Happy Hockey Season!

[NoleMoreTears]

Flyers had no business being in the playoffs and it's showing. But yeah 99 you're right they just seemed to give up for whatever reason.

Blues/Hawks has been great, and LA/SJ also very good action. The west is more entertaining right now.

 

[hatsbo]

Hawk's Shaw did two stupid things last night, crosschecking someone right in front of the ref when they were ready to pull the goalie, then yelled a gay slur that got caught on camera. PC penalty=one game suspension.

 

[kooterridesagain]

Pens with their first scary playoff game. Exercising Rangers demons, love it! but still one more to go!

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Congrats to the Lightning. I saw most of the second half and Bishop stole the show.

Gotta give a shout-out to Pavel Datsyuk, retiring after a tremendous career. One of the best 2-way guys of this era.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Isles win there first game 5 since 1987!!!! If they win tonight it will be the franchise's first series win since I was a season ticket holder in 1993.

That really is pathetic - neither of these are really that difficult to achieve, but I will be happy as a pig in poop if they pull this off tonight......we would play the bolts if we win.

Go ISLES!!!

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Bring on the Bolts!!!!!

2 double OT wins and my heart is still in working order!!!

 

[mwfudge]

Vinny Lecavalier announced his retirement yesterday. Does anyone know of a site where I can get a Vinny Lightning jersey? Everything I've seen has jerseys for the Flyers and Kings.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/ex-lightning-great-lecavalier-to-retire/2274562

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Bring on the Bolts!!!!!

2 double OT wins and my heart is still in working order!!!

congrats! Should be a fun series, Bishop is playing very well right now. I feel like the Isles' 4th line with Clutterbuck and Cizikas will be pivotal. If they can get under the skin of the speedy and shifty guys then they stand a chance.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Vinny Lecavalier announced his retirement yesterday. Does anyone know of a site where I can get a Vinny Lightning jersey? Everything I've seen has jerseys for the Flyers and Kings.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/ex-lightning-great-lecavalier-to-retire/2274562

Check out river city sports - I got a few jerseys from them and they are great. You may have to get a bolts jersey and have them add vinny's info.

https://www.rivercitysports.com/US/

 

[nolealum99]

Vinny Lecavalier announced his retirement yesterday. Does anyone know of a site where I can get a Vinny Lightning jersey? Everything I've seen has jerseys for the Flyers and Kings.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/ex-lightning-great-lecavalier-to-retire/2274562

I saw that today also. Can't wait to have his #4 in the rafters. I don't know where you could find a Bolts #4 jersey anymore. Only way I could see would be to find a site with autographed apparel, but if you are looking to wear it, then that is kinda pointless. I actually have a signed V4 jersey that I have had for years and have never gotten it properly framed. Years ago my plan was to pair it with my Marty signed jersey that I have with a on-ice picture of the two, but I am not sure I want to include Marty anymore. Both are wrapped and in storage at the moment.

 

[nolealum99]

Stammer was on the ice today!! Of course, he was in a red, non-contact sweater, but he practiced with the team. I have heard from the beginning and it was reiterated today that the big question is when he can get off of blood thinners. That is the point where he should be able to take contact and have a chance to be on the ice. The word is the timeline really hasn't changed, but it is nice to see him back on ice.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

congrats! Should be a fun series, Bishop is playing very well right now. I feel like the Isles' 4th line with Clutterbuck and Cizikas will be pivotal. If they can get under the skin of the speedy and shifty guys then they stand a chance.

Thanks....it feels good to be in the second round since before I even met my wife!!!

Not sure how to take your comment, but I don't agree that our success will hinge on our 4th line - no matter what they do the Isles can play with Tampa. I think they are actually pretty even, though I would give the experience edge to the Bolts. Not having Stamkos may hurt the team at some point. The Islanders have played well against Bishop - albeit in the regular season. So that and a buck will buy you a small cup of coffee.

 

[NoleMoreTears]

I give the Bolts the edge in goaltending and depth on defense, not to mention last year's playoff experience. Others are pretty even, your'e correct but I see a lot coming down to how the Isles manage to contend with Johnson et al. IMO the Isles' 4th line will have a lot of influence in how that TB line performs and thus the series.

There will be some good coaching matchups.

Not sure if anyone saw Blues/Blackhawks but what a great game 7. The rookie Parayko is looking pretty solid.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

I give the Bolts the edge in goaltending and depth on defense, not to mention last year's playoff experience. Others are pretty even, your'e correct but I see a lot coming down to how the Isles manage to contend with Johnson et al. IMO the Isles' 4th line will have a lot of influence in how that TB line performs and thus the series.

There will be some good coaching matchups.

Not sure if anyone saw Blues/Blackhawks but what a great game 7. The rookie Parayko is looking pretty solid.

Blues Hawks was great from start to finish - sorry I did not get to see more of it.

Not sure Cappy will play our 4th line against the Bolts top line - though they are sound defensively they are not your typical 4th line as far as being set up against the other teams top scorers.

I believe they started the 4th line for every road game in the first round - they set the pace physically.

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Well I sure got the Bishop thing wrong, maybe the Isles have his number or just an off night. The 4th line made a huge difference, drew several penalties, laid hits and made plays.

 

[nolealum99]

Bolts started off perfectly. Pressing the action and got eh early goal. Then I don't know why, but they went to sleep. I don't know if they got the goal quickly, so they felt this was going to be easy, but they got sloppy. Passes were horrible, too much easing through neutral ice instead of zipping it in. Bishop was not sharp at all in the game. 4 goals on 13 shots. I will see a couple of those pucks seem to have eyes, but he has to make at least a few of those stops. To his defense, some bad defensive breakdowns caused a couple of those goals.

The good news for the Bolts now. They pushed back and were able to really attack the Isles late in the game (and very early in the game). The Isles have holes. When the Bolt s beared down and won some of the puck battles and weren't tentative in neutral ice, it came pretty easy to them. I think the Bolts will be fine. When Bishop has a poor game and/or is yanked he usually comes back like a brick wall in the next game. I think if the Bolts play their game, they can come back from this poor game.

I'm not blaming the game on this, but officiating seemed really one sided last night. The calls that were made, were not bad calls. But the calls were not made were pretty suspect. There were some calls that were not made that were much worse than what the Bolts were called for. I don't know what the Bolts did to piss of Eric Furlatt, but we get no favors when he is on ice. This year when he was the Ref in our games, the Bolts were 1-4, including 0-2 so far in these playoffs. No surprise the Bolts were called for 40 PIM in the game 3, 0-2 loss to Detroit, to the Wings 20. Last night again the Isles got double the minutes on the PP. He must not like the Amalie Arena food or something!!!

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Quit talking about the frigging refs! Your team gets plenty of calls, too. Want calls? Work harder and you get them. Tampa got out-worked for most of the game and that's why the penalty minutes ended up that way. End of story, stop the whining.

Despite looking shabby for a good stretch I agree Tampa has a lot to take away from this. In no way are they over-matched. They will have to find a way to match the energy of the Cizikas/Martin/Clutterbuck combo...also they need to adjust the PK forecheck approach, Isles got the zone too easily with too much speed. Looks like Cooper will continue to mix and match forwards with the triplets making occasional appearances...Palat is playing very very well right now.

Assuming Bishop bounces back they are still in fine shape.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Bolts started off perfectly. Pressing the action and got eh early goal. Then I don't know why, but they went to sleep. I don't know if they got the goal quickly, so they felt this was going to be easy, but they got sloppy. Passes were horrible, too much easing through neutral ice instead of zipping it in. Bishop was not sharp at all in the game. 4 goals on 13 shots. I will see a couple of those pucks seem to have eyes, but he has to make at least a few of those stops. To his defense, some bad defensive breakdowns caused a couple of those goals.

The good news for the Bolts now. They pushed back and were able to really attack the Isles late in the game (and very early in the game). The Isles have holes. When the Bolt s beared down and won some of the puck battles and weren't tentative in neutral ice, it came pretty easy to them. I think the Bolts will be fine. When Bishop has a poor game and/or is yanked he usually comes back like a brick wall in the next game. I think if the Bolts play their game, they can come back from this poor game.

I'm not blaming the game on this, but officiating seemed really one sided last night. The calls that were made, were not bad calls. But the calls were not made were pretty suspect. There were some calls that were not made that were much worse than what the Bolts were called for. I don't know what the Bolts did to piss of Eric Furlatt, but we get no favors when he is on ice. This year when he was the Ref in our games, the Bolts were 1-4, including 0-2 so far in these playoffs. No surprise the Bolts were called for 40 PIM in the game 3, 0-2 loss to Detroit, to the Wings 20. Last night again the Isles got double the minutes on the PP. He must not like the Amalie Arena food or something!!!

The Islanders have been giving up the first goal all year - they don't typically start moving their feet until they are down a goal. Bishop has not played great against the Islanders but that doesn't mean he won't win this series. The Bolts did not seem to have the same jump as the Isles (after that first goal). I would expect them to come out blazing Saturday and perhaps start to try and get some traffic in front of Greiss who has been playing as well as any goaltender in the playoffs so far. I agree the officiating was not great - it never is. The Isles did get 1 or 2 borderline calls.

 

[nolealum99]

The only call that was called that I really had a problem with was the hook on Johnson. That was pretty weak. It was more the ones that weren't called on the Isles. There was one hook that was way worse than Johnson's that was not called. That and the fact that the Bolts get called for a hold that was no more than a touch but yet when they get tackled from behind there is nothing called. Listen I don't want to bitch too much about calls. The Bolts were outplayed for much of the first and the 2nd period, and that's why they lost the game. They didn't do a lot right and that's their fault. I just don't know why it took them get down 3 goals to play like they did in the 3rd.

 

[NoleMoreTears]

I just don't know why it took them get down 3 goals to play like they did in the 3rd.

Great point, the eternal question in all sports.

Just let's drop the calls stuff - I've seen Tampa get plenty of close ones themselves. Tampa got flat-out hosed on the goalie interference calls last year but that's not what you're talking about. Hooks and holds are part of trying to officiate the most difficult of all the team sports. I'd love to see y'all give it a try...

Yes, there are makeup calls and yes Tampa gets them too. Typically the team working harder gets more of them and that's what happened last night.

 

[hatsbo]

Well, I picked 7 of 8 in the first round, the Preds pulling the upset being the only miss. I see a lot of close series, should be fun.
Isles over Bolts in 7- Picking against the Bolts tough for me, but Isles really clicking on all cylinders.
Penguins over Caps in 7- Really impressed with all four Penguin lines.
Blues over Stars in 7- Another close series, give the edge to the Blues with their defense.
Preds over Sharks in 7- Another close series with good defense against an offensively minded team, I give the edge to defense.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Well, I picked 7 of 8 in the first round, the Preds pulling the upset being the only miss. I see a lot of close series, should be fun.
Isles over Bolts in 7- Picking against the Bolts tough for me, but Isles really clicking on all cylinders.
Penguins over Caps in 7- Really impressed with all four Penguin lines.
Blues over Stars in 7- Another close series, give the edge to the Blues with their defense.
Preds over Sharks in 7- Another close series with good defense against an offensively minded team, I give the edge to defense.

I matched your 7 of 8 for the first round.

2nd Rd
Isles over TB in 7 (good matchup, and won't ever pick against my boys(
Caps over Wash in 7 (edit: though the Caps may beat themselves, I am picking Pens over Caps in 7)
Blues over Stars in 6
Sharks over Preds in 7

 

[hatsbo]

I matched your 7 of 8 for the first round.

2nd Rd
Isles over TB in 7 (good matchup, and won't ever pick against my boys(
Caps over Wash in 7
Blues over Stars in 6
Sharks over Preds in 7

Thanks for neutralizing my humble brag! Yes you did, we both picked the NYI upset. Looks like the Preds are going to have trouble with another of my upset calls, Jones is playing great against them. Watched the Stars Blues game OT game, Stars surprisingly managing to get behind the Blues defense. Lightning really bounced back to snag the must win game, I'm torn on who to root for in this series.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Florida would have been a real tough out for anyone if they were more physical. They have a lot of big finesse guys. I think next year they will be a force.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

OUCH!!!!

That was a painful loss for the Islanders last night - blowing 2 leads in the 3rd period - have to tip my cap to the Bolts for grinding out a huge win. Boyle's hit was clean, though I did not think so with the limited (one angle) replay NBCSN was showing. I saw two versions tonight that showed the hit was just as clean as the one laid on Drouin by Hickey - glad to see Drouin back in the game, though I would have preferred he returned to full health the day AFTER the Islanders knock the Bolts out!

Islanders had better come out flying Friday AND the next game in Tampa.

 

[nolealum99]

I didn't think either of the debated hits were bad hits. I thought they both looked much worse in regular speed and that is what people were bitching about. I think both hits were absolutely clean. I am shocked that Drouin was back in the game later after that hit and helped set up the game tying goal at the end. He has really pulled his head out of his ass and become a force to be reckoned with instead of just that petulant whiny kid that he was a couple months ago. I would love to see the bolts win game 4 tonight, but I full expect to see the best the Islanders have tonight. If the Bolts can weather that storm, then they could be looking to close it out on Sunday.

 

[nolealum99]

Now the cross check to the back of Bishop's head was bull shit. I know games get chippy, but that's down right dirty. And of course the Isles somehow get a PP out of it?!?!

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Now the cross check to the back of Bishop's head was bull shit. I know games get chippy, but that's down right dirty. And of course the Isles somehow get a PP out of it?!?!

There are enough borderline hits in this series for both teams to bitch about, and yes it was a dirty play by Bernier - which I would rather see my Islanders dishing out as opposed to receiving (which happens ALOT to this team - the Caps last year got away with a lot of hits. I would much rather see my team play the game to win at all costs, other than causing serious injuries.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nolealum99]

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Real nice of you Bolt fans to take joy in my Islander misery....LOL! I consumed 3 midnight moon with ginger's by that time - it was the best I could muster!

Islanders have a steep mountain to climb now - they have played the last 2 games well enough to win - probably both better games than the first game which they won.

Even as an Islander fan and squirming with every play, this has been a very entertaining series to watch.

 

[nolealum99]

Bolts with most complete game by far today. I would say Isles were best team in a couple games in this series and ended up losing this games. Then today Bolts set the tone early and kept it going. Should be interesting to see if Pens can close this series out. I think both Caps or Pens are better teams right now, but Bolts r finding a way right now. If Bishop can play like he did in this game, and Kucherov can stay hot, the Bolts can steal some games. Let's do this again Bolts.

 

[NY_22_Nole]

Bolts with most complete game by far today. I would say Isles were best team in a couple games in this series and ended up losing this games. Then today Bolts set the tone early and kept it going. Should be interesting to see if Pens can close this series out. I think both Caps or Pens are better teams right now, but Bolts r finding a way right now. If Bishop can play like he did in this game, and Kucherov can stay hot, the Bolts can steal some games. Let's do this again Bolts.

I like the Bolts chances against Pittsburgh - not so sure about the Caps - either way I am pulling for TB the rest of the way....make room for this islander fan on the bandwagon!

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Good series win for Tampa. If they get PIT it will be 2 very good skating teams and offensively active D. Washington is more physical and more complete but then again they are the Caps....

Not sure if anyone is catching it but Dallas and the Blues are just letting it all hang out, it's the best series of the group. Whoever gets out of that will be very formidable, though possibly over-worked.

 

[nolealum99]

Good series win for Tampa. If they get PIT it will be 2 very good skating teams and offensively active D. Washington is more physical and more complete but then again they are the Caps....

Not sure if anyone is catching it but Dallas and the Blues are just letting it all hang out, it's the best series of the group. Whoever gets out of that will be very formidable, though possibly over-worked.

I cannot stand the playoffs!!! I need some sleep and watching these later games on the east coast and especially into OT is killing me !!! Both games last night were great. I'm glad I stayed up and watched the Preds game into OT. That building was absolutely rocking. When they scored the OT goal it was awesome. I would like to go see a game in Nashville. I love the city anyway, and to roll from a game at Bridgestone to Broadway would be awesome.

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Last night was a case where the shot totals really do tell the tale of the game. St. Louis dominated but Lehtonen stole one for the Stars.

 

[hatsbo]

99, congrats on the Bolts, heading that way for a wedding this weekend, hope to get a whiff of the excitement. Geez, they'll have their hands full with Pittsburgh, that team has really meshed into a speedy juggernaut, do they keep playing the hot rookie goalkeep or bring back Fleury? The Capitals, the perennial bridesmaid once again.
22, you should be proud of your Isles, they really played well, just not in the cards.The west series have been awesome, My upset pick Preds, forcing the game 7, Blues will be hard pressed to recover after game 6, tough loss.

 

[kooterridesagain]

Pens and Murray get it done! Thank u for keeping Fleury off the ice!
Honestly the Pens didn't have a great series, which is scary. Offensively they were very poor finishing around the net and on the power play, and gave up too many late goals. But ill take it.

No idea what to think vs Lightning I don't know much about them.

 

[nolealum99]

It's very hard to get a read on the Lightning. While I would say they have had the easiest route through the playoffs so far, they are playing pretty darn good. The one thing that the Bolts and the Penguins have gotten so far, that some of the teams that are already gone have not, is depth scoring. Yes, Kucherov is the star of the Bolts without Stamkos, but Johnson, Boyle, Callahan, etc have all gotten in on the act. In my opinion, if you have the depth scoring, and you have a hot goalie, you can go far.

Both western conference game 7's should be interesting. Blues/Stars should be an awesome finish, as should the Preds/Sharks. I have got to give the edge to the home teams in these series. Especially the Preds/Sharks. In that series the home team has won every game.

I think the Bolts/Penguins series lies in the goaltenders hands. I think both teams have a lot of speed, both teams have good D, both teams have multiple stars. Bishop has been here before, Murray hasn't. Of course he has never been in playoffs before and he seems to be handling that well. Should be a good match up. Would love to see Stralman and Brown back if they are going to be effective. Would really love to have Stammer back, but that is a much longer shot.

 

[NoleMoreTears]

Nice win by Pitt. I would like to see the NHL change the delay of game rule, I never liked the rule change to begin with. In a sport almost entirely reliant upon judgment calls for penalties, making something relatively inocuous as a hard-line call is silly. High sticking, I can see that as being black and white. Delay of game? Absolutely not.