What I said is that they're unbalanced. They're the NHL equivalent of the Patriots, they're all offense. They're eminently beatable, we'll see whether the Sens can. We're a better team than the Islanders, but we're a very different type of offense to the Isles, especially with Spezza out. If the East were anything like as good as the West the Penguins would be a very average team. I think the bet's somewhat pointless, I watch sports because I enjoy watching sports, not because I like making bets and reading stat lines - they often don't actually tell you very much at all of any relevance to the game. April 15th: "He skated and he had his full equipment on when I saw him coming back," Senators coach Paul MacLean said. "I don’t think he is close to practicing with the team. Obviously, if he has his equipment on that’s a good thing." April 18th: "Actually, we had a meeting (Tuesday) and talked a little bit," [Sens GM Brian] Murray said. "And I suggested maybe next week, if he feels that he's close enough to go out and spend 15 minutes at the early part of practice with the team, that would be a good thing for him and obviously a little motivation for the group." April 25th: Erik Karlsson picks up two assists on his return to the NHL. They did the same thing with Jared Cowen. MacLean and Murray's style with returning players is to downplay any chance of their return, presumably to keep the pressure off them and to keep the focus on the players who are currently in the team. I think it's far from impossible that he returns.
I didn't say it's impossible he returns. Just that they're making it sound like it'll be at least a week or two. As for the bet, I enjoy watching sports as well. I offer a bet because you said Pitt would fold to the first team that hits them in the mouth, because they're soft. So I am merely offering you a chance to back up what you said. matt robinson, the same offer is open to you.
Which would be the most exciting match-up for the next round? Capitals-Bruins, Capitals-Maple Leafs, Rangers-Bruins, Rangers-Maple Leafs?
Rangers-Bruins for me. I don't mind the Rangers, I think the Bruins are looking knackered after an incredibly tough series, and I fancy the Sens against either of them if we can get past Pittsburgh. In fact, I fancy us against anyone except Toronto.
Ducks ended the season not playing good hockey, and concluded that descent tonight. they were gonna get run by the Kings anyways, but I would have liked to have finally seen a Ducks/Kings playoff series. Red Wings/Hawks is a better series I suppose.
Rangers have NEVER won a game 7 on the road. Washington is a tuf place for the Rangers to play, Caps have to be licking there chops tonight. You don't need to score many goals when the team your facing is 1-27 on the powerplay.
I think the sens will beat pitts. sens will expose the weak goaltending and Anderson can win the series for them.
Pittsburgh won't squander rebounds the way Montreal did, they'll get busy in the paint and finish scraps if we let them. We have to be tighter all round as a team, our defence is solid and physical but it was prone to giveaways and turnovers in the first series and we have to be sharper. The Penguins' forecheck is a lot better than Montreal's, we can't let them build sustained pressure as the bend but don't break approach we seemed to have at times won't work in this series. If the rest has helped Karlsson to get close to his normal self then his transition game will once again be a huge part of our game, his ability to carry the puck out at speed means that Pittsburgh's all out attack approach will get punished. It's certainly an intriguing series, but it's incredibly hard to call. Every time we think that something is a step too far for this Ottawa team they find another gear, but MacLean needs to be at his very best in this one. I'm concerned about the Cooke/Karlsson sideshow, getting dragged into that won't help. If Gryba or Neil or Smith find him in their sights then great, and I don't think anyone's going to be upset if he gets Eller-ed, but if we go hunting him then we leave ourselves open and I'm sure that the Paulrus is emphasising that message.
We can but hope. Pens are banged up, it would be nice if we could do some more damage to Malkin's shoulder or knock Crosby out of the series. Pascal Dupuis has impressed the hell out of me as well this season, he and Letang are key parts of their offensive scheme who we need to get on top of. Their defence doesn't scare me, we just have to smother their transition through the neutral zone and keep the pressure on the goalies.
They're dmen are mediocre defensively, and Craig blows Voukon and the roller hockey goalie away, a big edge for Sens
First second round ties announced - Pens/Sens kick off the next round at 7:30 tomorrow, then Sharks/Kings at 10. Red Wings/Hawks tee off at 8pm on Wednesday.
