NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs thread

[Crippler]

About the only Eastern Conference teams I can think of that can go toe-to-toe with the top 5 seeds of the West are Ottawa and New Jersey, and MAYBE Philadelphia (though I doubt their offense is potent enough). That being said, I expect the West to continue their domination.

QUARTERFINALS PREDICTIONS.

In the East, you've got Ottawa playing against the Islanders. I give this series to Ottawa, if for not all the other more obvious reasons, because I hate the Islanders.

New Jersey vs. Boston? It'll be a good matchup, and my interest factor will be high because both of these teams did extremly well in the 2001-2002 regular season yet they both exited from the playoffs in the firs round. I obviously give this match-up to the Devils, because I've got them going to the conference finals.

Tampa Bay vs. Washington...Hmm...This is a toughie...could go seven games. I'll give the edge to Tampa, simply because I believe that Khabibulin is better than Kolzig.

Finally, Philly and Toronto. This one goes to Philly because too many key Toronto players are hurt or hurting.

Now for the GOOD conference, AKA the Wild West.

Dallas and the Oilers - No brainer. Dallas will eliminate the Oilers easily...just like they did the last time they met...and the last time they met...and the last time...and I'm even considering the fact that both Modano and Guerin are hurt.

Detroit vs. Anaheim - Giguere might steal a game (remember the last time they played?), but Detroit will get past them with relative ease.

Colorado vs. Minnesota - Colorado finished with a rush to squeak past Vancouver for the #3 seed. The team, especially Old Man Roy, thinks they have something to prove after an awful first half of the season, and I don't expect Minnesota to halt their charge.

Vancouver vs. St. Louis - Both teams are VERY hungry. If St. Louis bows out in the first round, it will be another step down for a team that was soooo close to a Stanley Cup Finals berth just a couple seasons ago. Vancouver, on the other hand, still believes they could've beat Detroit last spring (HA!). They're younger, they've got the scoring, and they'll win...but it could very well take 7 games, depending on whether or not Osgood is hot and Tkachuck and Pronger are 100%.

SO THERE. Feel free to dispute, maggots.

[Nimrod's Son]

Originally posted by Crippler

QUARTERFINALS PREDICTIONS.

In the East, you've got Ottawa playing against the Islanders. I give this series to Ottawa, if for not all the other more obvious reasons, because I hate the Islanders.

Ottawa, although they've cooled off lately and the Islanders are hot, would be the obvious pick.

Originally posted by Crippler

New Jersey vs. Boston? It'll be a good matchup, and my interest factor will be high because both of these teams did extremly well in the 2001-2002 regular season yet they both exited from the playoffs in the firs round. I obviously give this match-up to the Devils, because I've got them going to the conference finals.

No brainer, NJ is the best team in the East.

Originally posted by Crippler

Tampa Bay vs. Washington...Hmm...This is a toughie...could go seven games. I'll give the edge to Tampa, simply because I believe that Khabibulin is better than Kolzig.

Actually I like Washington.. I like the playoff experience and I think they will be able to score on Khabibulin.

Originally posted by Crippler

Finally, Philly and Toronto. This one goes to Philly because too many key Toronto players are hurt or hurting.

I still think Toronto has the horses to win it.

Originally posted by Crippler

Now for the OTHER conference, AKA the West.

Dallas and the Oilers - No brainer. Dallas will eliminate the Oilers easily...just like they did the last time they met...and the last time they met...and the last time...and I'm even considering the fact that both Modano and Guerin are hurt.

Stars in a low scoring series.

Originally posted by Crippler

Detroit vs. Anaheim - Giguere might steal a game (remember the last time they played?), but Detroit will get past them with relative ease.

The Wings, but it will be closer than you think.

Originally posted by Crippler

Colorado vs. Minnesota - Colorado finished with a rush to squeak past Vancouver for the #3 seed. The team, especially Old Man Roy, thinks they have something to prove after an awful first half of the season, and I don't expect Minnesota to halt their charge.

The Avs in 7.. Lemaire will have his team ready.

Originally posted by Crippler

Vancouver vs. St. Louis - Both teams are VERY hungry. If St. Louis bows out in the first round, it will be another step down for a team that was soooo close to a Stanley Cup Finals berth just a couple seasons ago. Vancouver, on the other hand, still believes they could've beat Detroit last spring (HA!). They're younger, they've got the scoring, and they'll win...but it could very well take 7 games, depending on whether or not Osgood is hot and Tkachuck and Pronger are 100%.

Probably the best series in the first round... almost a pick 'em, but I'll go with St. Louis after Vancouver was embarrassed by the Kings.

[Crippler]

As for the rest of the playoffs (based on if I'm right about my quarterfinal predictions)...

EAST:

Philly becomes Ottawa's bitch for the second straight year, while New Jersey shows Tampa Bay the door after an entertaining 6-game series. Ottawa then defeats New Jersey in an exciting 7-game matchup, and the small-budget team that could earns a trip to the Finals.

WEST:

Both Dallas/Vancouver and Detroit/Colorado will be great, great matchups. Vancouver is good, but if Modano and Guerin are healthy and Turco stays hot (1.72 season GAA, anyone?), Dallas will prevail...but it could go 7 games. Ditto Detroit/Colorado. The Avs will be looking for some payback after last season's Game 7 humiliation, and realistically, this could go either way. I'll give the SLIGHT edge to Detroit, because they've been a bit hotter as of late. This will set up a Dallas/Detroit conference final, and it'll be one for the ages. No prediction for how that will turn out. Keep in mind that they met 4 times in the regular season and each game ended in a tie.

However, the winner of that series will beat Ottawa in 6 games.

[Nimrod's Son]

Originally posted by Crippler
As for the rest of the playoffs (based on if I'm right about my quarterfinal predictions)...

EAST:

Philly becomes Ottawa's bitch for the second straight year, while New Jersey shows Tampa Bay the door after an entertaining 6-game series. Ottawa then defeats New Jersey in an exciting 7-game matchup, and the small-budget team that could earns a trip to the Finals.

WEST:

Both Dallas/Vancouver and Detroit/Colorado will be great, great matchups. Vancouver is good, but if Modano and Guerin are healthy and Turco stays hot (1.72 season GAA, anyone?), Dallas will prevail...but it could go 7 games. Ditto Detroit/Colorado. The Avs will be looking for some payback after last season's Game 7 humiliation, and realistically, this could go either way. I'll give the SLIGHT edge to Detroit, because they've been a bit hotter as of late. This will set up a Dallas/Detroit conference final, and it'll be one for the ages. No prediction for how that will turn out. Keep in mind that they met 4 times in the regular season and each game ended in a tie.

However, the winner of that series will beat Ottawa in 6 games.

Without breaking it down too far, I think if Minnesota gets out of the first round, they're playing for the cup. But, since I don't see them beating the Avs, I'll pick Dallas and NJ in a return to the Cup finals of a couple of years ago.

NJ in 5.

[Injektilo]

C'mon, don't you guys believe in upsets?

my picks for upsets are the Bruins and maybe the ducks, though less likely than the bruins.
I'd like to pick the Oilers too, but i'm a bit biased, so....

[Crippler]

Originally posted by Nimrod's Son


Without breaking it down too far, I think if Minnesota gets out of the first round, they're playing for the cup. But, since I don't see them beating the Avs, I'll pick Dallas and NJ in a return to the Cup finals of a couple of years ago.

NJ in 5.

You REALLY think New Jersey will be able to crack Turco's combination??

:erm

[Nimrod's Son]

Originally posted by Crippler


You REALLY think New Jersey will be able to crack Turco's combination??

:erm

The reason I picked Dallas is their ability to score. The reason I picked NJ is their ability to prevent scoring, and their incredibly hot scoring as of late.

I think the Devils defense will trump the Stars O.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by Nimrod's Son


The reason I picked Dallas is their ability to score. The reason I picked NJ is their ability to prevent scoring, and their incredibly hot scoring as of late.

I think the Devils defense will trump the Stars O.

The difference between the Devils and the Stars is that the Devils are a defense-first team (1st in the league in goals against) but their offense is suspect (out of the top 8 teams in the NHL, only Philly scored fewer goals in the season). Dallas, on the other hand, not only has the second best goals against in the league, but they also have an offense that outscored everyone in the East except for Ottawa.

Now I know you're a Devils fan and everything...but...

[ZERO]

You're all wrong, the Flames already won the cup by defeating the Oilers with a 3-2-0 record.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by Injektilo
C'mon, don't you guys believe in upsets?

my picks for upsets are the Bruins and maybe the ducks, though less likely than the bruins.
I'd like to pick the Oilers too, but i'm a bit biased, so....

If there are any upsets, it'll be St. Louis over Vancouver and Washington over Tampa.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by ZERO
You're all wrong, the Flames already won the cup by defeating the Oilers with a 3-2-0 record.

Get the hell back in Alberta where you belong!

[ZERO]

I think you're wrong about the WSH-TB upset. I really think that Washington is the better team here... and if any upset were to occur it would be the elimination of WSH.

And I am in Alberta, buddy!

[Crippler]

Originally posted by ZERO
I think you're wrong about the WSH-TB upset. I really think that Washington is the better team here... and if any upset were to occur it would be the elimination of WSH.

Ah, fuck Jagr. He's a bitch.

[ZERO]

To have Toronto advance in any round would also be upsetting.

[Nimrod's Son]

Originally posted by Crippler


The difference between the Devils and the Stars is that the Devils are a defense-first team (1st in the league in goals against) but their offense is suspect (out of the top 8 teams in the NHL, only Philly scored fewer goals in the season). Dallas, on the other hand, not only has the second best goals against in the league, but they also have an offense that outscored everyone in the East except for Ottawa.

Now I know you're a Devils fan and everything...but...

Yes, I am a Devils fan, but that's not why I'm picking them over Dallas. Dallas has significant injuries. Right now, the Devils are scoring more and playing better than they have all year. Dallas had better hope that Modano, Guerin, Odelin and Turco get healthy, and quick. Don't forget that Turco had the ankle injury and hasn't spent every game on the ice with no backup in a while, which is exactly what he's facing in the playoffs. There will be 2 goalies named Marty in the finals, and Brodeur is the better one.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by Nimrod's Son


Yes, I am a Devils fan, but that's not why I'm picking them over Dallas. Dallas has significant injuries. Right now, the Devils are scoring more and playing better than they have all year. Dallas had better hope that Modano, Guerin, Odelin and Turco get healthy, and quick. Don't forget that Turco had the ankle injury and hasn't spent every game on the ice with no backup in a while, which is exactly what he's facing in the playoffs. There will be 2 goalies named Marty in the finals, and Brodeur is the better one.

No, the goalie that will represent the West has a nickname that, translated loosely, means "unstoppable." And Ottawa's offense is better than Old Man Stevens' defense.

[meow]

Originally posted by Crippler


Vancouver vs. St. Louis - Both teams are VERY hungry. If St. Louis bows out in the first round, it will be another step down for a team that was soooo close to a Stanley Cup Finals berth just a couple seasons ago. Vancouver, on the other hand, still believes they could've beat Detroit last spring (HA!). They're younger, they've got the scoring, and they'll win...but it could very well take 7 games, depending on whether or not Osgood is hot and Tkachuck and Pronger are 100%.

do you really think CROTCHIER can handle it?

[Mooney]

the stars never easily eliminate the oilers! they've taken it to seven games a couple times and there is often 3 or 4 overtime games in the series. edmonton has even beaten them at least once out the recent six times they've met. i was hoping for the matchup because it always exciting. that said, i predict the stars win this series in five. Detriot, Colorado, and Vancouver will also come out of the west.

ottawa, toronto, new jersey and the caps will come out of the first round of the east.

as for the canucks beating the wings last year, prior to 'the' goal, you had to be a little worried trailing in the second period of game three already down two games. i think that goal tied up the game, actually it might have been a go-ahead goal.. whatever.

[PunkMC]

Crippler you picks look right on... I cant see my blues makin it that far into the playoffs. Their goaltending is just terrible. What I am interested in seein is how well Cujo will handle the playoff pressure. But im still pickent the wings to win it all, even though 2 outta the 3 analysts at espn are picken the Stars to win it all.

[FearFactory]

http://www.alzoc.org/images/mighty%20ducks%20b&w.jpg

[sawdust restaurants]

The NHL playoffs are fun because you get shit like Carolina's Cup run last year that fucked up all of Steve's picks.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by sawdust restaurants
The NHL playoffs are fun because you get shit like Carolina's Cup run last year that fucked up all of Steve's picks.

I didn't make any predictions last season.

But if I had, I'd certainly wouldn't have picked Carolina to win the East...it would've been either Boston, New Jersey or Toronto. But those first two teams got ousted in the first round, and Toronto was riddled with injuries (just like they are now).

Something else I realized...both Jersey & Toronto were eliminated by the Hurricanes.

A pity it was a fluke.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by meow


do you really think CROTCHIER can handle it?

Despite the fact that both Cloutier and Osgood are known for choking in the playoffs, I'd take Cloutier over Osgood for the sole reason that Cloutier seems to be more consistent.

[Nimrod's Son]

Originally posted by FearFactory
http://www.alzoc.org/images/mighty%20ducks%20b&w.jpg

Yeah, sorry.. I can't take seriously any team that was named after a squad coached by Emilio Estevez.

[Crippler]

Originally posted by Nimrod's Son


Yeah, sorry.. I can't take seriously any team that was named after a squad coached by Emilio Estevez.

...or who's captain is about 2 feet tall.

[meow]

Originally posted by Crippler


Despite the fact that both Cloutier and Osgood are known for choking in the playoffs, I'd take Cloutier over Osgood for the sole reason that Cloutier seems to be more consistent.

<3 STEVO > <3 CROTCHIER

[Grover]

Originally posted by Crippler
Finally, Philly and Toronto. This one goes to Philly

right on!

**this message brought to you by the anyone-but-the-Leafs campaign 2003


- Feed Me Grover

[rasheed]

Here are my predictions (made before the first set of games tonight):

Sens/NYI - Ottawa
NJ/Bos - NJ
TB/Wash - TB
Tor/Philly - Tor

Stars/Oilers - Stars
Wings/Ducks - Wings
Avs/Wild - Avs
Van/St.L - Van

Ottawa over Toronto (which would fucking piss me right off....I hate the Sens)
Tampa over Jersey

Stars over Canucks
Avs over Wings

Ottawa would represent the East in the final and the West would be represented by the Avs.

Colorado wins the Cup. Forsberg wins the Conn Smythe.


However, that being said........
I'm loving the fact that the Islanders beat the Sens (and the fact Yashin got a goal makes it even sweeter). If NYI beats the Sens (and I know it's only 1 game ......but at least we know it's possible) the Leafs (if they beat Philly) would avoid NJ until the 3rd round. That makes it a lot easier for them to make the Finals.
The best thing about being a Leafs fan is the great arguments from everyone who hates them. There aren't many teams that have people hate a team as passionately as the Leafs.

Lastly, here's my order of who I'm cheering for:

1) Leafs 2) Oilers 3) Canucks 4) Wings 5) Tampa 6) Ducks 7) NJ
8) Avs 9) Wild 10) NYI 11) Bruins 12) Stars 13) Blues 14) Philly
15) Sens 16) Capitals