And away we go NHL thread!!!!

[goodwood]

As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with you. Ovie is far better offensively, but Cindy is better overall. If Ovie learns to pass the puck and Washington gets some solid defense, then watch out.

Maybe you should check Ovie's assist stats from the past year. They just have too many of the same kind of players and they should have a defensive system that turns into a 'go go' offense whenever they have the opportunity.


Rupe...like I said before...hockey is TEAM not individual. That's why Crosby was IMMEDIATELY surrounded by all star talent when he came into the NHL. It backfired the first year but they kept that formula and it worked out. Washington hasn't done that-they have made key acquisitions but not complete team facelifts.

Besides...what really did Crosby do in the Olympics?

I'll tell you.

He kept his stick on the ice and Iginla did the work for the 'golden goal'.

[goodwood]

You could certainly draw parallells between Sidney and Gretky as well. But what did Gretzky do late in his career? His later years weren't nearly as good as his younger years.

Gretzky relied on Messier. Just look at the championship 'history' of Gretzky without Messier and vice-versa.

Montreal Candiens are the real story guys, not what Ovechkin, Crosby or Malkin didnt do..its what the Candiens did. To knock off the top dogs in the east in back to back series is impressive (especially w/o Markov in the lineup against the Pens).

No doubt...it's just that the OV haters have to be reminded that 'Mr rise to the occasion' (which was the thing that set the two apart) suffered the same (if not more humiliating) fate.

I have said it since Montreal's initial first series victory that it was what Montreal did and not what anyone else didn't do...a few people also recognized it but the vast majority are so blinded by their 'I hate OV' that they just speak nonsense.

Call it like it is people...it leaves you with less 'back pedaling'.
the

[atomic charvel guy]

Cindy and Ovary are sharing the same golf cart, there's really nothing else to say about them now that hasn't been said.
They're the two best players in the league and they have both been ousted by the current team of destiny, Montreal.
Or is it Philly? I still have to say that I think both West teams are the ones to beat, that's pretty obvious right now.

[Spivonious]

Anyone care to wager on Friday's game? Philly wins or I send you the pack of strings of your choice.

[Shawn Lutz]

Tommy, Chicago and San Jose are going to battle hard. Both teams have good size and can be physical. It may be case where the Western Conference Champ is too banged up to continue to battle through another series.

[atomic charvel guy]

the more I count out montreal and philly, maybe the whammy factor will keep rising for the east.

[atomic charvel guy]

by the way 1-0 tigers in the 4th, game is on.

[goodwood]

Anyone care to wager on Friday's game? Philly wins or I send you the pack of strings of your choice.

Since Philly turned it around Boston has looked less confident and back on their heels. I think Philly will win. Mike Richards has been one of the best players in the NHL for a few years now but doesn't get the recognition that he deserves because he isn't in the running for the Hart or Rocket Richard trophies.

[atomic charvel guy]

it looked like the bruins stepped it up in the 3rd period, maybe they can build off that.
More pressure on Boston if you ask me right now, i don't think they'll come out like the Penguins did last night to start,
but this year so far, who the hell can tell anymore, all trends have been squashed so far as my expectations have gone.

[goodwood]

Maybe Boston can build off of the 3rd but with the key players out of that 'offense' (2nd fewest goals in the NHL) they will need to really step it up and Rask will have to continue to be amazing. I haven't heard much talk about the guy's glove but holy smokes he must have the best or one of the top glove hands in the NHL.

[jim777]

The 2-1 loss was a big improvement over the 4-0 loss of the previous game for the Bruins, so maybe Boston is waking up again. I honestly don't think Boston could beat Montreal, the Flyers I'm not so sure about. So, I'm hoping for Boston I would LOVE to see a Cup win for Montreal! I've been wearing Montreal shirts and jerseys every day for two weeks now, which doesn't really go over well here 5 miles from Philly LOL

Can't wait to see Game 7 though, and may the better team win.

Go Habs GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spivonious]

I agree. The Flyers let Boston back in it in the 3rd period. Keys to tonight's game: #1 score first, #2 contain Satan/Recchi, #3 protect Leighton

[Shawn Lutz]

Boston takes game 7 at home. They have their home crowd as the 6th man and Philly doesn't have a starting netminder Gonna be a Boston vs. Montreal eastern conference final

[Spivonious]

That's why scoring first and early is so important. It took the crowd out of it in Game 5.

Don't worry, I'll be back on here tonight to tell you all "I told you so"

[jim777]

Yeah, underestimating Philly is dangerous. What I like about Philly winning is the Eastern Conference final comes down to the 7th and 8th seeds playing each other for their place in the finals while the West is 1st and 2nd.

What I like about Boston winning is Montreal won't need 7 to finish off Boston.

Go Habs GO!!!!!!!!!!