NHL Playoffs

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:26 pm

The Sabres got SCREWED on that call with 13 seconds left tonight. That was a goal by Briere, no question.

When the puck disappeared under Lundquist's pad, his leg was at least 2 inches behind the goal line. How the hell can it not be a goal? None of the fancy camera angles in the replay room in Toronto were needed to figure that out.

Man, Bettman and the NHL brass really want the TV ratings and the New York media coverage generated by a long playoff run by the Rangers.

That was a joke. A f*cking joke.

Take care,
PK

Macca00 · Post by **Macca00** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:31 pm

Agree with what PK said. Shoulda been a goal.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:42 pm

I thought it was in, but the damn rule says that it has to be a conclusive video evidence showing that the puck was in. So it other words, blame it on the NHL, with all the technology available today, why don't you spend $$$ on a camera angle focused right above the crease like the one they have at the Air Canada center, G. Bettman?

Still the Sabres didn't play well tonight, and that amazing offensive machine didn't show up until the third period in the later stages when L. Ruff was shuffling his lineup.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:19 am

Paul......I know how u feel. I too would be pissed if I were a Sabres fan. Fortunately I am a long time Rangers fan

But it sure "looked" like a goal and probably was. However, the rule states that there must be indisputable VISUAL evidence that the puck crossed the line and there was not. The play really shouldn't even have happened. Lundqvist (spell?) should never have went behing his net to play that puck and it nearly cost him. He did make a unbelievable effort to get that right leg/pad in front of that puck. I can't see too many other goalies even getting a pad on it at all. All in all it was a great piece of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey and it's now a best of 3. The Rangers are riding their hot goalie and we'll see where that ride takes them. Good luck in game 5. Should be another barn-burner.

XXOO,
Dick Fain

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:41 am

10spro wrote:Still the Sabres didn't play well tonight, and that amazing offensive machine didn't show up until the third period in the later stages when L. Ruff was shuffling his lineup.

The NYR's are using the same tactic that the Oilers employed to beat a much faster Detroit team last spring -- a passive 1-4 trap. That's neutralizing Buffalo's speed and preventing it from making all of those pretty tic-tac-toe passes in the offensive zone, all of which are based on gaining the zone with speed.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:42 am

Dick:

I'm not a Sabres' fan. But I still think they got screwed!

GO OIL! Oh, wait: That was last spring.

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:41 am

ANA deserved the win in OT. With the score 0-2, they were all over VAN and with the irritating undisciplined play that the Canucks continue to carry, it's just too much for the PK units against the Ducks. It continues to tax on key players while the most skilled guys don't get the ice time. Our PP continue to suck air and the Sedins have completely dissapeared in this series.

It's back to the Duck pond on THU and if we don't steal one, it's all over.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:19 am

Great point about the Sedins, James. Their images are going to be printed on milk cartons in B.C.

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed May 02, 2007 11:27 am

pk500 wrote:Great point about the Sedins, James. Their images are going to be printed on milk cartons in B.C.

Take care,
PK

I mean these are the playoffs, you have to get dirty. Without their cycling game and skill, we'll be done on Thursday. Having said that, the whole team stop skating in the third period and ANA was just all over us. Pronger & Niedermayer have been toying literally with the twins.

Never mind appearing on milk cartons, if they don't show up next game, they'll be going back to Sweden and be doing some real lap dancing. Someone else will have to kick them in their rears.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:09 pm

As my adopted team in this years playoffs...The Canucks made me sick last night. No excuse for letting that game slip away. I really dont see them coming back down 3-1 after blowing a 2-0 lead like that...

Im still hoping Im wrong...

As for the Sabres...That sure was a goal but the rule is the rule and thats how they ruled

...

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:21 pm

Just saw the disputed non-goal for the Sabres. To me, that's a goal, period. Forget the call on the ice.

First of all, I can't find the phrase "conclusive video evidence' in the NHL rule book. Perhaps someone could point it out to me.

Even if we assume that is correct standard, 'conclusive video evidence' doesn't necessarily mean actually seeing the puck in the net with an unobstructed view. If the rule was that to be awarded a goal on video replay you must find an unobstructed view of the puck across the line, well the rule should read 'you must have an unobstructed view of the puck across the line.'

If a video captures a player closing his hand on the puck so you momentarily lose direct sight of it, but then you further see him stick that hand across the goal line is that conclusive video evidence that the puck crossed the line? I say yes. "Conclusive video evidence" doesn't mean common sense goes out the window because the view is obstructed. Anyway, rant over on that one.

On another topic, it's great to see Connolly back on the ice. He's such an exciting player. Would be a terrible thing to see this guy have to call it quits because of concussions.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:44 pm

Naples39 wrote:Even if we assume that is correct standard, 'conclusive video evidence' doesn't necessarily mean actually seeing the puck in the net with an unobstructed view. If the rule was that to be awarded a goal on video replay you must find an unobstructed view of the puck across the line, well the rule should read 'you must have an unobstructed view of the puck across the line.'

If a video captures a player closing his hand on the puck so you momentarily lose direct sight of it, but then you further see him stick that hand across the goal line is that conclusive video evidence that the puck crossed the line? I say yes. "Conclusive video evidence" doesn't mean common sense goes out the window because the view is obstructed. Anyway, rant over on that one.

Exactly. If a goalie puts his glove over a puck that's 6 inches behind the goal line, is that not a goal because the puck can't be seen on the replay because it's under the glove? Lundqvist's pad was at least 2-3 inches behind the goal line.

Naples39 wrote:On another topic, it's great to see Connolly back on the ice. He's such an exciting player. Would be a terrible thing to see this guy have to call it quits because of concussions.

True, but as Darren Eliot pointed out on Versus, Connolly is so prone to that type of career-ending hit because he keeps his head down and watches the puck way too much when he's dangling and dipsy-doodling. Connolly grew up 20 minutes from where I live, so I root for him. But I'm also afraid for him.

Take care,
PK

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Wed May 02, 2007 7:32 pm

It's hard to disagree with much of what Damien Cox has written in this article about the lack of goals in this year's playoffs:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2 ... id=2857933

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed May 02, 2007 7:44 pm

I dont mind and never have had a big problem lower scoring games.

If I want high scoring fluff Ill watch the NBA or the Arena Football League.

Aside a few games here and there and some great Cup runs of the past(This is true in every sport...not all postseasons are the same)....This postseason has not been any less entertaining then postseasons of the past.

It is nice to see a 5-4 game every once in a while but if a game is 1-1 in the 2nd, 3rd or in ot is it really that less exciting to watch?...To Me , 6-3 is a bad game.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 7:46 pm

Feanor wrote:It's hard to disagree with much of what Damien Cox has written in this article about the lack of goals in this year's playoffs:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2 ... id=2857933

Great column. The point about shot blocking is very, very spot-on.

Twenty years ago, only a brave few dropped to block shots. Now everyone does it.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:22 pm

One more pet peeve of mine that I'm CONVINCED is reducing scoring and offense in the NHL: composite sticks.

They should be banned forever from the NHL, much like aluminum bats in baseball. Wooden sticks should be mandatory.

Since composites took root in the NHL around four or five years ago, I have seen more exploding sticks at inopportune times, and I have seen shooting accuracy go into the toilet. Players are willing to sacrifice accuracy for another 5-10 mph on their shot, and it's hurting the game, big time.

Plus how many times do you see tape-to-tape passes bouncing off stick blades now in the NHL? A HELL of a lot more than you did 10 years ago. Players haven't lost their touch. Instead, the composite sticks are so stiff that they have no feel, and pucks just bounce and roll off them.

There's one reason I'll always have a soft spot for the Sens' Jason Spezza: He's one of the few -- probably less than 10 -- players left in the NHL who insists on using a wooden stick. God and the ghosts of Sher-Wood, Titan, Christian and Victoriaville bless ya, Spez!

Take care
PK

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Thu May 03, 2007 12:33 am

I would think a composite has more feel which is why fishing rods have used it for so long and with the way these guys stick handle the feel is just fine.
The broken stick thing is annoying , i remember last year Aki Berg broke 3 sticks on 3 straight shots it was unbelievable all in the same spot too.

And another funny note is one of My boys Coaches buddy is equipment manager on the ducks locker room and used to get me broken sticks to make picture frames out of for fund raisers.
Well funny thing is i would get 3 sticks from the same player ans all were broken in same spot almost identical another guy same thing but with a different break.

Still have some sticks in the garage i think.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu May 03, 2007 12:53 am

Another team down 1-3 in the series is NJ. Sens were impressive again and the line of Alfredsson-Spezza-Heatley is clicking on all cylinders.

SJ should also be up 3-1 in the series but inexplicably they missed an empty netter and with about 40 seconds to go DET ties the game. OT will decide this game. Huge momentum change, if the Sharks choke this game away.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu May 03, 2007 1:23 am

Sharks choke.

What a ridiculous clearing attempt by Hannan. Damn, you're taught in pee-wee to clear the puck around the wall, not right up the middle. A great play by Schneider to catch the puck and launch a superb shot past Nabokov, but the play never would have happened if Hannan didn't suffer a major brain fart.

James is spot-on: This could be a big-time momentum shifter in this series.

Take care,
PK

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu May 03, 2007 1:52 am

Warriors choke Karma carrying over to the Sharks tonight. How they got that powerplay in OT was just stupid.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:10 am

The more I watch the playoffs, the more I'm convinced that the Eastern Conference champion will hoist the Cup again.

But this year, unlike the last few, it has nothing to do with the theory that the Western Conference is tougher so the champ is ravaged and exhausted by the time it reaches the Finals.

Nope. This year it's because the Eastern Conference teams are playing much more skilled hockey than the West. Most of the Western series have been dominated by goaltending and otherwise have been slogfests or mistake-laden.

Anaheim might be taking care of Vancouver, but the Ducks really aren't showing me much. Buffalo, Ottawa and even the Rangers could beat Anaheim in a seven-game series due to their better combination of skill and speed.

Honestly, the more I look at the West, the only team I think could win in the Finals is Detroit. The Wings have the skill and speed to match up with Ottawa or Buffalo, and I think they could find a higher level of grit or persistence.

I've loved the Oilers for nearly a quarter-century, so I'm a Western Conference guy to the hilt. But the quality of play in the West has really disappointed me so far in these playoffs.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:58 am

A wonderful story about the personal tragedy and hope and courage in the aftermath shown by Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey, whom I respected as a player and admire even more as a man:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... gainey0502

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu May 03, 2007 11:45 am

pk500 wrote:A wonderful story about the personal tragedy and hope and courage in the aftermath shown by Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey, whom I respected as a player and admire even more as a man:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... gainey0502

Take care,
PK

A great story indeed to start the morning. Beautifully written by R. MacGregor. B. Gainey was actually on Canada AM today speaking about his fundraiser in memory of his daughter.

PK, I agree that the Eastern confrontations have been more exciting although DET-SJ has been very entertaining too, especially the last two games. They most likely will go to game seven to settle the score. ANA is up 3-1 but easily could have been down 1-3, they are not as strong as I have seen them play vs MIN. Must win for the 'Nucks tonight.

BUF needs to turn up the notch a bit because the longer the series goes the more it'll favour the Rangers, I think.

Sens have looked very strong in this playoff and most likely will finish the Devils.

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:42 pm

For those of you who have watched the series closely, what's going on with Ray emery? I thought he was a real journeyman goalie, but he only lost twice all playoffs. Is this ia huge surprise, or did he actually have a breakout regular season?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:01 pm

Feanor wrote:For those of you who have watched the series closely, what's going on with Ray emery? I thought he was a real journeyman goalie, but he only lost twice all playoffs. Is this ia huge surprise, or did he actually have a breakout regular season?

Emery wasn't even supposed to be the starter this season. Ottawa got Martin Gerber from Carolina during the summer when Gerber lost his job early in the playoffs last spring to Cam Ward, who went on to win the Conn Smythe.

But Gerber struggled horribly early in the season, and Bryan Murray had no choice but to replace him with Emery. Razor responded with decent numbers: 2.47, .918 in 58 games and became the clear No. 1 in Ottawa.

Emery's save percentage in the playoffs is almost identical to the regular season: .917. But his GAA is down to 2.04.

Some of that improvement is due to Emery. But Ottawa also is flattering him by playing excellent team defense. Emery is a good goalie, but I'm not ready to ordain him as one of the best in the NHL due to his playoff performances.

One only needs to look at last year's playoffs to see that one spring doesn't make a career. What did last spring's playoff heroes, the Canes' Cam Ward and the Oil's Fernando Pisani, do this season? Not much.

Take care,
PK