Who Will Win The Stanley Cup?

[Kwitko]

Who's it gonna be? Well, for me the answer is obvious, my Islanders. Which reminds me, now that it's playoff time, it's high time I put the Isles av back in place. You know, the one when Eric Cairns is pummelling Shayne Corson into a bloody mess.

Anyway, without further ado, I present the 16 teams in the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Make your selection!

[keto]

Voted Sens. They are so due. Just not sure if they have the goaltending to do it but thinking that Detroit likely doesn't either, who would have been my other choice.

Tough to count out the Devils or Avalanche at this time of year tho.

[Tiribulus]

You'll be shocked to learn that I voted for the Red Wings whose career second goaltender is poised to show the world what I already know. That he's more than capable of carrying the Red and White to our fourth hoisting of Lord Stanley's Cup in eight years :Pwned:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[primesuspect]

Come on.... who do you think is gonna win? :rolleyes:

[Tiribulus]

Come on.... who do you think is gonna win? :rolleyes:
I'm with ya bro, but last year's ghost does still haunt me :werr:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :D

[Kwitko]

Come on.... who do you think is gonna win? :rolleyes:

Yes, we know. And Prime, I want to thank you for believing in my Islanders. ;)

[pseudonym]

Muahahahaha, the senior citizens are gonna trash the NHL this year.

[Dexter]

This is Vancouver's year, folks. Be prepared to be very surprised.

Dexter...

[Tiribulus]

That would surprise me very much without Bertuzzi :confused2
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[GnomeWizardd]

Well I am with Prime on this one Detroit is the only other hockey team I like except my Rangers

[Dexter]

Still won first place in their division, went on a 6 game winning streak to finish the season, and Cloutier is letting in only an average of a goal per game in those last 6. The additions of Sanderson and Rucinsky have given us more speed, Cooke has moved up to the Money Line to act as a "Mini-Bert", and the line is on fire. All 4 lines are contributing, and the D is scoring as well.

SInce the loss of Bertuzzi, the 'great expectations' are off the team. That takes a monkey off their back right there. The team faced some heavy adversity right before the playoffs, and emerged strongly from it. You know what they say about adversity, and teams on a roll going into the playoffs, right?

Dexter...

[Tiribulus]

Good points and surely anything can happen, but the playoffs are a different story. In any case I wish the Canucks good luck. But not too much :rolleyes:
>>>--Tiribulus--> :bigggrin:

[bothered]

Erm, is this some form of sporting event then?

[profdlp]

Erm, is this some form of sporting event then?
It's like soccer, except you whack an overbaked scone around with a curved stick while ice skating, with a little wrestling and boxing thrown in for good measure.

[bothered]

Hmm, an American game then?

[TBonZ]

Erm, is this some form of sporting event then?

My Lord Bothered, the Stanley Cup is the Holy Grail of hockey and is of the biggest sports in North America.

I vote Ottawa of course.

Lalime can afford to let a goal here and there in but the Sens offence better fire on all cylinders like they are capable to beat Belfour. That is of course, the Eagles wonky back doesn't get more wonky, if it does, the Leafs are toast.

Hmm, an American game then?

The NHL (National Hockey League), is based in Canada and USA but the players that make up the game come from all over the world, well some of the colder parts of it anyway.

[bothered]

Ah, hockey, What our girls play?

[TBonZ]

Ah, hockey, What our girls play?

Don't you have some tea to tend to? :rarr: :bigggrin:

[profdlp]

Hmm, an American game then?
The national sport of Canada (besides drinking Molson, Labatt's, and Elsinore). :Canflag:

Most NHL teams are based in the US, as it's a larger market.

[bothered]

ok then, kettles on.

[GnomeWizardd]

no your girls play field hockey

this is on ice and you can beat the snot outta eachother

[profdlp]

ok then, kettles on.
That picture has S-M Members Photochop written all over it. :bigggrin:

[Dexter]

Bothered:

http://www.nhl.com/

Dexter...

[Dexter]

Speaking of girls playing hockey, for those of you who do not follow Women's Hockey, Team Canada just won their 8th women's world hockey championship in a row, beating the US 2 - 0. :D

http://www.cbc.ca/pcgi-bin/templates/sportsView.cgi?/news/2004/04/06/Sports/canada-usa040406

Dexter...

[pseudonym]

ok then, kettles on.

Looks like your boys are playing it to me!!! :wave:

[ginipig]

Detroit. Nuff said.

[Tiribulus]

I have a feeling our mate is joshin us, but HERE (http://www.nhl.com) ya go anyway. :smiles:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:


OOOOPs! didn't see the post above

[Camman]

I don't follow the NHL but I'm gonna vote Bruins just because :) (see avatar for more information)

[profdlp]

I hope all you Red Wings fans remember to send the Caps a thank-you note. :vimp:

[Tiribulus]

Did you see that unbelievable goal from Lang :respect: The thank you note is hereby sent:cheers: 1 down 15 to go.
>>>--Tiribulus->
:bigggrin:

[Thrax]

Wings > *.*

Stanley Cup plz.

[Tiribulus]

2 nuthin Avs over Stars early :grumble:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Ottawa steals the lead with two quick PP goals starting with the two man advantage. :eek:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Kwitko]

Isles and Lightning knotted at 0 after 1.

[Tiribulus]

After a slow start Ottawa really takes it to Toronto, 4-2. I see Tampa Bay scored again :grumble: I'm pullin for yer Isles TD, er Mr Kwitko. No broadcast here though, have to rely on nhl.com.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Kwitko]

The 'Bulin Wall was up tonight. The Isles got great chances, but Nik was just too good. Damn Cairns turned over the puck twice, leading to 2 TB goals. Still, it's only game 1. Still a lot of hockey left. Remember, the Isles won 3-0 in Ottawa last year in game 1, then dropped the next 4. This is playoff hockey- anything can happen!

[Tiribulus]

Yep, way early. Way late though in the St Louis/San Jose game though. Goin to ot with
no score.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[TBonZ]

The difference between lastnight's tilt with OTT-TOR & last Saturday's 6-0 route by the Leafs? Ottawa didn't try and hit Toronto out of the arena. No, they utilized their speed, picked up all the loose pucks, forced turnovers and backchecked like there would be no tomorrow. The harder working team won lastnight.

[Tiribulus]

The difference between lastnight's tilt with OTT-TOR & last Saturday's 6-0 route by the Leafs? Ottawa didn't try and hit Toronto out of the arena. No, they utilized their speed, picked up all the loose pucks, forced turnovers and backchecked like there would be no tomorrow. The harder working team won lastnight.
No doubt, I saw most of the game and the Sens just looked more ambitious. They clearly outskated the Leafs for most of the game though Toronto wasn't totally flat either so it wasn't easy fer sher.
>>>--Tiribulus->
:bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

2 down 14 da go. Ugly win though it was. :celebrate Let's go Islanders, 2/ 1/2 left they're winning by two.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Empty netter and the Isles will win if not shut out TB after a really solid game :clap: >>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Kwitko]

Do I smell an Isles-Detroit Cup final? ;D

[Tiribulus]

That would be a great series if The Isles play like they did today. I gotta tell ya man, I secretly did not give NY a prayer goin in, but after their play in the first two ya never know. Even though they lost the first one, from what I hear they outplayed TB in that one too. Saw some of this one and it looked like they controlled most of the game. Could be this years big upset.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Kwitko]

I think that Calgary over Vancouver would be a bigger upset. Without Bertuzzi, the Canucks are just not as strong. Granted, Naslund is still there, but Bert accounted for a lot of toughness and scoring. When Iginla is on, he's *on*.

Back to Detroit-Nashville, I'm impressed with the Preds. Despite being down 2 games, they're playing Detroit very tough. I think the series is going to get interesting in Nashville.

The Isles taking one on the road is a huge deal. I'm glad they took game 2, which gives them some good momentum going into the Masoleum- err, Coliseum, where the Isles have been nothing short of amazing. Their home record was the 3rd best in the regular season, behind Detroit and Dallas. Tampa is an excellent team, but they also played in the soft Southeast. The Isles have Philly, NJ, Pittburgh, and their fiercest rival, the Ranjerks in their division. Tampa has Atlanta, Carolina, Florida, and Washington. Not exactly the Broad Street Bullies. :)

[Tiribulus]

:bawling: :banghead: :shakehead :thumbsdow :scratch: :confused2 :sawed: :grumble:

[Kwitko]

You knew that Nashville wasn't going to go down easy. Those 8th seeds can be mighty feisty. Have you noticed that each game in the Isles-Lightning series has been a 3-0 shutout?

[Tiribulus]

I'm not panicking yet, but they've got me nervous, like always in the playoffs. At least we have a really competitive close playoff run going all around. Only the Canadiens are facing elimination yet.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :-/

[MrBill]

Although I'm not a big hockey fan, I had to put my vote in for the Predators. If they win at Detroit Thursday, I think they will take the series in Nashville. :)

[GnomeWizardd]

dont diss the rangers! I be loving both NY teams

[Tiribulus]

Buy stock in whoever makes TUMS folks, I'm probably going to singlehandedly double it's value after tonight :hair:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[MediaMan]

Got tickets for our suite for tonight's Calgary/Vancouver game 3.

/me ducks in fear of imminent lobbing of empty beer cans

[Kwitko]

dont diss the rangers! I be loving both NY teams

Who dissed the Rangers?

[GnomeWizardd]

. The Isles have Philly, NJ, Pittburgh, and their fiercest rival, the Ranjerks in their division. Tampa has Atlanta, Carolina, Florida, and Washington. Not exactly the Broad Street Bullies. :)

[Dexter]

Got tickets for our suite for tonight's Calgary/Vancouver game 3.

* MediaMan ducks in fear of imminent lobbing of empty beer cans


HEY!!! YOUR WOMAN IS NOT A HOCKEY FAN ANYWAYS!! I HAVE MY JERSEY ON RIGHT NOW! PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL ME AND TELL ME YUO ARE TAKING YOUR FAVOURITE VANCOUVER-BASED SHORT-MEDIA MODERATOR TO THE GAME TONIGHT!!

By the way, it's Game 5 tonight, not Game 3, Mr. Devoted Canucks Fan ;)

Dexter...

[Tiribulus]

At least he can get tickets!!! You cannot possibly believe what it's like trying to get playoff tickets in this city :screwed:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Thrax]

"Get playoff tickets" and "Red Wings" does not compute.

[MediaMan]

You are right...game 5...I lost my head...saw a three...put a three. :rolleyes2

Yes tickets are hard to come by. I guess I won't mention that it is a suite at centre ice (free booze, food and a bathroom 5 feet away) and I get executive parking under GM Place.


oops.

I guess I mentioned that.

[Dexter]

You are right...game 5...I lost my head...saw a three...put a three. :rolleyes2

Yes tickets are hard to come by. I guess I won't mention that it is a suite at centre ice (free booze, food and a bathroom 5 feet away) and I get executive parking under GM Place.


oops.

I guess I mentioned that.


And the best suite in the Stadium, too. Right on the redline at centre ice. Best view in the building, comfy seats, lots of booze, a hot-table full of food...and he hasn't been able to take me to a game in 2 years :( Darn those greedy salespeople at his company!! :mad2:

Oh well, I'll watch from my living room tonight, as usual....

Dexter...

[Tiribulus]

"Get playoff tickets" and "Red Wings" does not compute.

Believe me I've tried. You can camp out all night and still not get any :banghead:

Little early to celebrate, but the Wings are manhandling The preds 4/0 at the halfway point.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Boston is being blitzkrieged by the Canadiens

[Tiribulus]

Wings with a convincing win 4/1 :thumbup
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Kwitko]

I fear the worst for my Isles. Yashin, Czerkawski, and Kvasha haven't done squat. The worst part of it is that the Isles have 18 free agents at the end of the season. I fear the team is going to be dismantled.

[Tiribulus]

I'll be watchin tonight bro. I really wanted them to take your series, but then I wanted ST Louis and Dallas to take theirs too so maybe my support is bad luck. Then again I've been pullin for Montreal and they surprised everybody last night:wow2:I'm not a proponent of the "tear down the team, fire the coach" syndrome in most cases. Or at least in cases where a team is doing reasonably well. It's getting to the point where any time some one doesn't win a championship the suits ship everybody off. It practically never works either. 29 teams have to not win the cup. Are we going to rebuild the league every year?
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[citrixmeta]

damn, only 1 vote for MTL canadians? :)

:Canflag: :Canflag: :Canflag:

[Tiribulus]

I hate Boston, so I've been cheerin em on, (Montreal) at least in this series. Even though I still like Lapointe. I like to see every series but ours go long anyway :rolleyes:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

So close man, my heart sank when St Louis put that shot in. It at least was an awesome shot. Dipietro had no chance. It's not that I hate TB, but I really wanted to the Isles advance.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

For some reason I was thinking Ottawa was leading that series. The Leafs also put the Sens one game from the golf course last night. I wonder where Tbonz has been.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[TBonZ]

For some reason I was thinking Ottawa was leading that series. The Leafs also put the Sens one game from the golf course last night. I wonder where Tbonz has been.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

Tbonz is in hiding and I will not come out again until after the Sens win this series, that's is of course, if Belfour let's them. :zombie:

I'm in mourning for you TD. :bawling:

[Kwitko]

Tha was the best game the Isles played, but too little too late. You're right, Tirib, that was a hell of a shot by St. Louis off of a uncharacteristic turnover by Kenny Jonsson. You can see how bad DP wanted to make that save. He was ripping things up, throwing things around after letting that one in. You never want to be the guy that was responsible for the series, but if anything, he's the last guy to point the finger at. DP has a great future ahead of him. In spite of the losses, for a 22 year old in his first playoff series, he was spectacular. He's only going to get better.

Barring a strike, I think you'll see a lot of new faces on the Islanders next year.

Well, who to root for now? I think the Devils are sunk, I hate the Flyers, I hate Toronto, I hate the Senators. I like TB, I like San Jose's chances. I think I'll go with San Jose, or maybe Calgary.

[Tiribulus]

Yeah, wasn't his fault, it was a perfectly placed shot. His teammates were very supportive too which helps. It always blows to lose a playoff series as well I do know. The expectations here are nothing less than a championship every single year so getting publicly undressed like we did last year was exceedingly painful. I still think Ottawa can sneak by Toronto if they bring the requisite resolve. I REALLY hope the Wings can rid themselves of Nashville today. TD, I suspect you don't like Detroit very much :wink: which is fine you certainly wouldn't be alone.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :D

[profdlp]

...Well, who to root for now? I think the Devils are sunk, I hate the Flyers, I hate Toronto, I hate the Senators. I like TB, I like San Jose's chances. I think I'll go with San Jose, or maybe Calgary.
Forget this year. There is still time to jump on the Caps rebuilding bandwagon. :p

[Tiribulus]

OK, 2 minutes in and the Wings lead 2/0 with a couple 30 seconds apart from Stevie and Whitney :celebrate Hope they can hold it :wow2:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

On to round two, whew :clap:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Dexter]

Holy Moley! Anyone watch the Canucks - Flames Game 6 last night??

5 - 4 Canucks in the THIRD OVERTIME PERIOD!!

Canucks blew a 4 - 0 lead, 3 of the flames gaols were lucky re-directs, but hey, in is in, right?

So, Canucks stay a live to force a game 7, just like last year against St. Louis. I think this could be the turning point inthe series, I think the Canucks are going to come out hard on Monday and shut Calgary down early.

GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

Dexter...

[Tiribulus]

I fell asleep on the couch and Vancouver was ahead by three I think at that point. I woke up about 1:30 and my eyes focus on second ot :eek2: I did see the final Canucks goal. What a ride huh?
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

GEEEEEZ!!! Wadda game. Ottawa got energized for the third, but Belfour has been unreal except for the one Chara goal. Should be war in OT :Canflag:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

It'll be a tradgedy if Ottawa doesn't win this game with the effort they've brought into overtime. I actually like Toronto, but I'm rootin fer the Sens in this one.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Lalime could practically be kickin back with a beer. The whole period has been played in the Toronto end :wow2:
>>>--Tiribulus--> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Ottawa wins it in 2nd OT :Rocker:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Vancouver ties it with 5.7 left in Regulation :scratch:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[MediaMan]

Baaaaaaaaaaah!


Canuckleheads.


Calgary takes the series.

[Dexter]

I have only this to say: OUCH.

Dexter...

[DogSoldier]

YAAAAY CANADIEN! Biggest comeback in their history.

I'm happy for Calgary, they put up a fiesty effort but I don't know if "fiesty" can defeat the Redwings. I'm certain Vancouver would have done better..

Toronto v.s. Ottawa tonite, the last series to be decided.. I died when Francis missed that tip-in in game 6 - third period. Hockey is also a game of inches. Frankly, I don't like our chances. The pressure is now on the Leafs.. although if the Sens put pressure on themselves (Which they are wont to do) than look for the Leafs to advance.

I'm a big Canadian Hockey booster. It's a big todo up here that 5 of 6 Canadian teams made the playoffs. It would have been all, but Nashville had to go and win their last game of the regular season.

[Thrax]

The Red Wings fans are pleased that we face the Flames, not the Avalanche.

[Tiribulus]

The Red Wings fans are pleased that we face the Flames, not the Avalanche.

On one hand, on the other, Iginla has been a scoring machine so far with 6 in the first round and Kiprusoff has been really good so they may be a challenge. Good playoff run everywhere so far, but as always some one has to lose.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Vancouver did have me goin with that last second goal to force OT, but they have trouble in their own building and though they weren't standing around I saw Calgary generally outwork them last night, except for the last minute of the third.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[Tiribulus]

Come ONN :rant: The Sens better be born again during this intermission or they are done :zombie:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[DogSoldier]

Like dinner!

[Tiribulus]

Yeah, Lalime picked a very inopportune time to have a bad game, but Psycho Eddie was really good again too. The Sens did have theur chances though. Tweren't meant to be. I hope this doesn't mean Tbonz is in permanant hiding now. I do think Philly is going to be a different story though.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[DogSoldier]

Yep, the goalies were the most obvious difference. Sens outshot the Leafs every game of this series, I think they were +83 or something in shots. Philly will be very tough, I remember last year.. that series was the most brutal I've ever seen.

Apropo nothing, I'm building a Leafs desktop image to span my 2 monitors (Here and at work) I'll make them available for dl once they are complete. There's a lot of Detroit fans here, so I'll be extremely gracious and reuse the template to make a RedWings desktop. I'll post the download URL here when i'm done.

[Tiribulus]

There's a lot of Detroit fans here, so I'll be extremely gracious and reuse the template to make a RedWings desktop. I'll post the download URL here when i'm done.

You are like a really hip n groovy guy
:thumbsup:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[maxanon]

Do we need a new poll for round 2?

[Tiribulus]

With all due respect to Mr. Kwitko I don't see why not.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[DogSoldier]

K, For all you Leaf fans out there (I know theres at least 2, including myself) I have the Leafs wallpaper done. It's not completely original, I took my cues from the wallpaper available at http://www.torontomapleleafs.com/wallPaper.ml and I would have used it too but they didn't have any in my size.

This stuff is not your usual wallpaper, it's designed to span 2 monitors at the same resolution, use Tile.. not Stretch or Center. If you have but one monitor, just take the jpegs and cut them in half, use the part you like.

800 x 600 (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/leafs_wallpaper_800.jpg)

1024 x 768 (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/leafs_wallpaper_1024.jpg)

1152 x 864 MY RESOLUTION! (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/leafs_wallpaper_1152.jpg)

I've started on a Redwings wallpaper, it will have the same general layout but it won't have the stats (Takes too much time) I figure another couple days til thats ready. GO LEAFS!

[Kwitko]

Wow, I can't believe Jacques Martin was fired (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1787602).

[Kwitko]

The poll has been reset for round 2. Cast your votes!

//EDIT: Aww crap, well I screwed that up royally. You can't re-vote. Sorry, guys. :(

[Tiribulus]

Cool wallpaper Dogsoldier :thumbup Yeah, I'm getting weary of teams ALWAYS blaming the coach for EVERYTHING :rant: Of course coaching is key, but they never do touch the ice afterall. The Wings are doing their usual routine of out playing the opponent for about 45 minutes, but still ending up headed into OT :banghead:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :rarr:

[DogSoldier]

8 and half years.. I think that's a pretty good run. John Tortorella was furious.. he blames management and I think he even blamed Lalime..hahaha.

Leafs were very tentative tonite, they didn't seem to have much of a game plan other then some pinching defencemen in the early going. No jump, no one seemed to want to step up... other than Roberts hitting everything in black and red. Seems the Leafs might be intimidated by the size and strength of the Flyers.. COME BACK NOLAN, COME BACK!

[Tiribulus]

The leafs sure have done a good job the last two games, outplaying Philly to tie the series huh? The wings are fumbling along in a generally forward direction. We'll see what happens today. Game 5 tied 2 apiece with Calgary :rant:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[DogSoldier]

Great game last night, scared the hell out of my cat (And I imagine.. the neighbours) with my rebel yells everytime the Leafs scored.

Here's that RedWings wallpaper I promised, but it won't tile like the Leafs stuff. What a hassle it was trying to find a logo, I finally gave up and just rebuilt it in Illustrator.

800 x 600 (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/wings_wallpaper_800.jpg)

1024 x 768 (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/wings_wallpaper_1024.jpg)

1152 x 864 (http://members.rogers.com/dogsoldier/images/wings_wallpaper_1152.jpg)

[Tiribulus]

Niiice Dude!!!
Thanks :cheers:
>>>--Tiribulus-> :bigggrin:

[gluegirl2000]

Heah! What about them Blackhawks? :crazy:

They don't suck that bad. Oh wait, yes they do. At least the management does.

[Kwitko]

Tirib, you have my condolences. I had a feeling Calgary was going to be a spoiler, especially after watching them beat Vancouver.

[Tiribulus]

Yeah, the Rocky and Apollo thing came into play here. The wings played good last night, but had all the passion of a poached egg in game 5. What're ya gonna do? :bawling:
Before the league goes blaming Lewis, sandwhiched between those last two cups we got eliminated in the 1st and second rounds with M. Scott Bowman at the helm. I wish Calgary well they played their hearts out and were rewarded for it.
>>>--Tiribulus-> :banghead:

[Thrax]

MOTHER****ER GOD ****ING DAMMIT **** ****ING CALGARY MOTHER****ERS.

There I feel better.