I think in this case I'd almost like to see a 3pt game where we at least get a point but Detroit getting 2 hurts our rivals.
I would love to see what Roslovic does in the playoffs. Based on his play so far he can go. With quick in next it will be 4 or 5 at least.
In the past 12 games including tonight the Rangers have allowed 44 goals, that's 3.66 goals per game, and tonight is not over yet. 3 times in those 12 games they have allowed exactly 2 goals, none less, which means 9 of 12 games 3 goals or more. Once again, the Rangers will not go far unless they start to play D with structure, and value the puck. They play way too risky always trying to make a play IMO. It is a big issue and is not playoff hockey.
After their L last night, I am really not worried about the Canes at all anymore, even if the Rangers just get 6 points the Canes will need 11 of 12 to tie them. The Rangers will finish ahead of them. The team to focus on is Boston, that is where the battle is now. To stay out of playing TB or Toronto.
It is crazy, the Flyers have lost 6 straight and the Caps 5 straight. Right now, you could see the Isles and Pens get 3rd in the Met and the 2nd WC. The Isles, Pens, Flyers, Caps, and Wings all within 2 points of each other, all have 6 games left except the Flyers who only have 5 games left. Totally wide open. Will be interesting to watch and see who us and the Canes end up playing in round 1. As for us, solid 3rd period, and good win over a desperate team. I think the win tonight will give us the top seed in the East, and we'll play one of the five teams listed above. With games against the Habs and Sens at home, we should be in a very solid spot to hold on over Boston.
He has played well recently. I didn't see that coming at all, good for him and us. I hope he can keep it going. I will also add, you need to keep Cuylle/Wennberg/Kakko as the 3rd line please Lavy. They play well together, and the line is much more formidable with Cuylle there over Brod. And please put Miller and Schneider back together. You did the right thing with the 3rd line, now adjust the D.
With the way the Pens are playing, up 4-1 on TB after two periods, they are looking strong for 3rd in the Met or the 2nd WC despite their tough remaining schedule. I wouldn't mind seeing them play the Canes, as I think whether they play us or the Canes they would be more dangerous than the Isles/Flyers/Caps/Wings. Anytime you have a Crosby, Malkin, Karlsson, Letang, and Rust you are a dangerous team, and they are great on FO's as well.
A Pit/Car first round would be a pretty interesting storyline w/ Guentzel going against his former team.
If I rank the teams we might play in order of preference here is how I would rank them: 1. Flyers - have the Torts grit, but not overly talented. 2. Caps - I think 2 and 3 are a very close coin flip. 3. Wings - very close coin flip with Caps. 4. Isles - I put them at 4 due to the rivalry. It is never easy dealing with the Isles. 5. Pens - Top heavy yes, but top heavy with high end talent, plus they would be on a roll. All have their strengths and weaknesses, but that is how I'd lay it out of the teams we might play if we finish with the top seed in the East. Along those lines, we could use a boost from the Panthers today, but after the 2nd period they are not cooperating. The Bruins are hot right now, going to force us to get maybe 6 of our final 10 possible points to hold them off (that would force Boston to go 10 for 10 points wise).
No help from the Panthers. Current breakdown: We get 4 of 10 points - Panthers cannot pass us, Canes would need 9 of 10 to tie us, Bruins would need 6 of 8 to pass us. We get 5 of 10 points - Canes would need 10 of 10 to tie us, Bruins would need 7 of 8 to pass us. We get 6 of 10 points - Canes cannot pass us, Bruins would need 8 of 8 to pass us. We get 7 of 10 points - Bruins cannot pass us. Habs, at Isles, Flyers, Isles, Sens left on our schedule. 4 of 5 at home, 2 games we absolutely should win, and the other 3 against teams battling for a playoff spot, but we are better. After the win against the Wings, we should finish with the top seed in the East, but we need to keep getting points as the Bruins are hot. 6 or 7 points out of 10 is very doable and should get the job done.
