re: NHL Playoffs.

The cycle game has become paramount, it only works when you are prepared to retrieve the puck down low....

The rule for interference is that you cannot impede the progress of a player without the puck. Now, this has always been liberally interpreted to allow players to "finish their check" and the general jostling that is just part of the game.

But the Devils, and trapping teams in general, completely abused this rule. Essentially, they would stand a player up at the blueline. They would put their defense right in front of the blueline and challenge the puck, which is totally within the rules. But then teams logically reacted by dumping the puck in the zone. The Devils responded by continuing to hold up the skater who now didn't have the puck (and the players usually chasing the dumped puck).

Theoretically, the neutral zone trap doesn't require interference, but in practice, it did. Otherwise, it would be easy to dump and chase behind the defenders all up at the blueline.

The only reason I ask is that my knowledge of hockey strategy is pretty limited...so I am unfamiliar on "styles" of play. I can watch a game, know the rules well enough, know players...I am not ignorant to the game. I know the terminology and whatnot. But beyond that, I don't really know many tactics aside from dump and chase, screening the goalie to an extent, trying to score on rebounds, etc.

Thats ok I don't mind explaining... I still consider it miraculous people follow hockey in Texas/Louisiana/Florida plus the more people that are informed about Gary Bettman being Satan the better...

I'm rooting against what I call cynical hockey. I'm anti Habs and Bruins. I can hold my nose and root for the Pens given they have Geurin and Malkin.

Yeah, I hate Crosby but love Malkin. And I've been saying it all thread... I want attacking hockey to be rewarded. It's more fun to watch. The Pens are a rival, but they aren't too philosophically different than the Caps. I want to watch a team play forward instead of playing on their heels.

The Bruins are pretty much pure evil, though. I hope they get swept. It's like they aren't even trying to score.

Though to be perfectly honest, I'm a free agent fan right now. I have a long post in my head ripping apart the Flames and why I can't root for them, but it does boil down to two things:
1) The concept of attacking hockey - I cannot support a team that is so steadfastly AGAINST this new era. I'm morally opposed to my team's organizational philosophy.
2) Their front office is really really stupid and has not made a good move in the past year and half other than cutting Todd Bertuzzi. But I really want to detail how stupid.

That said, I find myself really, really wanting the Sharks to finally win. I like a lot of their players (Setoguchi might be the most underrated players in the NHL) and they have truly suffered. And they are the poster children for attacking hockey for years. Unfortunately, they keeep losing to Detroit who, let's face it, has simply been a better team.

I think the Hawks are the best team and I love their style of play anchored by the best blueliner on earth, and Lord knows their fans have been through hell, but I have a soft spot for the Sharks.

LINK I know there's an answer...wel we all know how i feel about the remaining teams...I DISLIKE The Sharks because of their impotence I was amazed to see Heatley score last night considering how little he contributes (my Canadian Semin-enormously talented floating SOB) I like after my Leafs Chicago and Vancouver (Vancouver has better goaltending and more depth at defence though the best defenceman in that series is playing for Chicago) I dislike Montreal. I like...almost love the Pens for obvious reasons and expect them to play for the Stanley Cup this year....I think about the pressure thats been on Crosby since he was 12-13 and I am amazed at how he has responded...

1-0 Montreal Pitt on PP...