NHL Playoffs

[notyoueither]

I don't think he's going to play that much in the playoffs though. There is the prospect of OT. The coaches and players know that.

Last couple of games they were working on 40 second shifts. Almost like they were practicing how a young team can run down a much older squad.

[Asher]

If Pronger doesn't play that much, you have a higher chance of being beaten before OT.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
From my googling, 24 is the peak age for male endurance in athletes. Testosterone peak is 17(!).

You'll never see a 24 yo midfielder lead a team to a world cup. More like 34.

Same with key parts of great hockey teams, except for extreme exceptions like Gretzky.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
If Pronger doesn't play that much, you have a higher chance of being beaten before OT.

Not with Rollie getting it down to 2.0 GAA.

Boo yahh!

[Asher]

Rollie's old too. He's going to croak.

[notyoueither]

I hadn't thought he was francophone.

[Asher]

I'm not sure if it was bright of MacT to work Rollie so hard right before the playoffs. When you work old guys so hard they get injured (Belfour, Hasek).

[notyoueither]

He's not injured. And he got the last night off, along with 5 other starters against Colorado. We still beat their ass.

It was fun to watch the young guys change fast and skate the 'better team' into the ground.

Sort of a rehearsal for Detroit.

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
He's not injured.

He's wearing his body down. He's more prone to injury the longer he keeps playing. With the intensity of playoff games, I wouldn't be surprised to see him twist the wrong way and pull something or hurt his back.

"Where is my geritolllll...."

[Asher]

CBC is predicting:

Detroit in 4

(Apr 19) Despite the fact everything is new in the NHL in 2005-06, the Red Wings are in a familiar position this postseason: Numero uno. After winning the Presidents' Trophy for the third time in four seasons, the Wings hope to avoid the first-round upset against Edmonton--something that plagued them both in 2003 (vs. Anaheim) and 2001 (vs. Los Angeles). After missing the playoffs in 2004, the Oilers are happy to be back playing in the second season. Unfortunately, it'll be a quick exit against a far superior Detroit squad. Edmonton may not even win a game.

http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/hockey/playoffs-matchup.cgi?94

Calgary in 7:

(Apr 19) The Flames and Ducks have never met in the postseason, which only adds to the intrigue of this match-up. Calgary is the defending Western Conference champion, while Anaheim reached the Cup finals in 2003. Both teams have proven capable of going on a long playoff run recently, but can they avoid a first-round loss when expectations are raised? Both the Flames and Ducks have quality netminders in Miikka Kiprusoff and Jean-Sebastien Giguere, respectively. Both teams have plenty of grit and toughness. Both teams boast elite right-wingers (Calgary's Jarome Iginla and Anaheim's Teemu Selanne), and both are Cup contenders if they can get out of Round 1.

http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/hockey/playoffs-matchup.cgi?96

[notyoueither]

I'm predicting.

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Edmonton
Series begins Friday

Call me a homer, but this has upset written all over it. The Oilers gave better than they got during the regular season, and before the goalie situation worked itself out. Now Rollie has 1.78 GAA and .926 in the last 5 games going into the playoffs. The goalie situation is over. Meanwhile, the Oiler offence and defence have just gotten better.

Edmonton in 6.

(2) Dallas vs. (7) Colorado
Series begins Saturday

Theo and Burnaby Joe.

The Nordique in 5.

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Anaheim
Series begins Friday

Kipper. Nuff said. Kipper in 6.


(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose
Series begins Friday

SJ in 4. Is there anything else to say?


(1) Ottawa vs. (8) Tampa Bay
Series begins Friday

Bye bye, Lightning. Sens in 5.

(2) Carolina vs. (7) Montreal
Series begins Saturday

Montreal should win, in a perfect universe. The universe is not perfect, and the Habs are not storming. Canes in 6.

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) NY Rangers
Series begins Saturday

It's Jagr's year. Rangers in 7.

(4) Buffalo vs. (5) Philadelphia
Series begins Saturday

Philly is too tough for them. Flyers in 6.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
CBC is predicting:

I'm reminded of Don Cherry and the Central Canadian Broadcasting Corps coverage of the Leafs.

They are so out of touch with reality they couldn't find the highway with both hands on an access ramp.

[Tingkai]

Please don't mention the Leafs. I'm still in mourning, even though it was a long predicted demise.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Where from you get these 'chances' stats?

Its not an official stat as far as I know but its something they track of most TV telecasts. If a guy goes in on a breakaway thats a "chance" even if the puck goes off his stick during a deke and shot on goal is registered. It is somewhat subjective

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Tingkai
Please don't mention the Leafs. I'm still in mourning, even though it was a long predicted demise.

I sympathise.

However, I point out that the CBC followed Toronto to Philly for HNiC while the Habs were actually in a playoff battle and playing at home.

Booo!