NHL 2023-2024 Out of Town: Stanley Cup Playoffs II

[ODAAT]

And I'll keep saying it

We were darn close to the second best team in the East, if not THE second best team. With all our cap space now no question we are. Hoping Don uses it well.



Well that's a shame for Florida, because the next two years gut them cap-wise. They're going to lose a lot of this talent. This is their shot.

I`ll respectfully disagree, feel the B`s picked up a ton of loser points which helped them in the standings obviously.

I think the B`s were a decent team this year but had massive warts up front that could not be addressed due to the cap

Admirable they stretched Florida to 6 games with a top heavy lineup, super easy to focus simply on 2 lines.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Bennett with the elbow to the head of Zibanajad before he scores.

I might start cheering for Edmonton. Best chance that they'll start calling some of this 5hit - 'cause the league will want McDavid to get a cup.

There was no elbow, just the phony head snap by Zibanejad.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

Funny, Paul Maurice comments after the series was over certainly don't indicate that.

Up here in Canada, I have never heard a single analyst call the Bruins soft once.

I don't listen to the local talk radio down in Boston. But seems like this narrative the Bruins are pillow soft seems to exist there and on HF Boards only.

Weren't the Bruins and Panthers like No.1 and No.2 in hits given through the first two rounds?

Hits are a misleading and inaccurate stat overall.

The book has been out on the Bruins for years, hit them hard and often and you'll win the series. St Louis did it in 2019, Tampa did it in 2020, the Islanders did it in 2021 and Florida has done it that past 2 years.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

To me the most impressive thing about the Panthers was their short passing game. Even when confronted with tight checking they seem to make the pass, hitting a teammate on the move with pinpoint precision. It's the biggest reason they have so much puck possession. They execute. Official giveaways in last night's game were 12 for the Rangers, one for the Panthers.

Hits are a misleading and inaccurate stat overall.

The book has been out on the Bruins for years, hit them hard and often and you'll win the series. St Louis did it in 2019, Tampa did it in 2020, the Islanders did it in 2021 and Florida has done it that past 2 years.

Almost all the hockey pundits have said the Panthers/Bruins series has been the most physical of the playoffs.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Hits are a misleading and inaccurate stat overall.

The book has been out on the Bruins for years, hit them hard and often and you'll win the series. St Louis did it in 2019, Tampa did it in 2020, the Islanders did it in 2021 and Florida has done it that past 2 years.

That’s not what Florida does. Still a fundamental misunderstanding of who the Panthers are after two playoff series. They have an exceptional forecheck where they cut the ice in half and bring the strong side D down with two forwards at the mid boards. They’re a boa constrictor not some heavy beat you up team. This isn’t the Blues.

Everyone calls for more beef, when what you need to beat that forecheck are mobile defensemen who can stay away from that danger zone and get the puck out with possession. Lohrei was excellent at doing this.

Look at Florida’s roster - where are the big heavy hitters? Bennett? Other than that they’re tall mobile players - from Barkov and Lundell to Forsling and Montour.

They’re rats, they’re cheap, and for some reason they’re allowed to get away with more than any other team. But they are not a physical in your face team. Playing the likes of Forbort, Peeke, Trouba, and Miller against them has killed the Bruins and Rangers.

You beat them by getting it out quick and counterattacking. The Rangers have hit more counters (see the last OT goal). Our forwards weee not good at doing it.

If you want to tailor a defense for the Panthers you bring in more mobility and skill, not more THUMP.

 

[Sheppy]

That Forsling contract looks so f***ing good.

 

[Gee Wally]

That’s not what Florida does. Still a fundamental misunderstanding of who the Panthers are after two playoff series. They have an exceptional forecheck where they cut the ice in half and bring the strong side D down with two forwards at the mid boards. They’re a boa constrictor not some heavy beat you up team. This isn’t the Blues.

Everyone calls for more beef, when what you need to beat that forecheck are mobile defensemen who can stay away from that danger zone and get the puck out with possession. Lohrei was excellent at doing this.

Look at Florida’s roster - where are the big heavy hitters? Bennett? Other than that they’re tall mobile players - from Barkov and Lundell to Forsling and Montour.

They’re rats, they’re cheap, and for some reason they’re allowed to get away with more than any other team. But they are not a physical in your face team. Playing the likes of Forbort, Peeke, Trouba, and Miller against them has killed the Bruins and Rangers.

You beat them by getting it out quick and counterattacking. The Rangers have hit more counters (see the last OT goal). Our forwards weee not good at doing it.

If you want to tailor a defense for the Panthers you bring in more mobility and skill, not more THUMP.

I agree with you in regard to their forecheck. Best in the business IMO.
Their speed is with purpose. Not necessarily bone crushing but time elimination pressure.
They also are not afraid to take risk ( penalties). Its almost like a plan that ‘well they cant call everything’.

We certainly need speed here. But it has to be with purpose. On the forecheck and getting into the dirty areas.

 

[KWbruin]

There was no elbow, just the phony head snap by Zibanejad.

Watched again a couple times. I think you might be right. I was assuming worst after the Marchand incident. Brutal attempt to draw a call by Z at that point in the game.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I agree with you in regard to their forecheck. Best in the business IMO.
Their speed is with purpose. Not necessarily bone crushing but time elimination pressure.
They also are not afraid to take risk ( penalties). Its almost like a plan that ‘well they cant call everything’.

We certainly need speed here. But it has to be with purpose. On the forecheck and getting into the dirty areas.

That was Fred Shero's plan in the Broad Street Bully's days.

Panthers are a long way from that level.

But they are not lazy checkers. They aren't reaching with their sticks, they keep moving their feet, take the check right to the man. Like you said, speed with purpose.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

That Forsling contract looks so f***ing good.

Picked up off waivers from Carolina in 2021. Drafted in the 5th round by Vancouver in 2014.

Stepping into shit like this in the Cap era is a pot of gold.

 

[RoccoF14]

Kudos to Zito, best GM in NHL. Highly drafted talent playing like it.

Ekblad
Barkov
Reinhart
Tkachuk
Bennett
OEL
Lundell

Then guys like Verhaege and Montour playing big. Even Kulikov and Mikkola look solid.

You forgot Forsling. Probably one of the most underrated signings they've made. They claimed him off waivers and he's been stellar. Not sure if I'd have given him an 8/$46mil extension, but goddamn, that guy is outstanding on the back end.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

whoops

 

[EverettMike]

I’d like to see the Oilers win it all.
McDavid gets his Cup.
Toronto fans and Matthews binkies heads explode.

If the Oilers win it all:

Good news: Montreal loses its mantle as last team in Canada to win the Cup.

Bad news: f*** Edmonton.

Good news: Means Florida doesn't win.

Bad news: No, seriously f*** Edmonton and how f***ing lucky that franchise has been, a big giant reward for absolutely sucking for so long.

Good news: I still get to say "f*** Edmonton" a lot

 

[Bridges31]

If I cared about the NHL I’d root for Edmonton. Mcdavid deserves a cup. He’s one of the best in the game.

 

[whatsbruin]

The book has been out on the Bruins for years, hit them hard and often and you'll win the series.

That's pretty much the receipe for success against any team.

 

[EverettMike]

I'm firmly rooting for Dallas.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

If the Oilers win it all:

Good news: Montreal loses its mantle as last team in Canada to win the Cup.

Bad news: f*** Edmonton.

Good news: Means Florida doesn't win.

Bad news: No, seriously f*** Edmonton and how f***ing lucky that franchise has been, a big giant reward for absolutely sucking for so long.

Good news: I still get to say "f*** Edmonton" a lot

I get the sentiment but they're not the ones who kept messing with the lottery odds. Ironically enough, it was the league meddling with the # of ping pong balls that got them McDavid.

Also, not you specifically, but in general why does Edmonton get so much hate for top 1-3 picks but other teams dont? The Penguins picked 5-1-2-1-2 in consecutive drafts getting Whitney, MAF, Malkin, Crosby, Staal. Pittsburgh was lucky enough to be 1,2 in multiple all time quality draft classes, while Edmonton really only got 1 draft at that quality. It's not like they get racking up generational talents at 1st OA

 

[whatsbruin]

I agree with you in regard to their forecheck. Best in the business IMO.
Their speed is with purpose. Not necessarily bone crushing but time elimination pressure.
They also are not afraid to take risk ( penalties). Its almost like a plan that ‘well they cant call everything’.

We certainly need speed here. But it has to be with purpose. On the forecheck and getting into the dirty areas.

I think the late series games, where both JVR and Maroon were playing had a serious affect on the B's forcheck, or lack thereof.
Speed kills, and slowness allows the opponent to make plays.

 

[EverettMike]

I get the sentiment but they're not the ones who kept messing with the lottery odds. Ironically enough, it was the league meddling with the # of ping pong balls that got them McDavid.

Also, not you specifically, but in general why does Edmonton get so much hate for top 1-3 picks but other teams dont? The Penguins picked 5-1-2-1-2 in consecutive drafts getting Whitney, MAF, Malkin, Crosby, Staal. Pittsburgh was lucky enough to be 1,2 in multiple all time quality draft classes, while Edmonton really only got 1 draft at that quality. It's not like they get racking up generational talents at 1st OA

My guy, we f***ing HATE the Penguins, a franchise that threatened to shut down twice before it got a top 10 player ever. f*** Pittsburgh.

 

[PB37]

Hits are a misleading and inaccurate stat overall.

The book has been out on the Bruins for years, hit them hard and often and you'll win the series. St Louis did it in 2019, Tampa did it in 2020, the Islanders did it in 2021 and Florida has done it that past 2 years.

Bruins hit just as much and as hard as the Panthers. Losing the series came down to not being quick enough to push the puck up the ice and not having enough talent to match up. Bruins were mostly a lunch pail group - hard working guys that they maxed out and then some during the regular season, but clearly a step down skill level wise.

 

[BruinDust]

I think the late series games, where both JVR and Maroon were playing had a serious affect on the B's forcheck, or lack thereof.
Speed kills, and slowness allows the opponent to make plays.

The Bruins couldn't get any real zone time due to their lack of speed. Couldn't get to dump ins fast enough. Couldn't break down the D and get across the Panther blue line with possession.

The plan to beat the Panthers is simple really. Break out quick, transition through the neutral zone well, get possession in their zone and spend as much time in the offensive zone as you can. Executing that plan is a whole other story however.

Sitting back and trying to sit on leads against them plays right into their wheelhouse. Taking lots of penalties, also plays right into their hands.

Last night was perfect example. Rangers give up the first Panther goal halfway through the 2nd period, then Trouba takes that penalty about a minute later. Panthers had 12 shots at that point. They proceed to take the game over and put up 25 shots over 30 minutes of hockey basically.

They way they play you have to get to them early. 2 of the 6 games Boston took it to them in the 1st period but couldn't finish and pull ahead far enough and slowly but surely the Panthers style and Bruin penalties brought them back into the game. They are the hockey version of a snowball rolling downhill.

 

[Mione134]

I'm firmly rooting for Dallas.

This is the only correct answer

 

[BTO]

The Bruins couldn't get any real zone time due to their lack of speed. Couldn't get to dump ins fast enough. Couldn't break down the D and get across the Panther blue line with possession.

The plan to beat the Panthers is simple really. Break out quick, transition through the neutral zone well, get possession in their zone and spend as much time in the offensive zone as you can. Executing that plan is a whole other story however.

Sitting back and trying to sit on leads against them plays right into their wheelhouse. Taking lots of penalties, also plays right into their hands.

Last night was perfect example. Rangers give up the first Panther goal halfway through the 2nd period, then Trouba takes that penalty about a minute later. Panthers had 12 shots at that point. They proceed to take the game over and put up 25 shots over 30 minutes of hockey basically.

They way they play you have to get to them early. 2 of the 6 games Boston took it to them in the 1st period but couldn't finish and pull ahead far enough and slowly but surely the Panthers style and Bruin penalties brought them back into the game. They are the hockey version of a snowball rolling downhill.

Again, breaking-out quickly, transitioning through the neutral zone well, getting possession in their zone and spending as much time in the offensive zone as you can is a recipe for beating anyone. But good forechecks tend to disrupt it.

 

[BTO]

That’s not what Florida does. Still a fundamental misunderstanding of who the Panthers are after two playoff series. They have an exceptional forecheck where they cut the ice in half and bring the strong side D down with two forwards at the mid boards. They’re a boa constrictor not some heavy beat you up team. This isn’t the Blues.

Everyone calls for more beef, when what you need to beat that forecheck are mobile defensemen who can stay away from that danger zone and get the puck out with possession. Lohrei was excellent at doing this.

Look at Florida’s roster - where are the big heavy hitters? Bennett? Other than that they’re tall mobile players - from Barkov and Lundell to Forsling and Montour.

They’re rats, they’re cheap, and for some reason they’re allowed to get away with more than any other team. But they are not a physical in your face team. Playing the likes of Forbort, Peeke, Trouba, and Miller against them has killed the Bruins and Rangers.

You beat them by getting it out quick and counterattacking. The Rangers have hit more counters (see the last OT goal). Our forwards weee not good at doing it.

If you want to tailor a defense for the Panthers you bring in more mobility and skill, not more THUMP.

You can say that they're not heavy hitters all you want but they do finish every check. Certainly speed and relentlessness is one key to that, but they do hit, relentlessly. As someone else said, they're not lazy checkers who check with their sticks, like Boston is.

Also, you can say that mobile defensemen are key to beating a great forecheck, which is true, but a great forecheck can also defeat a mobile D. It's a matter who is better at it on any given play rather than a case of a mobile defense necessarily beating a relentless forecheck or a case of "we have a mobile D so that neutralizes their forecheck". Not like every single play is going to result in the D getting the puck out quickly. Some times they won't. Which is why the D also have to be able to take a hit because part of forechecking is hitting and part of dealing with it is dealing with getting hit.

 

[BruinDust]

Again, breaking-out quickly, transitioning through the neutral zone well, getting possession in their zone and spending as much time in the offensive zone as you can is a recipe for beating anyone. But good forechecks tend to disrupt it.

True, but the key here is you can't sit back at any point with them and try to nurse a lead. Some passive 1-2-2 forecheck and they'll smell blood.

And you have to gain the offensive zone, that was the Bruins problem with the lack of overall speed up front. To a degree you have to beat them at their own game (loads of offensive zone-time).