Playoffs 2018 Discussion Thread

[TheMule93]

Vegas will definitely lose next round.

Right?

I have no idea anymore

 

[njx9]

I'm not sure why everyone thinks VGK has no chance to go far. It's not like it's a team full of rookies. It's not like their goalie hasn't been spectacular in the playoffs before. It's surprising how surprised everyone seems to be, given the way the NHL set up the expansion draft this year.

 

[ricky0034]

I'm not sure why everyone thinks VGK has no chance to go far. It's not like it's a team full of rookies. It's not like their goalie hasn't been spectacular in the playoffs before. It's surprising how surprised everyone seems to be, given the way the NHL set up the expansion draft this year.

because they're a team full of players that have been overperforming all year that at some point will fall back to earth

I see no particular reason for them to suddenly lose their momentum during the Playoffs though,the offseason seems far more likely

not to say they'll necessarily make it deep either but i'd give them about as much chance as anyone else at this point

 

[njx9]

because they're a team full of players that have been overperforming all year that at some point will fall back to earth

Are they? Marchessault, Neal, Perron and Fleury were already good players. I don't think anyone saw Karlsson coming but he's also only 25. It's not unheard of for a younger guy to break out. I suppose the defense is surprising, but again, they're all pretty young and none of them were necessarily absolute zeroes. I dunno.

not to say they'll necessarily make it deep either but i'd give them about as much chance as anyone else at this point

Totally agree.

 

[Red Stanley]

I'm not sure why everyone thinks VGK has no chance to go far. It's not like it's a team full of rookies. It's not like their goalie hasn't been spectacular in the playoffs before. It's surprising how surprised everyone seems to be, given the way the NHL set up the expansion draft this year.

Surprised it was a sweep, but it was as close as you can get every single game. Honestly wouldn't be very surprised with anyone beating anyone these days. That said, Vegas still has a lot more to prove. I'll be rooting for them next round against what looks like will be the Sharks, who play a completely different style from the Kings.

 

[waltdetroit]

Looks like PHI is riding Eliot. I had sorta hoped Mraz would get in, get hot and win 6 games

 

[Red Stanley]

Aaaaand another shot goes right through Elliott to kill the Flyers' momentum. So typical. When's Mrazek going in?

P.S. Nvm Neuvirth is the back up, which begs the question why start Elliott at all?

 

[Heaton]

Neuvirth would last 3 minutes before he gets injured.

 

[SpookyTsuki]

At least the overrated Ducks are out.

 

[Pavels Dog]

Gostisbehere had a brutal game. Philly is just not able to hang with the Pens.

 

[njx9]

I haven't seen a single CBJ game this year - are they really that good, or is this just another Caps collapse?

I guess only 8 points separated them in the regular season, so maybe 'neither' is an equally viable answer.

 

[HisNoodliness]

I haven't seen a single CBJ game this year - are they really that good, or is this just another Caps collapse?

I guess only 8 points separated them in the regular season, so maybe 'neither' is an equally viable answer.

I'd say the teams are comparably good, but Washington is definitely better. They were the better team games one and two but (just like every year) managed to lose anyway. Credit to Columbus though, they're playing well and Bobrovsky is keeping the Caps off the scoreboard.

 

[raymond23]

Matthews must be injured. Not skating nearly as powerful as usual.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

That call on Tom Wilson is one of the worst calls I have seen an official make. That is a 100% clean hockey hit.

 

[TheMule93]

call me crazy , but i think mitch marner is Toronto's best forward. Shift after shift he generates chances, steals, etc. Nobody else on Toronto does shit.

 

[HIFE]

After 2 games I had to turn them off. Toronto is not interesting right now. I truly hate Polak, Hainsey, really question the Marleau siging... and I'm far from a Leafs fan lol.

The WAS/CBJ games have been close. 5 Columbus posts in game 3, 3 OT games, swing of momentum both ways, but I agree the Caps are the better team. For them I think it's matter of keeping their pace in high gear. Terrible game 4 for the Jackets, they looked completely drained. It shows Washington is just a much more experienced and hardened group. Game 5 should be good.

 

[chances14]

always nice to enjoy a Pittsburgh choke. doubt the flyers win the series though

 

[Redder Winger]

Flip 1-2-3 tonight.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

call me crazy , but i think mitch marner is Toronto's best forward. Shift after shift he generates chances, steals, etc. Nobody else on Toronto does ****.

Matthews is hurt is a pretty big reason for that. But Marner reminds me of Kariya when I watch him, great change of pace and incredible vision. He is a very good talent. Ultimately Nylander is going to have to go for a D-man if they want to win anything. Since I hate the Leafs I hope they stay as is, this group doesn't have enough to win a cup in my opinion.

 

[TheMule93]

Matthews is hurt is a pretty big reason for that. But Marner reminds me of Kariya when I watch him, great change of pace and incredible vision. He is a very good talent. Ultimately Nylander is going to have to go for a D-man if they want to win anything. Since I hate the Leafs I hope they stay as is, this group doesn't have enough to win a cup in my opinion.

if Matthews was hurt would babcock really be calling him out, though?

 

[Redder Winger]

Matthews is hurt is a pretty big reason for that. But Marner reminds me of Kariya when I watch him, great change of pace and incredible vision. He is a very good talent. Ultimately Nylander is going to have to go for a D-man if they want to win anything. Since I hate the Leafs I hope they stay as is, this group doesn't have enough to win a cup in my opinion.

Marner reminds me of Yzerman.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

call me crazy , but i think mitch marner is Toronto's best forward. Shift after shift he generates chances, steals, etc. Nobody else on Toronto does ****.

I said it before but laine should have gone first overall

 

[SoupNazi]

always nice to enjoy a Pittsburgh choke. doubt the flyers win the series though

Well, for what it's worth, I just put a bunch of Sportsbook money on Pittsburgh.

That should ensure a Flyers win.

 

[TheMule93]

I said it before but laine should have gone first overall

No he shouldn't have. Even if he were the better player (he's not) Toronto needed a center much much much more than a winger

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

What a horrendous non-call in the Pens vs Flyers game.