Stanley Cup Playoffs

[CMJ]

Round One starts tonight baby....

So who you rooting for?

Who's your pick?

Discussion here.

:D

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Avalanche *crosses fingers*

[CMJ]

Well my boys are the Sabres...yeah...they didn't make it.

I also like the Devils and Stars for various reasons. I'd like to see a Canadian team win the Cup because it's been so long.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The Stars better not make it. :mad For one reason: they'd have to eliminate the Avs, and 'I'm not prepared to accept that.' /capt.janeway

[CMJ]

Well...I'm FROM Dallas. But I started following Buffalo before the Stars moved to Dallas in '94. Not sure why I like the Devils too just do.

I picked the Sabres as my squad when I was just a kid. I thought a sword as a mascot was the coolest thing ever. Kids are funny. ;)

[JMK]

Go Habs go!!!

Of course being blanked by Boston tonight won't help much.

That being said, who's going to stop Detroit?

If my Canadiens don't win then I'll be happy as long as the Maple Leafs don't win.

[Ati Quai]

Red Wings Rule!

*prepares for the onslaught of projectiles*

[darth_mcbain]

I'd love for the Avs to take it, but realistically I think the Red Wings are gonna be tough to stop this year.

[JMK]

Well think of the Ducks last year. They totally humbled the Wings. But Detroit looks really determined this year. Which is fine by me because Stevie Y is my favorite all time player. :)

[CMJ]

I'm getting a good vibe about Vancouver. They're a dangerous floater.

[JMK]

IMO Calgary is the dangerous floater. The play the same way their coach did in his time; relentless, determined and in your face. The Vancouver / Calgary series from 1989 & 1994 are 2 of the greatest playoff series' ever played. This one should be no different. Last night's game was great (I stay up late all through the playoffs, I'm like a zombie at this time of year).

[CMJ]

The home temas won 7 of the first 8 games played. I wonder if this will be the trend this postseason.

[JMK]

I wonder when was the last time this occured in the first round: All 8 series are at 2-1. There won't be any sweeps this year in the first round and most, if not all series' look like they could easily go 7 games, except for Dallas/Colorado, and Detroit/Nashville.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I can't believe Colorado gave up last night's game. They *had* it!!

[JMK]

What are you worried about? Colorado has been treating the Stars like a bunch of rag dolls. Turco had to rip that game 3 victory from you. I watched all of game one and two and the Avs were nothing short of dominant. Methinks your team will live to see round 2.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Yes, but they should have won last night too. They got a bit lax, hopefully the Stars won't rally around this win and stretch this series out. I can't stand the stress of a 7 game series! :p

[JMK]

Sometimes it isn't a bad thing to suffer a loss. Brings you back to earth and won't give you such a long layoff if they sweep. :)

[CMJ]

I've been somewhat amazed at how well the home teams have done. The last few years the home squads have won a bit over 50% of the time(I think last year it was around 55%) but so far this season they've won 75%.

I don't know...just something I've noticed. I get into trends and junk like that. ;)

[JMK]

Well let's go through the series':
The Wings are 2-0 at home
The Avs are 2-0 at home
The Sharks are 2-0 at home
The Bruins are 2-0
The The Flyers are 2-0
The Canucks are 1-1
The Leafs are 1-1
The Lightning are 1-1

The home teams are 13/16 so far this post season for a winning percentage of 81%. Who says home ice means nothing?

[CMJ]

The Stars are 1-0
The Devils are 1-0
The Canadians are 1-0
The Islanders are 0-1
The Flames are 0-1
The Predators are 1-0
The Blues are 1-0

[JMK]

Well Canadiens are now 1-1. You have no idea how deflating that overtime loss was last night. I had a bunch of people over and you could hear a feather hit the ground after that disaster of a goal. It should be a 3-1 series lead for Montreal. :verymad

[CMJ]

I think you didn't give Nashville enough credit. That series appears it might go the distance.

The team that has impressed me the most so far is San Jose. The Sharks look rock solid.

[JMK]

Yep, I didn't think Nashville had what it took. But they are certainly giving Detroit a run for their money. If Nashville can take it to a game 7 who knows what can happen.

[JMK]

Originally posted by CMJ
I'm getting a good vibe about Vancouver. They're a dangerous floater.

Looks a little as though you've not given Calgary the credit they deserve. :p

And the Canadiens live to fight another day! What a schooling they gave the Bruins last night!

[CMJ]

:lol

The Flames looked good last night. I'm about to write the Canucks off honestly. Then again I thought Montreal was finished a few nights ago(blowing Game 4 was just too much I thought).

I'm guessing the city is jumping.

[JMK]

I nearly hung myself after what happened in game 4 here. You should have heard the fans ripping Theodore and Kovalev. To see them silence everyone in game 5 was terrific. A win tomorrow night will even up the series at 3 and set up a game 7. But first we gotta win tomorrow's game.

[CMJ]

Originally posted by JMK
I nearly hung myself after what happened in game 4 here.

Different sport...but sounds like me after Game 7 of the ALCS last year. ;)

On another note the Sharks moved thru last night. They dominated the hell out of the Blues. I believe they're gonna be tough for whoever they get next to beat.

[TheHolo.Net]

And my home team moves on. :D Go Avalanche!!!

[JMK]

Yeah baby!!!! Habs tie it 3-3!!!! My apartment sounded like the Bell Center tonight!!!!!!!!! :crack

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Sorry CMJ, the Stars were dominated. ;)

[JMK]

Bring on the Lightning!!!!!!

Habs overcome a 3-1 deficit for the first time in their history! Unbelievable! Now I just need Ottawa to beat down the Leafs tonight....

Oh, and Court, I told you Calgary was dangerous! ;)

[CMJ]

The Calgary/Vancouver game was insane. After the Canucks tied it in regulation I was certain they'd win.

[CMJ]

Kind of surprised this thread has gone silent. Maybe because the only series that's been competitive so far as been Detroit/Calgary.

[Figrin D'an]

Originally posted by CMJ
Kind of surprised this thread has gone silent. Maybe because the only series that's been competitive so far as been Detroit/Calgary.

It's the NHL. Nobody cares until the Stanley Cup Finals. ;)

[CMJ]

:p

You could fooled me with the response to the first round. If both Colorado and Detroit get knocked out interest will most likely plummet in the States as those are by far the most popular teams in this country.

At least their fanbases seem to be the largest.

[Arya Ravenwing]

I'm torn between the Sharks being my hometown team, and the Avs being my fiancee's favorites. The Avalanche are totally being dominated this round.

Oops, I'm LD. Forgot what name I was under. :o

[JMK]

I can't even describe my mood this morning. I won't even try.
Another blown lead in the playoffs with under a minute left only to lose it in overtime in a crucial game. The worst part is it's the same stiffs on the ice that gave up the goal to the Bruins with 30 seconds left in game 4 in the first round. :verymad

[CMJ]

Tampa Bay stole that game last night, but there's no doubt in my mind they are the better squad - by far. I think Montreal wins Game 4, but I highly doubt they can take it past a fifth game.

[JMK]

I don't even think Montreal will win game 4. At some point every team realises that they are up against a better team and then its only inevitable that they will lose. I think the Canadiens have figured out whether they are dominated - or dominate the Lightning (which was the case last night) they WILL lose anyway. Once that sets in it's over. They're done.

Tampa is a better squad, but Montreal is exposing some chinks in the armor for sure. Tampa can be pressured the same way they thrive on pressuring other teams. I think their inexperience may come back to haunt them before they win the cup.

[Jedieb]

GO LIGHTNING!!!! :crack

I'm not going to pretend that I follow the NHL the way I do the NFL or MLB. But I went to school in Tampa, attended my share of Lightning games, especially during their innaugural season, and I still drag out the old Lightning jersey every winter. I'm glad to see they're playing so well and if they make it to the Cup finals I'll be glued to the TV. Ah, another chance to make the wife suffer....

[JMK]

Curse you!!!!!!
Curse your Yanks and curse your stupid Lightning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shootin

[Jedieb]

1 more period! :wings

[Jedieb]

It's OVER baby!!! Man, I can't believe Montreal didn't call a time out with that last face off. Sorry JMK, time for me to do an EVIL dance! :crack

[JMK]

Well congrats to the Lightning. Though I can't say they deserve it. Not the way it played out anyhow. They would have won the series, but by all rights this series should be knotted up 2-2, or at the max 3-1 for Tampa.

[CMJ]

The Lightning look freaking great right now. I really think they'll win the Eastern conference.

In the west....I'll say San Jose.

[JMK]

If there's a San Jose / Tampa final, say goodbye to any tv rating, though it would be an phenomenal series.

[CMJ]

That's exactly what I told Eb last night. Viewership will be very low, but dang *I* would love to see that series.

[JMK]

I think any combo would work, as long as the Leafs don't get in.
Philly can be fun to watch. A good amount of skill and they can really dish out some big hits unlike Tampa. A Calgary/Tampa series would be the absolute worst for ratings but that would be absolutely the fastest hockey possible given the teams left. Though I doubt the Flames will get past Detroit after last night. They could have applied the stranglehold last night but now I think Detroit will take control. But you never know what will happen with Cujo in nets.

[CMJ]

The Red Wings are done!!

[Sith Ahnk]

Man this Flames are Like Wild Mighty Duck Panthers.

[JMK]

Except for that many more people actually predicted Calgary to do this.

[CMJ]

Originally posted by JMK
Except for that many more people actually predicted Calgary to do this.

Maybe in Canada...not here.

[JMK]

Well then! Shows what you know! :lol

[darth_mcbain]

Now if the Avs can just make it past the Sharks...

[CMJ]

Conference Finals are set. Both should be alot of fun to watch.

BTW: Home teams are winning at a 63% clip - and the higher seed has won 75% of the series. Who said being at home doesn't matter. :p

[JMK]

The Leafs are done! All is right with the world.

[CMJ]

Tampa Bay continues to impress. Geez they've lost 1 game so far this postseason. That's right...9-1. That just doesn't happen.

Incredible.

[Jedieb]

Don't jinx us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lilaena De'Ville]

*jinxs them*

muahahaha!

And it's a shame the Avs couldn't pull this one off, but now I switch allegience to my home town team, the Sharks!

[CMJ]

Originally posted by Lilaena De'Ville
And it's a shame the Avs couldn't pull this one off

Sorry LD, that Avs were just dominated. :p

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I know I know. It was pathetic!

[CMJ]

Eh, I don't really feel they were dominated..or pathetic. But I felt I needed to respond in kind to your post about the Stars from the previous round. ;)

[JMK]

Man the Flames just keep on keepin on!! They're awesome to watch.

[CMJ]

That was a GREAT game today.

[JMK]

I missed everything but the overtime. But that's the part that counts. :)

Whan an dreadful line change leading to the goal. There were 3 Sharks on the ice when the OT winner was scored. Well, 4 if you count the goalie, but that didn't seem to matter, did it?

[CMJ]

Man...Tampa got taken out behind the woodshed.

[JMK]

San Jose was beaten like a rented mule last night. Still surprised about the Flames? ;)

[CMJ]

Well, I definitely didn't think they'd sweep the games in San Jose. They might sweep the Sharks now, which I totally didn't expect.

[JMK]

They are probably the most in-your-face, hard-skating team I've ever seen. They also have the greatest 'never say die' attitude I've seen in any sport at any time. It's incredible what they've been able to do this season.

[Eowiodith Unadrieniel]

Hey did you guys hear?
Since it's 2-1 Calgary, it's being said that if the Sharks win the game on Saturday then they'll win the series, but if Calgary wins, they'll win the series.
What do ya'll think?

[CMJ]

I pretty much agree with that. I don't think the Sharks can overcome a 3-1 deficit. If they win Game 4 though, you have to like their chances.

My opinion though...Calgary wins Game 4, and takes the series in 6.

[Eowiodith Unadrieniel]

But if you look at how things are going... you know, the visitors win....
I guess Calgary does have the "homefield advantage", I just want the Sharks to win. :D

[CMJ]

In hockey..it's "home ice" advantage. ;) It hasn't been much of an advantage in this series though.

I'd rather have San Jose win too. Honestly I think the most compelling Finals series would be Sharks/Lightning, I just don't see it happening.

[JMK]

I'm pulling for a Flames/Flyers Cup final.
Though I'll settle for a Flames/Lightning final and listen to the media play up the fact that Martin St. Louis was drafted by the Flames and then released because he was 'too small'.

[CMJ]

I'm not a big Flyers fan. There's not many teams I like less than them...not sure why. Maybe I just hate the Philly fans so much. ;)

[JMK]

I like a few of the Flyers like Recchi and LeClair, but I'm not a Flyers fan by any stretch of the imagination. I just don't want Tampa to win because of my loudmouthed friend. If they win you'll never see me on MSN again because he won't leave me alone. He won't get off my case now as it is!

[CMJ]

The Flyers were very impressive today. We'll see in TB can regroup. So far the teams have been alternating wins, so I'll say the Lightning in 7.

;)

[CMJ]

Lightning take Game 5. Great, great series so far.

[JMK]

Yeah, it's been a very up and down series. At this point I think Tampa is going to take it in 6. Philly threw the kitchen sink at Khabibulin and they couldn't get that tying goal. I really think Philly is ready to be buried. Same goes for the Sharks, as long as Calgary can finally win a home game.

[JMK]

Flames baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sharks are toast! Calgary has now taken down Vancouver, who finished with 101 points Detroit, who was first in the NHL with 109 points and San Jose, who finished with 104 points. Not a bad run indeed. To suggest that they won't be able to beat whoever wins the east is utter lunacy. :)

[CMJ]

Do I think they can beat Tampa Bay? Yes, absolutely.

Do I think they will? No.

[CMJ]

HOLY COW WHAT A GAME!!!

Eb and I were going nuts on IM. Game seven should be epic.

[JMK]

The way the Flyers have been going through the playoffs short on defensemen and are taking Tampa to game 7, that is awesome.

[Jedieb]

Okay, if game 7 is anything like game 6, you may not see me around for awhile. I'll be at my local hospital recovering from a nervous breakdown. :crack

I'll be dusting off the ol' college Lightning jersey and watching the game with some Bud Lights. Pity my neighbors!

[JMK]

Bud Lights?? I think I'll pity you instead! ;)

I'll be at a concert tonight so I may miss it, but hopefully there will be tvs on at the bar. It should be an incredible game. The only way it won't is if Tampa gets an early multiple goal lead on Philly, then they'll pack it in.

[CMJ]

Finals are set....Tampa Bay vs Calgary.

Preliminary prediction...TB in 7.

[Jedieb]

http://home.ntelos.net/~eltemmorejon/jedieb/lightning.jpg
And if the Bolts win the boy gets his own Jersey! My sister lives in St. Pete and she's got tickets to Tuesday's game. That lucky.............. >_<

[JMK]

I'm taking the giant-killing Flames in 6. I see no reason why they can't beat Tampa. I won't guarantee that they will, but they've beaten 3 of the best 4 teams in the NHL this year, why not go 4/4 and become the ultimate team of destiny?

[CMJ]

They can definitely win the series. Calgary is gritty and won't give up. I just like the Lightning. Honestly, I have since the end of the regular season - I just wasn't convinced they were ready(too young).

I have no doubt they're ready now.

[Jedieb]

crap, crap, crap, crap!

We were doomed the second my sister walked into the arena. It should have been me! :cry

[CMJ]

The Lightning will definitely have to regroup. The Flames looked great tonight. Thursday can't come soon enough for Calgary - they were in a zone.

[JMK]

1 down, 3 to go!!!

[Cyrel Annat]

It's kind of funny when I listen to the radio about all the people that think the finals this year won't draw people watching it. Sadly, for the most part that may be true, but for those that truly love the sport of hockey, this is a great series. I mean, Calgary hasn't been to the finals since 89 (I think that was the year) and Tampa has never been this far in their history. Two brand new teams that really, came out of nowhere.

I know that Tampa was rock solid during the regular season, but before now, they really didn't do much of anything. Calgary's only gotten here by beating the best teams in the West - as stated in an earlier post - and no home-ice advantage throughout. Really, this series is what hockey is about. It's rather refreshing to see some relative newcomers playing for the Cup.

[JMK]

Amen to that. This has been a great playoff year to be sure.

We're finally starting to see that buying talent doesn't mean success. Hard working teams are starting to break through and smart drafting is starting to become more important. Calgary and Tampa are going to be 2 model franchises for small-middle market teams as far as assembling a team goes, and coaching will be at a premium for these teams. All good things for hockey.

[Cyrel Annat]

Prediction for tonight: 3-2 Calgary in 1 OT.

[Jedieb]

And the 3rd period is now a rout. We're headed up to the Great White Way tied at 1 game apiece. Sweeeet.

[Jedieb]

What, fights breaking out in the middle of a hockey game? Oh the horror! :cry

[CMJ]

Unfortunately I missed most of the game this evening. Huge win for the Lightning ...a 2-0 deficit would've been catastrophic.

[JMK]

It would have been, but the Flames have been less than impressive at home during these playoffs. They are currently 4-5 in Calgary. The good news for Flames fans, and a telling sign if you're a 'trend' person is that in games after giving up 4 or more goals, Kiprusoff is 4-0 in the playoffs. I missed last night's game too, but heard that it was the exact opposite of tuesday's game. We are in for a long series. :)

[Jedieb]

The first 2 periods were very close. Tampa really poured it on in the 3rd and the game got out of hand. There were penalties throughout the game. At one point, Tampa even had a 5-3 for around 40 seconds. Both teams did a decent job of killing power plays, but Tampa stayed more aggressive and it paid off.

I can't wait for them to get back to Canada. It'll be nice to see a Cup game back north. good for Canada, they deserve to have the finals back for awhile.

[CMJ]

The Flames bounce back with a 3-0 win. I guess that means the Lightning will win Game 4 3-0. ;)

[Cyrel Annat]

Unfortunately, I missed all of tonight's game save for the last 3 minutes which were pretty much trivial as far as the game went. What more can be said about Kiprusoff, though? How many shutouts this playoff season does tonight's make? And the timing of this one especially with their sub-par record at home during the playoffs. What a series.

[JMK]

Calgary (and Kiprusoff) are now 5-0 in games the games after which they give up 4 or more goals. Calgary totally dominated tonight, their intense, tight checking once again totally shut down the opposition.

[Jedieb]

"Shut your trap!" Flames, that was a good major they called at the end of the 3rd. He slammed his head into the glass from behind. Even in the post game they're saying it was a good call. That was an amazing glove save by Khabibulin (yes, I cut and pasted his name from ESPN) a few minutes later. Great game, this series is probably going the distance. Sweeeet.

[CMJ]

This was the best game of the series so far. Tampa played a bit lethargically(IMHO) but Khabibulin really saved their bacon. I think the series will go sven as well.

[JMK]

Flames fans had nothing to complain about except for their teams' glaring inability to hit the net with their shots. Niemenen deserved the major and deserves to be suspended for game 5.

[Jedieb]

I don't know about the suspension. As a Bolt fan it would be a treat, but I don't think the hit warrents a suspension and the fact that the player got up helps Niemenen's case. Plus, Niemenen's cheap shot effectively sealed the victory for Tampa Bay. That's punishment enough. I'm more than satisfied.

[JMK]

I think he deserves a game. It was a putrid hit from behind, and it did draw some blood. Niemenen has a track record of iffy hits, and he's already been suspended once in these playoffs for running over Cujo.
I was relieved today when Pierre Maguire (the best hockey analyst out there bar none) critisized the Flames for their glaring and awful lack of skill. I had a couple buddies over last night and they thought I was nuts when I said that...over and over as the Flames wasted opportunity after opportunuty. When I heard that comment from Maguire I finally felt justified. :)

[Jedieb]

They suspended him for Game 5. You're right, it was a cheap shot. I'm just surprised they'd have the guts to suspend him during the finals. Then again, they probably think no one is watching.

I can't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow's loser isn't out of it, especially when you consider how many of us think this is going 7 games. But the loser is going to be under tremendous pressure. Hell, at least this is a competitive finals, unlike the joke of a finals we're going to get in the NBA. Ughh, how I miss the days when the East had a chance. :cry

[JMK]

The NBA is just unwatchable these days except to the hardcore fans who can't be pulled away. What was the score of the Pacer/Piston game 6? 69-65 or something like that? I do know that they set the record in that series for lowest average points between 2 teams ever in a series. How dismal.

Back to the NHL playoffs, tonight's game should be awesome. Calgary has that great road record but Tampa has the momentum, it should be a real battle tonight.

[Cyrel Annat]

2-1 Calgary in 1 OT. I *will* have an OT game this year.

[JMK]

Not a bad prediction there Cyrel. :)

It's do or die for Tampa on saturday night. Go Flames!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cyrel Annat]

What a game. More evidence why Jarome Iginla is one of the top players in the NHL, and perhaps this will actually get him some more recognition. And even in the loss, Khabibulin looked real good. As did Kiprusoff. Easily the best played game of the series and most exciting to watch. I imagine that game 6 will be more of the same.

[JMK]

IMO Tampa looks spent. They played 10-15 out of 60 minutes. That being said, the Flames should have buried them waaaay earlier than they did. I didn't find it a particularly great game, and I haven't found the play in this series living up to what it could be. The Lightning who aren't usually a trap team reverted to that style of play in game 4. And in general, the Flames who thrive on hustle and desire are doing a great job of mugging guys like St. Louis and LeCavalier. This has not been the free-wheeling final we were all hoping to see, but Calgary's hustle makes it look that way.

Oh and by the way, was Khabibulin even awake on Iginla's goal? He had no help on the play, it wasn't the hardest shot ever, but it had eyes. That being said, "Habby" just blew it...on the other hand...Iginla is easily the best player in the world right now.

[Cyrel Annat]

I think he took a brief nap at that point, but overall, if these two goalies were just mediocre (Granted, neither team would have gotten this far if such were the case), there would be a lot more scoring. Both have made some simply amazing saves throughout this series and the entire playoffs as a whole.

[Jedieb]

:cry
Khabibulin had a great game. The Bolts could have easily been blown out in the 2nd period, but he kept them in the game. We're down 3-2, but the Avs managed to come back from that a few years back, we'll do the same!!!! :shootin

[JMK]

It's off to overtime we go!

By all rights this series should have a big fat fork stuck in it. Tampa looks exhausted and Calgary is ALL OVER them. You get the feeling that if Tampa makes any more progress, Lady Luck will take them there because they haven't been very good in the past couple games.

[Jedieb]

2nd OT on its way. It's been a great game. Both teams look spent at times.

[Cyrel Annat]

Buggar! Ah well, just means more fun for us on Monday night. Great game.

[Jedieb]

GAME 7 HERE WE COME BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crack

[JMK]

Yep, right on cue, lady luck shows up and steals the game for Tampa. A trip at the blue line, a weak shot that gets through, and a rebound right to the league's leading scorer. Ah well. If you're a hockey fan, there's nothing better than a game 7. Both teams are going to leave it all out there so it should be a classic game.

[Jordana Montegue]

Ok, I admit to being excited about seeing game 7, however I have to state this: Do the officials need to get their eyes checked!? They kept stating that a goal didn't cross the line when you can see clearly that it did. The announcers kept reviewing it and reviewing it and you can plainly see the puck is a good four to six inches past the goal line.

So why did the officials continue to deny this goal?

[Cyrel Annat]

To force a game 7? Honestly, I'm not sure since it did look like a goal to me. I thought someone said something about it being at an angle? Who knows.

As far as tonight, any predictions? I'm gonna stick with the team that I want to win, that being Calgary. Let's call it...3-2 in OT. Frankly, I'd love a couple OTs tonight, but if I can get at least one bonus period, I'll be happy.

As an aside, I'm gonna toss out predictions for the game-winners. I'll pick one for either side. Calgary - Craig Conroy. I would say Gelinas, but I think that TB might keep a decent eye on him. For Tampa - again going away from the more obvious Brad Richards. I'm calling Dave Andreychuk. How appropriate would that be?

Anyone else?

[JMK]

I'll say the game winner is scored by Saprykin for Calgary and LeCavalier for Tampa.

[Jedieb]

FIRST BLOOD BABY!!!!!!!!! :crack

[Cyrel Annat]

Well, if things progress as they have, might as well just call it a day now. However, I think it will take more than 1 goal to win it.

[JMK]

Calgary does not look sharp at all. Again, their lack of offensive prowess and their inability to win on home ice is looking like it's going to bite them in the rear.

[Jedieb]

What an assist!!! LaCavalier(sp?)was dancing with that puck and fed Fedatenko(sp?) beautifully! Tampa has been aggressive all night. They're not playing safe. I just hope they don't go into a shell after this second goal. Man, I can almost taste it......

[Cyrel Annat]

So long as Calgary plays the part of Rip Van Winkle, Tampa's fine. The Flames do not look like a team that's two goals down right now. Looking quite flat, though Tampa might just be playing that much better to make it appear that way. They definitely look like they want it more. (Tampa, that is.)

[Jedieb]

Wow, that was a horrible interference call. If the Bolts kill this PP then you have to think it's over.

[Jedieb]

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cyrel Annat]

If Calgary scores again to tie it, they will go on to win. That was a bad call, I agree, but it could very well be the shot in the arm that the Flames needed. They look like a new team.

[Cyrel Annat]

What a save by Khabibulin on the empty net! The game could be tied.

[Jedieb]

Holy crap, Habby was just AMAZING on those last few Calgary shots!!!! That bad call and PP goal may have set the stage for these last few great minutes, but it's giving me my heart a workout. :crack

[Jedieb]

GAME OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That call pretty much ends any chance Calgary had. It's a tough break, but that stick got him right in the face. Personally, I would have liked to have seen the Ref swallow his whistle, but like the commentators are saying, it evens out the previous Interference call that gave Calgary life.

[Jedieb]

Anderchuck, are you nuts?! :crack
good call

[Jedieb]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
Another shot at my official Tampa Game 7 victory pic!
http://home.ntelos.net/~eltemmorejon/jedieb/lightning.jpg

It's fitting because my screaming just woke him up. :smokin

[CMJ]

Hey - am still in TX, but hopped on to congratulate Eb and Lightning fans everywhere. Enjoy the Cup.

[Cyrel Annat]

Good game, good ending, good series. Now, I only wonder when I'll next be able to watch hockey again since last I heard there's gonna be a lockout.

[JMK]

I thought the first 50 minutes of game 7 STANK. The shots were only 10-7 in favor of Tampa, and they were both looking more like WWE wrestlers than NHL Cup finalists. The Flames woke up in the last 10 minutes which made it exciting, but that's about it. It was a good series overall, not great. I tip my hat to both teams who had great years and terrific playoff runs. Hopefully we'll see more NHL hockey and there won't be a strike/lockout.

[Jedieb]

I feel for die hard hockey fans. I was stoked because I lived in Tampa for years and that Lightning jersey was bought during their innagural season. I went to both Bucs and Lightning games during college so the last few years have been sweet. But I'm not a big time hockey fan so I hate to see what's happen to the league these last few years. They've expanded way too much and the salaries are out of control. Hopefully, it won't be too long of a lockout and the league will sort out its problems.