Wings to generate scoring chances and the high amounts of shots on goal are looking good for them - The Sharks don't exactly have Kipprusoff. Expect a very gruesome, closely-knit series where no game is won by more than two, and expect at least one 1-0 shutout, and 1 shootout. The biggest players for the Wings in this series will be Todd Bertuzzi and Henrik Zetterburg, plain and simple. For the Sharks, Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov, without a doubt. Nabokov is a solid goalie - this will be big for him if his defense is as lacking as Calgary's seemed to be. It's very close to call, but.... San Jose in 7.

Now you get to hear short little blurbs. :P

Ducks and Canucks
This will be a very nasty series for the Canucks, I feel. The Ducks won 3/4 of the games against Vancouver, only losing to them on Feb. 20 at home in OT 3-2. The Ducks outscored the Canucks 14-6 in the regular season, and with Chris Pronger now a major enforcer for Anaheim, Henrik Sedin may not be enough for the Canucks to pull this one out with. Luongo had better step up his game, and fast - otherwise, this could turn very, very, very ugly. Very. Very. Fast. This will not be a very pretty series. Ducks thrash the Canucks in 5 - and will have a shutout in at least one game.

Sabers and Rangers
This will be a very, very, very interesting matchup. The Sabers were #1, but the Rangers came out in a stunning upset last round and showed that they were made of something great. Sean Avery has been a huge boost - but will he be enough? NYR didn't win a single game against Buffalo this season, being outscored 18-12. Don't think that means these were huge wins though. Except for the 7-4 loss to Buffalo on 10/14, They lost by 1 goal each game, resulting in 2 OT losses and 1 SO loss. In that order. The Rangers may have found the missing key to their puzzle in Sean Avery - but I don't think he'll be enough. If the Rangers can pull this out, you can see them in the Finals. Without a doubt. This will be a true test for Lundqvist and Michael Nylander - because Chris Drury will be THE Force to reckon with for Buffalo. Sabers in 5.

Ottawa and New Jersey
Besides Ducks/'Nucks, this is really the only good matchup in the semifinals. New Jersey won 3/4 games against the Sens, losing a horrific 8-1 in the first round of the series. Thanks to this, Ottawa outscored NJ 13-9 in the 4 game series. But like with BUF/NYR, the other three games were one-goal-games, with a shootout and the rest ending in regulation. Scott Gomez is a very solid player for the Devils as is Zach Parise - but Daniel Alfredsson is a very powerful presence on the ice for the Senators, and Ray Emery has been stellar in net for the Sens lately. Brodeur's sheer experience will take the Devils past the Sens in 6.

[Sever Citrin]

And just as a note, The Dude had the matchups wrong. :3

Detroit Red Wings vs San Jose Sharks
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks (Hey, that rhymes!)
West ^
East v
Buffalo Sabers vs New York Rangers (THat rhymes TOO! CONSPIRACY.)
Ottawa Senators vs New Jersey Devils

[The Dude]

And just as a note, The Dude had the matchups wrong

*Checks post*

...they are the same as yours

[Dralor]

Picks for the next round?
Sabers and Senators - Senators in 5
Rangers and New Jersey -Rangers in 6

Nope you had these mixed..

[speed stick]

Yup the Dude does have it mixed up.

Damn Sever Citrin, thats an insane post you made. Its good to see another hockey fan joining the boards.

Well the Sabres took it to the Rangers pretty good in game one tonight. I was not sure what to expect. And I just finished watching the Canucks and Ducks play which was alright. Ducks obviously the better team by far tonight. Vancouver allowed 5 goals which is alot compared to what they have been allowing.

[Sever Citrin]

Hey; when you're born and raised in Detroit, you're born to love hockey.

<_< I also happen to be a large football fan. XD Expect to see me all over the Football forum when it's football season.

But for now, I'll continue to provide you all detailed analyses. -pulls out USA Today-

Ok, these were what I wrote into my newspaper for Round 1. I did worse than I thought I did! @_@ 50% on who'd move on (75% right in Eastern, 25% in Western) with 62.5% on how many games. (50% Eastern, 75% Western) Things Bold I got right. Things RED I got wrong.

...ROUND ONE...

EASTERN
#1 BUF vs #8 NYI -> BUF in 5
#2 NJD vs #7 TBL -> TBL in 5
#3 ATL vs #6 NYR -> NYR in 7
#4 OTT vs #5 PIT -> OTT in 5

WESTERN
#1 DET vs #8 CAL -> DET in 6
#2 ANA vs #7 MIN -> MIN in 6
#3 VAN vs #6 DAL -> DAL in 7
#4 NSH vs #5 SJS -> NSH in 5


...SemiFinal...
EASTERN
#1 BUF vs #6 NYR -> BUF in 5
#2 NJD vs #4 OTT -> NJD in 6

WESTERN
#1 DET vs #5 SJS -> SJS in 7
#2 ANA vs #3 VAN -> ANA in 5

[The Dude]

Nope you had these mixed..

Wow, I must have been pretty tired when I made that last post. Color me an idiot. Anways....

As expected, Ducks and Sabers dominated last night. I was really hoping the Rangers would put up more of a fight. I would love to see Detroit and NY in the finals. Original six FTW!

[LadNagy]

Red Wings/Sharks looks like it might be the best series of the second round. I see a lot of people counting the Wings out, but I don't know, I feel pretty confident. I picked up the Wings as my second team in college, and for some reason I feel confident they'll win this, even if it takes 6 games or so.

The Wings have been on Versus a lot in DC during the playoffs, and I believe they're on again tonight. Nice to be able to watch them.

[Sever Citrin]

I have faith that the Wings will pull it out, don't get me wrong. I want them to win just as much as I want the Lions to go 7-9 in the NFL season because it would be such a vast improvement.

But unless the Wings' D doesn't step up, they're down for the count.

[Dralor]

come on have faith the in the Lions I mean you should have at least a goal of 8-8:-p

Yeah I'm still iffy on the wings due to the disappearing act they've put on in the playoffs ever since the loss of Scotty,

[Sever Citrin]

come on have faith the in the Lions I mean you should have at least a goal of 8-8:-p

Yeah I'm still iffy on the wings due to the disappearing act they've put on in the playoffs ever since the loss of Scotty,

You must be on hooka to think that the Lions are even CAPABLE of 8-8. :P I'd LIKE THEM TO WIN THE SUPER--strangled and muffled-

Anyways. I'm iffy on the Wings because of the Sharks, and no other reason. If they were playing the Stars, I'd be more confident.

[The Dude]

Even though the wings lost, I really think they out played the Sharks. Wings had more scrosing oppertunities and more shots on net. They just need to ge their powerplay going again.

[Dralor]

The problem is even when they were losing series they almost always outplayed the opposition. They just never got any rebound chances and a lot of shots were blocked by people in front rather then making it to the goal. Not to mention they seem to run across a hot goalie every year.

[bobo_ess]

Yeah boi!!! vancouver took the 2nd game!i!i!i!i!

[The Dude]

The Sendin twins scare me. It's like they have some invisible emblical cord between them.

[rpgamer_2k5]

^ Hahaha...those two are very dangerous but Anaheim's Pahlsson line has been able to tame the two. Marcus Naslund was able to see an opportunity and got a goal for being sharp.

One thing I noticed different from the last game is this time Vancouver remained on the attack zone which really gave tham an edge over Anaheim by using their advantage in depth. This translated to higher shots on goals vs. the Ducks. A main reason why the game went 2 - 1, if the Canucks can keep this up while dealing with Anaheim's third line more effectively, they can take this series.

But the one I really find frigtening is Captain Niedermayer. Just look at how he states, both speed and skill are top notch and he can scare any attack that enters the attack zone. That beast was present for 37 minutes you'd never want him on because he rarely makes mistakes.

I am definitely looking forward to game 3 much more, and thank goodness they're schedule doesn't interfere with the the Devils-Senator bout because that's number 1 right now, imo. :)

Early Predictions:
- Buffalo NY ---> 4 - 1

Wish list:
- Detroit must win. Take down Jose, damn it!

[Dralor]

Ugly first few minutes but a nice comeback to wit the game 3-2 for Detroit.

[Chris]

Well, the Rangers outplay the Sabres last night and still lose. That game definatley had to hurt, the Rangers have to take these two at the Garden to have any chance. I think the Rangers can beat the Sabres without question, I just flat out do not think that the Sabres are that great this year, but they CANNOT pull out 4 straight against them if they lose the next one.

[The Dude]

Wow, Rangers beat the Sabers in double OT, what an awesome finish. Those two teams seem so evenly matched

[speed stick]

Thats good that the Rangers beat the Sabres. I am cheering for the Sabres but since my team never made the playoffs, I want them to last as long as possible!

[bobo_ess]

3-2 anaheim again...ah!

[Dralor]

Woo goal Red Wings in OT.

[speed stick]

Yeah the Red Wings and Sharks are really going at it hardcore. Anahiem has a 3-1 series lead which is gonna make it really tough for the Canucks to catch up.

[Sever Citrin]

I don't know if the Red Wings really got a good pick this year. They have to play really, REALLY good teams everywhere they turn, save Calgary who didn't put up the same fight we know they could've.

San Jose? Deadly. Anaheim? Brutal. Ottawa and Buffalo? Fatal.

The wings are pretty screwed. But I have eternal faith. >3:cheers:

[speed stick]

Anahiem has won 8 and lost 2 so far in the playoffs.

And yeah, Calgary really doesn't have anything anymore.

[Chris]

I fucking hate Chris Drury....

[Dralor]

The Red Wings are starting to put it together and the Sharks getting frustrated.

[speed stick]

Yeah those wings really took it to the Sharks last game. I never expected the game to end that way.

Same with the Buffalo series. They eliminated New York. When New York made those 2 come back games I thought it would go to 7.

So its Ottawa and Buffalo in the East and Anahiem and whoever wins between San Jose and Detriot. Can't wait for the Semi finals to begin.

[Dralor]

Wow what a play by Lindstrom and then Red Wings come back and score another goal.

[The Dude]

Wow what a play by Lindstrom and then Red Wings come back and score another goal.

No kidding, how the hell did he save that? If that was any other defense men I doubt that the Wings would have had a shut out

BRING ON THE DUCKS!

[Sever Citrin]

WOO! Red Wings pull off a finale sweeter than any revenge.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS:
Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators
Ok, holy freaking crap. These teams played one another NINE TIMES in the regular season - Buffalo won 4 and Ottawa took 5, of which 4 were consecutive. Ottawa outscored the Sabres 33-29. Buffalo never won a game by more than 1 goal (one game was won by shootout), no team was either shut out, there were 5 games with more than 7 goals (3 games where one team scored 6), and no games were won in OT - Game 8 went to the Sabres in a 6-5 shootout, but that is the closest to an OT win. Both teams are stellar this season, but Buffalo scored only 7 goals in the 3,4,5,6 games while being outscored by Ottawa's 17. Ottawa has a deadly scoring line with Heatley, Kelly and Alfredsson, not to mention one of the greater goalies in the league today - Ray Emery, a truly gifted goalie who will see a lot more playoff time in his career. Buffalo too has tricks up their sleeve, Chris Drury and Dainius Zubrus have put together a number of goals and assist for Buffalo in the playoffs so far. In the end, this is going to come down to two explosive scoring teams and two great goalies contending with one another. This one is gonna be a close one, so hold onto your hats as two rival teams go head-to-head in this collision course of an Eastern Finals. Ottawa will take this in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS:
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks

Alright folks. This is the most exciting conference finals in either grouping I've seen in my 15 years of actually understanding Hockey and caring about it. First and foremost, the big thing to note here is the goaltending. Marty Turco may have the #2 best GAA of all goalies in the playoffs, but he's out of the running. Take him out, who is left? Anaheim's Jean Sebastian Guigere and Detroit's Dominik Hasek, with a 1.28 and 1.64 GAA respectively. This doesn't at all reflect the scoring power these two teams have, this is a show of THE TWO BEST GOALIES playing in the game today. The two teams evened out in the regular season with 2 wins apiece, the Ducks outscoring the Wings 9-5 and the Wings claiming a 1-0 shutout against them in the 4th game. The Ducks are a 2nd period team, scoring 7 of their 9 goals against the wings in the 2nd period (six of them were in their two wins, three in each second period). The Home team never won in this series also, which bodes ill for the Wings who have home-ice advantage. If the Wings Defense can step up with the loss of Mathieu Schneider for the rest of the post-season from his wrist injury as they have so far, keep the Ducks pinned down in the 2nd period and actually SCORE on Guigere as they're not so great at doing (and never have, as in 2003) they should be fine. Coming off of a 2-0 win in the Shark Tank will be a big boost for the confidence of the Red Wings - so don't count them doomed just yet. Ryan Getzlaf, Shane O'Brien and Chris Pronger will be men to watch out for from Anaheim's end, and Beauchemin is well worth mentioning as well. They have a gritty feel to them that can't be denied with Pronger enforcing - and if not handled, he's as dangerous as Jerome Iginla and Joe Thornton. This will be a nitty-gritty, bloody brawl for the right to face one of the Canadian teams for a true US vs Canada Stanley Cup Brawl. This one will go down to the wire no matter what. If Datsyuk, Zetterburg and Holmstrom aren't the major players for Detroit, expect that Chelios, Lebda and Filipula certainly will be. Also expect Chris Draper and Kirk Maltby to explode - they're horrifically due to do something great as they're known for, so expect to see a lot more of them as well. This is a tough call, but the Red Wings in 6.

[speed stick]

Wow what a great writeup!

I was surprised to see the Wings defeat the Sharks. But yes, 2 great matchups going on. Can't wait for game one of each. Honestly, at this point I don't know whos gonna win. I am cheering for Ottawa in the East, and not really sure who in the West anymore. I'm really confused.

[bobo_ess]

im goin for sens

[speed stick]

I'm pretty happy that Ottawa came up big tonight. A huge third period where they scored 3 goals to win it 5-2.

[Shadow Voa]

Otta vs. Buff (Ott in 5)

Ana vs. Det (Ana in 6)

[speed stick]

I can't believe that the Wings took the Ducks down in game one. I just assumed the Ducks would kick the shit out of them just like they have to every other team.

[Shadow Voa]

Det winning goal was crap, but they still got it...

[The Dude]

I dont get why everyone thinks the Ducks would steam roll over the Wings. In the regular season the Red Wings beat them 3 out of the 4 times they played.

[speed stick]

Well just going on how well the Ducks have done so far in the playoffs and that they ussually do well. They might end up choking just like they did last season against the Oilers.

[Sever Citrin]

I dont get why everyone thinks the Ducks would steam roll over the Wings. In the regular season the Red Wings beat them 3 out of the 4 times they played.

Actually, it was tied at 2 games a piece. n_n;; Read my write-up, I explain just about anything that matters for determining a series. :P :laugh:

[Dralor]

Boo that was a cheap shot by both Pronger and Nedeirmeyer(sp?):mad:

[The Dude]

Im sick of the Vs announcers giving the Ducks pre-game blow jobs. Nice to see the Wings win in a 5-0 shut out, maybe that will make them STFU for a bit. Holstrom is a fuckin gladiator to come back in the 3rd with 2 stiched up cuts to the forehead.

[HeroOfTimeGCN]

I just have to say, Dominik Hasek has to be the best Goal Tender in the league, especially after tonight's amazing display of Goaltending prowess.

[Dralor]

Yeah and add an assist no less.:-D

[Sever Citrin]

You know, this game is a display of why the Red Wings were the #1 team in the Western Conference. It's nice to finally see a #1 vs #2 matchup in the finals, that's how it SHOULD be. Hasek made some amazing saves against a team that loves to score when it can, Holmstrom showed a team that loves to injure players that they wouldn't keep him down, and the team showed that even a hostile environment such as the Ducks' home ice won't keep them from smashing a few heads in. Fillipula and Franzen (especially Franzen) Showed what they were made of today, Quincey too had an excellent game, Holmer was a freakin' GOD out on the ice.

Let's hope now the wings can do what the Senators are doing.

Destroying.

[Dralor]

Pronger was suspended today for his hit on Homer.

[FoeHammer]

the lightning are going all the way

[speed stick]

Pronger was suspended today for his hit on Homer.

Thats good. Pronger definitly deserved that for that dirty play. Damn, Buffalo managed to hang on another game.

[Shadow Voa]

Yes nice work Anahiem!! Series tied 2 - 2!!!

[Dralor]

Yeah but Detroit dominated the game. Anaheim just found the net a lot easier.

[Shadow Voa]

I didnt take that away from them, but a win for Ana makes this interesting. Going up 3 -1 wouldve dulled it for me and upset me since my bets on Ana.

[Dralor]

Boo go Red Wings:-D

[Sever Citrin]

My mother jinxed the game when she said the Wings would win it. I knew it wouldn't happen, the Ducks wouldn't let it.

But the Ducks won't take another game. Like I said earlier, Wings in 6.

[Shadow Voa]

We'll see... c'mon Sens put Buff away for good and get ready for the Ducks in the finals!! ;)

[Sever Citrin]

We'll see... c'mon Sens put Buff away for good and get ready for the Wings in the finals!! ;)

There was an error in your post, I edited it for ya. :3

[speed stick]

I love the close series. I hope the Wings and Ducks go to 7. But I would like to see Ottawa just elimate those Sabres already.

[Stelio]

As a Leafs fan, I hate to see the Sens anywhere near the playoffs. I was hoping to see the first all Canadian final since the classical period of hockey. Now that those chances are gone (canucks gone) I believe that the Sens are going to win it. I also believe that they will meet the Ducks (leading Det. series 3-2).

At this point, I'm just glad that the cup is coming back north of the border. It's been too long. Unfortuanely, Us Leafs fans will never hear the end of it. Well I guess it's a good thing that we never made it in anyway cause everyone and their grandmother knows that they cant beat us in the playoffs.

[The Dude]

Fuck. It's do or die now for the Wings. I think they can take it all the way to a game 7, but i wouldn't be surprised if the ducks finished them in game 6.


Fuck I'm so pissed after losing game 5

[Dralor]

Yeah it's starting to remind me of the last few years where they dominated the games but couldn't pull out the wins.:(

[Shadow Voa]

*dances a bit* Haha its all going like I planned, Im going to get such a good payoff in the end with these easy game predictions. Lets go Ducks, send the Wings flying home!!

Sens vs. Ducks coming soon to a tv near you!! ;)

Edit: Hey Wings... It's the Final Countdown! Haha

[speed stick]

I am rooting for the Ducks just because. Its 0-0 at this point.

Senators FTW!

[Shadow Voa]

Hmm, I hate to say I told you so... but I called this perfectly.

Otta vs. Buff (Ott in 5)

Ana vs. Det (Ana in 6)


Ducks vs. Sens in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals!!!

I'll have a prediction for this final game soon...

Edit: Ok...

Ana vs Otta (Ana in 5)

[HeroOfTimeGCN]

I hope the Senators SLAUGHTER Anaheim.

bastards. I can't go to the finals now because of them.

What really pisses me off about Game 6 here is the fact that Detroit played so shitty up until the 3rd period! I mean come on guys, you know it's for all the shit, so why the hell did you play so defensively?! You needed to get out there and just shoot shoot shoot!

Hopefully they learn from this and next year, we'll be invincible.

[Gilly]

I think the Ducks will win in 6.
Their physicality is just something that Ottawa hasn't faced and I don't think they'll be able to stop.
Not to mention that J.S. Giguere has been playing great lately.

If Ottawa wants to have a chance, Emery has to play some amazing hockey, and their big line has to come up huge, which they definitely have the ability to do.

[Sever Citrin]

ARGH. ARGH. ARGH.

:swear:

Alright. Wings lost. Can't say I didn't see it coming, but they proved just like I said that they had the capacity to do it - but once again, JS Guigere proves to be the reason the Wings fail to beat the Ducks, and nothing more. So duck the fucks, and let's look at my customary review.

THE STANLEY CUP FINALS

Eastern Conference Champions: Ottawa Senators (12-3)
AT
Western Conference Champions: Anaheim Ducks (12-4)



Okokokok. So the #2 WC team and the #4 EC team are at one another, and this is a true East Coast vs West Coast battle, a United States vs Canada brawl between the grittiest team and the most flamboyant team. Let's do a breakdown of each team, before we pit them against one another.

THE DUCKS
Anaheim's goalie, JS Guigere, is inarguably one of the best in the league. an acrobat, a wizard and one hell of a will to break, he is the team's claim to fame and without any shred of doubt the MVP. Names like Pronger, Beauchemin, Selanne and the Niedermayer boys carry this team's weight in spades and batter, bruise and pummel the opposition into submission. Against the Wild, the Ducks defense held the Wild to 1 goal in 3 games, and to 2 goals in another. The one loss they suffered, a 4-1 blowout in game four, was shot right back in the Wild's face for a Game 5 4-1 elimination by the ducks. The Canucks would have no such like finding 4 goals in any one game, but Vancouver's defense held the Ducks much better (save for the 5-1 blowout in Game One). THree of the 5 games against Vancouver went to OT, 2 of them going to 2OT. The Ducks won 2/3 of the OT games, losing only the Game 2 in 2OT by a measly 2-1. The Canucks only found the puck in the net eight times in five games, but no shutouts on the part of the Ducks. The Wings, however, proved to be a different story in the third chapter of the Ducks' playoff run. The Wings managed to put up a 2-game fight against the Ducks, causing them one more loss than their opponents in the Finals suffered. The Wings also managed to shut out the Ducks in Game 3 5-0, but the Ducks were 2/2 in winning OT games against the Wings. Throughout the 16 games played by the Ducks so far, they have 42 Goals For and 34 Goals Against (17 of which - yes, exactly half - came from the Red Wings). Looking at all this, the odds for the Ducks seem pretty good. They've won 80% of the OT games they play (and 50% of the ones that go beyond the first OT), only have been shut out once, and have a stellar team to back them up. Guigere is 12-1 now in post-season games that go past regulation, which only strengthens the 40-game playoff career he's had. Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Beauchemin all play more than 30 minutes a game - each among the top five in the league. The Ducks are now 7-0 in potential series-enders that are played in Anaheim, and they've got the home-ice advantage in this series. The team they face, however, has upset the Presidents' Trophy winning team to face them. And that team is...

THE SENATORS
It's about damned time a Canadian team that I actually LIKE made it into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [I feel for you Toronto fans, but I'd like Detroit to get another one - then they'd be tied for Stanley Cups with the 2nd best Canadian team as far as Stanley Cups go - Toronto has 11, Detroit has 10. Fuckin' Montreal with 24 or some shit.] The Senators have been nothing short of amazing this post-season. Ray Emery, their absolutely amazing man in the crease, has been one of the two integral parts of this team's success. With his new found 12-3 record at a startling 24 years old, his 1.95 GAA and .919 save percentage make him THE #1 goaltender in the league, toppling JS Guigere. The other part that makes this team so dangerous? Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza. A trifecta from hell for any defense out on the ice; a trio that even Selanne, Pronger and the Niedermayer Boys should fear. Alfredsson leads the playoff scorers with 4 game-winners in 12 games this post-season along with 7 goals away from home, and Spezza and Heatley are tied for the playoff lead with 14 points each on the road. Tack on the fact that these three make up for 23 goals in the 15 games played, and you've got one hell of a line. These three will rely heavily on the face-off mastery of Antoine Vermette and Mike Fisher. Vermette has a 60.1% faceoff win percentage, the highest in the league, and Mike Fisher is not far behind - they'll have little trouble defeating the likes of MacDonald and Pahlsson. The Ottawa Defense, however, will have to very quickly start studying how to handle Anaheim's 3 top defensemen. Wade Redden, Ottawa's leader in ice time, ranks only 30th overall with 23:51 per game, at least 7 minutes less than Pronger or Beauchemin. But onto the goals. Against the #5 Penguins, there seemed to be little contest after Game 2. The Penguins were able to find the net with Crosby, but after that fatal Game 2 win for the Penguins, they never found the goal more than three times total - and were shut out in the final game. The next seed-upset would come against the #2 Devils, a team notorious in the last 12 years for being a constant contender for the Cup. The Devils only took one game from the Sens - a double-overtime 3-2 win in GAME 2. The Devils too found themselves out of a goal in Game 3, giving Ray Emery a shutout in two consecutive series'. Though the Devils would score 7 in the first two games, they'd only be able to muster half that - only 4 goals - in the next 3 games. Then would come a classic Canadian matchup, a rivalry full of bad blood and fierce, bitter hatred. The #1 Best Team IN THE NHL Buffalo Sabres against the #4 Ottawa Senators. Sadly, we already know who takes this, as the Sens made a terrific upset of the best team in the league and knocked them out in 5 games. Unlike the past 2 rounds, Game 2 would not go to the Senator's opponent, but just like in the past two rounds, Ray Emery found himself with a shutout against the Sabres 33. The Senators won both OT games, putting them 2/3 in games going beyond regulation and 1/2 in games going into a second overtime. Overall, this team is a powerhouse. With 48 Goals For and 32 Goals Against including THREE SHUTOUTS, this team is a force to be reckoned with, no doubt about that.

REGULAR SEASON:
These two teams didn't play one another. Let's hope they watched the games as they happened - because that's all they'll have to go on is what they can see from film.

HOW THEY MATCH UP:
This is going to be an interesting game. It's going to be the Anaheim Defense running all over the ice if the Sens can't keep their top three in line, which will surely give Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson a run for their money. Expect the Ducks to do line-matching against those three in an effort to shut them down, and look to Ryan Getzlaf and Teemu Selanne to pound Ray Emery with shot after shot. These will not be easy games for either team. Expect them to either be extremely high-scoring games, or to be low-scoring and go right into extra time. There will be a lot of back and forth, expect high turn-overs in the neutral zone on Ottawa's part, and the combined shots-on-goal for the two teams should near 80+ each game. Anaheim will play their grittiest possible game, something the Senators have not had to face against their previous opponents. A pounding fore-check (like the one that killed the Wild) will be the Senator's undoing if they can't contain the defensemen of the Ducks. But the Defensemen for the Sens can't go unnoticed. Buffalo was the highest scoring team in the regular season, and the Senators kept them - and everyone else - contained to 2 goals less than Ducks took. This is primarily because of the two men on the ice to look for that I haven't already mentioned, Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov, the two big workhorses for the Sens. All the Senators have to do is keep doing what they've been doing. Anaheim, start sweating.


SEVER CITRIN'S STANLEY CUP PREDICTION:
I am fervently angry at the Ducks. I am putting that aside, even as I wri-- oh, fuck this. -Phoenix Wright Finger Point-

TEAR 'EM TO SHREDS, SENATORS! GO OTTAWA!

OTTAWA SENATORS IN FIVE GAMES, WITH ONE SHUTOUT TO BOOT!

[Shadow Voa]

Lol shutout as well? Damn Emery must be on roids that game for sure!! ;)

[speed stick]

Cheering for the Senators all the way!

[Stray Bullet]

I want the Sens to win, but I don't think it's their year. Heatly, Alfredsson and Spezza are going to be the obvious target of the Ducks D. Plus the have to beat Gigeure who is playing his best hockey. The Sens can do it, but it won't be an easy task. Game 7 for sure.

[Gilly]

so it's 6-2 Ducks w/ less than 2 minutes left.
I'd say it's pretty much over. haha.

Anaheim in 5. At least I was only 1 game off :)

[Shadow Voa]

Hmm, I hate to say I told you so... but I called this perfectly.




Ducks vs. Sens in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals!!!

I'll have a prediction for this final game soon...

Edit: Ok...

Ana vs Otta (Ana in 5)

Some things never change... If that isnt rep worthy I dont know what is!!!! LOL

HAHA!!! WOOT!!! Teemu Selänne!!! The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are your 2007 Stanley Cup Champions!!!!! And I couldnt be happier I was cheering for them since this was the team I cheered for since the beginning!!!

[scarecrow]

My dad has had season tickets since the ducks started like thirteen years ago or whatever so I'm happy if just that he got to see his team win.