Columbus and New Jersey avoiding Pittsburgh

[MapleLeafs9]

The difference could be a Washington/Pittsburgh/TB/Bruins matchup depending on if they win or lose tonight. Although PIT are the 2 time defending champs, they were the weakest of all of those 4 teams and that should be who they want round 1.

Thoughts?

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[hockeykicker]

taylor hall decided not to play, devils wanted him too

 

[PenguinSpeed]

The difference could be a Washington/Pittsburgh/TB/Bruins matchup depending on if they win or lose tonight. Although PIT are the 2 time defending champs, they were the weakest of all of those 4 teams and that should be who they want round 1.

Thoughts?

-The bluejackets are doing the same exact thing, resting all top players and calling up ahl players. They want Philly to play Pittsburgh and both tanked. If Washington score holds which is now 3-1, NJ locks up the crossover to the Atlantic.

 

[PenguinSpeed]

taylor hall decided not to play, devils wanted him too

-NJ scratched 7, including their starting goaltender and best goaltender

 

[izzy]

whatever you gotta play somebody

miswell be rested

 

[Its a Trap]

taylor hall decided not to play, devils wanted him too

No they asked if he wanted to play because he’s 3 points from the team points record. He said he’d rather be rested for the playoff games. Get your facts straight.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

taylor hall decided not to play, devils wanted him too

So a team wants a player to play, and he tells them no?

 

[td_ice]

Devils will be a tough out for anyone they face. If the current score holds up, I am glad it won't be us, (Pens), as their speed gave us fits.

 

[Ryuji Yamazaki]

So did the Devils just forfeit?

 

[MapleLeafs9]

So did the Devils just forfeit?

That's not what I'm saying, but the Penguins were definitely the weakest team out of the 4 that I named in the regular season.

 

[chethejet]

Teams spend major time scouting and planning and Devils and Columbus must believe Pens are not a good team for them right out of the gate. Not like the Pens are killing it this year. Who knows?

 

[BahlDeep]

As long as they win to make sure they avoid Boston, I don't have a problem with it.

 

[bennysflyers16]

Devils and Jackets openly throwing games to avoid the Pens is nuts. Seems like they are the only two teams essentially forfeiting tonight. Will be great locker room ammo for the Bolts and Caps.

 

[NJDevilsFan21]

We've matched up well against PITT and TB this year, but not so much against Washington. I'd rather see OV get 50. So long as we don't have to play Boston... we have not done well against them this year at all.

 

[PenguinSpeed]

-Columbus down 3-0 in the 1st period. They just laid down from the start.

 

[Evergreen]

I'd actually be more scared of Pittsburgh than I would be of Boston, Tampa or Washington. NJ and CBJ are probably perfectly happy to let the Flyers face Pittsburgh in the first round. CBJ has been awful against Washington and Pittsburgh, so I'm sure they would love NJ to win and be able to face Boston/Tampa instead.

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

Devils and Jackets openly throwing games to avoid the Pens is nuts. Seems like they are the only two teams essentially forfeiting tonight. Will be great locker room ammo for the Bolts and Caps.

Isles and Rangers did that in 2016 to avoid pittsburgh. Worked out ok for nyi, they got a series win out of it.

 

[bennysflyers16]

So a team wants a player to play, and he tells them no?

Ya zero chance that happened ,

 

[bennysflyers16]

Isles and Rangers did that in 2016 to avoid pittsburgh. Worked out ok for nyi, they got a series win out of it.

I'm sure it happens, but you have to beat Pens eventually, would think you would rather get them early before they get rolling.

And it not like the alternatives are scrub teams.

 

[CanuckGame39]

-Columbus down 3-0 in the 1st period. They just laid down from the start.

They aren't playing any of their top players.

 

[Ryuji Yamazaki]

That's not what I'm saying, but the Penguins were definitely the weakest team out of the 4 that I named in the regular season.

I figured they would’ve just given up since he’s the only one on their team.

 

[bennysflyers16]

And as I post this Holtby is being a Holtby.

 

[bobholly39]

Penguins are the toughest matchup in round 1

Youd have to be crazy to want to play them

 

[hotcabbagesoup]

Should've forced Nico to rest too. This is the most he's ever played in a year.

Nico is extremely important, almost as much as Hall.

 

[bennysflyers16]

And as I post this Holtby is being a Holtby.

And now Schneider gives on back lol