NHL Hockey Playoff Thread

[bayrider]

Well it's all over for Vancouver, next year they better get Luongo some better defencemen, also I see Gary Bettman has his wish to eliminate another Canadian team from the playoffs, still desperately tryng to pawn of his version of the NHL to the US market, and of course the referee's are favoring the US teams.

Next on Bettman's elimination list is Ottawa, they may make the next round, but after that you can be guaranteed the ref's will ensure the boss gets his wish, an all American final.

I have nothing against Americans, hell i'm almost an American myself I work and spend 60% of my personal time in the USA, but i'm just tired of seeing the NHL try to gain an audience that only 40% of the USA population even knows Professional Ice Hockey exists.

Vancouver got too beat up from the Dallas series.

Spare me... you obviously did not watch game 2 of the series where the Canucks went on 6 power plays in a row to Anaheim's 0 in the 3rd period. 3 or 4 of which were bogus calls. Maybe you missed the 5 on 3 the Canucks had in the early 2nd...

If anyone lost for the Canucks, it was the Canucks themselves. They blew a 2-0 lead with 15mins left in game 4. They haven't scored more than 2 goals in regulation since game one against Dallas (I'm not including the 2 empty net goals in game 7 of the Dallas series). They're a one man show, and Luongo is the ONLY reason why the Canucks got this far. You think anything else was going to decide this series? The reffing was horrible for both sides, so your argument is moot at best. Luongo was sleeping on the OT goal, and a Canuck pushed the Duck player into Luongo for the 1st goal. I guess Bettman was in charge of that too.

Like I said before this series started, you're not going to win if you cant score more than 1 or 2 goals a game, not against Anaheim. It was possible against the Stars since their offense is worse than the Canucks' but not against Selanne, Kunitz, Getzlaf, Perry, Pronger, Niedermayer and Penner.

[bayrider]

It must be nice to be able to go to games without having to know somebody that can hook you up.

Well, neither of us in Montreal or Toronto need to worry about tickets for a while now.

[rajputwarrior]

Spare me... you obviously did not watch game 2 of the series where the Canucks went on 6 power plays in a row to Anaheim's 0 in the 3rd period. 3 or 4 of which were bogus calls. Maybe you missed the 5 on 3 the Canucks had in the early 2nd...

If anyone lost for the Canucks, it was the Canucks themselves. They blew a 2-0 lead with 15mins left in game 4. They haven't scored more than 2 goals in regulation since game one against Dallas (I'm not including the 2 empty net goals in game 7 of the Dallas series). They're a one man show, and Luongo is the ONLY reason why the Canucks got this far. You think anything else was going to decide this series? The reffing was horrible for both sides, so your argument is moot at best. Luongo was sleeping on the OT goal, and a Canuck pushed the Duck player into Luongo for the 1st goal. I guess Bettman was in charge of that too.

Like I said before this series started, you're not going to win if you cant score more than 1 or 2 goals a game, not against Anaheim. It was possible against the Stars since their offense is worse than the Canucks' but not against Selanne, Kunitz, Getzlaf, Perry, Pronger, Niedermayer and Penner.

you are right, the effin has been terrible on both sides. he can make all the excuses he wants. luongo faced 60+ shots did the refs take all of those shots?

[Fred Derf Veteran]

Well, neither of us in Montreal or Toronto need to worry about tickets for a while now.

True enough.

[Steffan]

Luongo was absolutely unbelievable. I've never seen a goaltending preformance like that. He deserved to win that game. This is only going to make him more determined next year though. The thought of him being even better is scary.

That is scary. If they made it to the stanley cup finals, he would have been the conn smythe trophy winner, regardless if they won the cup or not. That was bad goal to lose on.

[solardog]

Well it's all over for Vancouver, next year they better get Luongo some better defencemen, also I see Gary Bettman has his wish to eliminate another Canadian team from the playoffs, still desperately tryng to pawn of his version of the NHL to the US market, and of course the referee's are favoring the US teams.

Next on Bettman's elimination list is Ottawa, they may make the next round, but after that you can be guaranteed the ref's will ensure the boss gets his wish, an all American final.

I have nothing against Americans, hell i'm almost an American myself I work and spend 60% of my personal time in the USA, but i'm just tired of seeing the NHL try to gain an audience that only 40% of the USA population even knows Professional Ice Hockey exists.

Vancouver got too beat up from the Dallas series.

What the F are you talking about? Prove any of that. Pretty much the most paranoid, schizo, recockulous crap Ive ever read.

Bettmans version of the NHL is about the best thing that could have ever happened for Canadian teams as all the mega rich American market teams cant just buy a champ anymore. You should get down on your knees and kiss Bettman's feet.

[Axon]

How can the American teams be so rich if no one is going to their games? I actually saw empty seats in both Dallas and Anaheim throughout the series. Here in Vancouver, the Canucks sold out faster than most rock concerts.

-Ax

[bayrider]

How can the American teams be so rich if no one is going to their games? I actually saw empty seats in both Dallas and Anaheim throughout the series. Here in Vancouver, the Canucks sold out faster than most rock concerts.

-Ax

Both series' were sold out. I know for a fact that because of the stupid 6pm faceoff time in Anaheim last night some people didn't make it in time for the opening faceoff. Anyone knows that between 5PM and 7PM in Orange County/Anaheim is a disaster for traffic. Even for 7PM starts fans are late in Anaheim because of the traffic. In fact, they sold 150 extra tickets for standing room last night, plus they got rid of the goal judges to fit more seats. Same thing for Dallas, in game 6 there were 18,600 in attendance even though American Airlines Center holds 18,532 seats for hockey.

I don't know where these ridiculous statements are coming from about some American teams. Anaheim has sold out it;s last 20 or so regular season home games (out of 41) and all their playoff games. Same for San Jose.

Detroit aka HockeyTown (what a joke), hasn't been able to sell out their playoff games however. They've raised prices so high, and the economy in Detroit is so bad that people can't afford to go. TV ratings are high though.

Here's a list of the richest teams in order from 1-30. 7 American teams in the top 10. Toronto #1, Montreal 7 and Vancouver #10. Ottawa is only one up on Anaheim at 14. Edmonton at 19 and Calgary at 26.

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/31/biz_06...ions_Value.html

You be the judge, but there's no reason to jump to conclusions because you see some empty seats on TV. I can say the same for Ottawa and Vancouver. People go in and out of their seats for whatever reason, but the numbers are there in the open.

Oh, and for the record, Nashville sold out their playoff tickets in 20mins.

Edited May 4, 2007 by bayrider

[rajputwarrior]

How can the American teams be so rich if no one is going to their games? I actually saw empty seats in both Dallas and Anaheim throughout the series. Here in Vancouver, the Canucks sold out faster than most rock concerts.

-Ax

wow, you ain't the first canuck fan to say it and you won't be the last. I dunno why you canuck fans keep saying this, i guess it makes you feel better that you team is still better because their games are sold out, but you have no idea what you are talking about so you just decide to attack American team that YOU don't think should have an NHL team. Like canuck fans are any better, bandwagon jumpers. If you have watched the game, you would have heard them say THE EXACT SAME THING bayrider did, but of course you would rather hear what you want to make yourself feel better about your one man pony show team.

[Fred Derf Veteran]

American teams were rich because of the ABC/ESPN TV contract. There was no way, with or without the lockout, that ABC was going to renew at the old rates. They realized they got fleeced the last time. NBC got the contract this time for essentially nothing. They agreed to pay the costs of production.

[Googintosh]

If Canuck fans are indeed saying that maybe they're bitter?

Bettman's version of the NHL is about parity, but more than anything Bettman wanted viable franchises and consumer demand so that franchise values could go up, and his bosses would be happy getting quick sales and returns on their investments. So even though parity now prevails, teams still struggle because demand has not increased and the cap has not produced the quick sales owners wanted.

My problem with this is that I think the Stanley Cup is devalued when everyone gets to take a turn holding it. I also think player instability makes fans less interested. I really would like to see either the cap dropped altogether or that the cap range be much bigger, lets say $80 million.

[Matrix XII]

Get on the plane to Montreal already raj you ****ing lush

[rajputwarrior]

awww poor baby want a bottle? it's okay, maybe next year luongo will have a team in front of him

[solardog]

If Canuck fans are indeed saying that maybe they're bitter?

Bettman's version of the NHL is about parity, but more than anything Bettman wanted viable franchises and consumer demand so that franchise values could go up, and his bosses would be happy getting quick sales and returns on their investments. So even though parity now prevails, teams still struggle because demand has not increased and the cap has not produced the quick sales owners wanted.

My problem with this is that I think the Stanley Cup is devalued when everyone gets to take a turn holding it. I also think player instability makes fans less interested. I really would like to see either the cap dropped altogether or that the cap range be much bigger, lets say $80 million.

Yeah the parity argument is definitely valid, but we got Joe Thornton in a round about way because of it....Sharks didnt do any spending on that mad rush for the Superstars and I was ****ed, but now they are geniuses for having a bunch of cap money to throw at Thornton and Im just rambling now because of how it all worked out! Bettman you horrible genius! You are my god! I praise your lack of fear of parity every time I head to the Tank., because through Betttman begot Thornton., praise Bettman. :rofl:

[R-Flex]

The moment that six ounce piece of rubber crossed that goal line for the victorious Anaheim Ducks, it was one of the most joyous moments of my life. It's like Xmas: Once a year, I get to celebrate the final loss of the Canucks, who will never win the Stanley Cup. They've tried 37 years, one of the longest droughts in the NHL, for naught. Anaheim in five, I said; Vancouver thought they even had a chance. Down 3-1, Vancouver thought they still had a chance. Radio stations believed them to have a 50-50 chance. I laughed. Pathetic. And yet, I have to congratulate them. I didn't think they would get so far- The second round? Impressive! Of course, it was all Luongo. That is the entire Canucks. You could put any team in front of him, from Team Switzerland to my Bantam hockey team, and the results would be the same. They don't have skaters that can play.

So, as said, will all Canuck fans please hand in their stupid car flags? All bandwagon jumpers (90% of the fans), please get your new paraphenalia for the rest of the playoffs. I can't believe the city was so excited over this team. Too many actually thought that they had a chance. And finally, I can gloat with absolute proof. HA!

Now, let's see if my Rangers can beat Buffalo. I don't expect them to, but it's exciting to see them compete. Like I have said numerous times, an Original Six final would be awesome, despite its very low possibility.

Oh, and as I promised, I will dance the victory dance for Anaheim.

[Matrix XII]

Any team in front of him and make the second round? What about Florida?.... oh ya.. right.. :rolleyes:

[solardog]

Im not quite getting this "people from Vancouver" hatred of Canucks/love of Ducks theme running through this thread...help me out. Is it just the long drought or the stupid flags?

Oh, I bet its the bandwagoneers...90%? That would be come maddening after 37 years I guess.

[H5N]

Wow! What an amazing game between Rangers and Sabres! Sabres tying it with 9 seconds left in 3rd then winning it in OT... (Y)

[ncc50446]

Im not quite getting this "people from Vancouver" hatred of Canucks/love of Ducks theme running through this thread...help me out. Is it just the long drought or the stupid flags?

Oh, I bet its the bandwagoneers...90%? That would be come maddening after 37 years I guess.

lol I don't get it either. The Canucks aren't that bad of a team, at least not bad enough to bash so much. There are worse teams in the NHL.

I was sad they lost, I wanted them to beat the ducks. I don't like them, and its all because of the movies lol The first one was ok, but the other 2 sucked, and made me hate the team.

Hope the last 2 teams left are Red wings and Ottawa, with Ottawa winning.

[rajputwarrior]

i hate the canucks because their fans are ridiculous, annoying, not loyal, and so sensitive. I have loved the ducks since i was about six or seven.

[bayrider]

Im not quite getting this "people from Vancouver" hatred of Canucks/love of Ducks theme running through this thread...help me out. Is it just the long drought or the stupid flags?

Oh, I bet its the bandwagoneers...90%? That would be come maddening after 37 years I guess.

It's not so much the team but the fans. I moved to Vancouver from Montreal in 95, I supported the Canucks in their playoff run in 94, but when I moved there, I built such a disdain for the Canucks because of their fans, for reasons i will not go into so as not to start a flame fest, I began to enjoy their demise as a team from the potential sale and relocation to the constant playoff blunders.

What I find incredible is that I am not alone. We have a few here, as well as on a lot of hockey boards I post at, a lot of ex-pats from various parts of the country living in Vancouver have built up the same hatred of all things Canucks because of their fans.

I don't want to clump all devoted Canucks fans into the mix, but I have encountered a lot who give their team a bad name.

[Axon]

The moment that six ounce piece of rubber crossed that goal line for the victorious Anaheim Ducks, it was one of the most joyous moments of my life. It's like Xmas: Once a year, I get to celebrate the final loss of the Canucks, who will never win the Stanley Cup. They've tried 37 years, one of the longest droughts in the NHL, for naught. Anaheim in five, I said; Vancouver thought they even had a chance. Down 3-1, Vancouver thought they still had a chance. Radio stations believed them to have a 50-50 chance. I laughed. Pathetic. And yet, I have to congratulate them. I didn't think they would get so far- The second round? Impressive! Of course, it was all Luongo. That is the entire Canucks. You could put any team in front of him, from Team Switzerland to my Bantam hockey team, and the results would be the same. They don't have skaters that can play.

So, as said, will all Canuck fans please hand in their stupid car flags? All bandwagon jumpers (90% of the fans), please get your new paraphenalia for the rest of the playoffs. I can't believe the city was so excited over this team. Too many actually thought that they had a chance. And finally, I can gloat with absolute proof. HA!

Now, let's see if my Rangers can beat Buffalo. I don't expect them to, but it's exciting to see them compete. Like I have said numerous times, an Original Six final would be awesome, despite its very low possibility.

Oh, and as I promised, I will dance the victory dance for Anaheim.

There it is!

Don't grant R-Flex too much pulpit. He pathologically hates whatever those around him like :p.

Ps. to give you a preview into his insight, he believes Theron Fleury is the greatest player to ever grace the ice... :laugh:

You should never discourage a city for supporting their team. Hell even if they are bandwaggoners. I think the presence of those fans is good, it means the true fans are infectious and widespread. The last thing the NHL needs right now is to knock on cities who can actually fill a bloody stadium (and Vancouver has done that for 170 odd games straight). Bandwaggoners can enjoy the game just as much as everyone else can. Who really gives a crap if they only come out when the team is doing well? It's better than sitting at home bitching into nothingness on the internet. :rofl:

-Ax

[solardog]

MOtHer Guppies! :argh:

[Boffa Jones Veteran]

Yeah that is a pain in the ass. I think Anaheim will be able to take it, but that is just what I want to happen.

[arrrgh]

Goodbye Rangers. I have to give them, even if I don't like the team, they seem to have very nice fans, loved the 'Lets go Rangers' chant even after losing the game.

More importantly, another step closer to Ducks - Sabres final

Edited May 6, 2007 by Elendil