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this is one of the reasons I think the first round should be best of 3, second round best of 5, then best of 7 for all finals.

They tried that years ago. The Hartford Whalers upset Montreal in five games, and it never came back....

Injuries are but one of the obstacles that a TEAM faces when trying to win a series against another TEAM.

As much as the League, TV networks , organizations marketing people push the "Marquee" player, it is still a team game. (don't get me wrong, i love watching the best players at their best- but $hit happens when you play all-out)

An injury or sitting a poorly performing player gives the chance for another player to get some more ice time and carry the team on his shoulders.
It gives a chance for a 3rd or 4th liner to prove his potential. It gives a call up player a chance to prove he can play at the NHL level under extreme pressure.
It shows which organization has depth. It showcases determination as much as raw talent.
It determines which team has the best playoff performers, not the team that has the best all-star.
When the cliche "the playoffs are a whole 'nother season" is used - don't take it lightly. It is so true. (where's the Alexi Yashin smilie ;) )

A seven game series between two determined teams is great drama. It gives a chance for a lot of players to show how they can contribute unselfishly.
That is the drama i enjoy.
You guys that go on about a missed call by a referee( determined in super slow motion by the fourth camera angle) can have it.
I prefer to examine the warriors and the strategy.
The 'filth and the fury' so to speak.
And if there are a few highlight reel goals scored by the superstars, all the better !!

The Pens played like crap during the first period Tuesday. They really came alive in the second--especialy Geno. After he scored that PP goal, he was totally rejuvinated. And Felury---damn what a game! The first time Montreal has been shut out on a home play-off game since 83.

I was in the UP this week wearing my Pens hat the whole time--got some good natured ribbing from the Wings faithful--too bad they blew their lead again. looks like the Sharks are gettin out their brooms--the premature octopi throwing after regulation may ahve jinxed them--but who wants to carry an octopus to and from a game?

Can't wait for tonight! Let's go Pens!

Wow Max, I thought I was serious about my hockey. I mostly agree with you. It is a team sport just like winning a race is a team sport but, if your best pit-person is hurt and you put a slower person that will affect the TEAM's outcome. Indy car races are won and lost in the pits all the time. Losing a pivotal person on the team will affect the line changes, the timing of the plays, everything they practiced since last fall. That said, by now, good teams go home and only extraordinary teams advance. By the time they reach the finals, they are playing hurt and purely on adrenaline.
As far as the bad calls by refs is concerned, there are always a few and yes, it is easy to judge watching the slow-motion replay 5 times. It just seems like this year they are making blatantly call in almost all the games and no team is immune but the best of the best shake it off and go get another face-off.

If I'm not mistaken Mario played with a broken wrist, (and won the cup that year), after being slashed by a Ranger in the first round of the playoffs either in 91 or 92.
And it's funny, he was always criticized for being a weeny and not giving 100%. If it wasn't for cancer and a bad back Mario would have, (and in my opinion was a better player than Gretzky), been considered the best ever. I'll go on record saying Mario is the best hockey person ever. Arguably the best player, and obviously a great owner. He single handily has the Pens where they are today. Can we say the Kansas City Penguins? :(
My hat is off to him.

As for this evening....

GO PENS!!!!!!!!


Well said Max

Pittsburgh's been having a love/hate relationship with Fleury this year. Well, all the love he stockpiled from the last game just went out the window. The first goal was about as soft as they come and the wrap around was almost as bad. Add the goal by Letang and you can say goodbye to a wasted effort by the Pens. If they go down in the this series, it will be the goaltending. How about a some stability between the pipes??:(

Looks like someone woke up the sleeping giant. Wings chopped up the Sharks into bait.

Franzen was on fire tonight, just like he was against the Av's two years ago.

I think it is still inprobable they pull out 3 more wins.

It was good seeing them play like they can though.

5 zip pttsburgh or 2-1 habs

So I had the teams wrong, sue me :D

Ok 2 big games this evening. Rooting for the Pens and the Flyers.
Chicago & San Jose' should be an awesome series.
Nothing beats the NHL playoffs for drama, not even NFL playoffs and I love football.

And nothing beats the NHL for wasting every night far a few weeks straight. :)

Ya lost me... :confused:

Sigh, the Bruins had 2 solid chances to close out the Flyers. But noooo, they had to fall asleep at the wheel. :rolleyes: Now Philly has their attitude back and the Bruins will have to fight it out. I sure hope they decide to play some all out rockem-sockem hockey tonight. Unfortunately, Versus is broadcasting the Pens/Habs game tonight. Either team can do it depending 1) who is injured and more importantly, 2) the goalie having an awesome night.

By the way, its my understanding that Laviolette has been offered a job coaching the next Summer Olympics Diving Team.

+1 Its like watching 24, Lethal Weapon, and X-Men all rolled into one.

I would love to see an original six Cup final.

Such is life. :( Could go into detail but what good does that do here. Raisin Pie to the Habs. I'll root for the Flyers against the Habs, Habs against the Bruins. With my expereince with Bruin fan they don't deserve a Stanley Cup final, nothing personal Joe.

Not making excuses for anyone or any team, but I think the Penguins like the Wings are tired both physically and mentally.

The Habs looked strong tonight, if they keep playing like that and can keep the intensity up, then the Eastern Conference Finals are going to be good.

Bill

Time to quote myself. Halfway through the series I could see he didn't have it. It's tough to play for a team when you lose confidence in you goalie. And its easy to play like the Habs did when you have all the confidence in the world with your goaltending. The Habs deserved the win, Kudos.