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Quote:

Originally Posted by flatbutt (Post 10467409)

but we have MotoGP and F1

I agree on MotoGP but F1 is like watching steel rust . Love the technology but it's a stretch to call it racing .

Here's what the "experts" predict (don't bet money on their predictions-they don't have great track records).
https://www.nhl.com/news/nhlcom-staff-stanley-cup-final-predictions/c-307508636?tid=306221012

Quote:

Amalie Benjamin, staff writer
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 6-8

PICK: Bruins in 5
WHY: Though going 10 days between games certainly will not help them, the Bruins have been rolling since the Eastern Conference Second Round. They have a rock-solid goaltender, veterans who have been through this before, and a bunch of hungry young players. They have depth scoring in Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson and are light on injuries heading into the Stanley Cup Final. That all adds up to a win for Boston and their second Cup championship this decade.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Tim Campbell, staff writer
Conference finals record: 0-2
Overall record: 5-9

PICK: Bruins in 5
WHY: It's no more complicated than these two factors: Tuukka Rask has been exceptional in goal for the Bruins during the playoffs and it will make a difference. Second, the cost to advance through the Western Conference has been much higher than through the Eastern Conference. Through those lenses, the Bruins look primed to win the Cup.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Brian Compton, deputy managing editor
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 5-9

PICK: Bruins in 7
WHY: My pick to win the Stanley Cup at the start of the playoffs, the Bruins, have the depth in every area -- especially experience -- to win what I feel is going to be a fantastic series, and they will benefit from playing the deciding game in front of their fans at TD Garden.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Brad Marchand, Bruins

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 6-8

PICK: Blues in 6
WHY: Nothing scientific. It just seems like destiny. The Bruins might be better on paper, but the Blues have gone from last in the NHL on Jan. 3 to the Stanley Cup Final. They're deep, physical, stingy defensively. Play "Gloria."

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Jaden Schwartz, Blues

William Douglas, staff writer
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 5-9

PICK: Blues in 7
WHY: The Blues already have defied the odds by rising from last place in the NHL in early January to making the playoffs to winning the Western Conference. So why stop now? If the Bruins' 10 days between playoff games cools the hot goaltending of Tuukka Rask, the Blues have a shot at shedding the tag of being the only remaining 1967-68 expansion team that hasn't won the Stanley Cup.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues

Tom Gulitti, staff writer
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 6-8

PICK: Bruins in 6
WHY: The Bruins have been rolling, with seven straight wins entering the Cup Final. They are deep at forward and on defense, 19 players have scored goals during the playoffs, and goalie Tuukka Rask is playing the best hockey of his career.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Pete Jensen, senior fantasy editor
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 7-7

PICK: Bruins in 6
WHY: The Bruins navigated the loaded Atlantic Division and could not be better equipped for the Stanley Cup Final; their core players have been here before, a disciplined Brad Marchand counters the physical St. Louis Blues attack, and a dominant, well-rested Tuukka Rask is poised to finally win it all as a starter. The city of Boston's run as title town continues.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor
Conference finals record: 0-2
Overall record: 4-10

PICK: Blues in 6
WHY: The Blues' wonderful run since January shows no signs of slowing. They'll have the right amount of rest before the Final starts, where the Bruins will have had way too much time off and have trouble rediscovering their groove. Get ready for the summer of "Gloria."

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Jordan Binnington, Blues

Mike G. Morreale, staff writer
Conference finals record: 2-0
Overall record: 6-8

PICK: Blues in 7
WHY: The Blues are 7-2 and have scored a League-high 31 goals in nine road games during the playoffs. On top of that, rookie goalie Jordan Binnington appears to be the only player at the position capable of going save for save with the Bruins' Tuukka Rask. Vladimir Tarasenko has eight points (three goals, five assists) during a six-game point streak and Jaden Schwartz already has scored more goals (12) in 19 playoff games than he did in 69 regular-season games (11).

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Jordan Binnington, Blues

Tracey Myers, staff writer
Conference finals record: 0-2
Overall record: 3-11

PICK: Blues in 7
WHY: As good as the Bruins are, I think this is the Blues' time. From their worst-to-first regular season to goaltender Jordan Binnington's success to their forward depth, the Blues have it all and will win their first Stanley Cup.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Jaden Schwartz, Blues

Bill Price, Editor-in-Chief
Conference finals record: 2-0
Overall record: 8-6

PICK: Bruins in 6
WHY: The Blues appear to be a team of destiny, just like the Vegas Golden Knights were last season, the Nashville Predators in 2017 and the San Jose Sharks in 2016. But in those Finals experience gave destiny a reality check. The Bruins are the better, deeper and more experienced team and they are destined to win the Cup. When it's all over, Brad Marchand will be playing "Gloria."

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Patrice Bergeron, Bruins

Shawn Roarke, senior director of editorial
Conference finals record: 2-0
Overall record: 7-7

PICK: Bruins in 7
WHY: These teams are almost mirror images of each other. They are big, heavy and deep, and each has an elite goalie. So what will be the difference? Experience. The Bruins core is in its third Final since 2011 while the Blues have two skaters that have been to the Final. In such an evenly matched series, the experience of handling the biggest stage will be the difference.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Patrice Bergeron, Bruins

Dan Rosen, senior writer
Conference finals record: 2-0
Overall record: 8-6

PICK: Bruins in 7
WHY: I worry about the long layoff for the Bruins, who will have 10 days between games, but it's not enough to sway my opinion. They have responded to adversity throughout the playoffs, including victories in two must-win games against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, rebounding from being down 2-1 in the series against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round and overcoming a brutal first period in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. They'll rely on their experience and depth to respond to the long layoff, overcome it and get enough from goalie Tuukka Rask in the end to win it.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Dave Stubbs, columnist
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 3-11

PICK: Bruins in 6
WHY: My heart says Cinderella St. Louis, but my head says Boston, which for the second time in a half-century will deny the Blues' dream in the Final. Boston's top line will come at St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington in waves. But Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak are just a part of a Bruins roster that seemingly is tailor-made for the playoffs: deep up front, robust on defense, and a wall in goal in Tuukka Rask.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Mike Zeisberger, staff writer
Conference finals record: 1-1
Overall record: 4-10

PICK: Blues in 7
WHY: Flipped a coin and it came up Blues. That's it. I like both a lot. I've covered each of these teams this postseason and learned this -- they are mirror images of each other with a unique blend of skill and sandpaper. Two-out-of-three flips and it might have been the Bruins.

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Jordan Binnington, Blues

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911 (Post 10467503)

The Flyers could be a dark horse next year because they've dropped the ball so many times and having Hart and new leadership is like going out on race day with an untested setup - you don't know what you'll end up with. Look at how the Isles slipped under the radar for so long.

In the meantime, I want to be the first to say about a Cup final series game this year:

I can't believe how the refs blew that call last night! They must be blind.

(Sadly, you know it usually happens. I figure I might as well get it out of the way now. Kinda like throwing a golf ball into the lake before taking the shot...you golfers will understand)

I have no doubt the Flyers will be better next year. In fact the last two teams that AV took over improved by 12 points over their previous year. That would put the Flyers in the playoffs, as some of those points would come at the expense of the teams ahead of them.

About 10 or 11 years ago I was coaching with the Little Flyers Tier 1 AAA Squirt Major team (1999's) We were up in North Jersey playing the Titians (IIRC). I had seen plenty of tape on them but not had the chance to see them live. As I looked at their players in the pre game skate I leaned over to one of the other coaches on our bench and asked who the heck the big defenseman was with the perfect stride and wicked hands. He was head and shoulders above the other players on his team in warmups. It was Charlie McAvoy. I said to the other coaches "that dude's playing in the NHL someday" it was so obvious even at 10 years old. When he hit the ice for the Bruins for the first time I got a call from my good friend and fellow coach, reminding me I called it when he was a Squirt Major. I laughed my azs off because I didn't remember making the call.

I am looking forward to the finals, I am going B's in 5 but to be honest I just got a box from Pro Stock Hockey with two Warrior Covert's in it and I am more looking forward to my games this week than having to see the B's win the cup. Like I said earlier today Rask just looks UFR, I know the team's playing well in front of him, but he's been a stud.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trader220 (Post 10467687)

I know the team's playing well in front of him, but he's been a stud.

A stud? My giddy aunt! He's been the whole freakin' wall!

I'm picking Bruins in 6 because all of my picks have gone to s##t. :D

Just a few more days to go. Here's something to keep in shape till game time.

https://www.nhl.com/fans/stanley-cup-final-quiz?partnerId=nhl-mw

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911 Rod (Post 10468004)

I'm picking Bruins in 6 because all of my picks have gone to s##t. :D

I would hate to start being right now!SmileWavy

Twas the night before the Cup finals and all through the house
Not a Bruins fan was worried not even about the mouse (rat) :D

So, who gets the sin bin first?
Bouwmeester, Bortuzzo Backes or Marchand?

Who scores the first goal?
Schwartz, Tarrasenko, Bergeron, or Marchand?

Who has the first highlight reel save?
Binnington or Rask?

How many times will the referees miss a call?

I think:
Baches maybe Bouwmeester
Bergeron maybe Schwartz
Binnington (he will be much busier)
all the ones that go against the Bruins ;)

Given the mix of experience and the different amount of time off I'm not putting a lot of prognostication on tonights match. I think match 2 will have more to say about where this series is headed.

Oh c'mon flat, I know you have an opinion about the goalies. Go ahead and give us the considerations if you aren't willing to make a prognostication.

Hey, not even a comment about my "twas the night..."?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911 (Post 10472096)

HA! OK fair enough. I think Binny gets the first big save just because Da Broons will get the better early chances and they will close down the lanes into Rask tightly.

The Blues may think they can claim the top of the paint the way they did against SJ but I know, I KNOW they won't get away with that. That may cause them to post a guard on Binny's crease out of a dose of caution, That in turn will push the Bs to shoot from a little further out. Those shots will have Binny looking around and challenge his lateral reaction, then comes the big save.

As for your little ditty...good start , weak finish. Hmmm could that be the story line for the Blues? Da Broons in 6.

edit: oh and the refs will cock something up...for sure

So I know that "Binny" has been playing incredible hockey. Either he is a phenom that no one knew about or, he is just playing way over his head. I really haven't looked at his metrics on where is weak point is but I know the toughest thing to control is side to side 5 hole. The B's like to get one of the top line down and dirty to pick up the loose change rebounds but, they also have a pretty good bumper setup with left and right just below the circles and center between the dots.

Weak? Geez. Here I was throwing everyone a freebee on Marchand!

Lets get this party started
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1558975803.jpg

Puck drop in a little under an hour & a half. It's 27 C. outside at the moment c/w ice cold Heineken in
hand so the game shall be recorded for later viewing enjoyment, again c/w another brewski or 2.

Geez Flat - I hope you had your fingers x-ed re: the refs making a balls-up of a critical call or two.
Hit it Joe - let the games begin.

Cheers
JB

Well it looks like the Blues got one free period courtesy of rust on the B's. After the 2nd period everyone is awake. Now we've got a hockey game.
Binnington is playing well but the iron is stopping almost as many as he is. Good sign for Boston.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911 (Post 10472718)

Most of the game stats are pretty even, blocked shots, hits, takeaways etc are very close

edit SOGs have just gone nutz in Bostons favor.

A good opening for Boston. Da Blues need to work ALOT harder.

They won't be able to give power plays to Boston and not get crushed.
Rask played OK. Not spectacular but didn't have a lot to work with. Fourth line of Boston made the difference again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911 (Post 10472757)

They won't be able to give power plays to Boston and not get crushed.
Rask played OK. Not spectacular but didn't have a lot to work with. Fourth line of Boston made the difference again.

I'm not at all surprised that Rask had a quiet night. That 4th line is really getting it done.

Good opening game they both were a little rusty and holding back not wanting to make mistakes . In my opinion if the Blues can't stay out of the penalty box they won't win the series . Looking forward to game two being played at a higher level .