Pre-Game Talk: Hurricanes at Capitals, ECQF Game 1

[Anton Dubinchuk]

We got the Caps. Don’t love it, but it’s a better matchup than the last 9 years.

Discuss!

 

[Stanky and Janky]

I don't mind playing the Caps outside of my wife being a Caps fan. It'll be an awkward week or two. It's certainly not impossible to beat them, but a big hill to climb. It will be interesting to see how the goalie situation is handled.

 

[Surrounded By Ahos]

To be the man you have to beat the man.

Let’s go beat that man.

 

[DougieSmash]

Shades of the Bruins 09. We gonna take them out.

 

[Oogie Boogie]

I didn't care who we ended up playing against I'm just glad they're back.

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

It should be Mrazek, hands down. If he struggles, go with the Cam Ward switch and put Mac in, sure. But Mrazek’s the hottest goalie in the league and down the stretch has been the guy.

In Jan/Feb I was nervous that if we did make it we’d have controversy as neither was separating himself. There was a point when it really looked like it should be Curtis. But it’s decidedly Mrazek and should be unless he struggles.

 

[Canes]

Time for Mrazek to channel his inner Dominik Hasek. If he plays well like he has, we have more of a shot than anyone thinks. Hopefully the first line comes alive again too. We'll need all of itthis to advance.

 

[Stanky and Janky]

It should be Mrazek, hands down. If he struggles, go with the Cam Ward switch and put Mac in, sure. But Mrazek’s the hottest goalie in the league and down the stretch has been the guy.

In Jan/Feb I was nervous that if we did make it we’d have controversy as neither was separating himself. There was a point when it really looked like it should be Curtis. But it’s decidedly Mrazek and should be unless he struggles.

Obviously it should be Mrazek, but given how much they have gone back and forth, and that they didn't pull a goalie all year, it'll be interesting to see how they handle it. Especially when things aren't going the right way. What's the most consecutive games Mrazek played all year I wonder?

 

[Navin R Slavin]

I think it's Mrazek unless/until he loses b2b.

 

[CaniacSZN]

Every playoff matchup is now set so here’s my predictions:

Tampa beat CBJ in 7
Leafs beat Boston in 6
Isles beat Pitt in 7
Hurricanes beat Wash in 6 (homer pick)

Flames beat Colorado in 5
Vegas beat San Jose in 6
Nashville beat Dallas in 7
Blues beat Winnipeg in 6

Fully expect everyone to disagree on Toronto, Isles and maybe the Canes? I think CBJ is going to give Tampa all they can handle and wouldn’t be surprised if they win that series with the way they’re playing lately. Y’all can roast me when I go 2-6.

 

[Canes]

I think it's Mrazek unless/until he loses b2b.

Luckily in the playoffs b2bs aren't a thing.

And I can't remember the last time a NHL team rotated goalies in the playoffs, even in the case of a loss.

I think Brindy/Bales won't try to reinvent the wheel and will go with one goalie. Goalie communication/chemistry with the team is very real, and changing it up mid playoffs unless absolutely necessary seems like a recipe for disaster.

Nevermind, I realize you meant back to back losses. My bad. Still, would be dangerous to start McElhinney then but I would understand if Mrazek gives up like 4 or 5 goals a game in the losses.

 

[VAcaniac]

As good a time as ever to relive some great playoff moments.

 

[HisIceness]

Well to be the best you gotta beat the best. Capitals may not have been the best team this season but they're still the defending cup champs so we gotta take that silver spittoon outta their hands. As John Matrix said to Bennett in Commando, Come on Capitals, lets party!

 

[Drivebytrucker]

I would be fine if we live and die with Mzarek.

Go out on your shield.

Play your best players

 

[zman77]

Goal-Tending has been strong for the 'Canes this season.

 

[zman77]

Every playoff matchup is now set so here’s my predictions:

Tampa beat CBJ in 7
Leafs beat Boston in 6
Isles beat Pitt in 7
Hurricanes beat Wash in 6 (homer pick)

Flames beat Colorado in 5
Vegas beat San Jose in 6
Nashville beat Dallas in 7
Blues beat Winnipeg in 6

Fully expect everyone to disagree on Toronto, Isles and maybe the Canes? I think CBJ is going to give Tampa all they can handle and wouldn’t be surprised if they win that series with the way they’re playing lately. Y’all can roast me when I go 2-6.

Like your picks CaniacsSZN.
It's going to be an exciting NHL Play-Offs.
'Canes have been one of the hottest teams since Dec. 31st.
Boys also have an excellent Road Record which scares a lot of teams.

 

[Canes]

I would be fine if we live and die with Mzarek.

Go out on your shield.

Play your best players

This. Time to find out exactly what Mrazek's made of. He's still young enough to commit to for several seasons.

McElhinney, with his age, will be a backup for the rest of his career, no matter how he plays.

That said, I will support whatever the coaches do. What they've done so far has got us here. I just really hope Mrazek grabs the bull by the horns and solidifies his future with the franchise.

 

[3CanesInTheBox]

TheJerkBowl. We, the OG Jerks, should take this home

It is what it is. I'm just so stoked to watch playoff hockey! I think an upset is possible, we will have to play a lot tighter hockey than we have been playing down the stretch. Just want to see them give all they got / play with heart, and I'll be content.

 

[cptjeff]

My picks:

Tampa sweeps CBJ, 4-0
Boston over Leafs 4-2
Pens over Isles 4-3
Canes win, baby! 7 games.

Flames over Colorado 4-1
San Jose scrapes it out over Vegas 4-3
Nashville sweeps Dallas 4-0
Blues beat Winnipeg 4-2

 

[VAcaniac]

Even though the Canes didnt score on the PP tonight, they looked like they had regained some confidence. And Faulk is heating up. That would be huge in the playoffs.

 

[zman77]

 

[zman77]

 

[zman77]

 

[zman77]

 

[DaveG]

I think it's Mrazek unless/until he loses b2b.

And I wouldn't even say if he loses 1 & 2. If we lose a couple close 3-2 affairs where he's still putting up like a 915 you keep him going