re: Stanley Cup Playoff Thread!

2 reasons Dallas won't make the cup finals

1. Goaltending: it's average
2. Defense: Not exactly a shut down machine.

I've seen teams like Dallas go down in 1st or 2nd rounds, because of those 2 reasons.

Both of those reasons are why LA beat St.Louis those 2 series.

Eventually a game will come down to winning 2-1. And LA had the defense and goaltender to wait for the scoring chance to win. Blues had neither.

Being an offensive juggernaut means very little in playoffs. It's all about timely scoring, defense, and goaltending.

This is the 4th time since 2011 the the Kings and the Sharks are meeting in the playoffs

I wish the red wings had anyone else in the first round than he lightning. I know the Lightning are a bit injuries but damn they seem to own the wings. But Baloo this HAS to the caps year right??????

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I wish the red wings had anyone else in the first round than he lightning.

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You need to be thanking your lucky stars they even made the playoffs.

The old Patrick Division teams have a glorious circle of hatred, digging up grudges from decades past. I'd let a fan of each team tell you who they hate most, but I think this is a fair order:

Cap fans hate the Pens, then the Rangers, then the Flyers.
Penguin fans hate the Flyers, then the Caps, the Rangers.
Ranger fans hate the Isles, then the Devils, then the Penguins.
Islander fans hate the Rangers, then the Caps, then the Devils.
Devil fans hate the Rangers, then the Islanders, then the Penguins.
And Flyer fans just hate everybody. But mostly the refs, who are clearly out to get them.

I can still enrage an Islander fan by wearing my old Dale Hunter jersey.

Is that your pick Peej?

I don't trust either team so no it's not my pick. I just said it would be a great matchup . I will mske my finals pick by tomorrow.

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2 reasons Dallas won't make the cup finals
1. Goaltending: it's average
2. Defense: Not exactly a shut down machine.

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I'll play devils advocate...

recent form

1. Goaltending: One hot tender can win a series as you know. Both Kari & Niemi have had full seasons in recent years in which they were above average to great in net. Kari has practically stood on his head since March 1st (2.45 GAA in March, 2.00 GAA in April). Niemi has had prior success in the playoffs, which is huge experience, although he was a little shaky coming down the regular season stretch (although 2.0 GAA and .945 save % in last two starts of season). Its not out of the possibility that one of these guys gets hot in any given series.

2) defense: the monkey on Dallas' back for the past 5 years it seems. Always a legit concern. But they made major strides the last 5-6 weeks of the season. Their PK allowed only 4 goals in the final 12 games or something impressive along that line. And through the first 3-4 weeks of March they led all of NHL in block shots by a team during the month (coincidence or not this statistic boomed once they traded for K Russel on 02/29?). Plus their young DMen have been playing really well. The D pretty much peaked this last month going into the playoff run, which seems like perfect timing (maybe peaked is too strong of a word, but they seem to have figured something out)

I think they're 12-4-2 since March 1st and a lot of that has to do with improved D and tending. If they revert back to midseason form, you're 100% correct they wont make it out of the 2nd round regardless of who they play. But recent form makes Dallas a very tough team to beat in a series if they can keep it up and not give in to playoff pressure, imo.

Although I admit I'll be scared shitless if they get the Blues later on in a series regardless of how good Dallas looks vs Minn. One series at a time though.

TT pretty much nailed it from a Stars' fan perspective. I think this team is much better prepared for the playoffs than people give them credit for. Players on the ice always make the difference but it certainly doesn't hurt having Lindy Ruff behind the bench at this time of the year either.