The Mule 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 The probable possibilities are listed above. The question is simple; which NHL team do you NOT want to face in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? I went with the Wild. They're a defensive team with a strong goalie, and I think they could be trouble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MacK_Attack 108 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 If I were you, I'd want to avoid Vancouver.....Bobby Lu can win a series all by himself. Minny is the other one, the trap plus Backstrom can be maddening. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rice 42 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 If it's not Detroit or San Jose coming out of the West, I have a feeling it's going to be Vancouver. They've got a big, physical defense, two solid scoring lines now that they have Sundin, and with Luongo in net anything can happen. If they pick up another top-six forward, that team is dangerous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mule 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 If it's not Detroit or San Jose coming out of the West, I have a feeling it's going to be Vancouver. They've got a big, physical defense, two solid scoring lines now that they have Sundin, and with Luongo in net anything can happen. If they pick up another top-six forward, that team is dangerous. The Canucks are a good team, but I'm much more scared of the Flames than I am the Canucks. I think both teams are dangerous (and will be more dangerous following the deadline), but if I had to face one of them, it'd be Vancouver. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MacK_Attack 108 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 If it's not Detroit or San Jose coming out of the West, I have a feeling it's going to be Vancouver. They've got a big, physical defense, two solid scoring lines now that they have Sundin, and with Luongo in net anything can happen. If they pick up another top-six forward, that team is dangerous. Just wait until Sundin is re-united with Antropov. (Not saying it will happen, but Sundin's line with Kesler & Demitra is slowing down a bit) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBigRedMachine 2 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I say "BRING'EM ON!" That said, I voted Vancouver on the poll. Luckily for us they ditched that wall they call Cloutier and picked up some nobody named Luongo... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swayze 81 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) Columbus. Nash with some clutch goals + a rookie goalie with 8 shutouts...no thanks. And I honestly don't see Minnesota as a threat...I mean they got beat by Colorado last season, and look what we did to them! Edited February 27, 2009 by Swayze Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I picked CBJ only because if they actually get there they will be on an emotional high like no other team. As far as who would be the most difficult, I'd go with Minn or Van. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoreline Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Dallas. Haven't exactly fared well against them this season at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superstarsingh 23 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 The Jackets and Mason, I'll pass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mule 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Columbus. Nash with some clutch goals + a rookie goalie with 8 shutouts...no thanks. And I honestly don't see Minnesota as a threat...I mean they got beat by Colorado last season, and look what we did to them! Did you see our last game against the Wild? Not to sound sarcastic, it's a serious question. I understand we played below par hockey that night, but they trapped us all game long, and we didn't respond. I still think we can beat them without too much difficulty, but if they play the trap and Backstrom is on top of his game, watch out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swayze 81 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Did you see our last game against the Wild? Not to sound sarcastic, it's a serious question. I understand we played below par hockey that night, but they trapped us all game long, and we didn't respond. I still think we can beat them without too much difficulty, but if they play the trap and Backstrom is on top of his game, watch out. Yes I did see our last game, but that's a seasonal game, nothing close to playoff hockey + we had howard in net + we played a game against anaheim the night before. I watched every game of Minnesotas short playoff run last season, to me they look exactly the same as they do in the season, as opposed to the better teams which take their game to the next level in the playoffs. Like I said, I don't see em as a threat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-TownWing 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I picked CBJ only because if they actually get there they will be on an emotional high like no other team. As far as who would be the most difficult, I'd go with Minn or Van. Me too, they'll be up, and they see us as a huge rival. Mason seems like he's coming back to Earth a little (despite the SO last night), so that's encouraging. Like I said in another thread, he's been the 2nd best goalie named Mason in the Central Division over the last month or so, and the stats aren't really that close. Other than that, Vancouver scares me, Minnesota and Calgary don't. I'll also throw a mention out for Nashville, they've been playing great hockey of late, they finally found an answer in net, and they're always a tough out for us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Worst case scenario = Canucks in first, Flames in second imho. There is good chance this will happen though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NomadFromKazoo 42 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Definitely the Ducks. The most travel, dirty team. We shouldn't have trouble beating any of these teams unless we don't play our game and if we don't play our game any are a threat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cusimano_brothers 1,655 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Anaheim. In this decade, the DRW Conference QF went 6 games every time, except for 2003, versus ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I wouldn't want to verse the Stars in the first round, but I'm honestly less worried about the 1st two rounds this year than I have been in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I voted Vancouver, but every first round has been tough for the Wings since 2000. I could envision any of those teams giving us a tough series, or with great goaltending, potentially beating us. That's not pessimism, it's just the truth. Edmonton was the team everyone wanted to play in 2006, because they had players no one ever heard of and an old goalie who had never done anything in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I'm more afraid of facing Calgary than any of those options. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Someone left off the "none of the above" answer... cause really we can beat any team up there... especially in a best of 7 series. We have a great team that can bring it when they need to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HanKarin40 7 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I took the Jackets, not because I think they're unbeatable, but because they always seem to play like crap against them. I think they take them for granted as an easy win and sleepwalk their was through the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shutoutking 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 What, none of you have a problem with playing us again??? Stud goalie, all-world blueline (ok, slight stretch ), and The Man Who Has No Neck? B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I wonder if those other teams' fans would rather play the Wings or Sharks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betterREDthandead 58 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 None of the above. I think most teams fans would be hoping to get higher than 6th so they don't have to worry about the Wings or the Sharks in the first round. Big difference between Wings and Flames. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HenrikRules40 14 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I hate threads like this. Never pick your poison. The only thing the Wings should worry about is themselves. If they're playing to their potential, it doesn't matter who they face. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
