Thought it was time to get a new thread for the NHL playoffs that kick off Friday at 7 p.m. EST.
Here are the match-ups:
EAST
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Systemfel Says: Sens in 6
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
Systemfel Says: Habs in 7
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
Systemfel Says: Devils in 6
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
Systemfel Says: Flyers in 7
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
Systemfel Says: Wings in 6
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
Systemfel Says: Stars in 6
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Systemfel Says: Flames in 5
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
Systemfel Says: Sharks in 5
Thanks for starting this up and saving me the time, I was busy working on our Pledge and Play Cup Playoff Game. -Minty
Your Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions here...
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Systemfel
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E5150_ca
- All-Star
- Posts: 1013
- Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 2:56 am
- Custom Rank: PrO Canada!
- Location: Toronto
EAST
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
E5150 Says: Tampa in 6
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
E5150 Says: Habs in 6
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
E5150 Says: Devils in 7
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
E5150 Says: Buffalo in 7 (Closest first round, Buffalo takes it due to HIA)
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
E5150 Says: Edmonton in 7
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
E5150 Says: Stars in 6
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
E5150 Says: Flames in 4
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
E5150 Says: Preds in 7
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
E5150 Says: Tampa in 6
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
E5150 Says: Habs in 6
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
E5150 Says: Devils in 7
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
E5150 Says: Buffalo in 7 (Closest first round, Buffalo takes it due to HIA)
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
E5150 Says: Edmonton in 7
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
E5150 Says: Stars in 6
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
E5150 Says: Flames in 4
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
E5150 Says: Preds in 7
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Minstrel
- TBL Admin Team
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- Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:17 am
- Custom Rank: Minty
- Favourite Team: Chicago Blackhawks
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
We invite everyone to join our 'Pledge and Play' Playoff Challenge which is a great fantasy game I created myself just for us here at TBL. You can win prizes like a signed Blackhwaks jersey by Hall of Famer Stan Mikita or a gift certificate to Amazon.com! This game is in memory of my father who passed away from prostate cancer just before the 2004 Cup Playoffs and is dedicated to all those who have been touched by cancer. It is a chance for us to do something good so we are asking people to pledge a donation to Cancer Charities. We hope people will enjoy this game.
For full details check out the area about the game in our 'Knowledge Base'. Just click on the link in the navigation bar or check out the threads in the 'Games and Competitions Forum' about the game
Now on with the show!!! I LOVE this time of year; so did my dad...
EAST
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Minty sez: Sens in 5 but without Hasek they are living on borrowed time. They get the best possible matchup for them in this one if Tampa can't get soemthing resembling NHL goaltending. There won't be much room for Tampa mistakes if they want a chance. The only thing they've done consistently all year is make mistakes though so I don't count on this one going for long.
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
Minty sez: Canes in 5
Even if Huet stands on his head Gerber can put down at least an equal performance in the Canes net so given all the things that made them successful all year to alomost win the Conference and especailly that this team plays like every game is their last and habitually came back to win when down by a bunch of goals they may well be unbeatable in a seven game series. This will be the series that puts Carolina on the map as a contender.
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
Minty sez: Devils in 7, this could be the closest series of all; I expect tons of amazing goaltending displays here between Lunk and Brody who hs looked amazing down the stretch. The big difference will be defensively, where the Rags have been having major issues with turn overs and bad coverage leading to lost games. Lunk is amazing but it only takes one turnover and the Devils getting the puck to one of their speed guys like Gionta and that baby is in the back of the net. They've survived down the stretch winning 5-4 games and having Lunk steal games or at least keep them in but this is where their luck runs out. Terrible matchup for the Rangers, especially without home ice advantage.
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
Minty sez: Sabres in 6. This is going to be a war. It will all come down to goaltending as there are major questionmarks on each side. Esche has looked terrible at times this year but I'm also not sure if Niitty is ready to back a team on a big run yet. There have been streaks where both Biron and Miller have looked unbeatable and times where they look like aliens have sucked all their goaltending knowledge out of thier heads between games. Another terrible matchup in the end for Philly whose weaknesses are Buffallo's strengths, SPEED. Usually a run and gun team is dead meat come playoff time but if this year is in fact different as the season was this one means bye bye Philly. The only thing to keep this close is dynamic play by a healthy Forsberg and a top-form Gagne. If not and their 'tending falls apart this could be a surprisingly quick series.
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
Minty sez: Dead Things in 6
It won't be easy as the World's Oldest Team will have issue with the Oilers especially in Edmonton but Roloson just ain't the solution in net for the Oil I don't think. This is as far as Detroit goes even if they take this one though.
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
Minty sez: Stars in 5
If Turco plays to his ability this thing could be ugly and over quickly much to the chagrin of the loyal Colorado crowd. Dallas is a darn tough team and Colorado just has too many question marks with major players just returning from injury and a goalie that looked horrible all year before being out for months being relied on to carry them to the Cup? I assure you nobody will be saying "Patrick who?" at the end of this one.
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Minty sez: Ducks in 7
Yes, Kipper is godlike. However Giggy finished his improbable "get on my back and I'll carry you" run into the Cup finals holding the Conn Smythe over his head while all Kipper got was a handshake with the new winners of the Stanley Cup. He was Kipper when being kipper wasn't cool
This time around though Giggy has adjusted to the "new NHL" and has looked awesome lately and the team came out of nowhere just like a certain Flames team did. The way Calgary did it last time won't work this go though and the Ducks have already proven their new approach is succesful and they believe. Calgary not being able to "bottle up" teams anymore shows how little offensive firepower this team has.
So, this one is going to be nasty and cheap and bound to make every Ducks fan
but in the end when the smoke clears I see Giguere being able to at least keep up with Kipper and that means that Anaheim has too much firepower in other areas and will be the difference in the long run.
I watched the last game between these two when they knew they would be facing each other in a series and it was "Open Season on Selanne" with everyone taking cheap shots and looking to line up Ducks especially the young kids Perry and Getzlaf. It was pathetic, in a game with 102 PIM but it's the Flames only chance, to cheap shot someone out of the game with an injury. It will happen; there will be fines and ejections and suspensions but just like on that night Calgary will find that giving away the man advantage will come back to haunt them in the final scores department. Also, the Ducks aren't as 'soft' as Calgary seems to think they are.
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
Minty sez: Sharks in 6
This will be closer than the walk in the park most people thought it would be but while I think Vokoun could have taken this team deep into the playoffs; in a seven game series he'd have been the difference I think. Even without though this is a tough, skilled, battling team that won't be rolling over because their goaltender went down. The Sharks are the same way though and they have not one but two excellent options in goal and will simply be too much for them in the long run. This conference simply belongs to the Sharks.
I'll call this one as I did before; it's Canes v Sharks and it all comes down to goaltending; that's why the Hurricanes are your Stanley Cup Champions.
For full details check out the area about the game in our 'Knowledge Base'. Just click on the link in the navigation bar or check out the threads in the 'Games and Competitions Forum' about the game
Now on with the show!!! I LOVE this time of year; so did my dad...
EAST
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Minty sez: Sens in 5 but without Hasek they are living on borrowed time. They get the best possible matchup for them in this one if Tampa can't get soemthing resembling NHL goaltending. There won't be much room for Tampa mistakes if they want a chance. The only thing they've done consistently all year is make mistakes though so I don't count on this one going for long.
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
Minty sez: Canes in 5
Even if Huet stands on his head Gerber can put down at least an equal performance in the Canes net so given all the things that made them successful all year to alomost win the Conference and especailly that this team plays like every game is their last and habitually came back to win when down by a bunch of goals they may well be unbeatable in a seven game series. This will be the series that puts Carolina on the map as a contender.
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
Minty sez: Devils in 7, this could be the closest series of all; I expect tons of amazing goaltending displays here between Lunk and Brody who hs looked amazing down the stretch. The big difference will be defensively, where the Rags have been having major issues with turn overs and bad coverage leading to lost games. Lunk is amazing but it only takes one turnover and the Devils getting the puck to one of their speed guys like Gionta and that baby is in the back of the net. They've survived down the stretch winning 5-4 games and having Lunk steal games or at least keep them in but this is where their luck runs out. Terrible matchup for the Rangers, especially without home ice advantage.
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
Minty sez: Sabres in 6. This is going to be a war. It will all come down to goaltending as there are major questionmarks on each side. Esche has looked terrible at times this year but I'm also not sure if Niitty is ready to back a team on a big run yet. There have been streaks where both Biron and Miller have looked unbeatable and times where they look like aliens have sucked all their goaltending knowledge out of thier heads between games. Another terrible matchup in the end for Philly whose weaknesses are Buffallo's strengths, SPEED. Usually a run and gun team is dead meat come playoff time but if this year is in fact different as the season was this one means bye bye Philly. The only thing to keep this close is dynamic play by a healthy Forsberg and a top-form Gagne. If not and their 'tending falls apart this could be a surprisingly quick series.
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
Minty sez: Dead Things in 6
It won't be easy as the World's Oldest Team will have issue with the Oilers especially in Edmonton but Roloson just ain't the solution in net for the Oil I don't think. This is as far as Detroit goes even if they take this one though.
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
Minty sez: Stars in 5
If Turco plays to his ability this thing could be ugly and over quickly much to the chagrin of the loyal Colorado crowd. Dallas is a darn tough team and Colorado just has too many question marks with major players just returning from injury and a goalie that looked horrible all year before being out for months being relied on to carry them to the Cup? I assure you nobody will be saying "Patrick who?" at the end of this one.
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Minty sez: Ducks in 7
Yes, Kipper is godlike. However Giggy finished his improbable "get on my back and I'll carry you" run into the Cup finals holding the Conn Smythe over his head while all Kipper got was a handshake with the new winners of the Stanley Cup. He was Kipper when being kipper wasn't cool
This time around though Giggy has adjusted to the "new NHL" and has looked awesome lately and the team came out of nowhere just like a certain Flames team did. The way Calgary did it last time won't work this go though and the Ducks have already proven their new approach is succesful and they believe. Calgary not being able to "bottle up" teams anymore shows how little offensive firepower this team has.
So, this one is going to be nasty and cheap and bound to make every Ducks fan
but in the end when the smoke clears I see Giguere being able to at least keep up with Kipper and that means that Anaheim has too much firepower in other areas and will be the difference in the long run. I watched the last game between these two when they knew they would be facing each other in a series and it was "Open Season on Selanne" with everyone taking cheap shots and looking to line up Ducks especially the young kids Perry and Getzlaf. It was pathetic, in a game with 102 PIM but it's the Flames only chance, to cheap shot someone out of the game with an injury. It will happen; there will be fines and ejections and suspensions but just like on that night Calgary will find that giving away the man advantage will come back to haunt them in the final scores department. Also, the Ducks aren't as 'soft' as Calgary seems to think they are.
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
Minty sez: Sharks in 6
This will be closer than the walk in the park most people thought it would be but while I think Vokoun could have taken this team deep into the playoffs; in a seven game series he'd have been the difference I think. Even without though this is a tough, skilled, battling team that won't be rolling over because their goaltender went down. The Sharks are the same way though and they have not one but two excellent options in goal and will simply be too much for them in the long run. This conference simply belongs to the Sharks.
I'll call this one as I did before; it's Canes v Sharks and it all comes down to goaltending; that's why the Hurricanes are your Stanley Cup Champions.
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inSTAALed
- Stanley Cup Winner
- Posts: 1443
- Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:51 pm
- Custom Rank: Back From The Dead
- Location: Raleigh, NC
EAST
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Systemfel Says: Lightning in 7
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
inSTAALed Says: Canes in 5
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
inSTAALed Says: Devils in 7
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
inSTAALed Says: Sabres in 6
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
inSTAALed Says: Wings in 5
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
inSTAALed Says: Stars in 5
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
inSTAALed Says: Ducks in 7
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
inSTAALed Says: Sharks in 6
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Systemfel Says: Lightning in 7
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (7) Montreal Canadiens
inSTAALed Says: Canes in 5
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) New York Rangers
inSTAALed Says: Devils in 7
(4) Buffalo Sabres vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
inSTAALed Says: Sabres in 6
WEST
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Edmonton Oilers
inSTAALed Says: Wings in 5
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (7) Colorado Avalanche
inSTAALed Says: Stars in 5
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
inSTAALed Says: Ducks in 7
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
inSTAALed Says: Sharks in 6
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Minstrel
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- Posts: 6527
- Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:17 am
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