OT: Wednesday Night NHL Playoffs Thread

Submitted by Avant's Hands on

Penguins at Flyers at 7:30

Rangers at Senators at 7:30

Canucks at Kings at 10:00

 

These playoffs have been nuts. The two teams that most people thought would make the finals are the only two teams yet to win a playoff game and both can be eliminated tonight. I have been watching the battle of Pennsylvania and it looks like the same game as usual. Undisciplined play and awful goaltending have made this game 3-2 Flyers still in the first. What the heck happened to Pittsburgh?

As I'm typing, the Penguins score again. 3-3.

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 8:33 PM ^

After the first couple games I thought Philly would stomp their second round opponent, but there is no way they can beat Boston or New York playing defense like this. No one is marking in front of the net for them. Bryz needs all the help he can get right now.

And I agree with the studio guys that the refs have been a little bit too whistle happy today. I know they have to keep it under control, but man it has been a parade to the penalty box so far. I hope these guys don't come anywhere near a Devils-Panthers game.

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 9:16 PM ^

Wait, did Fleury just make a big save? And does Philly have a third goalie dressed?

There is actually a good game going on in Ottawa, although it isn't as much fun as watching a goal every other minute. 2-2 now late in the second. Could be a big game.

BOX House

April 18th, 2012 at 9:27 PM ^

I understand the cracking down on dirtiness but there have been way too many penalties in this game. Granted they don't matter now, but at one point the refs had 3 Penguins in the box! That's just a ridiculous advantage that should only be given in the playoffs for extreme measures. I feel the same about 5 on 3's, those should almost never happen in the playoffs.

JeffB

April 18th, 2012 at 9:33 PM ^

Given how ugly and cheap this series has been, I don't think it's a surprise the refs are calling this one tight (wouldn't surprise me if they were told to do so by NHL HQ). They started the game calling it tight, and at least they're being consistent both ways in that regard.

JimLahey

April 18th, 2012 at 9:35 PM ^

I realize everyone on this board despises Crosby, but if you like hockey then you have got to love watching him with the puck. His vision is absolutely second to none, almost gretzky-esque. 

B-Nut-GoBlue

April 18th, 2012 at 9:39 PM ^

I can tell you the THREE players in the box at the same time was warranted; they all made bone-head plays.  I dunno, I think the refs are calling a decent game, including the penalties call on my team of interest.  After the debacle Sunday, these refs are not in the business to let anything questionable slide, so a tightly-called game it is.  Imo, they've called what they should have called and called the game how the League Office wanted them to do.

Man, this would be a great way to start off a miracle-like series come from behind win.  I'm not the stoned one around these parts so I know that is not going to happen; I can hold hope though.  I'm glad Bylsma kept Marc Andre Fleury in the game after giving up a relatively quick 3 goals.  I said it before, but much of the blame for what he's given up this series needs to be doled out to the rest of the Pens team (bad defense/transition, BAD penalties giving Philly easy 5-on-4/3 4-on-3 goals, etc).  He seems to have gained a bit of composure this last period; will it continue?!

13 goalz plz?!

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 9:50 PM ^

For anyone that wants to watch a close game, the Senators are barely treading water against the Rangers on CNBC. When I have had it on the Sens have been getting badly outplayed but are somehow tied and can tie the series with a win tonight. Hockey parity is a real thing.

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 10:10 PM ^

Great one going on up north. Minute left in regulation and the Senators have been pushing hard for the series tying goal. New York has really stepped up on defense and King Henrik has been there when a shot gets through. 

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 10:27 PM ^

No Luongo again?!? Is Vancouver trading him or what? Schneider was pretty good in game 3, but they still lost. It's not like Schneider really stood on his head or anything. I didn't think LA had that many high quality shots. So is Luongo done for the duration of the playoffs now?

Avant's Hands

April 18th, 2012 at 10:39 PM ^

I'm no fan of Luongo, but it's not like they lost games 1 and 2 because of goaltending either. I'm just wondering if Bobby Lu is going to get the hook so quickly if he is done in Vancouver now. Why keep him and his big salary if he is not your go to guy? Solid if unspectacular backup goalies have been growing on trees the last few years. Make Schneider the man and be done with it.

BOX House

April 18th, 2012 at 11:11 PM ^

If the Nucks get swept after winning the President's Trophy, that is going to be one angry fanbase. I wouldn't be surprised if they got rid of Luongo in the offseason just because the fans will be calling for the change - even if none of this series has been Luongo's fault, which it hasn't been at all.

 

In reply to by Roachgoblue

Clarence Beeks

April 19th, 2012 at 1:00 PM ^

I assume what you may be referring to is that this has been the most goals in a series through four games. They are a LONG way from the record for the total for an entire series.