MDSF Thread: Columbus vs. Pittsburgh (All general series talk here)

[spintheblackcircle]

So the games in Columbus are sold out and the games in Pittsburgh aren't? Man, I hope that's indicative of the games at Nationwide being REAL home games....90-95% CBJ fans.

 

[1857 Howitzer]

So the games in Columbus are sold out and the games in Pittsburgh aren't? Man, I hope that's indicative of the games at Nationwide being REAL home games....90-95% CBJ fans.

Same thing happened in 09. The Wings could not sell out their game and begged Jackets fans to come up and even went as far as to set up a ticket/hotel package for Jackets fans. Nationwide sold out quickly and very few Wings fans (2k or less) were at the games at Nationwide.

 

[cslebn]

The more I think about this the more I expect officiating to actually be the decider in the series. I do mean this.

If the calls are like the ones at the Christmas game (5-3 Pens win) with all the phantoms calls, dives, and general BS; then the Pens will win based on spending half each game on the power play.

If we can get some real reffing then I expect the Pens to get pissed and take cheap shots (that won't get called) and some Jackets to get hurt but maybe the team can win.

This team can out play Pitt every game and still lose due to this factor more than any other single thing.

 

[blahblah]

This is the matchup I was dreading. Hopefully that's a good sign.

On paper this looks a reasonable quick Pens series victory. We'll see what happens. We've been finding ways to win, even if it's not remotely pretty.

My thoughts are that we struggle to find our way in game one. After that I think we have a fairly tight series. What that translates to in wins; your guess is as good as mine. I tend to think they'll win the series; but I think they'll have a war on their hands and will be far tougher than their fans will expect.

What should be interesting is what they make of Jenner in a long series.

 

[Bobcat110]

So the games in Columbus are sold out and the games in Pittsburgh aren't? Man, I hope that's indicative of the games at Nationwide being REAL home games....90-95% CBJ fans.

Same thing happened in 09. The Wings could not sell out their game and begged Jackets fans to come up and even went as far as to set up a ticket/hotel package for Jackets fans. Nationwide sold out quickly and very few Wings fans (2k or less) were at the games at Nationwide.

We're not a worthy opponent for their spoiled fans.

 

[Big Z Man 1990]

Well, my first thought when Pittsburgh beat us last month was "we'll see you in the playoffs".

The road to the Stanley Cup begins now. Pittsburgh won't even know what hit them.

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

So the games in Columbus are sold out and the games in Pittsburgh aren't? Man, I hope that's indicative of the games at Nationwide being REAL home games....90-95% CBJ fans.

honestly, who cares that much about fan attendance? As a Jackets fan, I'm just excited that they are back in the playoffs and am hopeful for a good series. The hockey games are what matter at this point, could care less about attendance or fans trying to prove how great they are (for either team)

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

The more I think about this the more I expect officiating to actually be the decider in the series. I do mean this.

If the calls are like the ones at the Christmas game (5-3 Pens win) with all the phantoms calls, dives, and general BS; then the Pens will win based on spending half each game on the power play.

If we can get some real reffing then I expect the Pens to get pissed and take cheap shots (that won't get called) and some Jackets to get hurt but maybe the team can win.

This team can out play Pitt every game and still lose due to this factor more than any other single thing.

LOL shouldn't we wait for the series to start before beginning the conspiracy theories/refs did us in/the NHL wants Crosby in the playoffs, etc?

 

[blahblah]

I wish the CBJ a great series and hope they do well. I hope you all enjoy the playoff run.

Thanks,

 

[Cash for Nash]

This is the matchup I was dreading. Hopefully that's a good sign.

On paper this looks a reasonable quick Pens series victory. We'll see what happens. We've been finding ways to win, even if it's not remotely pretty.

My thoughts are that we struggle to find our way in game one. After that I think we have a fairly tight series. What that translates to in wins; your guess is as good as mine. I tend to think they'll win the series; but I think they'll have a war on their hands and will be far tougher than their fans will expect.

What should be interesting is what they make of Jenner in a long series.

Honestly. I pretty much agree. I just hope we punish them physically if we're gonna lose.

If we lose we better be laying these dudes out. If nothing else setting a tone going forward as a new team, not the sheepish one that has played the Pens in the psat.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Call me crazy but I think we shock the hell out of PIT with our grit and determination in game 1 and edge them for a victory. I think we're going to come out guns ablazin

 

[jacketsnc33]

Honestly. I pretty much agree. I just hope we punish them physically if we're gonna lose.

If we lose we better be laying these dudes out. If nothing else setting a tone going forward as a new team, not the sheepish one that has played the Pens in the past.

I do think a big part of our game plan will be roughing up the Pens. The Jackets will need to be smart about that strategy to not find themselves on the penalty kill too often. Finishing checks, post-whistle scrums, anything to distract the Pens from what they are trying to do. I expect a very physical series. Get your big boy pants on!

 

[FreeBoomer61]

FSO will be broadcasting games 1-4, games 5-7 are tbd by NBC

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 1h
Was given bad info on previous tweet: Fox Sports Ohio will broadcast first four #CBJ - #Pens games, and NBCSN will be blacked out locally.

 

[DJA]

FSO will be broadcasting games 1-4, games 5-7 are tbd by NBC

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 1h
Was given bad info on previous tweet: Fox Sports Ohio will broadcast first four #CBJ - #Pens games, and NBCSN will be blacked out locally.

Think this is a bit of a joke. Was looking forward to not having to listen to Rimer & Davidge for these important games.

 

[thebus2288*]

The more I think about this the more I expect officiating to actually be the decider in the series. I do mean this.


This team can out play Pitt every game and still lose due to this factor more than any other single thing.

The single thing I'm afraid of is this. The 1 thing that makes me nervous is the Pens powerplay. Its not conspiracy talk, it does depend on who the refs are and how they decide to call the series. Will they allow us to play hard or not?

Foligno and Dubi are keys to me. WE NEED THEM. I really hope Dubi didn't mess his shoulder up too bad.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

honestly, who cares that much about fan attendance? As a Jackets fan, I'm just excited that they are back in the playoffs and am hopeful for a good series. The hockey games are what matter at this point, could care less about attendance or fans trying to prove how great they are (for either team)

I would think attendance does matter. How does it make Columbus look as a city if their arena is filled with raging Penguins fans? CBJ players don't want to hear 1/2 of the arena cheering if the Pens score a goal. It is important that Nationwide becomes an arena hard to play in during the playoffs. Being filled with CBJ fans is key to this series success.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

Stub hub cheapest ticket for all 16 playoff teams first home game:

ANA $28
BOS $142
CHI $81
COL $53
CBJ $133
DAL $45
DET $40
LA $66
MIN $65
MON $96
NYR $161
PHI $87
PIT $83
SJ $63
STL $60
TAM $39

Third behind huge money markets Boston and New York is very impressive even in light of the rarity of Jackets playoff appearances.
I think it may give a strong indication that the Columbus hockey market still may have some very strong potential.

 

[Jyrki]

Our hope is Fleury. Sub .900 playoff numbers in the last four seasons is just not going to cut it, and we have Bob. Isles took them to six games with Nabokov, and the Flyers dealt with them with Bryzgalov. We sure have a realistic shot.

 

[Steeltown Jacket]

I did some quick research on Ticketmaster and saw that there are several teams/arenas who haven't sold out their games. Detroit, Tampa, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Dallas, and Anaheim still have blocks/rows of tickets available for both of their first 2 home games.

St Louis and Minnesota are pretty much sold out, only single seats left in over half of the arena sections.

Chicago and the Rangers are sold out. Also, the prices at the United Center are ridiculous. I guess they can get away with the high prices because of supply and demand.

 

[Mayor Bee]

honestly, who cares that much about fan attendance? As a Jackets fan, I'm just excited that they are back in the playoffs and am hopeful for a good series. The hockey games are what matter at this point, could care less about attendance or fans trying to prove how great they are (for either team)

People like me, who respond to jabs against our franchise and fans with haymakers.

Obviously the primary goal and focus point is the success of the team, but I always like to load up the ammo when I can.

 

[Dr. Fire]

All I know is Richards and the boys better be studying the tapes of the Philly v Pens games.

And, it looks like the Pens will be completely healthy for this series while the vast majority of our play-off experience is injured.

 

[Bobcat110]

Stub hub cheapest ticket for all 16 playoff teams first home game:

ANA $28
BOS $142
CHI $81
COL $53
CBJ $133
DAL $45
DET $40
LA $66
MIN $65
MON $96
NYR $161
PHI $87
PIT $83
SJ $63
STL $60
TAM $39

Third behind huge money markets Boston and New York is very impressive even in light of the rarity of Jackets playoff appearances.
I think it may give a strong indication that the Columbus hockey market still may have some very strong potential.

That's pretty impressive. Everyone wants to be in the arena for that first victory.

 

[Samkow]

FSO will be broadcasting games 1-4, games 5-7 are tbd by NBC

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 1h
Was given bad info on previous tweet: Fox Sports Ohio will broadcast first four #CBJ - #Pens games, and NBCSN will be blacked out locally.

Think this is a bit of a joke. Was looking forward to not having to listen to Rimer & Davidge for these important games.

Noooooooooooooooooo.

Although I guess Jeff and Bill>>>>Listening to NBCSN slobber over Crosby .

 

[Robert]

FSO will be broadcasting games 1-4, games 5-7 are tbd by NBC

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 1h
Was given bad info on previous tweet: Fox Sports Ohio will broadcast first four #CBJ - #Pens games, and NBCSN will be blacked out locally.

If true I like it, Rimer is not that bad although he does go off on tangents at times, Davidge is not my favorite but the dude knows college hockey which I like..

As Sam said, they won't be slobbering over Crosby-I'm ok with it..

 

[Dumais]

I would say the deciding factor in this series, is can Johan, Dubi & Arty contain/shutdown Malkin & Crosby? And if the 3rd/4th lines can score, especially Letestu, he has to be a factor in this series.