Jacksoni

Caps wins the series. But I do like the physical play of Philly and that rookie of theirs Gostisbehere. Would be great if they could make Washington sweat a little.

I'll evade the question for now. Just watched Jon Coopers post game interview session after game 1. I watched all his from last year when we faced them. He's much more relaxed, assertive and confident this year. I don't like it. Gotta crash their goalie or something.

Dallas in 4 or 5. 6 at most, but that would be clearly under par from Dallas and they would view it as a disappointment despite the win. Wild will be destroyed and your friends will hide this summer I'm afraid.

Next game, saturday.

You are right of course. And there is where we are at and what we see on the ice, doesn't take a hockey genius. I guess we have to take it for what it is. We have one hand tied behind our back due to the draft and cap salary. Like bugs bunny having already ran over the cliff and only now is father time and gravity catching us.

Watched the game. Blues emphasizing hitting the Blackhawks whenever possible. Some nice ones in the offensive zone. With some luck it pays off after a few games, my guess is it does. Overall a tight game as the score says of course. Could have gone either way. I'm glad St.Louis got the win. Would be lovely if they dropped Chicago.

By the way. How do we get Hedman and make him play for us for 10 years? Kidnapping won't work I suppose. Extortion? Bribes? Crime setup with incriminating photos? Ransoming his family?

I thought we played pretty well given the strategy and lineup that the coaches decided on. I'd even say we played at maximum capacity, as in it won't get much better. We could have won this game so whiners - lower your stance a little. With that said I believe the strategy will fail as many of the key players that are counted on simply cannot perform what is asked of them anymore. They are reduced to power play specialists only I think. Also they are a liability in pressured situations - they don't have time or space to make good decisions resulting in turnovers or penalties. In the past they could create time/space at will. Not anymore. We also need Mrazek in net as our goal tending simply needs to be shutdown caliber to have a chance. Think last year series. Howard can be good but numbers say he certainly isn't great. Good game, but unless something changes I predict a clear series loss.

Regardless of the outcome, best hockey of the season coming up in 2 hours. There's nothing like the playoffs in hockey, although it certainly isn't what it was in the good 90's. Good luck to us and let's go RW!

For reference I have listened to two interviews with Nicklas Lidström the last month where he's asked to comment on the Detroit defense. He is a consultant for the Red Wings now. The only promising prospect he mentions is Danny DeKeyser. He puts him on 1 or 2D position. When asked about Quincey, Marchenko and Smith he evades the question. About Kronwall and Ericsson he states that they have slowed down but are still good on the power play, somewhat diplomatically. He's (DD) gonna get paid.

Just call Cleary back up and this farse is complete. Just feels like some weird show anyway.

Hopefully management will realize that we ain´t going nowhere with the old vets and starts pumping in the newbies sprinkled excessively here and there. It will be interesting to see for sure. On the other side I do think management have a point, many of the call-ups seem decent at best in back checking, while the coaches want much more which requires much more energy on the ice.

Just checked the Boston HF boards. Oh my. Heads'a'choppin over there.

Look at your left wing. Larks Tatar Mantha Helm Except possibly for Helm they are all suspect defensively. Any coach in the playoffs would overload that side. Over 4 games you are cooked.

They are considered defensive liabilities. I'm not sure I agree, but their absence sure tells the coaching staff thinks so.

Worst inlet to playoffs ever but I am onboard, 25 years, LGRW! We could surprise. Doubtful, but hey.

Pain. Misery. These are the things we define ourselves through. Can we grow?

Lol you are indeed fast. Nice one, and let the wars begin.

I hear you. See your point. But no. These kids are the future. Let them play in the playoffs, invaluable experience. Especially Larkin, let him tail Z everywhere, Captain trainee.

Lol you have no right discussing these from a morality standpoint. Stick to your guns.

A depleted Tampa Bay Lightning. They'll whoop our butts tho.

Stupid move by the Rangers. Now you are facing Pittsburgh. And most likely you are out. Even if you win against Pittsburgh you will face the Washington Capitals in the second round. No King can help you there.

This playoff entrance feels like drinking a bad shot of homemade licker. Bad taste, gets you dizzy and it's not good for you - not now, not later.

Boston emptying the net with 8 minutes left and down 4-1 with a power play.

10 minutes left that decides our fate. Another glass of bourbon!