PNH: Cup is Caps to lose, IMO/
Caps do appear to be the team to beat. Pens are a little thin at the blue line, but at least we're enjoying an embarrassment of wealth in net. I'll be surprised if Fleury is here for the playoffs.
Wow! Flood gates opened today! Lightning trade Bishop yesterday, and moved Brian Boyle today..........never thought Dallas would split the Benn brothers but that sure does shore up lethargic Montreal. Canucks' Burrows was interviewed in depth following Saturday night's Hockey Night in Canada late game. He seemed prepared to get "moved," and that happened today. I keep waiting for news about Detroit Red Wings players Brendan Smith and Thomas Vanek..... and hope/pray the Wings move Riley Sheahan (Toronto expressed interest but now that they got Boyle likely no longer interested). https://www.nhl.com/news/2016-17-nhl-trades/c-281003458?tid=278542340
Canes have 3 UFLs and all will probably be moved, although fans would like to see Stallberg kept and maybe resigned. I think Flyers will be interesting to watch. They have always been (too willing) to spend money in unfounded hopes of new found success. Way back when the Adam Oates trade at the deadline was arguably to worst trade in NHL history.
Trade deadline today at 3:00pm. Can't wait to see if anything major happens. Biggest one so far was the Caps acquiring Shattenkirk
Fleury will be backup to Murray for at least the rest of this season. Guess the goaltender market's a little soft. I'm surprised, but certainly not disappointed.
everybody is backing up. Caps lose 4 straight. Isles give up 8 to offensively challenged 'Canes. Flyers totally stink. Not the best year for the top goalies. Leafs look like playoffs may finally happen, not that their ownership cares.
Not if my Florida Panthers can help it Very sad to see my Cats fall apart at the end, have a couple must win games coming up or it is all but over...
Letang out for the playoffs. I hope the Pens have the horses for a serious run, but it's going to be tough without him, regardless of how healthy the remaining defensive line is.
Caps are #1 seed. Let's play. We just can't hand them the Cup. They have to earn it. When the Blackhawks are out of it I will stop watching.
There are going to be some pretty incredible matchups in the 1st round. I am not quite understanding how Columbus Blue Jackets will be playing Pitts Penguins.... hate to see either of those clubs gone after round one. Rangers vs Montreal should be super to watch. Sunday evening I will be perusing the final matchups and making my picks. Awesome time of the year!!
Neal. NOBODY likes the goofy playoff set up. Agree NYR and les Habs will be a great match-up. Let's go Pens (now that stinking Flyers and even worse 'Canes are out of it.)
Tonight is the NCAA D1 college National Championship game at 7:00 Central from Chicago. University of Denver vs Minnesota Duluth. Will Butcher from Denver won the Hobey Baker. Next time you will see him will be in an Avalanche sweater.
The new NHL playoff format is a joke. Look no further than the Pitt-Wash match-up last spring. Those two teams should have met in the conference finals. The NHL is trying too hard to be like the NFL, which it never will be.
Leafs are in, baby...but if they draw the Capitals, it will be a short-lived playoff run for the young team.
Matthews is a true prodigy stud. His numbers are almost unbelievable for such a young player. That being said, I agree, the Caps look to be peaking at the right time
I'll put the matchups here. Last club listed is home team for Round ONE! Blue Jackets Penguins Maple Leafs Capitals Rangers Canadiens Bruins Senators +++++++++++ Blues Wild Predators Blackhawks Flames Ducks Sharks Oilers Made my picks for Round One, except for the Blue Jackets at Penguins. Any thoughts on that pairing?
Thanks Neal. I'll play. Pens, Caps, Habs, Bruins. Blues, Hawks, Flames, Oilers. I like Calgary and Edmonton in upsets. The Pens have major issues on defense due to injury, but Columbus lost a lot of mojo. Pens have two good goalkeepers and tons of playoff experience.
