Stanley Cup Playoffs - 2011

**VancouverMark** · 04-12-2011, 04:10 PM

I know that this board is dominated by Americans, but who is following the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year? My username gives away my allegiance, and I would like to see the Canucks come out of the West. Of course Detroit has a strong team, as does San Jose and Chicago. The East seems to be just about anyone's to grab. Who is everyone rooting for?

Or who could give a rats ass? :)

Mark

garryyjr · 04-12-2011, 04:14 PM

I don't follow Hockey.. I would love to get into it.. Trying little by little every year.

But, as for me being from the Bay Area... Go Sharks!!!!

**WinstonSpencer** · 04-13-2011, 07:26 AM

After my Dallas Stars fucked up, I now give slightly more than a rat's ass. But I'd have no problem with the Canucks taking it. I love Vancouver (the city).

**TachyCoventry** · 04-13-2011, 08:04 AM

The Rangers are done, so I'll be following it only when there is nothing else on TV. As far as trying to get into hockey, I played all my life, but for people who want to get into it I have one suggestion. Go to a game. Watching it on TV can be tough, but when you are live, watching how fast they skate, how hard their shots are, and how BIG these guys are it gives you a new appreciation for the sport that you can't get from the TV.

garryyjr · 04-13-2011, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by TachyCoventry

Go to a game. Watching it on TV can be tough, but when you are live, watching how fast they skate, how hard their shots are, and how BIG these guys are it gives you a new appreciation for the sport that you can't get from the TV.

I've been a minor league game. Stockton Thunder.. Sharks farm team. First hokey game i've been to. It was so fun.. That is when i thought i would like to get into it.

**craig** · 04-13-2011, 08:29 AM

I just wonder how long it will be before Charra suffers an injury or is arrested.

**buzz** · 04-13-2011, 10:01 AM

Jamie and I will be chanting in unison...

LET'S GO RED WINGS!

**MrPlatypus** · 04-13-2011, 10:50 AM

I've always been the odd man out when it's came to hockey- I'm a bona fide Philadelphia Flyers fan. Have been for 15+ years and I end up disappointed every season, but they do show more promise than say the Mariners do!

I'd like to see the Flyers take it, but I ain't holding my breath!

**VancouverMark** · 04-27-2011, 04:37 PM

Well the first round is almost done. Final two series (game sevens go tonight).

My team (Vancouver Canucks) will be playing the Nashville Predators starting tomorrow night.

For the resident Sharks fans on the board and in this thread, you will be battling the Detroit Red Wings.

First round was great, looking forward to the second.

Mark

**TachyCoventry** · 04-27-2011, 04:52 PM

Being from Florida I'd love to see the Bolts take the Red Wings but I just don't think that it will happen...

**craig** · 05-13-2011, 09:43 AM

Go Vancouver!

(I think Detroit could have beaten Vancouver; but ... :-)

**VancouverMark** · 05-16-2011, 10:53 AM

Guess I will update this thread.

Eastern Conference Final:

Boston vs. Tampa Bay

Tampa won the first game in Boston on a virtual no-show by the Bruins. Look for them to come out harder next game.

Western Conference Final:

Vancouver vs. San Jose

After beating the Red Wings in seven games, the Sharks rolled in to Vancouver and lost the opener last night by a score of 3-2. This series looks to be great with lot's of hitting and great speed. If you are new to hockey or have limited interest in the sport, this may be the series to watch.

Go Canucks!!

**Devil Doc** · 05-16-2011, 11:13 AM

I don't know how I missed this thread. In the 50's and early 60's the only hockey available on TV in N. Vermont was on CBC's HNIC, so, I was a Habs fan. Which was an easy thing to do in those days. The Habs rarely lost and my girlfriend was J.C. Tremblay's niece. With the advent of No. 4 and cable TV, it was an easy switch to the Bruins. So, I've probably been a fan longer than you've been alive.
There was no youth hockey in my town when I was growing up. If you wanted to play you practiced with the men's team and when you got big enough and good enough you got to play against Canadian teams in S. Quebec, where we would regularly get our asses kicked. No sissy helmets and face masks in those days and we had sticks made of wood

As for the playoffs, I think the B's will get by the Bolts in 7 and go on to humiliate the Nucks and bring back the Coupe Stanley to New England for the first time since 1972.

Doc.

**craig** · 05-16-2011, 07:07 PM

I don't have a strong preference this year (after Montreal went out), but I wouldn't mind if the Bruins win. I still have my "Garden of Dreams" print, signed by Mr. Orr.
1972 isn't 1967, and at least they have been in the finals since then, but it is a long time.

Then we have the two choke teams playing each other. I'd like the Canucks to win. Their fans are the worst in Canada, but the franchise deserves a Cup. For San Jose, I didn't realize that the Sharks have never made an appearance in the finals, so that would be nice for Joe Thornton.

**craig** · 05-30-2011, 05:34 PM

As is usually the case with these things, injuries and a hot goalie will probably determine the winner.

Canucks are heavily favoured, but I don't think that the hockey gods have yet forgiven 1972.

My prediction: Bruins in 7, Tim Thomas MVP.

ETA: it is 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern. Vancouver is going to be a mess on game-day afternoons. (Vancouver has the worst road system of any major Cdn city, and has, proportionately, the worst drivers (although Toronto has more bad drivers and more traffic).)

**Devil Doc** · 05-31-2011, 08:40 AM

Heavily favored? I don't think so. Certainly they're the better team, at least they have more stars, but I don't see them as heavily favored.

Doc.

**VancouverMark** · 05-31-2011, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Devil Doc

Heavily favored? I don't think so. Certainly they're the better team, at least they have more stars, but I don't see them as heavily favored.

Doc.

I agree somewhat. If both goalies play to their full potential, they are about even. The Canucks have a bit more forward depth, but a lot more defensive depth. The speed of the Canucks may be a bit much for the Bruins, but the B's could slow them down if they play very physical.

Mark

**Gern Blansten** · 05-31-2011, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by VancouverMark

I agree somewhat. If both goalies play to their full potential, they are about even. The Canucks have a bit more forward depth, but a lot more defensive depth. The speed of the Canucks may be a bit much for the Bruins, but the B's could slow them down if they play very physical.

Mark

^ Hits the nail on the head, IMO. Mind you I'm a Minnesota fan, which by default I'm supposed to hate the Nucks, but not this year. This series will be a goalie dual and very VERY physical. Vancouver in five and I'm going off the path here a little and say Tim Thomas for the Conn Smythe (ala Giggy in 2003). He has been fantastic this entire playoffs. I firmly believe if the Bruins had another guy in net they would have been gone in the second round.

**craig** · 06-15-2011, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by craig

As is usually the case with these things, injuries and a hot goalie will probably determine the winner.

Canucks are heavily favoured, but I don't think that the hockey gods have yet forgiven 1972.

My prediction: Bruins in 7, Tim Thomas MVP.

People are going to blame Luongo, but you gotta score goals.

(btw, the fans were booing Bettman)