If the score of the Flyers/Pens game holds (Flyers up 4-1 in the 3rd) we only need 2 points in any way and we clinch the Met. AND...who the F knows how the rest of the Met will end up. The Pens and Isles will have 95 points with 77 games played and 38 ROW's. The Caps will have 94 points with 77 games played and 38 ROW's. Good luck figuring out 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. As for the Wings and Bruins, the Wings have an extra game to play AND have 1 more ROW right now as well. Plus their schedule is much easier (Boston only has 1 home game left out of 5). So I still give the Wings the edge BUT if the Bruins win in regulation tomorrow night they certainly can pass the Wings for 3rd in the Atlantic. Reality is we could play 5 different teams. Bruins, Pens, Isles, Caps, and Wings (this is a longshot to me as I still expect them to win tomorrow night and finish ahead of the Bruins).
best match ups for us 1. Pens 2. Wings 3. Caps 4. Isles 5. Bruins Of course we will end up playing the Bruins...LOL
And I know this will sound crazy, but I kind of want to play the Caps least out of those 5 teams we can possibly play. I say that for a couple reasons. 1. OV is just crazy hot this season. 2. They certainly have more grit and fight this season under Tortz. 3. I think they are due to win a playoff series and be a very tough out. 4. I think Holtby is a real solid goalie. Give me the Bruins or Pens most of all. I know you guys don't want the Bruins, but I think I rather play them than the Caps. I would say give me the Pens most of all. Then the Bruins. Then the Isles. I leave the Wings out because I still see them 3rd in the Atlantic.
Funny Step. I am on an island with this Bruins thing. We agree on the Pens # 1, but I really don't sweat the Bruins. I think we'd beat them. I throw the Wings out because I don't see it, but if I put them in I would agree they would be 2 after the Pens. I would go: 1. Pens 2. Wings (unlikely to me) 3. Bruins 4. Isles 5. Caps But to me 4-5 are after 1-3 clearly. I don't want the Caps...I really think they are due for a good series win, especially against us, and OV is out of this world right now. So I switch 3 and 5 from you Step.
I wont take the caps and ovechkin seriously until they can get past the second round. In all his years, the caps have never been past the second round. I don't care how many goals he scores in the regular season. I believe, he scored like over 60 goals one year and they got beat in the first round.
And I hear you, but I truly think that is a different team this year and a different OV this year. He was a huge negative last year, a big positive this year. Team is much more gritty and hard working. And Holtby is better in goal than their previous goalies (including Holtby a few years back). Not saying they get by round 1 for sure, too many good teams and all the 1st round series will be tough, but I think they will be a tough out. I really rather not play the Caps. I think we'd beat them, but won't be easy. Rather have any of the other options IMO. At the end of the day it is pretty close between all the teams we could play. And no matter what there are no easy teams that we can say that is a gimme. Even the Pens won't be that with Cindy and Malkin.
When it comes to doling out penalties, NHL sure does take its time......when they want to. I am just curious what Byfuglein gets. I do not trust this league when it comes to do the right thing. When you think it will go one way, they go out of their way to change the ruling. And do not get me started on decisions involving the NY Rangers. Get a load of this: " ....the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review." Typical NHL jargon for 'we can make changes to fit our decisions'. Total BS. Byfuglein GETS 4 GAMES. Winnipeg will not make playoffs off of this dumb incident.
