2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs

MrJoeSoap

COYW wrote: »

I can only see a Hawks win. I think they can match the Bruins for intensity and they have more goals in them. I think they will win it in 5.

After the Pens series, I wouldn't be backing against the Bruins. Although, admittedly, I haven't seen an awful lot of Chicago this year. Had a small bet on Boston from the start of the playoffs at 9/1 so that'll keep me interested, hope it goes the distance and comes down to a Game 7 overtime in Chicago.

Rented Mule

The Stanley Cup Finals kick off Wednesday in the United Center !! This should be some series. Both teams are deep with strong goaltending and strong Penalty Kills. The funny thing is that neither team has much of a Power Play to speak of in the playoffs.

I was at all four games the Blackhawks won in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010. I'm going to have to see if I can make it to Wednesday nights game and keep the streak alive.

tolosenc

Rented Mule wrote: »

I was at all four games the Blackhawks won in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010. I'm going to have to see if I can make it to Wednesday nights game and keep the streak alive.

4 games?

There were 3 games in Chi, and 6 in total, that year, no?

As a Canucks fan, this Finals might as well be the apocalypse. That said, I dislike Chicago because they play good hockey and are top competitors. I dislike Boston because they are self entitled, and Brad Marchand is a filthy rat. So in that vein, "Go Hawks! (Careful now)"

Hazys

Brad Marchand is the biggest troll of all time

cena

Fiery mutant

Marchand is a pest, but he is good at what he does. The only thing I dislike about him is the needless penalties he gives away at times. But I guess that is a consequence of who he is on the ice.

That being said, I'd dress him on my team for sure.

COYW

Fiery mutant wrote: »

Marchand is a pest, but he is good at what he does. The only thing I dislike about him is the needless penalties he gives away at times. But I guess that is a consequence of who he is on the ice.

That being said, I'd dress him on my team for sure.

Yep, you could make a 3 hour movie out of the wind-ups he did against the Pens alone. The goals he scored in that series made him 20 times worse. He does give away some very silly penalties alright.

Hazys

COYW wrote: »

Yep, you could make a 3 hour movie out of the wind-ups he did against the Pens alone. The goals he scored in that series made him 20 times worse. He does give away some very silly penalties alright.

Some of his penalties are ridiculously stupid alright.

The last one i saw was when he tripped a Pens player after the whistle, right in front of the ref, the only thing that saved him was that the pens player retaliated by hitting him with the stick...both players were given penalties.

So far he has come out on top with his trolling overall in his career but its only going to take one mistake and cost a big game for it all to turn bad for him...but he's a pleasure to watch when he's winding up opponents and winning.

MrJoeSoap

This regular season, Marchand took penalties in 11 of 45 regular season games (27 mins) that he played in. For someone who plays the way he does, that's a darn good record. It's less than Ovechkin and Stamkos took (not comparing them as players, obviously).

Whilst he took at least a penalty in all four games against the Penguins, he was only sent to the box in three of the previous twelve games this postseason. What I like about him is that he isn't one-dimensional and isn't just a pest, but he can score and makes some great plays as well. As you saw on his breakaway goal v the Penguins, his speed is a huge asset. His line with Bergeron and Seguin is exceptional, and in the past two regular seasons each of the three have been at least +23 in +/-. If the Bruins are going to win this they need that to continue.

Rented Mule

tolosenc wrote: »

4 games?

There were 3 games in Chi, and 6 in total, that year, no?

As a Canucks fan, this Finals might as well be the apocalypse. That said, I dislike Chicago because they play good hockey and are top competitors. I dislike Boston because they are self entitled, and Brad Marchand is a filthy rat. So in that vein, "Go Hawks! (Careful now)"

I flew to Philadelphia for Game Six. I had the pleasure of dealing with the lovely Flyers fans up close and personal. I wrote a little bit about it.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055676375&page=12

COYW

Rented Mule wrote: »

I flew to Philadelphia for Game Six. I had the pleasure of dealing with the lovely Flyers fans up close and personal. I wrote a little bit about it.

I remember that all right and I know from Rangers fans that a trip to Philly is an experience and a half. It tends to get physical and you don't get much protection from the security, as you said. I will be in NY early next year and I would love to go to Philly to experience a Rangers @ Flyers game and to have another cheese steak too. I will definitely drive there if that game is on when I am in NY. Philly is a handy drive from NY. Really want to get to TD Garden too sometime.

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Whilst he took at least a penalty in all four games against the Penguins, he was only sent to the box in three of the previous twelve games this postseason. What I like about him is that he isn't one-dimensional and isn't just a pest, but he can score and makes some great plays as well. As you saw on his breakaway goal v the Penguins, his speed is a huge asset. His line with Bergeron and Seguin is exceptional, and in the past two regular seasons each of the three have been at least +23 in +/-. If the Bruins are going to win this they need that to continue.

Have to hand it to him, he took that goal from Crosby's mistake brilliantly. Plenty of players would have fluffed their lines that early in a game. I just think that the Hawks have enough to manage that line and as you said, the Bruins need that line firing on all cylinders to win the cup.

Waitsian

Fiery mutant wrote: »

Marchand is a pest, but he is good at what he does. The only thing I dislike about him is the needless penalties he gives away at times. But I guess that is a consequence of who he is on the ice.

That being said, I'd dress him on my team for sure.

I wouldn't, he's pond scum. The sort of "player" the NHL can do without.

Fiery mutant

mod9maple wrote: »

I wouldn't, he's pond scum. The sort of "player" the NHL can do without.

Pond scum?????? Bit harsh. There are worse around the league than Marchand, but I wouldn't label them pond scum.

Waitsian

Fiery mutant wrote: »

Pond scum?????? Bit harsh. There are worse around the league than Marchand, but I wouldn't label them pond scum.

Not at all harsh, he's a filthy rat. He blind sides people, kidney punches them with his stick, slew foots at every opportunity, even took a two handed swing with his stick at Van Reimsdyk during the first round. And never backs it up with his fists. He can't. He runs and hides behind Chara or Lucic.

He's a cheating, filthy "player". Scum. If I was opposing him in a line at the end of a series, I'd refuse point blank to shake his hand. I dream of the day someone removes him from the game never to return. And he's not the only one mind....

Fiery mutant

mod9maple wrote: »

Not at all harsh, he's a filthy rat. He blind sides people, kidney punches them with his stick, slew foots at every opportunity, even took a two handed swing with his stick at Van Reimsdyk during the first round. And never backs it up with his fists. He can't. He runs and hides behind Chara or Lucic.

He's a cheating, filthy "player". Scum. If I was opposing him in a line at the end of a series, I'd refuse point blank to shake his hand. I dream of the day someone removes him from the game never to return. And he's not the only one mind....

You dream of the day someone removes him from the game never to return ???

Fairly disgusting comment to be honest. Wishing serious harm on a player.

MrJoeSoap

mod9maple wrote: »

Not at all harsh, he's a filthy rat. He blind sides people, kidney punches them with his stick, slew foots at every opportunity, even took a two handed swing with his stick at Van Reimsdyk during the first round. And never backs it up with his fists. He can't. He runs and hides behind Chara or Lucic.

He's a cheating, filthy "player". Scum. If I was opposing him in a line at the end of a series, I'd refuse point blank to shake his hand. I dream of the day someone removes him from the game never to return. And he's not the only one mind....

Calm it down a bit, please. "Scum" and "rat" are words that would get you banned on most of the other sports forums on Boards.ie, and shouldn't be repeated. Thanks.

Al_Coholic

mod9maple wrote: »

Not at all harsh, he's a filthy rat. He blind sides people, kidney punches them with his stick, slew foots at every opportunity, even took a two handed swing with his stick at Van Reimsdyk during the first round. And never backs it up with his fists. He can't. He runs and hides behind Chara or Lucic.

He's a cheating, filthy "player". Scum. If I was opposing him in a line at the end of a series, I'd refuse point blank to shake his hand. I dream of the day someone removes him from the game never to return. And he's not the only one mind....

he is a player opposing fans love to hate but he is the kind of player you would love on your team...he is a winner

Fiery mutant

Bit of a subdued first period I thought, but happy enough. Creating some chances while keeping the Blackhawks contained to a point. Gonna be a low scoring series I think, two top goalies playing out of their skin.

I'd love to see Jagr have a huge series, great career, great to finish it out with a ring.

scottmcb04

Well this game has livened up a bit, slow first half hawks starting to play a bit...

bad mistake from Crawford for bruins 2nd...

kreicji, horton and lucic line have been lethal whole playoffs +22, if hawks keep them quiet they should win series with relative ease if they play consistantly the way they have in the 2nd!

Fiery mutant

Tougher 2nd period for the Bruins, gave possession away too easily, too many turnovers. Just as well Lucic got the second fairly early into the period.

Rented Mule

Sitting in work trying to keep my eyes open. 3OTs and the Blackhawks coming back from being down 3-1 with 13+ minutes left in the 3rd period.

WOW.

I'm going to guess that besides being completely exhausted that the Bruins are black and blue from blocking 40 shots last night. They were impressive defensively, but the Blackhawks kept coming.

I thought that both goalies were exceptional in the OT periods. I made a comment that the first 'brain fart' would end the game (it didn't with the Too Many Men penalty that the Hawks took).

I'm going to guess that the next game is not going to be as up and down as Game One. I would expect a much more physical/clutch and grab style just down to both tema snot having their legs underneath them.

Take a look at the TSN.ca Game Tracker. http://gametracker-nhl.tsn.ca/17710

Fiery mutant

It was an epic game and could have gone either way. When we went 3-1 up I still fancied the Hawks to get at least one. Once they levelled they took control until the OT.

Hopefully we can refocus and take game 2, be good to get at least one from the initial away series, but even then I won't be overly concerned. We lost the initial 2 against the Canucks, but we need to cut out the costly turnovers. Not that I want to take anything away from the Hawks, they certainly played their part in an amazing game.

Rented Mule

Fiery mutant wrote: »

It was an epic game and could have gone either way. When we went 3-1 up I still fancied the Hawks to get at least one. Once they levelled they took control until the OT.

Hopefully we can refocus and take game 2, be good to get at least one from the initial away series, but even then I won't be overly concerned. We lost the initial 2 against the Canucks, but we need to cut out the costly turnovers. Not that I want to take anything away from the Hawks, they certainly played their part in an amazing game.

Please don't ever compare the Chicago Blackhawks to the Vancouver Canucks ever again. There is no need to stoop that low.

looder

Rented Mule wrote: »

Please don't ever compare the Chicago Blackhawks to the Vancouver Canucks ever again. There is no need to stoop that low.

or what? the Blackhawks fans will cause a riot?

I'll get my coat

Fell asleep in OT. Sickened I missed the rest of it.

cena

Any place online to watch the game replay

scottmcb04

It was a super game, OT was brilliant, it wasnt a case of niether team wanting to lose it was all out attack!

I think prob bruins had more chances to win it in OT with some super defensive stick checks and saves saving the hawks...

anyway looking forward to the rest of this series! Can see it going to 6 or 7 with a hawks win!

cena

Is setanta worth getting for the finals. They have a special offer on.

Sign up today and get Setanta Sports at HALF PRICE! That’s just €8.49 per month for the first 2 months (plus a reduced online connection fee of €9.99).

GvidoR

#LetsGoBruins

Rented Mule

I'm still not recovered from that marathon, and I was just watching it. Neither team skated yesterday at the United Center. The Bruins didn't even leave their hotel room. All players/staff that were made available were at the hotel.

One very strange thing came up yesterday. In an interview yesterday, Tuuka Rask basically threw their young D-man Krug under the bus.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/13/terrible-turnover-from-bruins-krug-leads-to-bolland-goal/

The reason that this is 'odd' is that no one was questioning anything that Rask had done. He played an outstanding game. Krug knew that he made a mistake (but there was lackadaisical line change going on at that time). There was no need to to make that comment. This kid bailed him out pretty well in the Rangers series scoring some big goals. You don't try to destroy a kid who only played three NHL games before the playoffs in the biggest series of them all.

Fiery mutant

Yeah I found that odd as well. The guys always speak of a team mentality and standing up for each other, then he was very sharp in what he said about Krug. After he made that mistake, he didn't move from the bench until midway through the 1st OT period, and yeah the guys were probably a little miffed deep down, but openly criticising the guy I thought was harsh. He's done a great job since he was brought into the side, and as you said bailed us out against the Rangers, and lets not forget Rask's falling on his backside, so everyone makes mistakes.

I just hope the team discussed this between themselves and have not let anything get to them. He needs support, and assistance when he's on the ice.

Can't wait for tomorrow night. I'm still wrecked after the first game, but I reckon tomorrow is gonna be more of the same. Hopefully though with the B's taking the win.

scottmcb04

Thats not the mentality that should be seeping into a team at finals stage, bit of inexperience there on rasks behalf in my opnion, rookies need support...

I though that krug did well and didnt let it get to him When he got back on the ice in ot, he was pretty active in attack as he has been and set up a couple of chances!

Doesnt seem to be any word on horton since the game??? He fit for tomorrow?

Fiery mutant

Horton is listed as day to day, but there is a chance he will play apparently, so obviously not too serious. It would be terrible for him to be put out of 2 finals in 3 years. He is such a big player for us, and if there was ever a time to have your big players shine, this is it.

scottmcb04

So hes playing, bruins need him, serious player! Should make for another interesting game tonight!

Seguin needs a big game tonight as well after sayong during the week that he would come up big in rhis series, hasnt really shown it in playoffs yet!

Fiery mutant

Yeah good that Hortons in, but I'm wary as to how ready he is. Didn't really hear much about what his injury was, so gonna be interesting going into contact to see how he fares.

I have had a feeling all playoff that either Sequin or Jagr is gonna have a huge moment somewhere along the line. It would be nice to get it tonight.

scottmcb04

They didnt really say much(shoulder injury!) apparently bruins policy to not talk about injuries!

all I want is a game 7, not really that bothered who wins it!

Fiery mutant

That's probably the worst period I have seen from the Bruins all season. Piss poor in all areas, doing a terrible job of clearing bodies away from the crease, no puck control at all, decision making is awful, poor support in the offensive zone and panicking any time the puck comes into the defensive zone.

The Hawks will walk this game if there is no change in the second period.

GvidoR

Despite having only 4 shots on goal in the first period, Bruins won the game in overtime. Tuuka Rask did a good job.

Fiery mutant

Thrilled we came away with the win last night, but it didn't look good after 20 minutes. I thought once we came out and started forechecking and playing our own game, we grew back into it, and in the end deserved the win. If we can carry that form back to Boston and play for a full 60 minutes, we are in with a real chance to win this.

scottmcb04

Didnt get to see this 1... but seen the disallowed goal for the hawks bit harsh I thought(like dustin penners earlier in the playoffs!) Dont know why it wasnt given after review either?!

Anybody see it and have more info?

Fiery mutant

It was ruled the whistle had blown before the puck crossed the line. But it was close, too close for comfort.

TechnoPool

Even though i live in Canada now, is there any ice rinks in dublin that i could look into getting something started on?

Rented Mule

scottmcb04 wrote: »

Didnt get to see this 1... but seen the disallowed goal for the hawks bit harsh I thought(like dustin penners earlier in the playoffs!) Dont know why it wasnt given after review either?!

Anybody see it and have more info?

They did review to see if it went in. The problem is that no one got a chance to see it from that camera angle until well after they called it a 'no goal'.

The stoppages in play did helped the Bruins as much as the 'no call'. They got several minutes to regroup themselves and played much better afterwards.

It's been an outstanding series so far. I think this one is going to go the distance.

GvidoR

Too bad the games are so late.

Rented Mule

GvidoR wrote: »

Too bad the games are so late.

Be happy that they are all Eastern/Central time zone teams. Otherwise these games could have been starting two hours later.

MrJoeSoap

Rented Mule wrote: »

Be happy that they are all Eastern/Central time zone teams. Otherwise these games could have been starting two hours later.

The Stanley Cup finals always start at 8pm ET regardless of venue, and have done since at least the 04-05 lockout.

GvidoR

It was a great game last night, there were two or three chances for Bruins to score while there was just 4 of them on the ice, anyway they did a good job and won again.

Rented Mule

GvidoR wrote: »

It was a great game last night, there were two or three chances for Bruins to score while there was just 4 of them on the ice, anyway they did a good job and won again.

I'm not quite sure if Boston was that good, or Chicago was that bad. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Rented Mule

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=425780


QUENNEVILLE SAYS HOSSA LIKELY TO PLAY IN GAME 4

According to Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville, forward Marian Hossa is likely to play in Game 4 against the Boston Bruins.

Hossa was absent from the lineup in Chicago's 2-0 loss to the Bruins in Game 3. TSN Hockey analyst Aaron Ward reported on Tuesday that he believes Hossa's injury is neck-related.

SantryRed

Chicago were awful last night. They have been so unimaginative on the Powerplays. Not taking many shots at all, if you don't shoot you can't score. Must win tomorrow night!

Fiery mutant

Both sides are rubbish on the PP, the Bruins have been for a few years now at least. Anyway we score on the power play, it does be more of a shock than anything else. I enjoyed the game last night, but I think you could tell the two OT games had taken a lot out of the players. I think we will see a lot more intensity tomorrow night with the Hawks looking to steal one before heading back to home. The Bruins need to come out physical tomorrow, hit them hard and keep them off their game, whereas I think the Hwks will be hoping Hossa's is back, haven't heard much about his injury yet so not sure how he is, but he is a big player that the hawks need firing.