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[Barrage]

*sigh*...even the Habs and Leafs completely embarassing themselves can't take away the sting of losing to thr BJackets in OT. Rick Nash was just unstoppable on that last play.

I caught the end of the NYR-Montreal game, and after thinking about the Rangers' season, you know what? I never thought i'd say this about a team with Avery, Jagr, and Shanahan, but this team is pretty likable. Maybe it's King Henrik's prescence, or maybe it's the Salary Cap that makes every team even and removes some of the "Hockey Yankees" mystique, but I just find the team very interesting and entertaining. the Ode to the fans at the end of games' and the "Shirts off our back" thing were nice touches too. Hopefully they get sixth seed, because A) A Thrash-Rangers series would be pretty entertaining, and B) they would get KILLED by the Devils.

I'd much rather have the two NY teams in the Playoffs then the Queefs and Habs. At least the NY teams look like they WANT to make the playoffs.

 

[ForzaItalia]

A buddy and I are having a discussion, scratching our heads....

question is...

During his tenure, has Leafs "neo-GM" JFJ made any significant trades that stand out?

 

[Manics]

A buddy and I are having a discussion, scratching our heads....

question is...

During his tenure, has Leafs "neo-GM" JFJ made any significant trades that stand out?

How quickly you forget. Besides Raycroft there's

2006 Acquired Luke Richardson from Columbus for 5th round pick in 2006 or a 4th round pick in 2007 (Mar. 8)

 

[Alucard]

I dunno, Montreal's actually been trying...but I agree that the Leafs simply don't belong in the playoffs. At all.

 

[Kingpen]

Man, I really want the Pens to get home ice advantage.

Agreed on this being a great series. I'm still curious to see how the team responds on the big stage, and hope they'll be fine. From this point on, I'm putting full support behind MAF. GO FLEURY GO!

Sid 2 points away from 120 for the year. Would love to see him reach it.

Atta boy, now your talking... I was hoping for a big goal from ruutu, talbot, army or malone tonight....

 

[Manics]

I dunno, Montreal's actually been trying...but I agree that the Leafs simply don't belong in the playoffs. At all.

So Montreal "trying" and coming up short but the Leafs not trying and with basically the same record don't deserve to be in?

 

[Alucard]

So Montreal "trying" and coming up short but the Leafs not trying and with basically the same record don't deserve to be in?

The Habs have actually been winning games and looking like they give a shit, whereas the Leafs have...I don't know what they're doing. I can't remember who it was in this thread that used the term "lovable losers" to describe the Leafs, but it seems to apply.

 

[blah141]

Hmm...

So it begins

(Some interesting stuff in that, read it)

 

[Manics]

The Habs have actually been winning games and looking like they give a shit, whereas the Leafs have...I don't know what they're doing. I can't remember who it was in this thread that used the term "lovable losers" to describe the Leafs, but it seems to apply.

Leafs are 4-2-1 in the last 7, Montreal is 5-2.

Your original post made it sound like a team that TRIES and isn't good enough should make it in -- that implies they don't have enough talent to win games but hell, they're trying! :lol

 

[ForzaItalia]

Hmm...

So it begins

(Some interesting stuff in that, read it)

Hmmm...

Saturday Night Records in 2006-07
Team Record
Toronto 8-2 at Air Canada Centre
Montreal 2-8 on the road

 

[Alucard]

Atta boy, now your talking... I was hoping for a big goal from ruutu, talbot, army or malone tonight....

Yeah, I'd love to see Malone net some points in the post-season. He's been working hard but hasn't had the results. He also needs to go to the net more too though...seems like he mostly sticks to the corners and works the cycle game.

I <3 the supporting cast of the Pens this year. Army, Talbot, Christensen, Roberts, etc. are going to be huge in the playoffs. Malkin seems to have tailed off a bit lately, so the other guys are going to have to pick it up. Also hoping that Staal nets his 30th of the season against the Rangers on Saturday.

 

[rs7k]

It's pretty simple. The Leafs have no business being in the playoff race because of that stupid extra point for OT losses.

Ironically, that's what may do them in at the ACC :lol

 

[Manics]

It's pretty simple. The Leafs have no business being in the playoff race because of that stupid extra point for OT losses.

Ironically, that's what may do them in at the ACC :lol

Leafs have had a better record than the Habs since December. Lest we forget Hab fans had dreams of being up in the 4th spot in the conference at one point and they fell WAY back. So if you look at their performance since then, who deserves to be in?

 

[Alucard]

Leafs are 4-2-1 in the last 7, Montreal is 5-2.

Your original post made it sound like a team that TRIES and isn't good enough should make it in -- that implies they don't have enough talent to win games but hell, they're trying! :lol

C'mon dude, they needed OT to beat the Flyers, and almost blew a game where they had a 3 goal lead against the Pens, and have now gotten spanked by the Rangers, and lost to the DiPietro-less Islanders.

 

[ForzaItalia]

It's pretty simple. The Leafs have no business being in the playoff race because of that stupid extra point for OT losses.

Ironically, that's what may do them in at the ACC :lol

Dude, if you look at it objectively, both teams have NO BUSINESS being in the playoffs..

 

[Manics]

C'mon dude, they needed OT to beat the Flyers, and almost blew a game where they had a 3 goal lead against the Pens, and have now gotten spanked by the Rangers, and lost to the DiPietro-less Islanders.

Since Dec 23rd

Habs: 21-24-1
Leafs:23-15-6

 

[Alucard]

Since Dec 23rd

Habs: 21-24-1
Leafs:23-15-6

I'm looking more at the "what have you done for me, lately?" factor. This late into the season they should be coming out hard every single game. And they simply haven't. I'm not defending the Habs, but the Leafs seriously have no business in the post-season.

 

[dem]

God dammit.. one of your teams better keep the Isles out of the playoffs..

what a bunch of useless twits

 

[Manics]

I'm looking more at the "what have you done for me, lately?" factor. This late into the season they should be coming out hard every single game. And they simply haven't. I'm not defending the Habs, but the Leafs seriously have no business in the post-season.

The Habs have actually been winning games and looking like they give a shit

No?

 

[blah141]

Since Dec 23rd

Habs: 21-24-1
Leafs:23-15-6

Last 10 games

Habs: 8-2-0
Leafs: 5-3-2 (With 2 of the wins being in OT on a PP)

The Habs playoff push has been more convincing

 

[Alucard]

No?

Alright. I'll just stick with "go Pens go!"

 

[Manics]

Last 10 games

Habs: 8-2-0
Leafs: 5-3-2 (With 2 of the wins being in OT on a PP)

The Habs playoff push has been more convincing

3 of those 8 wins came against a Bruins team that had already given up and didn't want to win games. Every team in the league gets up for games against the Leafs though since they're the most hated in the league so the competition is always tougher.

 

[rs7k]

Leafs have had a better record than the Habs since December. Lest we forget Hab fans had dreams of being up in the 4th spot in the conference at one point and they fell WAY back. So if you look at their performance since then, who deserves to be in?

The Habs. The Leafs have been in a playoff spot for a total of 2 days during the season? :lol :lol

 

[blah141]

3 of those 8 wins came against a Bruins team that had already given up and didn't want to win games. Every team in the league gets up for games against the Leafs though since they're the most hated in the league so the competition is always tougher.

And the Bruins don't hate the habs?

You guys needed a PP in OT to beat the Flyers

And the first 2 bruin matchups were when the b's still had a chance...

 

[Manics]

The Habs. The Leafs have been in a playoff spot for a total of 2 days during the season? :lol :lol

I'm looking at records, you guys fizzled out after Christmas while the Leafs turned it up and played better despite shaky goaltending. I hazard to guess that with Raycroft in net, the Habs would be where the Bruins are now. Leafs have been a better overall team than the Habs since after Christmas, you know it, I know it and the records indicate it.

 

[Manics]

And the first 2 bruin matchups were when the b's still had a chance...

Wrong. Bruins had just come off a 7-0 devastation at the hands of the Rangers right before those 2 Montreal games and they threw in the towel.

 

[rs7k]

I'm looking at records, you guys fizzled out after Christmas while the Leafs turned it up and played better despite shaky goaltending. I hazard to guess that with Raycroft in net, the Habs would be where the Bruins are now. Leafs have been a better overall team than the Habs since after Christmas, you know it, I know it and the records indicate it.

I'm aware the Habs have been terrible after Christmas, and have only recently picked it up with Halak's stellar play. It was good to have a backlog of wins though.

Anyway, here's my bet. If the Habs beat the Leafs, you must have a Habs avatar or a Leafs Suck avatar until the start of next season. If the Leafs win, I'll do the same.

 

[Manics]

I'm aware the Habs have been terrible after Christmas, and have only recently picked it up with Halak's stellar play. It was good to have a backlog of wins though.

Anyway, here's my bet. If the Habs beat the Leafs, you must have a Habs avatar or a Leafs Suck avatar until the start of next season. If the Leafs win, I'll do the same.

I've already got a bet with Wolf and I like my avatar just fine. I'm not making a 1 game bet on something so foolish with Raycroft backstopping my hopes. :lol

 

[fallout]

:lol This is glorious. All that ****ing trash talk and both teams lose hard. Well played, gentlemen.

 

[sefskillz]

:lol This is glorious. All that ****ing trash talk and both teams lose hard. Well played, gentlemen.

ya it's pretty awesome. if only the islanders could pull through

 

[Giard]

I have watched the game vs the Rangers tonight.
All I can say is

:lol

 

[Alucard]

More to come in a week, boys!

 

[GSG Flash]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070406/capt.99b64066568a4d3eb3d0316e5dcd909c.canada_nhl_penguins_senators_thx105.jpg

More to come in a week, boys!

You guys can have the regular season, we'll gladly take the playoffs

 

[Alucard]

You guys can have the regular season, we'll gladly take the playoffs

I think we both have similar teams and it's really going to come down to the battle between Fleury and Emery in goal. MAF wasn't too hot in the AHL playoffs last season, and his World Juniors screwup still stings, so I'm really anxious to see how he reacts in the NHL playoffs. I think he's grown a lot and will hopefully be fine. This team has been grooming itself for a Cup drive for the past month or so with the types of games they've been involved in.

 

[GSG Flash]

I think we both have similar teams and it's really going to come down to the battle between Fleury and Emery in goal. MAF wasn't too hot in the AHL playoffs last season, and his World Juniors screwup still stings, so I'm really anxious to see how he reacts in the NHL playoffs. I think he's grown a lot and will hopefully be fine. This team has been grooming itself for a Cup drive for the past month or so with the types of games they've been involved in.

Yeah and I think the role players like Armstrong and Neil will be huge too, players like Crosby, Malkin, Heatley and Spezza will be shadowed to no end. Infact, the Pens big stars have been largely ineffective this season against the Sens, it's been player like Armstrong, Ouellet and Talbot that have been Sens killers.

 

[Alucard]

Yeah and I think the role players like Armstrong and Neil will be huge too, players like Crosby, Malkin, Heatley and Spezza will be shadowed to no end. Infact, the Pens big stars have been largely ineffective this season against the Sens, it's been player like Armstrong, Ouellet and Talbot that have been Sens killers.

That's kind of what I'm expecting in the playoffs. No doubt you need depth if you're going to go anywhere, and I think both these teams have it. Guys like Talbot or Vermette can make a huge difference. I fully expect people to call out "Crosby is a playoff bust" if he doesn't average 2 points a game against the Sens. Heh. Crosby could get zero points throughout the entire post-season and it wouldn't matter if the Pens won the Cup for me though.

 

[VALIS]

All this arguing over 8th place is folly. The Sabres are going to absolutely shitstomp whoever gets that slot. They are so much better than the Leafs, Habs and Isles it's almost unfair. Yeah yeah, "anything can happen in the playoffs." But it won't.


Hey, they would've stomped the Rangers, too, just not as badly. I'm hoping for the Rangers to win in Pittsburgh on Saturday so they can clinch 6th and avoid the Devils and Fidel Castro-Lamoriello behind the bench.

 

[Pochacco]

If the Flames post season hopes come down to their game against Edmonton, and Edmonton ****s up their chance to kick the Flames outta the playoffs, this will officially be THE WORST SEASON EVAR.

Good night though. Chicago & Columbus win. Securely in 4th spot baby!

 

[Alucard]

All this arguing over 8th place is folly. The Sabres are going to absolutely shitstomp whoever gets that slot. They are so much better than the Leafs, Habs and Isles it's almost unfair. Yeah yeah, "anything can happen in the playoffs." But it won't.


Hey, they would've stomped the Rangers, too, just not as badly. I'm hoping for the Rangers to win in Pittsburgh on Saturday so they can clinch 6th and avoid the Devils and Fidel Castro-Lamoriello behind the bench.

Yeah, the Sabres are going to lay the beatdown on whichever team they play in 5 games, tops. Well, that's what I'm assuming anyway.

This Calgary/Colorado situation is getting pretty interesting. It kind of makes me sad that one of them won't make the playoffs because I really like Kipper, and I like what the Avs have going.

 

[fallout]

If the Flames post season hopes come down to their game against Edmonton, and Edmonton ****s up their chance to kick the Flames outta the playoffs, this will officially be THE WORST SEASON EVAR.

I think the most insane thing is that it could actually happen. Keep shitting that bed, Flames!

 

[Pochacco]

Avs are awesome.
If they miss the playoffs, it's totally Theodore's fault.

 

[Alucard]

Avs are awesome.
If they miss the playoffs, it's totally Theodore's fault.

Yeah, Budaj has really asserted himself as the no. 1 in that situation. I know who I'm taking as my darkhorse goalie pick for my fantasy pools next season. Haha.

The situation in the West almost makes me wish that 9 teams could somehow make it in.

 

[fallout]

Well, the Avs still have to overcome Nashville on Saturday. That said ... it could happen.

 

[Spruce Moose]

Speaking of shitting the bed, nice going Vancouver! *roll eyes*

 

[fallout]

Nooo! Calgary coming back! We spoke too soon!

 

[Alucard]

So uhh, Thornton has 90 assists. Damn.

 

[fallout]

*phew*

Too close. Okay, bring on Saturday.

 

[Barrage]

The situation in the West almost makes me wish that 9 teams could somehow make it in.

Easy solution to that-boot Toronto and Montreal for being nutless, then have Colorado and the Islanders play for the 8th spot in the East.

 

[The Internet]

Man...if we can't even score a goal against Minny in 2 games, what makes you think the Oilers can squeeze one out on Saturday?

Please Baby Jesus!

 

[wolywood]

Aargh....what makes the Sens loss all the more painful is that Alfredsson and Comrie between them missed like 4 open nets in the final 5 minutes. Ottawa still lacks that killer instinct, which is why I'm coming to dread the playoffs every year.

Still, this is going to be one hell of a series. And if Ottawa has to lose to anyone, I'd rather it be Pittsburgh and its genuinely classy fans than, say, Buffalo or the godforsaken Devils.

Is there a GAF playoff pool BTW? (Sorry, I'm new at this whole interweb forum thing)