The NHL Thread (28 Viewers)
- Thread starter Bjerknes
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Frankly, that's all the better for my Bruins. I hope your team feels the same way, and underestimates Boston.
This Bruins squad has quality depth at every position, and plays a system that is conducive to post-season success. Plus, with home ice advantage for the remainder of the playoffs, and a rabid fan base that is starved for success, it's really not going to be fun for teams to come to Beantown. Time will tell how this turns out.
Like I said, I'd rather play the Canes in round 2 than the Pens or Devils (or Caps, despite the fact that wasn't a possibility this early on) - obviously. This is a good draw for Boston. Let those teams play a couple tough, long series first. Let those teams beat the hell out of each other.
Considering the Caps almost lost to NY, and they're starting a rookie goaltender, I see some considerable question marks in Washington. Boston is FAR more balanced than a Washington side that has very questionable D, and goaltending - not exactly the hallmark of postseason success.
Gotta love that top line though; when Semin plays with Ovie and Backstrom, there is no better line in hockey.
This Bruins squad has quality depth at every position, and plays a system that is conducive to post-season success. Plus, with home ice advantage for the remainder of the playoffs, and a rabid fan base that is starved for success, it's really not going to be fun for teams to come to Beantown. Time will tell how this turns out.
Like I said, I'd rather play the Canes in round 2 than the Pens or Devils (or Caps, despite the fact that wasn't a possibility this early on) - obviously. This is a good draw for Boston. Let those teams play a couple tough, long series first. Let those teams beat the hell out of each other.
Considering the Caps almost lost to NY, and they're starting a rookie goaltender, I see some considerable question marks in Washington. Boston is FAR more balanced than a Washington side that has very questionable D, and goaltending - not exactly the hallmark of postseason success.
Gotta love that top line though; when Semin plays with Ovie and Backstrom, there is no better line in hockey.
Boston doesn't really scare me much either. They come from one of the weaker divisions and have just come off of beating the 8th seeded Habs. It reminds me of the Pacific Division; only reason why the Sharks finished ahead of us in the standings was because they had to play the Kings and Coyotes every other day. But the difference in divisions is that the Ducks are much stronger than the Habs.
The Briuns also lack experience. Sure, they have Recchi and big bad Chara, but those guys are the only real playoff veterans on the team.
The Briuns also lack experience. Sure, they have Recchi and big bad Chara, but those guys are the only real playoff veterans on the team.
These things can go either way, really. I'm not crazy about the idea of extended rest either, but we had a few players like Wideman (who played, but was nicked), and Ference (who missed last series) banged up after late season injuries, and rest will definitely be helpful for these guys. Those are two of our top 3 Defense men, and rest will be key.
A team coming out of a 7 game series against a tough opponent might be a little worn. It's a toss up.
This is always an interesting variable. On NHL.com, take a look at the break down of Boston's play against all the divisions. The only division they actually have a losing record against is the Pacific, although they definitely fared better against Eastern Conference teams than Western. The divisional records are pretty general and can be hit and miss as stats, IMO - can't really tell what was going on in terms of injuries, slumps, match-ups, etc., when certain teams played.
Also, In general the SouthEast division really isn't stronger than the NorthEast, so your comment should really be applied to Washington as well.
This actually isn't really true. Sure this team is young, but Aaron Ward has won 3 cups, Stephon Yelle 2, and Shawn Thornton 1 cup. Axelsson has been to the playoffs 7 times now, Hnidy has been to the playoffs 7 times, Ference has been 5 times (and played in a final), a few others have been multiple times and most of the team was together last year, so everyone has pretty much got a taste.
A couple of these guys also have some pretty solid experience in some elite junior hockey/ junior national programs. A guy like Lucic, who captained the Vancouver Giants to the Memorial cup Championship (the ultimate junior club championship), was voted tournament MVP, and also captained the Canadian Juniors against the Russians - well, he obviously is a winner, and a leader regardless of how many years of NHL experience he has.
I'm not saying that Boston is going to win the cup... but I do like the make up of my team, they genuinely enjoy each other, and I certainly think they have a shot. Time will tell... and if they don't win the cup this year, they still have a TON of youth and a few TOP prospects who you haven't even seen yet, like Hamill Marchand, and Tuukka Rask, who will join the team in 1-2 years. They're going to be a very good team for a nice stretch here.
A team coming out of a 7 game series against a tough opponent might be a little worn. It's a toss up.
This is always an interesting variable. On NHL.com, take a look at the break down of Boston's play against all the divisions. The only division they actually have a losing record against is the Pacific, although they definitely fared better against Eastern Conference teams than Western. The divisional records are pretty general and can be hit and miss as stats, IMO - can't really tell what was going on in terms of injuries, slumps, match-ups, etc., when certain teams played.
Also, In general the SouthEast division really isn't stronger than the NorthEast, so your comment should really be applied to Washington as well.
This actually isn't really true. Sure this team is young, but Aaron Ward has won 3 cups, Stephon Yelle 2, and Shawn Thornton 1 cup. Axelsson has been to the playoffs 7 times now, Hnidy has been to the playoffs 7 times, Ference has been 5 times (and played in a final), a few others have been multiple times and most of the team was together last year, so everyone has pretty much got a taste.
A couple of these guys also have some pretty solid experience in some elite junior hockey/ junior national programs. A guy like Lucic, who captained the Vancouver Giants to the Memorial cup Championship (the ultimate junior club championship), was voted tournament MVP, and also captained the Canadian Juniors against the Russians - well, he obviously is a winner, and a leader regardless of how many years of NHL experience he has.
I'm not saying that Boston is going to win the cup... but I do like the make up of my team, they genuinely enjoy each other, and I certainly think they have a shot. Time will tell... and if they don't win the cup this year, they still have a TON of youth and a few TOP prospects who you haven't even seen yet, like Hamill Marchand, and Tuukka Rask, who will join the team in 1-2 years. They're going to be a very good team for a nice stretch here.
