Will the ducks get their wings clipped?

[Guest nutz2u]

The Ducks may not even get the 4th seed. They have to play Dallas and San Jose a couple more times this year, and are without Pronger, Perry, Giguere and Getzlaf.

As for the playoffs, if were healthy, we can beat anyone in the West.

If we're healthy we can beat anyone east or west.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

The problem with a 1v16 format is travel. If you match 1v16, 2v15, and so on...sometimes the higher seed will have a horrible travel situation, not unlike what the Wings face every year in the Western Conference.

I had an interesting thought on this topic actually.

The six division winners and two at-large teams are the "Top Eight." The next eight highest teams are the "Bottom eight."

The Top Eight are seeded 1-8 on points, and are then allowed to select their opponent from the Bottom Eight, in seed order. This would provide the teams that finish well the ability to choose a favorable playoff matchup, but allows teams that do well but do not finish first in a strong division to still achieve the same reward. For example, it's conceivable that the top three seeds could be from the same division in a year where that division's teams dominate everyone else.

To me, the whole "choosing your opponent" just seems like a bad idea. Who gets to make the decision on which team you want to play? Coach? GM? Other? Also, picking your oponent just adds fuel to the fire of the team you're playing.

Lastly, how would each subsequent round work? Top vs. bottom or re-pick again?

[Shawny 0]

i actually wouldn't mind facing the ducks again. i want a re-match to give us another chance to kick their asses. i think we def have the potential to this season, more than we did last year. i would NOT want to face them in the conf finals though.

the ducks have their injury issues, but we do too. i know they have way more, but still. i'm particularly worried about the absence of Stuart. i hope he comes back before the playoffs start, or at least before we start to feel the weight of having only 4 reliable defensemen.

though like someone said earlier, it'd be nice if someone kicked the ducks out for us before we'd have to meet them =]

i don't like how vancouver's 8th seed right now though =[ the Luongos scare me. i'm rooting for Nashville until the playoffs start

[bellarina 1]

You've pointed out what I don't care for in the current format; a team with a worse record seating higher/getting home ice advantage due to the fact that they're 1st in their division...I like the best team facing the 16th seed regardless of which conference they're in...I know I'm probably in the minority here.

I like it too.

[vangvace 12]

I'm more in favor of return to 2 divisions per conference and playing within your division first round.

*middle odd team out escaping to middle off team of other division.

[Shawny 0]

Yeah, but is Luongo playoff proven?

perhaps not, but he's still a hell of a goalie, and imo unfortunately, goalie teams seem to get quite far in the playoffs, even if not necessarily to the cup itself. i say i'm scared of Luongo because we have gotten kicked out of the playoffs for good goalies lately. two seasons ago when we got beaten by Edmonton, i think it was largely because of Rollie. last season we faced Kiprusoff, Nabokov, and Giguere. i felt like we could've had a much easier time if it wasn't for them. since Luongo is better than any of those 4, i figure the Luongos have good potential to put up a fight against us, even if the rest of their team isn't as good as the rest of Edm/Cal/SJ/Anaheim.

[HOCKEY MATTERS 167]

Detroit is a much better team this year. I know we can beat the Ducks and the refs this time.

I am right there with you on that one.

[ashenhigh 9]

the ducks will be the #4 seed, so if everything goes as expected we'll me them in the 2nd round..

personally i think we'll have to get past Anaheim and San Jose again, just the other way around this time

with them being the 4th seed, we will play them in the conference finals you silly goose. After the first round, the seedings are redone. Wings will play the new 4th seed, and there is likely to be at least one team to advance that was in the seeds 5-8. In other words, the ducks will most likely have to play the sharks in the second round.

after 1st round:

wings (1st seed) vs team from seeds 5-8 (4th seed)

sharks (2nd seed) vs ducks (3rd seed)

get it?

Edited March 27, 2008 by ashenhigh

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I don't know when was the last time you guys looked at the standings, but there's a good chance that the Stars can drop all the way to 8th, the way the other teams are moving up. The Stars are sliding fast lately. I'd love to play them in the 1st round if that happens.

[b.shanafan14 733]

with them being the 4th seed, we will play them in the conference finals you silly goose. After the first round, the seedings are redone. Wings will play the new 4th seed, and there is likely to be at least one team to advance that was in the seeds 5-8. In other words, the ducks will most likely have to play the sharks in the second round.

after 1st round:

wings (1st seed) vs team from seeds 5-8 (4th seed)

sharks (2nd seed) vs ducks (3rd seed)

get it?

Thank god, i was wondering when someone else was going to pick up on that... With a conference this tight and how different teams match up, its much more likely that one or more of the higher seeds drop in the first round, as long as it isn't the Wings, I feel confident about the first two rounds, and part of me wants to see the Ducks just to feel absolute Joy in getting them back for last year. Of course, as others have said, them getting knocked off first works for me too

[RedWingedKitten 9]

with them being the 4th seed, we will play them in the conference finals you silly goose. After the first round, the seedings are redone. Wings will play the new 4th seed, and there is likely to be at least one team to advance that was in the seeds 5-8. In other words, the ducks will most likely have to play the sharks in the second round.

after 1st round:

wings (1st seed) vs team from seeds 5-8 (4th seed)

sharks (2nd seed) vs ducks (3rd seed)

get it?

Yes, many people forget that teams are re-seeded by points, not by how they finished in the regular season. For example Minnesota has 5 less points than the number 4 seed, even though they are number 3 seed. I don't like that divisional leaders are seeded 1-3.

[Guest nutz2u]

Yes, many people forget that teams are re-seeded by points, not by how they finished in the regular season. For example Minnesota has 5 less points than the number 4 seed, even though they are number 3 seed. I don't like that divisional leaders are seeded 1-3.

Well s*** the bed fred, I forgot about that. Come on Sucks and Sharks kick the s*** otta each other. :punch:

[zombiewing 3]

Well s*** the bed fred, I forgot about that. Come on Sucks and Sharks kick the s*** otta each other. :punch:

yeah, I am predicting that Friday's Sharks-Ducks game will be a cheapshot-a-thon.

[chrisdetroit 189]

I believe in a seven game series a team makes its own luck. The "lucky" argument against the Wings is debatable and one that's been discussed several times on here, but there was nothing lucky about the Stanley Cup Finals. Unless you consider it luck when a team physically dominates another team.

Yea sure. No luck. They played Vancouver and Minny while we had to play Calgary and San Jose.

They had no significant injuries while we lost our #3 D-man for the entire playoffs and our #2 for the entire Aneheim series.

Explain to me again how they didn't get lucky.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Yea sure. No luck. They played Vancouver and Minny while we had to play Calgary and San Jose.

They had no significant injuries while we lost our #3 D-man for the entire playoffs and our #2 for the entire Aneheim series.

Explain to me again how they didn't get lucky.

Because they scored the clutch goals in the series and we didn't. In any sport, the team that wins a series is usually the team that makes clutch plays at the end.

Also, their goalie was more clutch late in games than our goalie. Imagine if Hasek makes that save on Selanne, or Datsyuk scores that goal in OT instead of shooting it wide. Or if Franzen clears that puck, or if Drapes wins that faceoff at the end of game 2.

The point is that the Wings didn't make enough key plays to win. Yes, injuries had an effect on the team, but they could have won even with the injuries if they made the right plays at the end of games.

[chrisdetroit 189]

with them being the 4th seed, we will play them in the conference finals you silly goose. After the first round, the seedings are redone. Wings will play the new 4th seed, and there is likely to be at least one team to advance that was in the seeds 5-8. In other words, the ducks will most likely have to play the sharks in the second round.

after 1st round:

wings (1st seed) vs team from seeds 5-8 (4th seed)

sharks (2nd seed) vs ducks (3rd seed)

get it?

No. If there are no upsets, that leaves 4 teams

#1 Detroit

#2 San Jose

#3 Northwest Winner

#4 Aneheim

#1 plays #4, and #2 plays #3

The only thing that's sure is that we can't play the Sharks #2 or the Northwest winner #3 in the 2nd round. For us to play the Ducks, they would have to be the lowest seeded team left. That means that there can be no upsets. #8, #7, #6 and #5 ALL have to lose. On paper that's what SHOULD happen but I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm betting that either the Sharks, Ducks, or the Northwest winner loses in the first round. Then we play whoever benefitted from the upset.

That said, we probably will not play both the ducks and the sharks.

If you think about it, there are 3 rounds in the West. We cannot play either the Ducks or the Sharks in round 1 - it's impossible. For us to face those 2 teams in sucessive rounds is not likely. It's only possible if there are no upsets in any of the 6 series.

[chrisdetroit 189]

Because they scored the clutch goals in the series and we didn't. In any sport, the team that wins a series is usually the team that makes clutch plays at the end.

Also, their goalie was more clutch late in games than our goalie. Imagine if Hasek makes that save on Selanne, or Datsyuk scores that goal in OT instead of shooting it wide. Or if Franzen clears that puck, or if Drapes wins that faceoff at the end of game 2.

The point is that the Wings didn't make enough key plays to win. Yes, injuries had an effect on the team, but they could have won even with the injuries if they made the right plays at the end of games.

I guess if you want to define "luck" as only those things that happen on the ice. But I don't know how you can say that having injuries or not and which opponent you draw are not relevant. Those 2 things a 100% luck and which guys you can put on the ice because they are not injured can have an significant effect on whether or not you score those "clutch" goals or make those key plays.

How beat up you aren't from playing weak teams which you drew by luck certainly has an effect on how you play.

If Krowall or Schneider was handling the Puck instead of Lilja he might not have handed the puck to Selanne in OT of game 5.

I don't know how you can dismiss injuries and schedule so easily.

They could have won with the injuries if they made the right plays. Yes, but how do you do that? It's not that easy to make the right plays without your best guys on the ice.

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

with them being the 4th seed, we will play them in the conference finals you silly goose. After the first round, the seedings are redone. Wings will play the new 4th seed, and there is likely to be at least one team to advance that was in the seeds 5-8. In other words, the ducks will most likely have to play the sharks in the second round.

after 1st round:

wings (1st seed) vs team from seeds 5-8 (4th seed)

sharks (2nd seed) vs ducks (3rd seed)

get it?

I always just assume to start with the the first 4 seeds will win - like last year. In that case the Wings have a very good probability of playing the Ducks in the second round. Personally, I don't see Wings, Ducks, or Sharks losing in the first round - but you never know (esp as a Wings fan - yikes ) Yes it would be nice if a #5-8 seed won - then we would potentially avoid Sharks or Ducks until the WCF. I see the best chance for an upset with someone beating the NW division champ at the 3 spot - they're likely to play vs. each other in the first round and they are all so evenly matched...

Our playoff road will be tough no matter what though - have no idea who the opponent will be with just a week+ left! Could be 6 teams - likely Avs, Nucks, Preds, or still possibly Stars, Flames, Wild. Crazy end to the season - at least the wings took care of their business early!

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Yes, many people forget that teams are re-seeded by points, not by how they finished in the regular season. For example Minnesota has 5 less points than the number 4 seed, even though they are number 3 seed. I don't like that divisional leaders are seeded 1-3.

I agree on the seeding. The Ducks should be seeded ahead of the NW division winner - provided they remain with more points. I like how the NBA does it - with the division winners being guaranteed a top 4 seeding for home court in the first round. However a team with a better record from one of the other divisions can be the 3 seed. In this case, it would be 1=wings, 2=sharks, 3=ducks, 4=wild. I personally think that would be fair. It will be even more relevant when the NHL goes back to playing more games outside of their divisions...

The Sharks will probably benefit this year - potentially getting 2 NW division teams and avoiding the Wings or Ducks until the WCF. The way it is right now, the 1 seed potentially gets the tougher opponent in the second round than the 2 seed - all because of the divisional seedings...just my take anyhow...

[Guest Crymson]

Let's see how they do if they need to play a team that isn't riddled with injuries, and if they don't have a super-easy path to the WCF.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Let's see how they do if they need to play a team that isn't riddled with injuries, and if they don't have a super-easy path to the WCF.

The reason they had a super easy path is because they dominated those teams. How do you know the Wings would have steamrolled Luongo with his hot goaltending? I won't mention Minnesota, because I do think they're a cakewalk. The Ducks beat everyone they had to beat, including the Wings, and the best the East had to offer in Ottawa.

I hate them also, but let's not diminish their accomplishment, and make excuses for the Wings. No one in 10 years is going to remember these petty excuses, but only what's written in the record book.

[kylee 727]

i really do think the Ducks are going to get bounced early this year, and im not just saying that because i hate them.

they are a "play off" type team but i just feel like a choke is coming on from them. id rejoice.

Edited March 28, 2008 by kylee

[ashenhigh 9]

No. If there are no upsets, that leaves 4 teams

#1 Detroit

#2 San Jose

#3 Northwest Winner

#4 Aneheim

#1 plays #4, and #2 plays #3

The only thing that's sure is that we can't play the Sharks #2 or the Northwest winner #3 in the 2nd round. For us to play the Ducks, they would have to be the lowest seeded team left. That means that there can be no upsets. #8, #7, #6 and #5 ALL have to lose. On paper that's what SHOULD happen but I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm betting that either the Sharks, Ducks, or the Northwest winner loses in the first round. Then we play whoever benefitted from the upset.

That said, we probably will not play both the ducks and the sharks.

If you think about it, there are 3 rounds in the West. We cannot play either the Ducks or the Sharks in round 1 - it's impossible. For us to face those 2 teams in sucessive rounds is not likely. It's only possible if there are no upsets in any of the 6 series.

retard, my whole post is based on the fact that one of the seeds 5-8 will sneak a series win (it happens at least once EVERY SINGLE SEASON)

Im glad you basically repeated what I said.

Edited March 28, 2008 by ashenhigh

[UKWING 8]

I always just assume to start with the the first 4 seeds will win - like last year. In that case the Wings have a very good probability of playing the Ducks in the second round. Personally, I don't see Wings, Ducks, or Sharks losing in the first round - but you never know (esp as a Wings fan - yikes ) Yes it would be nice if a #5-8 seed won - then we would potentially avoid Sharks or Ducks until the WCF. I see the best chance for an upset with someone beating the NW division champ at the 3 spot - they're likely to play vs. each other in the first round and they are all so evenly matched...

i don't think it would be particularly nice if the #8 seed won

[Guest nutz2u]

Any way you cut it the Wings have 2 strikes against them b4 they even hit the ice, the schedule and the officiating.