Around the League '16-'17 Part Why Is This Still Going

[KINGS17]

I have to admit I never liked PK Suban when he was in Montreal.

I enjoy watching him much more as a member of the Predators. Very dynamic player. Maybe with the new approach we will see more flair in Doughty's game.

Suban does actually get his shot on net without getting it blocked though. Maybe if Doughty has more freedom to go down low to at least the top of the circle. Notice a play the other night where the Preds scored a goal and both defensemen were at the hash marks. It's great when it works, but if the shot misses the net a rims hard around, it's how 3-on-1 rushes for the opposition happen.

 

[KingsFan7824]

The Was/Pit series mirrors the LA/Chi series from 2014 a bit. The Kings had that big 3rd period in Game 2, and they won the next 2 games after that. The Caps had that in the 3rd period of Game 5, and have forced a Game 7. Chicago was down 1-3, and forced a Game 7. Pittsburgh is going into enemy territory for Game 7 after losing a 3-1 series lead, including Game 6 at home. Pittsburgh is Washington's mountain to climb. There's the Williams factor.

Hopefully it's not a blowout either way. Probably won't be as crazy as Kings/Hawks Game 7, but it'll get some hype. So did Colorado/Detroit in 2002, but that ended with a whimper.

 

[deeshamrock]

Pretty surprised after crashing head first into the boards, Crosby wasn't taken into the quite room, especially having just returned from a concussion. Did the spotters miss this?

Surprised me too. NHL's explanation sounds a bit fishy...


https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...potters-couldnt-pull-sidney-crosby/101460354/

Concussion spotters didn't have the authority to pull Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby from Game 6 on Monday because his head-first collision with the boards is not a "mechanism of injury" that allows that under their guidelines.

Mechanism of injury? So hitting the head against the boards or on the ice, can't cause a concussion? Sorry, don't buy that.

“Depending on the mechanism of injury, ‘slow to get up’ does not trigger mandatory removal,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told USA TODAY Sports.

Disagree on 'slow to get up' theory.
I wondered what would happen if he got up today symptomatic. but I guess the primary responsibility is on him, although you would think the GM, staff etc. would be concerned about the after effects (symptoms don' t alway show up right away) for a player who not only had had multiple concussions but one less than a week before.

Anyway, he was at practice
Dave Molinari‏ @MolinariPG

Crosby is on the ice for practice.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

The Was/Pit series mirrors the LA/Chi series from 2014 a bit. The Kings had that big 3rd period in Game 2, and they won the next 2 games after that. The Caps had that in the 3rd period of Game 5, and have forced a Game 7. Chicago was down 1-3, and forced a Game 7. Pittsburgh is going into enemy territory for Game 7 after losing a 3-1 series lead, including Game 6 at home. Pittsburgh is Washington's mountain to climb. There's the Williams factor.

Hopefully it's not a blowout either way. Probably won't be as crazy as Kings/Hawks Game 7, but it'll get some hype. So did Colorado/Detroit in 2002, but that ended with a whimper.

I think the score will be close but the game won't. Pittsburgh's defense has been exposed. Kind of like game 3 without the Pens tying it up late.

 

[deeshamrock]

I think the score will be close but the game won't. Pittsburgh's defense has been exposed. Kind of like game 3 without the Pens tying it up late.

Pens last 2 game 7's on the road vs the Wings and Caps, they won both.
JW aside, game 7's are a whole different set of pressure. Although I think the Pens will win, I would worry on Fleury, who once he gives up a soft goal, the rest follow.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Pens last 2 game 7's were on the road vs the Wings and Caps, they won both.
JW aside, game 7's are a whole different set of pressure. Although I think the Pens will win, I would worry on Fleury, who once he gives up a soft goal, the rest follow.

I just feel like the Caps know how to counter the Pens attack now. Instead of defending up the ice in fear of all the Pens speed, they just throw everything they have at the Pens defense so they can't even move it up the ice. Pens can't adjust because they just don't have the personnel. Daley not at practice today. Pens will have to outscore the Caps by 2 on special teams to have a chance. Pens haven't adjusted to the Caps new pressure PK either.

 

[deeshamrock]

For what it's worth, last night CSN Philly reported that Hextall has been 'talking' to Lombardi and possibly DL taking a front office job here.

I'm not sure why he'd do that, you'd think he'd want to remain in the GM role but maybe not. And I guess it would depend on the role he'd have.
Still kind of took me by surprise.

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.co...cle_90780f48-342d-11e7-b1c9-b7cebde8392a.html

“I’ve talked to Dean (who was a former scout with the Flyers) a couple times,’’ Hextall said. “He’s not doing anything right now as far as I know. I’m actually waiting for a call back from him.’’

 

[deeshamrock]

I just feel like the Caps know how to counter the Pens attack now. Instead of defending up the ice in fear of all the Pens speed, they just throw everything they have at the Pens defense so they can't even move it up the ice. Pens can't adjust because they just don't have the personnel. Daley not at practice today. Pens will have to outscore the Caps by 2 on special teams to have a chance. Pens haven't adjusted to the Caps new pressure PK either.

Very valid points all, but it's still a game 7 and that is a whole different set of pressure. And I've seen a favored Caps team lose in game 7 , and to the Pens. Granted that Pens team wasn't as injury laden.
For me , the key still is Fleury. Which one shows up.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Very valid points all, but it's still a game 7 and that is a whole different set of pressure. And I've seen a favored Caps team lose in game 7 , and to the Pens. Granted that Pens team wasn't as injury laden.
For me , the key still is Fleury. Which one shows up.

Yeah, goaltending is always huge in a do-or-die game. Especially for a team that looks close to mentally done in Pittsburgh. Can't believe what a poor effort they put forth last night in a clinching game at home.

What's your feeling on the Ducks-Oilers game? I feel like the Oilers is the better team but I just can't see the Ducks losing another game 7. On one hand I can see Rakell and Silfverberg carrying them to a win but on the other I can see Gibson letting in a bunch of softies again.

 

[deeshamrock]

Yeah, goaltending is always huge in a do-or-die game. Especially for a team that looks close to mentally done in Pittsburgh. Can't believe what a poor effort they put forth last night in a clinching game at home.

What's your feeling on the Ducks-Oilers game? I feel like the Oilers is the better team but I just can't see the Ducks losing another game 7. On one hand I can see Rakell and Silfverberg carrying them to a win but on the other I can see Gibson letting in a bunch of softies again.

You said it in that last sentence. Given how he cracked in game 6, and the pressure involved, I think he'll be shaky . And the Oilers will put on a full court press in that first 10 min or so. And given what Draisaitl has done, thriving in pressure, I would expect he'll be a key. I picked the Oilers in 6 over the Ducks in my pools pre playoffs, I haven't seen anything to change that, even tho it's 7.

For the most part, the Oilers have been the better team. And I don't have any confidence in the Ducks in game 7's. I expect Lucic will be a bigger POA that he's been already. i'd love to see him get Kessler unhinged and give the Oils a PP or two.
I think the Oilers come out fully charged and get pot a few in the first.

I think they win by a couple goals or more.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I have to admit I never liked PK Suban when he was in Montreal.

I enjoy watching him much more as a member of the Predators. Very dynamic player. Maybe with the new approach we will see more flair in Doughty's game.

Suban does actually get his shot on net without getting it blocked though. Maybe if Doughty has more freedom to go down low to at least the top of the circle. Notice a play the other night where the Preds scored a goal and both defensemen were at the hash marks. It's great when it works, but if the shot misses the net a rims hard around, it's how 3-on-1 rushes for the opposition happen.

He's a perfect fit for them as opposed to the more conservative MTL system. Nashville wants their d to be crazy up tempo and aggressive. And they've built it as such. Love the chaos they can create, I agree it's a lot of fun. Reminds me of a bizarro 2012 Kings--not quite as angry/mean, but so much pressure.

 

[KINGS17]

For what it's worth, last night CSN Philly reported that Hextall has been 'talking' to Lombardi and possibly DL taking a front office job here.

I'm not sure why he'd do that, you'd think he'd want to remain in the GM role but maybe not. And I guess it would depend on the role he'd have.
Still kind of took me by surprise.

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.co...cle_90780f48-342d-11e7-b1c9-b7cebde8392a.html

I think Lombardi and Hextall make a good team. Dean spent some time in the Flyers organization reassessing his performance after he was fired in San Jose.

Seems like something he might want to do again, but I wouldn't be shocked if he became Buffalo's GM.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

You said it in that last sentence. Given how he cracked in game 6, and the pressure involved, I think he'll be shaky . And the Oilers will put on a full court press in that first 10 min or so. And given what Draisaitl has done, thriving in pressure, I would expect he'll be a key. I picked the Oilers in 6 over the Ducks in my pools pre playoffs, I haven't seen anything to change that, even tho it's 7.

For the most part, the Oilers have been the better team. And I don't have any confidence in the Ducks in game 7's. I expect Lucic will be a bigger POA that he's been already. i'd love to see him get Kessler unhinged and give the Oils a PP or two.
I think the Oilers come out fully charged and get pot a few in the first.

I think they win by a couple goals or more.

I do wonder about the Oilers mental toughness though. If they're up late in the game, how do they react after their game 5 meltdown in Anaheim? Do they go ultra conservative in fear of that happening again? Or have they grown in the past 5-6 days and will do what they need to do now? Especially in a game 7 where there's a lot more pressure.

 

[McDavyCrockett]

I do wonder about the Oilers mental toughness though. If they're up late in the game, how do they react after their game 5 meltdown in Anaheim? Do they go ultra conservative in fear of that happening again? Or have they grown in the past 5-6 days and will do what they need to do now? Especially in a game 7 where there's a lot more pressure.

We would've won that game if not for Kesler's blatant interference on Talbot which was uncalled. While I hated the optics of sitting back on that lead, a 3-goal cushion was enough if not for that bush-league call.

That said, I still see the Ducks winning. Every team exorcises their demons eventually.

 

[deeshamrock]

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/some-tough-expansion-decisions-loom-for-lightning/2323151

Bolts have some potentially (depending on trade beforehand of TJ, JD or Palat) tough decisions to make for the draft. Ryan Callahan has an NMC, and adding to him Stamkos, Kucherov, Johnson, Palat and Drouin should be locks to be protected . Killorn should be on that list.

That would mean that Namestnikov might be expendable. I've seen enough of their games to see he's talented, although this year he's struggled. and on another team, without a glut in the top 6, he'd have more ice time. He's been playing pretty good for Russia

And the Namestnikov could be someone that would interest Vegas - he's a versatile forward who can play center or wing, from top line to fourth line, both special teams units. And he's relatively cheap, at $1.9375 million next season

So if that's the case, Steve Y ought to move him, rather than lose him. He'd look nice on the Kings team.

And that's not even addressing the 3 D they have to protect, after Stralman and Hedman are locks, then a choice. As the article points out, rookie (impressive) Dotchin should be protected.

Busy off season for Stevie Y

 

[KINGS17]

We would've won that game if not for Kesler's blatant interference on Talbot which was uncalled. While I hated the optics of sitting back on that lead, a 3-goal cushion was enough if not for that bush-league call.

That said, I still see the Ducks winning. Every team exorcises their demons eventually.

Every championship team does this. In the Pacific Division the Kings broke Vancouver and San Jose in the playoffs, and while San Jose almost got over the hump, Vancouver never recovered from the beating the Kings laid on them in 2012.

 

[deeshamrock]

I do wonder about the Oilers mental toughness though. If they're up late in the game, how do they react after their game 5 meltdown in Anaheim? Do they go ultra conservative in fear of that happening again? Or have they grown in the past 5-6 days and will do what they need to do now? Especially in a game 7 where there's a lot more pressure.

I chalk up their see saw issues to rookie team run in the playoffs. They are making (mental) mistakes typical of teams that are green. I think they know they can't go conservative, it will kill them. They are an aggressive team that depends on that attack method to score /win. I think that is what we saw in game 6, they came back from game 5's letdown. And speaking of toughness, the Ducks should have manned up and won that last game. Losing like that and esp that 1st period, shouldn't be something a veteran team does.

 

[deeshamrock]

Every championship team does this. In the Pacific Division the Kings broke Vancouver and San Jose in the playoffs, and while San Jose almost got over the hump, Vancouver never recovered from the beating the Kings laid on them in 2012.

Actually, I think the Canucks never recovered from losing to the BRuins in 2011 finals. And it was in both 2011 and 2012, leadership issues. That was evidence after game 1 in 2012, that hole was still there. As long as the twins are there, they won't win a thing.

 

[KINGS17]

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/some-tough-expansion-decisions-loom-for-lightning/2323151

Bolts have some potentially (depending on trade beforehand of TJ, JD or Palat) tough decisions to make for the draft. Ryan Callahan has an NMC, and adding to him Stamkos, Kucherov, Johnson, Palat and Drouin should be locks to be protected . Killorn should be on that list.

That would mean that Namestnikov might be expendable. I've seen enough of their games to see he's talented, although this year he's struggled. and on another team, without a glut in the top 6, he'd have more ice time. He's been playing pretty good for Russia



So if that's the case, Steve Y ought to move him, rather than lose him. He'd look nice on the Kings team.

And that's not even addressing the 3 D they have to protect, after Stralman and Hedman are locks, then a choice. As the article points out, rookie (impressive) Dotchin should be protected.

Busy off season for Stevie Y

Nice idea. Namestnikov is certainly the type of forward many of us were thinking of in discussing a potential Martinez trade. Young, affordable, former 1st round pick with some skill and hasn't broken out yet.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

I chalk up their see saw issues to rookie team run in the playoffs. They are making (mental) mistakes typical of teams that are green. I think they know they can't go conservative, it will kill them. They are an aggressive team that depends on that attack method to score /win. I think that is what we saw in game 6, they came back from game 5's letdown. And speaking of toughness, the Ducks should have manned up and won that last game. Losing like that and esp that 1st period, shouldn't be something a veteran team does.

Your last two sentences are what I asked last night. How can two teams like the Ducks and Penguins get blown out of the building in a series clinching game. Especially Pittsburgh who was at home and should have fed off the crowd. They were out of the game 10 minutes in. When did they finally get to 10 shots on goal? Really late in the 2nd period? Pathetic.

 

[KINGS17]

Actually, I think the Canucks never recovered from losing to the BRuins in 2011 finals. And it was in both 2011 and 2012, leadership issues. That was evidence after game 1 in 2012, that hole was still there. As long as the twins are there, they won't win a thing.

Could be, but they did come out like gang busters in the 2012 regular season, and they had made it to the cup final against Boston.

The Sedins got paid like the real deal when in reality they were fine complementary pieces which every championship team needs.

 

[kingsholygrail]

The Was/Pit series mirrors the LA/Chi series from 2014 a bit. The Kings had that big 3rd period in Game 2, and they won the next 2 games after that. The Caps had that in the 3rd period of Game 5, and have forced a Game 7. Chicago was down 1-3, and forced a Game 7. Pittsburgh is going into enemy territory for Game 7 after losing a 3-1 series lead, including Game 6 at home. Pittsburgh is Washington's mountain to climb. There's the Williams factor.

Hopefully it's not a blowout either way. Probably won't be as crazy as Kings/Hawks Game 7, but it'll get some hype. So did Colorado/Detroit in 2002, but that ended with a whimper.

Yeah, but the Kings had the lead in game 6, only to let it slip away by the third because of the heroics of Patrick Kane, who had been shut down in the series to that point. I know, I was there, and I was so pissed at the end of it.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Could be, but they did come out like gang busters in the 2012 regular season, and they had made it to the cup final against Boston.

The Sedins got paid like the real deal when in reality they were fine complementary pieces which every championship team needs.

That's how I remember it. They were still a heavy, heavy favorite in 2012--president's trophy IIRC?

We would've won that game if not for Kesler's blatant interference on Talbot which was uncalled. While I hated the optics of sitting back on that lead, a 3-goal cushion was enough if not for that bush-league call.

That said, I still see the Ducks winning. Every team exorcises their demons eventually.

Have the ducks won a game without a controversial goal call? Genuinely can't remember. You make your own luck but it's hard to go against the team that's getting every bounce. Always have a real "team of destiny" feel in that regard.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Yeah, but the Kings had the lead in game 6, only to let it slip away by the third because of the heroics of Patrick Kane, who had been shut down in the series to that point. I know, I was there, and I was so pissed at the end of it.

That game almost went down as one of the greatest Kings wins ever. Remember that TV timeout right after the Kings took the lead? Crowd was standing and cheering and yelling the entire TV timeout. They didn't even play music the crowd was so loud. The Crawford chants were shaking the building. Then stupid Patrick Kane had to go tie it and then win it.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Yeah, but the Kings had the lead in game 6, only to let it slip away by the third because of the heroics of Patrick Kane, who had been shut down in the series to that point. I know, I was there, and I was so pissed at the end of it.

That's what I appreciate so much about Patrick Kane's game, he's a monster in the last few games of a series. Very opposite of Thornton and Getzlaf.

That series will never die in my mind. It's sad but fitting that it came down to a bounce because that was two champions just taking turns saying 'no'