Bingo, that was an easy call...lol. Now we'll see if the Canes and their very questionable goaltending can beat the Caps. I think the Canes win that series IF their goalie is simply solid. If their goalie, whichever one it is, plays poorly the Caps will win it.
Canes are small and soft. They aren't built to beat the Craps. I watched a little of the Devils game. They got fucking screwed by incompetent officiating. You know it was pathetic if I'm saying that.
Disappointed in the Kings last night, that was the first game in the series that was a throwback to the past 3 years/series between these teams. The Oliers pretty much dominated, and if it weren't for Kuemper the game would have been a blowout. Hard to see the Kings rebounding after that effort and winning game 6 in Edmonton, but in the NHL playoffs, you never know. The Blues/Jets game tonight is really interesting. Will the 75-time winning Vezina goal show up, I think yes, but we'll see.
Caps move on to face Carolina, I have to tell you, I have no passion for that series at all. I am sure some of it's because I don't like either team, but I also don't see that as a very exciting series. I would guess it goes 6 or 7, and I lean Carolina if they get even solid goaltending. Tampa done in the 1st round again. I kind of feel for them having to play the Panthers in the 1st round again, but it is what it is. Curious to see what they do this summer. They made changes after last season, their team is signed for next season outside of Gourde, and I think they are the 2nd best team in the East, so one would think they shouldn't go crazy with major changes, but we'll see. The Panthers keep rolling along. I like them a lot over the Leafs, I don't see anything stopping them from making a 3rd straight finals appearance outside of an injury, they are a big fav to me. They may go back-to-back like the Lightning did a few years ago.
Florida is still a playoff machine. I'm stunned they rolled over Tampa like that but I probably shouldn't be. Tkachuk is well rested and looks dominant.
Great year for hockey attendance and entertaining playoff games for the most part. Have to think Florida is the team to beat again.
The Kings will never ever want to see the Oilers again. If they cannot win a series up 2-0, leading in the 3rd period of game 3, leading with less than a minute left in the 3rd period of game 4, and still blow it, and in 6 games, they might as well take the L and save the pain when they inevitably matchup again next playoffs due to the ridiculous NHL playoff format. I really hope Colorado wins tonight. Not only am I rooting for them, I also want to see at least one game 7. The issue is Blackwood has turned into a bit of a pumpkin for them the past few games, his Cinderella ride may be over. I agree the West is wide open. If it is Avs or Stars/Jets and Oilers/VGN I think any of those teams can make the SCF. In the East, I think Florida is a very clear big fav. It's the NHL playoffs, so anything can happen, but I would be very surprised if the Panthers don't make the SCF (barring an injury).
The Kings would be an ideal spot to trade Fox, LAs defensive production aside from Doughty is anemic. Toronto finally got the monkey off their back.
If Toronto didn't beat Ottawa they should have traded their whole team this summer...lol. Now it gets real for them playing Florida, let's see what they show in that series. Fun game 6 in St. Louis tonight, I expect Winnipeg to end that series like Vegas and Toronto did last night.
We have another Hellebuyck playoff special, pulled after allowing 5 goals on 23 shots. He's a finalist for the Hart and Vezina, I hope he wins another Vezina, he may be the best regular season goalie ever, who is the worst playoff goalie ever. Good stuff. Happy to have another game 7, two coming up over the weekend.
