The Syndicate

NotAnAxehole wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:29 pm

G-Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 6:13 pm

NotAnAxehole wrote: ↑Sun Dec 19, 2021 10:32 am TBH, the NHL is going to lose a lot of fans in regions where the pandemic is over

Such as?

FLORIDA (I already understood while writing this that there weren't many fans to lose R.I.P. Tampa)

LOL, the shit is hitting the fan in Florida all over again actually. Their COVID case numbers just went up 231.8% in one week (from 34,990 the week ending 12/18/21 to 116,112 the week ending Christmas Day. The pandemic is far from over in Florida.

NotAnAxehole wrote: ↑Sun Dec 19, 2021 10:32 am TBH, the NHL is going to lose a lot of fans in regions where the pandemic is over

Such as?

I don't think Ovi is going to break Gretzky's record. I think age will catch up to Ovi about a season too soon given the speed and physicality of the modern game.

He needs three 50+ goal seasons just to get him to the doorstep. Ovi would be older than Gretzky was when he retired at that point. I can see Ovi getting maybe two more 50+ seasons. After that, he'll have to string it out and break Gretzky's record while his career is in decline.

I'm glad the Coyotes switched back to their old logo. That jersey is just gorgeous.

I generally don't watch much hockey until the New Year's outdoor game, but with me ignoring football until Brady is retired or out of the playoff picture, I might catch some early season action for a change.

Is it just me or do Seattle’s expansion draft picks seem underwhelming? I only recognized a few names.

Syn wrote: ↑Wed Jul 21, 2021 4:32 pm Leafs fandom discourse has been super toxic since losing to the Habs. I'm seriously considering unfollowing all of the personalities in that space. Their takes have been... unique.

Having picked the Habs haphazardly in my teens, I knew little of their rivalries with teams like Toronto and Boston. That separation helps me not care about those rivalries at all, which allows me to avoid the toxicity.

Also, as with being a Miami Dolphins for 25 years, living through Montreal’s famine years has helped me grow into more of a fan of the sport in general.

Well, it would be a kind of justice to him if it happened. How many years did Montreal fail to put a good team in front of Price? They wasted most of his career to front-office failure. They got lucky this year to even make the playoffs and finally the pieces clicked and the blind squirrel found a nut.

If Price gets snatched up, it could be great for him and just deserts for the Habs’ front office when it looks like they might finally have all the pieces in place.

Price leaving town would be compared to Roy leaving town for a very long time (despite different circumstances).

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #10:
In best-of-seven Stanley Cup Finals series, the home team has won 65.6% of Game 5’s (40 of 61). Bad news for Montreal? Maybe not. The away team has won Game 5 the last three years in a row, and five times in the last six years.

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #6:
This is the 28th time in Stanley Cup Finals history that the same team has won each of the first three games of a best-of-seven Finals series. Of the previous 27 times, 20 ended in a four-game sweep. Only one team was successful at completing a comeback from being down 0-3 in a finals series to win the Stanley Cup. The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off the first 0-3 comeback in sports history in 1942, stunning the Detroit Red Wings and the sports world in the process.


STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #7:
History repeating itself? Canadian teams are 0-3 in Stanley Cup Finals against warm-weather markets.

2004: Tampa Bay defeated Calgary
2006: Carolina defeated Edmonton
2007: Anaheim defeated Ottawa



STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #8:
Since the NHL expanded the Stanley Cup playoffs to 16 teams, Montreal is just the second team ranked 16th in the playoffs to make the Cup Final. The only other team to do so was the Nashville Predators in 2017. The Predators lost that year to the Pittsburgh Penguins.



STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #9:
The streak continues! There has not been a four-game sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals since the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Washington Capitals in 1998.

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #5:
If Tampa wins the Cup this year, they will become the 11th existing NHL franchise to win a third Stanley Cup. If you include defunct NHL teams and the pre-NHL Challenge Cup era, Tampa could become the 19th team to win for a third time.

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #4:
Montreal is now the 5th Canadian team to try to reclaim the Cup for Canada since the Habs won it in 1993. Of the seven Canadian teams in the league right now, can you guess which two haven’t made the Cup Finals since ‘93?

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #3:
Due to the temporary NHL divisional realignment because of COVID travel restrictions, the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals between Montreal and Tampa is the eastern-most matchup since the spring of 1980, when the New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers. The Campbell (later Western) Conference was created for the 1980-81 season.

The eastern-most pairing of teams in the NHL era (since 1917) happened in 1929 and 1972 when the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers battled for the Cup (Boston won both years).

The eastern-most pairing in Stanley Cup history, however, took place in 1913. The Quebec Bulldogs accepted a challenge from the Sydney Millionaires (from Nova Scotia). Quebec retained the Cup handily and it was the last time the city of Quebec celebrated a Cup victory.

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #2:
Tampa’s 5-1 victory in last night’s game may have been one-sided, but it wasn’t the biggest Game 1 blowout of all time. Here are the five most lopsided Game 1 results in Stanley Cup history:

#5- 2001: 5-0, Colorado Avalanche over the New Jersey Devils

#3 (tie)- 1924: 6-1, Montreal Canadiens over the Calgary Tigers

#3 (tie)- 1970: 6-1, Boston Bruins over the St. Louis Blues

#2- 1947: 6-0, Toronto Maple Leafs over the Montreal Canadiens

#1- 1919: 7-0, Seattle Metropolitans over the Montreal Canadiens

STANLEY CUP FINALS FUN FACT #1:
Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup last year. The last time Montreal won the Cup was in 1993. The 1992-93 season was also the inaugural season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coincidence or fate?

Syn wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:08 pm So how 'bout them Habs

As with every series so far, I am not expecting victory, but I am open to the improbable. Montreal started clicking at the right time. I've seen plenty of teams do this before and fall apart in the Cup Finals, so I'm not making any 'team of destiny' claims.

The thing is, I like the Lightning, so even if the Habs lose, it's not like I will be angry with the result. That's kind of nice. It's stressful when a Cup Finals comes down to a team I like and a team I dislike.

I jinxed myself last night before the third period by telling my wife that I would have no choice but to become a little excited if the Habs went up 3-1 in the series.

The refs need to own missing the high sticking call in OT. There should have had a 4-minute power play. I don’t normally gripe too much about missed calls, but Perry’s face was a mess!

Whether the Habs win or lose this series, Cole Caufield has made a name for himself these playoffs.

Glad they got the win tonight, but my goodness! For the last 10 minutes of the game Montreal looked like a flag hanging on for dear life in the middle of a hurricane.

As one of the top teams in the league this season, Vegas showed that they have an extra gear in them that Montreal lacks. The Habs tried to compensate for this by plays high-tempo hockey, but they were too undisciplined and spent too much time in the box. They can still make it a series with a few adjustments, but I won’t be surprised if they lose in four or five if they repeat last night’s game plan.

Which player critical to Vegas’s success will get hurt/suspended Game 1 tonight, thereby allowing the Habs to win the series?

With Boston eliminated, I can now be content at worst with any of the remaining teams winning the Cup. My order of preference being:

1) Montreal
2) Tampa Bay
3) Colorado
4) Vegas
5) New York

Syn wrote: ↑Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:23 pm SO HOW ABOUT THEM HABS

I know, right? I’m on such an emotional roller coaster with these playoffs, but I’m still tempering my expectations. They will play one of the two best teams in the league next series, possibly with a good bit of rest before that series starts. Rest is just one letter away from rust.

Master Radishes wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:25 pm [quote=G-Man post_id=785343 time=<a href="tel:1620837503">1620837503</a> user_id=383]
As much as I hate to cheer against my Habs, they limped into the playoffs and aren't capable of a deep run. Don't spoil a legit Canadian contender this year.

You were saying...?
[/quote]

I hope to eat my words, because they will be delicious.

Habs up 3-0 in the series. They’ve won six games in a row! I can’t help but geek out just a little tonight.

The Habs are up 2-0 in the series, but I’m still tempering my enthusiasm. Even if they win this series, they’ll have to play Colorado (or maaaaybe Vegas) in the next round.

Syn wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 11:51 pm

G-Man wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:25 pm That Scheifele hit on Evans after the empty-net goal was brutal as hell. I don’t want to sound biased since Montreal is my team, but I should think he’ll be getting a sit-down with the league and probably deserves a game suspension.

Yeah but Parros tho

Suspended for four games. Pretty harsh for a first offense, but it was a doozy of a first offense.

That Scheifele hit on Evans after the empty-net goal was brutal as hell. I don’t want to sound biased since Montreal is my team, but I should think he’ll be getting a sit-down with the league and probably deserves a game suspension.

I have to wonder if Montreal wins this series if Tavares didn’t get hurt.

This Leafs-Habs series has me so torn!

Carey Price pucks the strangest times to stand on his head.

Master Radishes wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 5:32 pm

G-Man wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 5:17 pm

Master Radishes wrote: ↑Sun May 16, 2021 6:06 am I hope all four Canadian teams lose, somehow.

The whole 'cheer for Canada's team' thing is stupid. I don't want anyone else to be happy whilst I remain unhappy.

Go...iunno, Florida.

Who is your team again?

Canucks.

Hence why I want everyone else to suffer - because I suffer.

G-Man wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 5:18 pm Also, I love that the first three games of the NHL playoffs all went to OT. Silly Lightning ruining the streak last night.

And the Lightning-Panthers game was best of the bunch anyway. I hope that series goes the distance.

I can’t fault you for the sour Canadian grapes. I cheered for the Bruins against your Canucks when they were in the Finals. For whatever reason the Canucks and the Senators are the two Canadian teams that I can’t support for the Cup.

Also, I love that the first three games of the NHL playoffs all went to OT. Silly Lightning ruining the streak last night.

Master Radishes wrote: ↑Sun May 16, 2021 6:06 am I hope all four Canadian teams lose, somehow.

The whole 'cheer for Canada's team' thing is stupid. I don't want anyone else to be happy whilst I remain unhappy.

Go...iunno, Florida.

Who is your team again?

Just a few more days! All 16 slots have been claimed:


EAST:
#1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs #4 New York Islanders
#2 Washington Capitals vs #3 Boston Bruins

Go Pittsburgh and let's hope for a grueling multiple multi-overtime period seven-game series to drain whomever wins between Boston and Washington.


CENTRAL:
#1 Carolina Hurricanes vs #4 Nashville Predators
#2 Florida Panthers vs #3 Tampa Bay Lightning

I've always had a soft spot for Nashville, but Carolina's ascendancy is too feel-good to cheer against. Also, I am more partial to the Lightning.


NORTH:
#1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs #4 Montreal Canadiens
#2 Edmonton Oilers vs #3 Winnipeg Jets

As much as I hate to cheer against my Habs, they limped into the playoffs and aren't capable of a deep run. Don't spoil a legit Canadian contender this year. By that same logic, I guess I have to support the Oilers, even though I've always been neutral about them.


WEST:
Vegas and Colorado still have to settle the #1 seed, and potentially Colorado and Minnesota may have to settle the #2 seed. If Vegas and Colorado both win their very winnable games tonight, this division will be locked in.

Playoff update # ??


EAST:
Pittsburgh has locked up the #1 seed. Washington has locked up the #2 seed based on regulation wins. The Islanders need to win their last game and have Boston lose their last two in order to steal the #3 seed. Boston and NY Islanders play each other tonight, so it's a critical one.


CENTRAL:
Nashville clinched the #4 seed this weekend. Florida and Tampa play each other tonight and the game will determine who will be the #2 seed and who will be the #3. They should make for a heck of a playoff series!


NORTH:
Toronto locked up the #1 and Edmonton will be the #2 seed. Winnipeg punched their ticket to the playoffs, but aren't locked in at #3 just yet. Montreal can't quite figure out how to get that last win to secure a playoff spot. Both Calgary and Vancouver could steal the #4 seed if Montreal loses out based on regulation wins. Montreal has to play Edmonton tonight, which isn't a likely win for the Habs. The Canucks are playing the Jets tonight, and a loss to Winnipeg would knock them out of the playoff hunt.


WEST:
The battle for the #1 seed is between Vegas and Colorado. Minnesota can't claim the #1 seed, but they could steal the #2 from Colorado if the Aves fall apart in their last three games. Colorado and Vegas play tonight, so it's an important game. If Vegas wins, they will lock up the #1 seed.

It's almost playoffs time!


EAST:
Nothing too new here. Pittsburgh, Washington, and Boston are all still in the mix for the #1 seed. New York Islanders can only clinch 3rd or 4th. Honestly, I'd rather let Boston and Washington bloody each other up in the first round.

CENTRAL:
Carolina has clinched the #1 seed. Tampa and Florida are neck-and-neck for #2, but are bound to face each other in the playoffs no matter what. Nashville and Dallas are in a tight race for the #4 seed.

NORTH:
Toronto is one point shy of clinching the #1 seed. Montreal needs another win to lock up the fourth available playoff spot.

WEST:
St. Louis clinches the #4 seed, eliminating Arizona and LA. The top three spots are still in flux though.


Lots of games today, so we'll see how that changes the playoff picture. The North has a lot of delay thanks to Vancouver's COVID shutdown earlier this season. If Montreal can lock up the 4th playoff slot, then it's possible that the North could start their playoff series while Vancouver and Calgary play their last few make-up games against each other.

Update update update!

EAST:
It's all settled now except the seeding. Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston, and NY Islanders are in the playoffs. Technically, any one of these four can clinch the 1-seed still.


CENTRAL:
Chicago has been eliminated. The next few days should firm up the 1-3 seeds. Dallas needs a lot of help from the hockey gods to steal the 4-seed.


NORTH:
Edmonton is in and Ottawa is out. Calgary is one game away from being knocked out. Vancouver had a chance, but their margin for error grows narrower every game. Toronto is inching closer to securing the 1-seed.


WEST:
San Jose has been eliminated. Both Arizona and LA need St. Louis to lose out to have a chance at the playoffs.

Even though it may be Leafs vs Habs, this will be a year where I don’t want my Habs to win. They’re just not good enough this year for a deep run. I don’t want to deprive a better Canadian team a shot at the Cup Finals.

Here's the latest:

EAST:
Washington and Pittsburgh clinched playoff spots, and Philly completed their slide into irrelevance. Better luck next year, Flyers (actually, just keep sucking please). The Rangers have an outside chance at sneaking into the playoffs, but it's looking unlikely.

CENTRAL:
No new changes. It's really a toss-up through the end of the season as to which meh team limps into the 4th seed.

NORTH:
Toronto clinched, and Ottawa is still treading just above elimination. Beyond that, it's still somewhat wide open. Vancouver slipped to last place in the division, but they have enough games to make up that they could still take the 3 seed.

WEST:
The Ducks are not mighty this year, and have been knocked out. It's a toss-up still between St. Louis and Arizona for the #4 slot.

Time for another update:

EAST:
No one has clinched yet. New Jersey and Buffalo have been out, and Philly is closing in on the final nail in their coffin.

CENTRAL:
Carolina, Florida, and Tampa have all stamped their tickets for the playoffs. Columbus has been out. Detroit is out now to. I remember it like it was only yesterday when Detroit fans snickered that they would have their way with the Eastern Conference when they were moved over from the West. I'm still waiting to see that happen. *snicker(

NORTH:
Ottawa is on the verge of being eliminated. Otherwise, this is still a bit of a grab bag. Vancouver playing catch-up on postponed games complicates things.

WEST:
Vegas, Colorado, and Minnesota are all in. Anaheim is a point away from being sent to the golf course.

Vegas is in the playoffs. ESPN has Colorado as locked in, even though by my spreadsheet they could miss if they lose all their remaining games and St. Louis wins all of their remaining games.

Columbus is the latest team eliminated from playoff contention, with Detroit a loss away from suffering the same fate.

Carolina looks to be the next closest team to clinching a spot.

Syn wrote: ↑Mon Apr 19, 2021 4:20 pm Toronto is going to get embarrassed in the first round, as per tradition

Which team(s) do you gravitate towards?

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Sun Apr 18, 2021 2:31 pm

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Tue Jan 19, 2021 8:48 pm go blue jackets

blue jackets suck

blue jackets trade everyone

blue jackets suck more

Don’t feel too bad. Nobody but Columbus fans ever expects much out of the Blue Jackets.

Buffalo is the first team eliminated from playoff contention. I feel bad for their fans. Every time the franchise shows promise, it never pans out and is followed by a period of basement-dwelling.

It looks like New Jersey is the net closest to being eliminated. If New Jersey can't match Boston's next six points, it's over for them as well. I've never been a Devil's fan, so this one doesn't have any sting to it.

On the flip side, Colorado is only six points away from clinching a playoff spot. I liked them back in the day when they first moved to Denver from Quebec, and their colors and logo are excellent. I have no idea who is on their roster right now (East Coast bias alert), but I'm happy to see them building off of last season.

As much as I love my Habs, I have to pull for Toronto in the North this year. Canada's Cup drought and especially Toronto's Cup drought need to end. Why not this year?

I haven't gotten into hockey much yet this season, which is normally the case. Once the Super Bowl has passed, I switch to hockey. I hear there will be some outdoor games coming up. Always fun to watch.

The bubble was pretty amazing, especially because it was the playoffs. It was like March Madness, but for hockey, so it was even better than March Madness.

The realignment makes sense for this year. Once fans are able to fill the arenas, bubbles won't make sense. What could be cool is if they do a short bubble tournament someday mid-season. All 32 teams, four bubble cities (narrowing down to two, and then one), and non-stop hockey. That would be cool.I'd rather watch that than All Star Weekend, though a bubble tourney would take longer.

Nah. Nobody remembers the first round, but everyone remembers a historic OT game.

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 8:15 pm I watched the CBJ games. Now that they're out I'm not sure I'll have time to stick around.

That quintuple overtime game is easily the most exciting and newsworthy thing the Columbus Blue Jackets have ever been a part of. Tough break for your team, but this might (finally) be the Lightning's year. Tampa is one of the ten or so teams in the league that I find it easy to cheer for, so I am excited for them.

Anyone else been watching Bubble Hockey?

Just saw this headline...

Blue Jackets Will Play Home Games Without Fans

...and I wondered how that was any different than before.

They’re the NHL team of the future and they always will be.