NHL Playoffs 09. Drop The Puck.

[10spro]

1. Signed Alexei Yashin to a 10-year contract. Boy, that worked out well.

2. Signed Rick DiPietro to a 15-year contract. That's a lovely albatross for any franchise to carry.

I'm not about to heap praise on the guy, but it is worth mentioning that Wang's brainchild megadeals have since been copied by the Flyers, Capitals and Red Wings.

A bit of a difference. Those teams locked up proven superstars to those long-term deals in the era of cap-o-nomics. There's a difference between proven commodities like Richards, Ovechkin and Zetterberg, and DiPietro.

Richards probably is the closest analogy because he played only two seasons before his mega-deal, but both were solid. The numbers were down in year two, but he also missed part of that season after surgery.

Yashin's deal was signed before the cap, which was stupid. DiPietro had ONE strong season for the Isles -- 2.36, .911, 5 SO -- in 2003-04, the year before the lockout. It was lunacy to sign a guy to a 15-year deal based on one good year.

And remember, Rocky put up those numbers in the last year of the dead puck, clutch-and-grab era. While those numbers would be eye-poppers now, they weren't THAT special in 2003-04. DiPietro's GAA ranked 14th among NHL goalies who played at least 40 games that season, and his save percentage was 17th overall by the same measuring stick.

A bit of perspective: Dan Cloutier had better numbers that season that DiPietro. Dan F*cking Cloutier!

The Yashin and DiPietro deals were just a case of Charlie touching his erect wang and trying to be the NHL's contrarian, at the expense of both his franchise and its long-suffering fans.

Take care,
PK

Must you remind me of Clouts that year? Oh yeah, we had a good solid 2-0 lead going into the playoffs against Detroit when N. Lidstrom shoots from center ice and the puck eludes Cloutier's glove. Goal, game, series.

In general I really think that contracts shouldn't go past 5 years. No matter who you're, it's too risky, it's not cap friendly and you're putting your team in jeopardy when you need to rebuild. Take the recent example of DET. One of the brightest GM in the business just signed the Mule Franzen for what; 11 years? The contract is cap friendly when you read the numbers in general and it averages to about 5-6 million. Money well deserved for a guy like Franzen, but do you really think this guys can play up to the age 40? In today's NHL?

He's just had some back issues also this season, not so sure what Holland was thinking on this one.

On the Tavares issue, I have nothing against the Isles, I just want a team that will surround him with quality players, make sure to the fans that the team is staying put and show some seriousness to the fans. This NYI team has been a laughing stock for awhile now, and thank goodness they got rid of M. Milbury a few years back.

[fletcher21]

The Penguins looked awfully strong last night. It looked like the Flyers were having a bad game though, so I'm not sure.

[Leebo33]

The Flyers usually have a bad game against the Penguins when Marc-Andre Fleury is in net. He's 16-6 against them lifetime.

I was forced to endure the Flyers broadcast last night, but at least I get to watch all the games. It appears based on the the numerous commercials and the scroll that there are plenty of tickets available for the games in Philly if anyone is interested. I'm surprised they can't sell out playoff games against one of their biggest rivals.

I still expect the series to be a battle that will go 7 games. And it appears that these two teams will continue to go at it for much of the next decade.

[Feanor]

I watched the first period of the Pens-Flyers game on Versus on DirectTV, then changed channels during the first intermission.

When I went back to Versus to watch the second period the screen was black apart from a "This program is not available in your area" notice. WTF? Versus games involving the Flyers weren't blacked out during the regular season.

[MizzouRah]

Uh, yeah, he was.

Tim, it's impossible for you to view the game objectively, and I don't expect you to. But I don't have a dog in this hunt, so I can sit and watch the game as a neutral observer.

How can you rationalize 1-for-7 and only nine shots overall on the power play -- supposedly a decided advantage for St. Louis -- to "bounces?" Come on.

Murray had no answer whatsoever for the neutral-zone trap that Vancouver threw at the Blues while penalty killing early in the game. It completely confused the Blues' power play, which struggled like hell to get organized in the first period.

That's damn good scouting and coaching by Vancouver. Good execution by the players, too.

If you want to talk "bounces," Vancouver outshot St. Louis, 15-6, in the third period. If anything, the Blues were lucky the "bounces" didn't go Vancouver's way in the third, adding to the final margin.

I applaud your blind devotion to the team, though. You're a fan through and through!

Take care,
PK

I know you know hockey, but "out coached"? Luongo stole that game, not some highly scouted Blues PP defense.

I'm not mad, it was a great game to watch.

[Naples39]

I was forced to endure the Flyers broadcast last night, but at least I get to watch all the games. It appears based on the the numerous commercials and the scroll that there are plenty of tickets available for the games in Philly if anyone is interested. I'm surprised they can't sell out playoff games against one of their biggest rivals.

The Flyers are always among the league leaders in attendance and their average attendance this year was 100.2% of capacity. I'm sure all the games will be sellouts by gameday.

I watched the first period of the Pens-Flyers game on Versus on DirectTV, then changed channels during the first intermission.

When I went back to Versus to watch the second period the screen was black apart from a "This program is not available in your area" notice. WTF? Versus games involving the Flyers weren't blacked out during the regular season.

I think VS aren't blacked out during the regular season in Philly because CSN doesn't have their own local Flyers broadcasts on those nights. Last night CSN was covering the game so VS was blacked out.

[pk500]

I know you know hockey, but "out coached"? Luongo stole that game, not some highly scouted Blues PP defense.

I'm not mad, it was a great game to watch.

How the f*ck did Luongo steal the game in the third, when St. Louis was outshot, 17-6? How the hell did St. Louis' vaunted PP manage just nine shots in seven opportunities? Must be those mythical "Blues' bad bounces" that no other team gets.

Louie made a few great saves, no doubt. But Vigneault's trap system thoroughly confused St. Louis' PP, especially in the first period.

And I also think Murray made a mistake on those 5-on-3's keeping the defensemen far too low. Hell, the D men were inside the Stanley Cup Playoffs logos in the high slot. That condenses the PP too much and allowed the Canucks' three-man PK triangle to get their sticks in the passing lanes and prevent cross-seam passes.

It also didn't help that there was far too little movement by the Blues PP on those 5-on-3's. But then again, it's tough to move when you're asked to perform a power play in a phone booth. St. Louis didn't use the available ice well at all during its 5-on-3's.

The Blues played with their typical grit and jam last night, which is admirable and fun to watch. But they sure didn't look as prepared for their opponents as Vancouver did, and I credit that to Vigneault and his staff.

Take care,
PK

[tjung0831]

Uh, yeah, he was.

Tim, it's impossible for you to view the game objectively, and I don't expect you to. But I don't have a dog in this hunt, so I can sit and watch the game as a neutral observer.

How can you rationalize 1-for-7 and only nine shots overall on the power play -- supposedly a decided advantage for St. Louis -- to "bounces?" Come on.

Murray had no answer whatsoever for the neutral-zone trap that Vancouver threw at the Blues while penalty killing early in the game. It completely confused the Blues' power play, which struggled like hell to get organized in the first period.

That's damn good scouting and coaching by Vancouver. Good execution by the players, too.

If you want to talk "bounces," Vancouver outshot St. Louis, 15-6, in the third period. If anything, the Blues were lucky the "bounces" didn't go Vancouver's way in the third, adding to the final margin.

I applaud your blind devotion to the team, though. You're a fan through and through!

Take care,
PK

I know you know hockey, but "out coached"? Luongo stole that game, not some highly scouted Blues PP defense.

I'm not mad, it was a great game to watch.

The Blues controlled the puck in the zone their entire time on the 5on3....they tried to be to pretty. The first thing they did was go to the bread and butter play feeding the puck to McDonald at the side of the net which Luongo played perfectly. They had numerous opportunities to shoot and decided to pass instead and most of the shots they took didn't hit the net. They didn't play well in the 3rd but still only lost by a goal....Vancouver showed me nothing at all other than the fact that they were more physical than the Blues but that will change when they go back to St. Louis for sure. If anything the butterflies for the young guys will now be gone and the Blues get a nice little wakeup call. The Blues know they can beat Luongo.....it's coming. Was good to see that Pavol Demitra is still his same old self in the playoffs and Mats Sundin looked like he was playing a regular season game for the Leafs...no urgency at all. I expect the Blues to win Friday night...won't be easy but all they wanted was a split going in and that's still possible.
Looking forward to the other games tonight...Calgary and Chicago should be a war...Montreal and Boston too! Nothing better than playoff hockey.

GO BLUES!!!

[Feanor]

I think VS aren't blacked out during the regular season in Philly because CSN doesn't have their own local Flyers broadcasts on those nights. Last night CSN was covering the game so VS was blacked out.

Hmm. That makes sense, but it's weird that the whole first hour was allowed to be shown.

I'll tune in to Versus on Friday night and see if it's a black screen from the beginning this time.

[pk500]

You better hope Oshie gets the insects out of his belly because he was invisible last night. One shot, two hits in 16:27 of ice time.

I'm sure that solely was due to butterflies, too. Had nothing to do with Vancouver.

It's funny how the Blues' fans here are crediting Luongo with "stealing" the victory yet not praising the play of Mason. He was strong last night.

Take care,
PK

[Naples39]

I think VS aren't blacked out during the regular season in Philly because CSN doesn't have their own local Flyers broadcasts on those nights. Last night CSN was covering the game so VS was blacked out.

Hmm. That makes sense, but it's weird that the whole first hour was allowed to be shown.

I'll tune in to Versus on Friday night and see if it's a black screen from the beginning this time.

VS was a black screen from the beginning to me, and when I checked it towards the end of the Flyers game they were showing MMA.

[tjung0831]

You better hope Oshie gets the insects out of his belly because he was invisible last night. One shot, two hits in 16:27 of ice time.

I'm sure that solely was due to butterflies, too. Had nothing to do with Vancouver.

It's funny how the Blues' fans here are crediting Luongo with "stealing" the victory yet not praising the play of Mason. He was strong last night.

Take care,
PK

Yeah the kids weren't good. I wouldn't say Luongo stole the game but he was the difference. Mason played well...that first goal wasn't the greatest to give up...but Vancouver scored both of their goals with the man advantage...that first one they scored with an extra attacker.
As for Oshie..he doesn't shoot alot to begin with...I wish he'd shoot more. I'm not worried about Oshie or Perron but Berglund has just become a non factor down the stretch, he's clearly hit the wall. The Blues know they have to shoot more on Luongo..they know rebounds are where they are going to beat him. No need to roll the eyes though...it's all good fun and just like you or anybody else we want and expect our team to win. That game last night showed everybody this series isn't going 4 or 5 games...it's going the distance.

Tim

[pk500]

The Blues know they have to shoot more on Luongo..they know rebounds are where they are going to beat him.

Absolutely. Boyes' goal was a classic example. St. Louis could set more screens, too.

That game last night showed everybody this series isn't going 4 or 5 games...it's going the distance.

I'm not convinced at all. I still say it goes five very hard-fought, tight games.

Take care,
PK

[fletcher21]

I thought only Minnesota sports fans were such homers, lol... St Louis came into this season just trying to build on the future. We're happy for them to make the playoffs, but Vancouver is just a more rested and solid club. I have a 500 dollar bet with a St Louis native friend of mine. I don't like the Cannucks, but I'm a great hockey mind and pick the clear cut favorite in the series, which is the good old Canadian team.

I'm most excited for the Boston series, though. The Penguins vs Flyers had me amped up, but last night's game was kinda blah. Playoff hockey is about as good as it gets!

[MizzouRah]

How the f*ck did Luongo steal the game in the third, when St. Louis was outshot, 17-6? How the hell did St. Louis' vaunted PP manage just nine shots in seven opportunities? Must be those mythical "Blues' bad bounces" that no other team gets.

Louie made a few great saves, no doubt. But Vigneault's trap system thoroughly confused St. Louis' PP, especially in the first period.

And I also think Murray made a mistake on those 5-on-3's keeping the defensemen far too low. Hell, the D men were inside the Stanley Cup Playoffs logos in the high slot. That condenses the PP too much and allowed the Canucks' three-man PK triangle to get their sticks in the passing lanes and prevent cross-seam passes.

It also didn't help that there was far too little movement by the Blues PP on those 5-on-3's. But then again, it's tough to move when you're asked to perform a power play in a phone booth. St. Louis didn't use the available ice well at all during its 5-on-3's.

The Blues played with their typical grit and jam last night, which is admirable and fun to watch. But they sure didn't look as prepared for their opponents as Vancouver did, and I credit that to Vigneault and his staff.

Take care,
PK

I didn't say he stole the game in the third.. overall, he was the star of the game, period. Yes we were out shot in the third, who gives a f***? How about someone plants Demitra on his ass? Do they get that first goal then?

I'm not saying we are a better team, but Vancouver isn't dominating us either.

[fletcher21]

That's nitpicking isn't it?

[MizzouRah]

That's nitpicking isn't it?

Yeah probably... I don't want it to sound like I'm taking anything away from Vancouver, they have some great players and a great goalie.

I just don't think we are as over matched as everyone is making it seem.

[pk500]

Yes we were out shot in the third, who gives a f***?

St. Louis should. It's pretty hard to rally or tie from a 2-1 deficit when you get outshot, 17-6, in the final period.

It would be like wondering why a football team that only had 30 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter couldn't mount a comeback to win.

Take care,
PK

[MizzouRah]

It would be like wondering why a football team that only had 30 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter couldn't mount a comeback to win.

Take care,
PK

Not if in those 30 yards they had 2 TD's.

[Naples39]

Mental note: do not argue with a Blues fan.

Also, the NHL decided to do the Flyers a favor and suspend Dan Carcillo for game 2. For my money, Carcillo is the worst player who has suited up for them all season and long, and the fact we traded Scottie Upshall, a useful player, AND a 2nd round pick for this clown makes me want to puke.

[10spro]

Mental note: do not argue with a Blues fan.

Hmmm, looks that way Naples. One thing is to be savvy and supportive of your team, fair and critical when the the situations arises. I couldn't watch the game so I am not going to argue with the Blues fans but some of the things that are being posted just makes me go

I for one know, that one single game does not make a series. But watching the highlights and the missed opportunities that VAN had, the game could and should have been more than a 2-1 victory, especially during the third period. But whether it's 2-1 or 4-2, the final score that I care to remember is that VAN is up 1-0 in the series. And yes I am expecting a more physical game on Friday and the Blues to turn it up a notch. Well, they better.

But like PK was saying, it's interesting that the talk was more on Luongo than Mason.

[EZSnappin]

The Bruins-Habs game last night was chippy as always. The Habs defense has to be the worst passing D in the league - intercepted pass after tip after forecheck giveaway. I was unsurprised but disappointed by scuffles after the open-net goal and after the final whistle. Frustration fights just make the instigators look stupid.

[10spro]

Mike Cammalleri shouldn't play game 2 because of his cheap hot.

[MizzouRah]

Game 2 tonight.. I believe a must win for the Blues.

[pk500]

The Bruins-Habs game last night was chippy as always. The Habs defense has to be the worst passing D in the league - intercepted pass after tip after forecheck giveaway.

E:

You didn't see the Oilers' D play much this year. The Habs' D looks like vintage late 70s' Canadiens this year compared to the Oil, especially after Visnovsky got hurt.

Take care,
PK