NHL Playoffs

The playoffs started last week and so far have been pretty exciting. Possibly the most exciting series is the Canadiens v Capitals series. Its tied 1-1, but really, the Canadiens should be up 2-0. I fear a complete meltdown after losing the kinda lead they lost in game 2.


I gotta question. I finally found a NHL team in Montreal and I turn to watch the game and I get a black screen! The NBA would never allow a playoff game to be shown locally only, so why are there playoff games not being shown nationally? So stupid.

 

Well, we're talking about NHL TV broadcast policies, so who knows. Seems to me they havent been all that bright for a few years, now..

ONLY thing I can think of is your 'local' team was playing at the same time.

 

Presumably because they can't find networks willing to show them. All games are shown nationally here in Canada of course and I'm sure they'd love to do the same in the US if they could swing it. But in the first round the games have to be played simultaneously so you'd have to get two national channels to carry a double header each, every night, at the same time. NBC is obviously not an option beyond what they already show. ESPN isn't particularly interested so I don't know where else you go. And really, ratings aren't hot as it is, I'm sure Versus who is paying at least some money for rights wouldn't be particularly thrilled with having their playoff audience halved.

Also if memory serves correct Quebec has some ridiculously oppressive regs, fees, ect. (they insist on being counter productive in almost all areas) regarding networks doing broadcast out of there. Which may explain why Versus would decide to go with the Boston series while the Caps are in Montreal. Its the only explanation I can think of them not to be showing Ovie.

 

Whatever the reason, I'm glad I didn't watch the game. Caps crushed them in the second period. Oh well, I'm just glad I found a team even though I hear its weird for Americans to support them. I hate Vegas because we have no local teams so I have had to find teams my whole life rather than supporting a local team.


The Kings were 3 for 3 on the power play against Vancouver and won. Sets up a good game 4. There was an interesting call made where a Vancouver player directed the puck into the net with his skate. Could've gone either way, but the goal was disallowed. I'm sure they'll have a few words about that call.

 

Well, certianly it is an 'interesting' choice. I think you'll find you're in for a lot of frustration. It is the only Quebec team which brings with it a whole different element if you will. As far as Americans are concerned, they had the booing the national anthem fiasco so make of that what you will. The main problem is all the drama constantly around the team. The Montreal media is relentless and the fans can be brutal. (see Carey Price for example or Latendresse who upon getting some breathing room in Minnesota broke out and scored 25 goals) The fans also seem particularly biased towards skill and flare over commitment and consistency and can put pressure on the team to make the same skewed valuations (see love affair with Kovalev). Fans have also been known to put pressure on the team to draft French players, even if they are not the best available.(see Louis Leblanc) GM's and coaches are generally required to be fluent in French which can cut down on options. I also think your TV troubles will be constant. On the positive side they do have plenty of hardware, just not in the past fifteen years!

 

Got to stand up for my Caps here in DC! We don't have a lot to cheer about here, bad sports teams, horrible traffic and everyone who lives here either works for the government or lobbies it - we're the people America loves to hate! Even our DC United, the most decorated team in MLS, is perhaps it's worst team right now. And don't get me started on the stadium!

So - as we say in Washingotn
C A P S!
Caps
Caps
Caps!

 

SIGH... :|

My Sharks have scored 3 game-winning goals, but have only 1 win to show for it...

SIGH... :|

 

It's early, but I've enjoyed what I've seen of the playoffs so far. I grew up a Caps fan, so it's sublime to see them as a 1 seed. Their goalkeeping makes me think they'll fall short of the Finals, but we'll see. They can certainly light the lamp in abundance.

That Sharks own goal had to be gutting. I'm still not sure how that got in.

 

And those Sharks have led for exactly 0 seconds in those 3 games. Beware the hot goaltender and fast youth - go Avs.

 

Didn't they have the lead at the end of game 2? :wink:

 

Very exciting series so far, Sharks-Avs. Except for a couple of stretches in Games 2 and 3, the teams look pretty even - not what one would expect from #1 v. #8. I like the Avs in 7 because of goaltending and because they secretly have the best (future) player on the ice - Matt Duchene.

 

Bradical, I hope you're right, but I'm glad I fell asleep during last night's game!

 

I didn't watch the game, but the Canadiens are still alive! Montreal is going to be fucking rockin and I hope I get a chance to watch it.

 

Or whining, based on the last game hosted by Les Habitants.

 

Holy shit do I wish I was in Montreal. Unbelievable game by Halak and great penalty killing.

Game 7 in Washington and all I can say is Go Habs Go!

 

How embarassing. Caps not only lose to the 8 seed in the first round, they blow a 3-1 series lead to lose it. And to salt the wound, it's the miserable Canadiens, the Yankees of the NHL.

 

Absolutely amazing! Time to knock Cindy Crosby outta the playoffs!

 

What? Not on that bandwagon too?

 

What bandwagon? I started to support a team who was an 8 seed in the playoffs who happened to come back from 3-1 down. I don't choose teams based on bandwagons and titles, but what feels right and after watching a Canadiens game, it felt right.


Enjoy being knocked out of the playoffs.

 

Montreal fuck yeah! Halak was pretty shit when the two goals went in, but really stepped up after that. That was a fucking amazing start to the 3rd period. Amazing stuff.


Meanwhile, Detroit is completely destroying the Sharks in the other game. San Jose has a horrible history of failing in the playoffs, one has to wonder if they can keep it together after this poor game.