GDT: Around the NHL - Playoff Edition

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

I feel like another problem with Toronto's core forwards is that while a couple of them are supposed to be centers they don't really tick all the boxes for true, elite play-driving centers. Stylistically and as far as on-ice impact... they all four profile far closer to wings to me.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Dallas in 7

Panthers in 4

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Oh man that would rule so hard if the Panthers absolutely cratered Carolina.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I feel like another problem with Toronto's core forwards is that while a couple of them are supposed to be centers they don't really tick all the boxes for true, elite play-driving centers. Stylistically and as far as on-ice impact... they all four profile far closer to wings to me.

Marner plays like a play driving center. The problem there is he's a winger and plays too soft/perimeter come playoff time to be as effective at it than the other elite play drivers.

Matthews plays more like a less physical, less intense, less consistent version of Ovechkin (ie. floats around looking for openings to receive a pass from Marner, but not really creating for his line).

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Having said that, I'd still like to see Marner signed here as a FA because playoffs are optional at this point and he's proven he's a regular season demon and PP entry specialist.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Oh man that would rule so hard if the Panthers absolutely cratered Carolina.

I just fail to see how they’re gonna score enough goals

 

[ThosePuckingPenguins]

Bruins extending Sweeney is hilarious.

 

[BHD]

I'm intrigued by the Cats/Canes series because neither of them have faced stiff competition up to this point. The goaltending is a wash, but Carolina has the edge on defense, Florida at forward. The thing with the Florida, though, is their ability to win different ways.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I'm intrigued by the Cats/Canes series because neither of them have faced stiff competition up to this point. The goaltending is a wash, but Carolina has the edge on defense, Florida at forward. The thing with the Florida, though, is their ability to win different ways.

Tampa and Toronto aren’t good competition? Leafs were up 2-0

 

[Andy99]

I'm intrigued by the Cats/Canes series because neither of them have faced stiff competition up to this point. The goaltending is a wash, but Carolina has the edge on defense, Florida at forward. The thing with the Florida, though, is their ability to win different ways.

They’ve played a lot of hockey though the last three seasons…that’s why I picked Carolina and Andersen has actually been the better goalie this playoffs than Bob

 

[BHD]

Tampa and Toronto aren’t good competition? Leafs were up 2-0

Perhaps I phrased it wrong... My point is there's a clear distinction between New Jersey, Washington, Florida for Carolina. Tampa, Toronto, and Carolina for Florida.

 

[wheelz87]

They’ve played a lot of hockey though the last three seasons…that’s why I picked Carolina and Andersen has actually been the better goalie this playoffs than Bob

Definitely not expecting another Carolina getting swept series. Florida has got to be running on fumes at this point. Pretty sure tkachuk is playing at like 10% of his true ability.. and yet this is where Florida has come up big and Carolina has wilted the past couple years. Real interesting series. Still think Florida in 6 or 7.

 

[GilbertSeinfeld]

Dallas in 7

Panthers in 4

I want to see the Cup Finals between Dallas and Florida go seven because both Maurice and DeBoer are undefeated in games seven.

Maurice is 6-0 after the Toronto series and we all know DeBoer's record.

 

[Turin]

Btw even though I picked Carolina I think it’s probably more likely Florida wins I just want to see a different final haha. I like Floridas roster a lot more when it’s healthy

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

They’ve played a lot of hockey though the last three seasons…that’s why I picked Carolina and Andersen has actually been the better goalie this playoffs than Bob

To me, FL is the BEST TEAM in the Final 4.
However, I think they're the most banged up.

So I have Carolina advancing just due to health.
For similar reasons (Dallas being banged up) I have Edm winning.
The X Factor is Jake Oettinger. If he goes bananas (and he certainly could), Stars it is.

 

[Turin]

This slogan is a bit harsh

 

[BHD]

I feel like another problem with Toronto's core forwards is that while a couple of them are supposed to be centers they don't really tick all the boxes for true, elite play-driving centers. Stylistically and as far as on-ice impact... they all four profile far closer to wings to me.

It's probably been mentioned before, but the core isn't well rounded enough. To bring it back to Florida... not only are they deep, but there's no weak spot on that roster. The Leafs should have done a Neal/Hornqvist trade one of those years.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I'd be fine with a Florida dynasty, if it's earned. May the best reign supreme. May ambition and hard work be rewarded.

Rooting for Edmonton though. No Cup for McD and Drai in their careers would be pretty sad. Plus I'm Canadian and it's been a 32 year drought. They seem like the only real chance in the immediate future.

 

[GilbertSeinfeld]

I'd be fine with a Florida dynasty, if it's earned. May the best reign supreme. May ambition and hard work be rewarded.

Rooting for Edmonton though. No Cup for McD and Drai in their careers would be pretty sad. Plus I'm Canadian and it's been a 32 year drought. They seem like the only real chance in the immediate future.

On the other side of the argument, **** the Oilers.

I'd be fine with a Canadian team winning, except Edmonton or Toronto, and probably Vancouver.

 

[eXile3]

I hope Florida loses but I think they’re too deep.

 

[Al Smith]

Picking Canes in 7, with 6 games decided by one goal not including EN. Stars in 6.

 

[CascadiaPenguin]

This is NOT boring hockey. Florida's forecheck is still kicking ass. I may enjoy this series more than I thought I would.

 

[plaidchuck]

Well this looks over before it begins, if Toronto couldnt score enough Carolina sure as hell wont

 

[AuroraBorealis]

This is usually how it goes. The teams that played recently in a long series are a step ahead of the team that had a bunch of time off. It balances out quickly though, and the exhaustion factor comes into play more as the series goes on.

 

[66-30-33]

Imagine if Sid was traded to say...Florida? get a few cups on that team.