OT: Stanley Cup Playoffs

[Mehen]

Couple of good Winnipeg boys on the Hawks: Barker and Toews. Never got to play with or against Toews, but I played quite a few games against Barker when he was still in the city. Even then you could tell he was going to the show - although I had no idea he would be a third overall pick (1 and 2 were Ov and Malkin)! Smooth hands and a hard shot - always seemed like he was a couple years ahead of everybody else in terms of skill and the way he saw the game. There are a couple other guys I played with that have spent some time in the NHL, but none of them are near that skill level. Give Barker a full season with the Hawks and he'll be among the scoring leaders for defencemen.

[ND66]

Yes, it’s been a while.

The team has great players and potential, yet the way they play can change within minutes from best to worst. I keep wondering if this isn’t the coach, calling the wrong strategies…

Mehen, I never knew that side of yours…

.

[Mehen]

Yes, it’s been a while.

The team has great players and potential, yet the way they play can change within minutes from best to worst. I keep wondering if this isn’t the coach, calling the wrong strategies…

Mehen, I never knew that side of yours…

.

Unfortunately lower back problems held me back when I was 14/15 and looking to play some junior hockey, I don't think I would have made it all that far anyways. Maybe some minor pro somewhere - where you get paid the equivalent of minimum wage.
I still play some pretty high level hockey in the summers when a bunch of WHL/ECHL/AHL and University league players return. Although I don't have any ambition to really give it a serious go, it is nice to know I can keep up with some of those guys. (Hitting the gym and filling out my 6'2 frame to 200lbs has helped )

Back on topic: holy crap - what is going on in the Pitt-Wash game?!?! 5-1 for Pittsburgh right now. I wish I wasn't at work!

[Haig]

Wow, what a meltdown by the caps.

[Mehen]

Crosby and Malkin are unreal. Looks like a Detroit-Pittsburgh final again, and this time I would give Pittsburgh a much better chance.

[ND66]

The hope started to fade again...

Game 3 is make it or brake it.

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[Mehen]

Big win. I hope Havlat is OK. I'd love to see a Pittsburgh-Chicago final, and with Hossa and Zetterberg not scoring, and Datsyuk hurt, it might be possible.

[Mehen]

Crosby and Malkin are unreal. Looks like a Detroit-Pittsburgh final again, and this time I would give Pittsburgh a much better chance.

More of the same. Pitt wins 6-2 to take a 3-0 lead. Another big game in Chicago tomorrow, going down 3-1 to the Wings would all but finish them off.

[Haig]

Wow, they let Havlat play today

[ND66]

Destroyed... what else can I say... .

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[Mehen]

Getting close to playoff time again!

Anyone have any picks?

I like Detroit in the West and Washington in the East.

Although I'd like to see Chicago vs. Pens.

[Mehen]

Watching the Calgary-Chicago game right now. 4-1 with a couple minutes left. Chicago has controlled the play the entire game, and Niemi looks good in net. And the Flames should be battling for the lives right now given the standings.

I might have to change my pick of Detroit in the West to Chicago.

[Haig]

For the West, I'm hoping for Vancouver but I think Chicago will take it.

For the East, it's a toss up between the Caps & Pens.

[Mehen]

Looks like the 8 teams in the West are set, although not the order.

I'm not surprised to see Calgary miss the playoffs - they got rid of 3 solid point producers in Jokinen, Phaneuf, and Cammalleri - they should have been able to get some serious scoring power up front in return. Instead all they got was Bouwmeester, who I do like, don't get me wrong, but he only had 3 goals all year. Colton Orr had 4 goals this year. What does that say about Bouwmeester?

[Elie]

HAIG!!! How the heck are ya?
it's been well over a year since I've seen you here, hope all is good. I personally think the Leafs will win.