Stanley Cup Playoffs

[JansenFan]

I am missing almost the entire series.

It is very difficult to findd a reliable and knowledgeable Hockey news outlet.

http://www.ericmcerlain.com/offwingopinion/

He's one of the godfathers of the sports blogging community, very well respected, very smart guy

I made fast friends with Eric at the Caps games this season. He is very knowledgable and a good writer. Definitely check out his stuff. I hope to include him in our Caps podcasts this season.

[HailSkins94]

There is still pro hockey?

[air_hog]

Well Boss, how about your boy Alfie [i]kicking[/in] that goal?

Good call refs.

I mean please, you can not tell me that he was only attempting to stop. I mean you don't freakin pull your skate back and angle it in an awkward position towards the goal, and then continue with a follow through.

But I'm not going to lie we got outplayed last night and hopefully it was a wake up call for the guys.

But hey, at least we'll be comming back to Anaheim for game 5, which might I add, I have tickets too! Oh yeah.

[air_hog]

Wow, the NHL suspened Pronger again.

Are you kidding me.

He's 6-6, when he hits straight ahead he hits other people in their head.

He wasn't trying to hurt him, he just got him in the right spot.
And what about Neil on Ottawa. He went head hunting for Andy Mac. I mean flat out launched his body upward with the intent of hitting Andy in the head. But since he missed that makes it okay.

The NHL is pissing me off.

[KazooSkinsFan]

There is still pro hockey?

Sure, but I think it's only going to be on community access channels next year.

[BossHog]

There is still pro hockey?

Well not really...

... at least not from actual Americans. That's why the teams are made up of mostly Canadians and Europeans.

But hey, it's so much easier to mock what you're inferior at, why bother expressing an informed or intellectual opinion?

[air_hog]

Hey Boss, did you see your boy Alfie tonight?

Wow, what a class act...

I'm surprised he could still walk after the 3rd Period.

And if he doesn't get suspened, I swear I don't know what I'll do.

But I loved how the Refs just called out Ottawa for being complete pussies tonight. I mean, I have lost all respect for Neil (not like I had any to begin with) and Emery.

Seriously, this is Hockey. Act like men.

Anyways, we're comming back home for Game 5 and I'm going to be tailgating in the parking lot, and it's going to be awesome.

[BossHog]

Hey Boss, did you see your boy Alfie tonight?

Wow, what a class act...

I'm surprised he could still walk after the 3rd Period.

And if he doesn't get suspened, I swear I don't know what I'll do.

But I loved how the Refs just called out Ottawa for being complete pussies tonight. I mean, I have lost all respect for Neil (not like I had any to begin with) and Emery.

Seriously, this is Hockey. Act like men.

Anyways, we're comming back home for Game 5 and I'm going to be tailgating in the parking lot, and it's going to be awesome.

My boy Alfie?

Got any idea how close to fighting words those are? You might as well just walk up to me, kick me in the nuts, and ask me how I'm doing.

I wouldn't worry about what the Sens are doing... the Ducks aren't. The Ducks are just doing their thing and rolling through to a Stanley Cup.

Brian Burke is a hockey genius. I met him in the press box of the Caps-Ducks game this year and talked to him for a little bit. JansenFan probably thought I was crazy just walking up to this tough, mean looking guy, but I wanted to say a few things to him about how impressed I was with the job he was doing (and how unimpressed I was with Vancouver for dumping him). He was genuinely appreciative (more of the latter I think). Anyway, he was very business-like, but cordial and it was a great moment for a big hockey nut like me.

[murray]

There is no way that Alfredsson will get suspended for that shot at Niedermayer. You just can't prove that it was intentional (which I am sure it was). I am pissed that the ensuing scrap didn’t result in a goalie fight. A goalie fight is without a question the single greatest event that can happen at a hockey game. Emery skated out all macho to the Duck's blue line ready to drop the gloves, and then remembered that Giguere is 8’3”, so he skated back to the Sens bench. Good choice on Emery's part, but it sure would have been fun to watch. I am also sure that if Emery and Giguere fought that Alfredsson would not have been able to avoid Niedermayer.

[BossHog]

A goalie fight is without a question the single greatest event that can happen at a hockey game.

Well a goalie fight in the middle of a BENCH-CLEARING brawl would actually be my clear-cut favorite, but you don't get to see that too often.

I wonder if the Melnyk is having some new yellow jerseys made up for them to play their last game in.

I better be quiet... the series ain't over, and the Sens have a habit of making me puke. The only way left for them to do that, would be to win the next three games.

[air_hog]

My boy Alfie?

Got any idea how close to fighting words those are? You might as well just walk up to me, kick me in the nuts, and ask me how I'm doing.

I wouldn't worry about what the Sens are doing... the Ducks aren't. The Ducks are just doing their thing and rolling through to a Stanley Cup.

Brian Burke is a hockey genius. I met him in the press box of the Caps-Ducks game this year and talked to him for a little bit. JansenFan probably thought I was crazy just walking up to this tough, mean looking guy, but I wanted to say a few things to him about how impressed I was with the job he was doing (and how unimpressed I was with Vancouver for dumping him). He was genuinely appreciative (more of the latter I think). Anyway, he was very business-like, but cordial and it was a great moment for a big hockey nut like me.

C'mon Boss, me saying "Your boy Alfie" is like me saying, "My boy T.O."

I knew you hated Alfredsson, and now I know why.

And I'm actually kind of happy that he isn't going to get suspeneded because now I can see Pronger and hopefully "The Pornstar" George Parros (who I hope gets some PT) beat Alfie into the scum that he is.

And I have to agree with you about Burke. He knows what he's doing.

Getzlaf, Kunitz, your real boy Corey Perry... I can't name enough young talent we have.

Man, I'm actually starting to think playoff hockey may be more intense than playoff football.

Seriously, these guys don't play for the money. They play for their team, their team mates and the love for the game.

[Redskin in Canada]

I better be quiet... the series ain't over, and the Sens have a habit of making me puke. The only way left for them to do that, would be to win the next three games.

Wise words. Although I do not feel that the Sens would pull that at this stage, I would still to watch the next game. If the Sens win, it would be a new series.

I stand firm in my prediction: Ducks in SEVEN.

[BossHog]

C'mon Boss, me saying "Your boy Alfie" is like me saying, "My boy T.O."

Yeah... hence the smiley I put in there. Did someone take too many serious pills?

(Note the wink smiley. That means that the sentence that preceded it, was a joke)

I would still to watch the next game. If the Sens win, it would be a new series.

Bite your tongue fellah. The overweight lady is in the lobby tuning up... she sings tonight.

[Mursilis]

This isn't exactly Stanley Cup related, but it's about hockey, so . . . .

What's this 'trapping' style that apparently was done away with recently and supposedly made the game slow and dull?

Obviously, I'm a hockey noob.

[murray]

The trap is a forechecking pattern that is designed for two main purposes. The first is to force the other team to throw the puck away because they don’t have any passing lanes open; and the second is create turnovers.
Instead of being aggressive in the offensive zone by sending in multiple forecheckers, trapping teams will generally only send one forechecker in (and usually not that deep), and keep two players back near the blue line, and the defencemen back deeper in the neutral zone.
When the team tries to bring the puck out of the defensive zone, the trapping team tries to force the puck towards the boards using the forechecker and the two men at the blue line. The defensemen cut off any passing lanes and prevent any break aways, and generally clog things up in the neutral zone. The goal is that the player on the puck will have difficulty once he gets out of his zone, and have nowhere to go, and nobody to pass too. Generally at that point he will ice the puck, or just throw it away.
Basically it is a defence first system. Teams that run that trap generally sit back and play very defensive hockey, take the puck away from the other team, and then dump it back deep into their zone, and make them start again. The idea is that eventually the system generates a turnover, which leads to an odd-man rush, and a scoring opportunity for the team running the trap.
The NHL has started calling way more obstuction penalties, which makes it more difficult for teams running the trap to slow down atacking players in the neutral zone. They also eliminated the 2 line pass rule, and changed how the goalie can handle to puck. That being said, the trap is still alive and well. Most teams still run the trap to some extent. It might not be as effective as it was in years past, but some teams still swear by it.

[Mursilis]

Interesting - thanks!

[air_hog]

Boo Ya!

2007 Stanley Cup Champions!

And it wasn't even close, the Sens never had a chance once the puck was dropped.

And although I was rooting for Andy Mac to get the Conne Smyte (sp???), I was still happy for Rob. He was the captain of our defense, and more importantly our team.

Congrats to Scotty, Chris, Giggy, Teemu ( you've been great), Andy Mac, DP, Getzlaf, T Money, Corey, Sammy P, Robbie, Kunitz, Brad, Todd and all the other guys I left out.

GO DUCKS!

[BossHog]

Ok, first off congrats.

Second, if you're going to call them your team, you should try to at least get Rob and Scott Niedermayer straight.

Rob is a forward, and didn't win the Conn Smythe. He is a team leader and wears an 'A' as the assistant captain, but his brother Scott is your team captain, definitely the team leader, and the defenseman who won the Conn Smythe.

Incidentally, they're the first brothers to be on a Stanley Cup winning team since 1983. (Brent and Duane Sutter with the Islanders)

Nice to see Prongs and Teemu finally get a cup.

Even nicer to see Alfie going home with his tail between his legs... again.

Very sub-par goaltending last night... rare in a Cup final.

My biggest round of congrats go to Brian Burke - he built this team, and quickly... the man deserves a lot of credit.


Do me a favor and let me know when Andy Mac is bringing the Cup home to Strathroy. Every player gets to take it to their hometown in the offseason, and if I know when it is, I'll try get there and get a pic for you.

[BossHog]

The trap is a forechecking pattern that is designed for two main purposes. The first is to force the other team to throw the puck away because they don’t have any passing lanes open; and the second is create turnovers.
Instead of being aggressive in the offensive zone by sending in multiple forecheckers, trapping teams will generally only send one forechecker in (and usually not that deep), and keep two players back near the blue line, and the defencemen back deeper in the neutral zone.
When the team tries to bring the puck out of the defensive zone, the trapping team tries to force the puck towards the boards using the forechecker and the two men at the blue line. The defensemen cut off any passing lanes and prevent any break aways, and generally clog things up in the neutral zone. The goal is that the player on the puck will have difficulty once he gets out of his zone, and have nowhere to go, and nobody to pass too. Generally at that point he will ice the puck, or just throw it away.
Basically it is a defence first system. Teams that run that trap generally sit back and play very defensive hockey, take the puck away from the other team, and then dump it back deep into their zone, and make them start again. The idea is that eventually the system generates a turnover, which leads to an odd-man rush, and a scoring opportunity for the team running the trap.
The NHL has started calling way more obstuction penalties, which makes it more difficult for teams running the trap to slow down atacking players in the neutral zone. They also eliminated the 2 line pass rule, and changed how the goalie can handle to puck. That being said, the trap is still alive and well. Most teams still run the trap to some extent. It might not be as effective as it was in years past, but some teams still swear by it.

Great explanation. You were afraid that you'd never make a contribution and never posted, but you've already made a more valuable contribution than some members ever make.

Even if it was about hockey.

I for one am happy that the trap is seen less and less as the main team system. I think ALL teams still use the trap at certain times and instances, but very few employ it religiously with the new rules.

Taking away the red line just gave teams more room to make that ever crucial first pass that Craig was talking about the defending team trying to take away.

The Stanley Cup chasmpion Devils of the 90's were probably the best trapping team ever. Of course, when you have arguably the greatest goaltender of all time back there, it tends to make the defensive system look that much better.

But the trap is a bore to watch. Why do you think the NHL changed the rules? Teams were getting too good at trapping and it was draining the game of offense.

To bring it all back to topic, the Ducks employ a very trap-like system. They generally send one man in forechecking and leave four back. They rely on capitalizing on turnovers for their offense, and were EXTREMELY effective in doing that this year.

Today they're Stanley Cup Champs.

[Redskin in Canada]

To bring it all back to topic, the Ducks employ a very trap-like system. They generally send one man in forechecking and leave four back.

Yep but when Ottawa put the same system to work against the Ducks yesterday, it did not work.

Sometimes all things just work well for a self-confident team and they get rolling almost unstoppable. The Ducks could do no wrong and the Sens could do no right. Ottawa needed the spark and leadership of a single stellar difference-making player to turn it around. They did not have that player or line, at least in this last series. Anaheim is a worthy champion.

I saw Anaheim play in Washington against the Caps. It may have been the same game when you talked to Burke but I am not sure.

Congratuations air-hog! The morale of the story: winners attract new fans to the sport and to the team.

[murray]

Well this series wasn't as exciting as I thought it was going to be. I am glad that the Ducks won, but it would have been nice if Ottawa showed up. I am happy that Scott Niedermayer won the Conn Smythe. I though Giguere was going to win it, but didn't really think he deserved it (not that he didn't play well, but for a goalie to win it I think they need to steal the show, which Giguere didn't). The Cup will be coming to my hometown as well, thanks to Corey Perry, who put on a good show. This is the 3rd year in a row it will be coming to Peterborough, as Cory Stillman who won with the Lightening and the Hurricanes, is also from Peterborough. It sure gives you the chills watching the trophy presentation. The Stanley Cup is without a question the greatest trophy in sport. Even if you are not a hockey fan, you have to be able to appreciate the "hoisting of the Cup". After watching a ceremony like that I would feel riped off if I competed for a wimpy trophy like the Vince Lombardi Trophy or the Commissioner's Trophy. Lord Stanley got it right!

[air_hog]

Ok, first off congrats.

Second, if you're going to call them your team, you should try to at least get Rob and Scott Niedermayer straight.

Wow, I know that looks bad, but that was just an honest mistake.

Do me a favor and let me know when Andy Mac is bringing the Cup home to Strathroy. Every player gets to take it to their hometown in the offseason, and if I know when it is, I'll try get there and get a pic for you.

Oh definately.

And actually, I already have a picture with Andy Mac. It was last year and I was at Chicks (a sporting goods store where I work) and he came in looking for some shoes. ( I work in the shoe department)

And it was so funny, I knew who he was right when I saw him, and I said, "Hey Andy, can I help you". And he just looked at me like, "What?"

And so he sat down and I had a full on conversation with him about how Fedarov left and that it was his time to step up.

But yeah I'll totally try to find out when each guy gets the cup and I'll let you know.

GO DUCKS!

[BossHog]

Ottawa needed the spark and leadership of a single stellar difference-making player to turn it around. They did not have that player or line, at least in this last series. Anaheim is a worthy champion.

Oh they had that. As much as I hate the guy, Alfie had a great playoffs.

I think the problem in this instance was that nobody else showed up - Heatley, Spezza, even Chris Phillips had a tough final series. Let's face it, the Sens have a bit of a reputation for choking, and while they waited a little bit longer to kack the 2007 fur ball... they still kacked it.

It's not like the Ducks had any one specific person either... they all stepped up. Some might even say that the Ducks don't even have a real bonafide superstar... but here they sit... Stanley Cup Champions. With guys like Getzlaf, Perry and Andy Mac... the future is bright for the Ducks as well.

[Redskin in Canada]

... but here they sit... Stanley Cup Champions. With guys like Getzlaf, Perry and Andy Mac... the future is bright for the Ducks as well.

Look, it is very difficult to play devil's advocate just a few days after winning Mr. Stanley's Trophy. However, I can argue that the it will be VERY difficult for Anaheim to keep this groove on to the next season. A contender, yes. But a favourite to repeat, definitely not.

Those Canes looked unbeatable a season ago. Look at them now. Hockey is less stable at present than it has ever been. As you correctly point out, the advantage of Anaheim is not only on an even keeled team on the ice, it is in the front office. That will ensure quality in a sea of constant change.

Which brings me to the real questions: What is it going to be here? Caps or Ducks? Just asking.

In others words, is the move going to be to Virginia or Anaheim?

And no, I am not going to bring up the issue of another dry year for the Leafs. At least some of us were alive when the Habs won their last Trophy ...

[admin]

Look, it is very difficult to play devil's advocate just a few days after winning Mr. Stanley's Trophy. However, I can argue that the it will be VERY difficult for Anaheim to keep this groove on to the next season. A contender, yes. But a favourite to repeat, definitely not.

Those Canes looked unbeatable a season ago. Look at them now. Hockey is less stable at present than it has ever been. As you correctly point out, the advantage of Anaheim is not only on an even keeled team on the ice, it is in the front office. That will ensure quality in a sea of constant change.

I don't think it will be hard for Anaheim to keep up their groove at all... the players who played best are their young guys... guys that are under contract and will be for some time. The Ducks went 16 games out of the gate before a loss... they literally coasted from there. They're a strong unit and worthy of the title of Champs.

I think that parity dictates that no team is a 'shoe-in' the following season, and obviously dynsties are rare, but the nucleus of the Ducks team will be around for a while. Perry and Getzlaf are still under their rookie contracts next year... both Niedermayers are still under contract... Pronger is... Andy mac... Sammy Pahlsson... Chris Kunitz... nobody's going anywhere.

Giguere's a free agent, but he can be re-signed or they can look elsewhere... he wasn't even the starting goalie going into the detroit series and considering that he made 4 mil almost... they may even be better to not sign him. Teemu's a free agent too, but I would imagine that he'll take a very fair deal if he's interested in playing hockey again next year. If they lose him, their young guys can easily fill the void... they did down the stretch in the playoffs.

Which brings me to the real questions: What is it going to be here? Caps or Ducks? Just asking.

In others words, is the move going to be to Virginia or Anaheim?

And no, I am not going to bring up the issue of another dry year for the Leafs. At least some of us were alive when the Habs won their last Trophy ...

I think the Caps need to make a few offseason free agent moves to be serious contenders, but they also have a good, strong core of good young talent.

I'm just a hockey fan.

And if someone wanted to pay me money to watch hockey games, I'd move just about anywhere.