Official 10-11 NHL Playoff Thread

[philou21]

Wouhou!!! What an ending for a game!!! Burrows showed us why he is good, he never give up. The game wasn't as good as the first one though. We should do a poll of how much people would've punch Lapierre in the face tonight. What a smile.

[eric1985]

Lappy was hilarious. Good game. Good to see Manny back doing what he does best

[philou21]

The crowd was really happy to see him back, they made a nice ovation to him.

[Danny]

Such a defensive breakdown in OT of a Stanley Cup Final is inexcusable. Bruins finding ways to shoot themselves in the foot.

[philou21]

Thomas weird style of play on the OT goal didn't help at all, what was he thinking to go out of the net like that?

[batdad]

OT goal--6 mistakes in 11 seconds.
1. Ference, horrid outlet up side wall.
2. Ference staying on side wall
3. Chara way to far off centre, to the left side...this allowed Burr to be wide open. Chara supposed to be right middle to give Ference outlet
4. Chara...pivot was horrid and slow to get over to Burr.
5. Thomas...aggressive good, insanely so ..not so much.
6. Chara-stopped moving feet on Burrows as he goes around net and Thomas. Chara if moves feet has him.

Chara is also mainly to blame for the tying goal of this game. Got himself caught turning away from the puck and could not see what Nenrik and Daniel were doing. Bad bad play.
THat may be the worst game Chara has played all year. His feet were stuck in glue. And boy at 6'9 you look bad when feet stuck in glue.

As for Vancouver..that 2nd period was horrible by them. THey were not moving their feet and had no energy. Boston was equally as horrid in P1 and P3. All in all when one team shows up for 2 periods, and the other for only one...the right result was there.

Although Boston made a ton of mistakes on that last goal have to give a tap on the noggin to Daniel and Alex. Daniel knowing Alex is coming is one thing to make a one touch pass like he did to that spot tape to tape is another. Burrows...to have the patience to not shoot, even though he knows it is Thomas and what he does, and then to outbattle Chara around the net...wow!

Neither team had a strong game. it was just a decent one.

Did you see Bergeron smile with the Lappy taunt? That was cool. Lapierre to have the balls to do that, is hilarious. I like this kid.

Also, did you notice that the most trouble Boston had with the Canucks again, for most of the night (until the twins started to go) was when Hansen, Torres and Lapierre were on the ice? That line is something else.

[archibalduk]

The Bruins need to step their game up if they're going to reduce this 2-0 deficit. Although they had a good second period, I think it was as much due to the Canucks having a poor second period.

Did you see Bergeron smile with the Lappy taunt? That was cool. Lapierre to have the balls to do that, is hilarious. I like this kid.

Yeah that was funny!

[philou21]

As for Vancouver..that 2nd period was horrible by them. THey were not moving their feet and had no energy. Boston was equally as horrid in P1 and P3. All in all when one team shows up for 2 periods, and the other for only one...the right result was there.

Also, did you notice that the most trouble Boston had with the Canucks again, for most of the night (until the twins started to go) was when Hansen, Torres and Lapierre were on the ice? That line is something else.

1: Yeah, the second was a pain to watch, Nucks were horrible and keep getting push back in their zone. They're weren't even able to make a good pass, I almost thought the game was over for them.


2: Since you're talking about them 95% of the time I watched alot Lappy, Torres and Hansen when they were on the ice and you're right, they are playing good playoffs hockey.

[racicot]

More confirmation as to why I hate Lapierre.

Also, I know it was a calamity of errors on the Burrows goal; however, the blame should be shouldered by Thomas. The fact is that he was behind the red line when the goal was scored. Chara tied Burrows up enough that he was barely able to put it in the far corner of the net. If Thomas wasn't a beached whale, he would have easily been able to at least recover to that side.

I don't know if I've said this in other posts, but I'm really not sold on Thomas as a credible Vezina winner (let alone 2-time). I think his style makes routine saves look unbelievable; half of his highlight reel saves would have been an easy flick of Rinne's pad or shoulder. I think his save percentage his high due to the number of rebounds he forces himself to save and because of Boston's system of allowing loads of low-risk shots. Nor do I think he was particularly strong in the Montreal series, or for 5 games of the Tampa series. If I were a Bruins fan, I wouldn't trust him in net at all.

[philou21]

Beached whale.

But what you are saying is basically true. When I was watching the game I only blamed Thomas on this. Why the hell did he go so far outside his net? Chare was there, no reason to let the net alone. Burrows wasn't skating that fast when he turned around the net so if Thomas would've stayed in his net, easy save for sure but his way of playing killed him on this goal. In the series against MTL Thomas was always giving rebound, and dangerous ones too. Sometimes he make the save but at the replay you can clearly see that he absolutely don't know where the puck is. He is probably an overrated goalie but he get the job done. Though I love his determination, sportmanship and you can see that he enjoy every bit of what's happening to him and I highly respect that.

[Danny]

If anything he's underrated and underappreciated. Goalies are supposed to stop pucks and he does it at a tremendously effective rate. When you've got a 50 goal scorer it doesn't matter that 40 of them were garbage goals from within 5 feet. Whether someone thinks he makes easy saves look spectacular due to bad technique and positioning is irrelevant, as long as he makes the stop. Besides, that point is way overused by certain people anyway, as someone who's been watching nearly every Bruins game since the lockout, he has improved significantly in that area, obviously routine stops will never make it to highlight reels. Yeah I can totally see the multiple Norris winners on the Bruins blueline being responsible for Thomas' great numbers
Sure he was to blame for that goal, as were Chara and Ference like batdad pointed out nicely, he's still a great goalie who gave them a chance to win in both games and without whom they wouldn't be in the final.

[racicot]

I honestly think that if they played Tuukka Rask in game shape and in the correct mental state they would be in the Stanley Cup Finals (that may be difficult as I think most mental hospital patients are more stable than him right now). I don't believe that Tim Thomas has changed the Bruins fate. They are a solid team who makes their goalie look great.

[batdad]

Bang on Danny. That goal is not at all just the fault of Thomas. Sorry Racicot, but if you think it was just Thomas...you are really not going to get much credit around here or from me for your hockey knowledge. Chara was absolutely hideous on that play, and prior to him so was Ference. Not even sure who the forwards were..but none of them were even back inside the Boston blueline.
Thomas is an athletic style goalie--he is a throwback in many ways. IMHO he is way to agressive and as Roberto has finally learned (after many many years of not listening) setting back just a little bit allows you more time to read the play as a goalie. Less reaction dependent, more position dependent. Thomas will get there..maybe. If not...he will start to get beat a whole lot more eventually (kind of like last season).
And yeah as Danny pointed out--Boston D is not exactly strong. Chara was the worst of the bunch last night. In saying that though...every time I have seen Chara at his feet not moving worst...the next game he is all that he is cracked up to be in more. I look for him to singlehandedly beat the Canucks tonight.

[Danny]

The myth about the Bruins mostly allowing only bad angle shots which inflate Thomas' numbers is just that, a myth. Hell I wish it was true
I don't think they've handled Rask well this year as you alluded to, so that leaves them pretty much without an alternative, but still, that's just Timmeh's style, he's gonna make stops that goalies with a conventional style wouldn't, and he'll give up softies that conventional goalies would stop with both eyes closed... and when he gives up a softie it looks horrific due to his unorthodox style.
I was fairly critical of him in the past but he's proven me wrong this season, easily one of the Bruins top3 performers in the playoffs, maybe even the top performer.
What would have happened if Rask retained the starting job he had last year this season, we will never find out.

[Danny]

There are reports out of Boston hinting Thornton might get a start tonight. Probably in favour of Seguin. If that's true I take any positives back I've ever said about Julien. Yeah who needs speed and skill against the Canucks.
Still hope it's not true. I don't think there's a chance Recchi might be scratched.

[batdad]

Recchi will not get scratched. He has scored one of only 2 goals Bruins have. He has been a threat several times. Just don't see why you would want him out. He and Ryder have been two of your best forwards...after Krejci in game 2.

Thornton is in to try and help neutralize that Canuck third line. You have to think it is funny that a team makes a lineup decision based on another team's third line. But Boston has to do something to counter what Torres, Lapi and Hansen are doing. All that physical play is taking a toll on the B's defense. I think that Julien is hoping that Thornton can come in and get after the Canucks D. Problem is...he has to get there, and so far this season few teams have been able to batter the Canuck D with forecheck. They are mobile and move the puck quick (Alberts being the exception). Boston did a good job of it in the 2nd period Saturday and caused alot of turnovers in the Canucks zone, but they let that go in P3, and the Canucks took advantage. Sequin has been invisible. Not surprised it is him. He had the great game against Tampa, but really since then has not got much done. Whether it be Julien not giving him enough ice, or Seguin...he really has not done anything. I think it could be a good change. I don't see a negative effect at all, Thornton is not going to be any worse than Seguin, and he is mean.

BTW--Seidenberg was outstanding last game. IF he had not been, with the way Chara was playing...that could have been a real lopsided score.

[Danny]

Recchi is being overused, that's my main problem. I don't have anything against the guy but he's playing too much. Surely Seguin hasn't done much, he's not a 4th line player so it's no surprise he's not doing much with very limited ice time. He's also actually had 3 very good games against Tampa, not just one, however he didn't record any points in one of those three. The probability of Seguin actually having an impact against a team like Vancouver is much bigger than that of Thornton. I like the guy and he's not just some primitive goon, but I have my doubts about his effectiveness against a team like the Canucks in a Stanley Cup Final when your team is down 0-2. Maybe Julien doesn't trust Seguin in a game of that magnitude, fine by me, I didn't either at the beginning of the playoffs, but if that's the case call up Caron, a guy who actually can hit, forecheck...and score.

[batdad]

I will defer to you on knowledge of Caron and Sequin. I know Tyler had 3 good ones against TB, but has been ineffective vs Van. Not getting the ice is probably the reason. Same reason Hodgson is ineffective for the Canucks and out of the lineup. Recchi probably is getting too much ice time. Peverly should get some of it though, not Seguin. Peverley has been a threat. Seguin has not. Thornton in the line up, Peverley up to line 3. Thornton gets out and shows Hansen and Torres and Lapi to shaddup and calm down. Just guessing, but that is likely the thought patter of Julien.

I am not sure it will work or have the desired effect either. But THornton is the next best forward the B's have (again not sure about Caron...but clearly Neely, Chiarelli and Julien feel not yet for him) so you have to give him his shot. He is a vet with a ton of experience. I think it is worth it for Boston to make that move, and maybe shorten up Recchi's load.

[Danny]

Man I really don't know about Thorts. Love the guy but he's not a good skater and doesn't hit well for a tough guy, he's got bad timing, we call his hits butt-checks, or glass checks I guess you're right about the intimidation factor, he can be a scary dude if he gets angry, with his ugly Irish mug with scars all over it and everything
Good point about Peverley, I've stumbled upon an interesting stat, he's the best faceoff man after Bergeron, and much more effective at it than Kelly and Campbell, yet has taken less draws than the other two.
About Caron, yeah I did absolutely not expect him to get a shot during the playoffs. Shame really, he's been playing well the first 20 games of the season with the big club before being sent down the baby Bs. Skates alright, decent shot, physical, would run through a Pronger elbow to get to a rebound etc. Wanted him to get some more time in Boston during the regular season every now and then on Bergy's line, instead of Recchi, who could've used the odd rest here and there. We will see. It's not even confirmed Thornton is in for Seguin anyway. But the pitchforks are being prepared as we speak

[Círyatan]

Game Three starts in, like, fifteen minutes, but just wanted to say that I simply loved Burrows on Saturday. That's the Burr we all want to see every game, a great top line winger who never ever gives up. I so wish he finally left all his antics behind...

I literally laughed out loud when I saw Lapierre taunting Bergeron, and pray notice than even he couldn't help smiling.

Props to the Bruins for their effort, especially in the 2nd period.

Beer's almost cooled so I'm off to the game. Go Canucks!

[batdad]

Boston looks like a completely different team in this one. Danny--Thornton is about 50% of the reason all by himself. He is flat out flying. Somewhere Boston found their jocks. The boys look like they can skate, and the Canucks look like the Bruins. When you lose a dman through a dumb hit...like Rome and you have to use 5...the 5th one should not be Andrew Alberts. It should be Keith Ballard. At least he is in shape, and can skate.

Oh well..1 game. Boston has totally outplayed Vancouver and is soooooooo deserving of it. This is the team I thought Vancouver had to play. THat team that showed up in games 1 and 2 was not. GAME ON!!! Good hockey to come next game.

[JakeTheSnake]

GAME ON!!! Good hockey to come next game.

Yeah, and hopefully more bone crunching hits by Tim Thomas!
I really loved how surprised Hank looked when Thomas ran him over.

[racicot]

There, we have something to actually suspend someone for. Bitey McGee was simply a bogus cry from the Bruins faithful, however, Rome's hit was incredibly late and deserving of a suspension. It looked like he decided to hit him after the pass! That definitely warrants 2-3 SCF games, if not more. I think I will support any decision the NHL makes regarding this hit as long as they give him at least 2.

On the other hand, although you guys find it all fun and games, I'm not sure I like Tim Thomas' hit. Yes, it was hilarious, but that doesn't mean it was right. Thomas just finished whining about how he could play anywhere on the ice as long as he was set. That he was untouchable if he had his feet planted. Well if there are goalie interference calls (even when he has the puck) then it has to go both ways. To me, that was unacceptable (and that's not the first time he's mowed someone down). I'm glad Edwards wasn't commentating this game; he would have popped a chubby on Thomas' hit.

[Danny]

Boston looks like a completely different team in this one. Danny--Thornton is about 50% of the reason all by himself. He is flat out flying. Somewhere Boston found their jocks. The boys look like they can skate, and the Canucks look like the Bruins. When you lose a dman through a dumb hit...like Rome and you have to use 5...the 5th one should not be Andrew Alberts. It should be Keith Ballard. At least he is in shape, and can skate.

Oh well..1 game. Boston has totally outplayed Vancouver and is soooooooo deserving of it. This is the team I thought Vancouver had to play. THat team that showed up in games 1 and 2 was not. GAME ON!!! Good hockey to come next game.

You're giving him too much credit. And yes he had a good game and in hindsight it was the right decision by Julien. Burrows/Lapierre antics and Rome's headhunting got the Bruins fired up, that was just sheer stupidity and selfishness. Do the Nucks even analyze their opponents, aside from a tactical point of view ? How often did the Bruins sleepwalk emotionally through games/series only to be woken up by some dumbass pest trying to be funny ?

[JakeTheSnake]

While i totally agree with the Rome hit deserving suspension (such late hits are really dangerous and while he probably won't be, i'd like to see him suspended for 2 games), i don't get what's 'bogus' about the whole biting incident? You don't think Burrows bit Bergeron or just that it wasn't suspendable?

And yes, i thought that Thomas hitting Sedin was hilarious, but i don't think it's wrong either. I mean it's not against the rules or is it? Sure, he took a huge risk (you can see the puck almost ended up in the net), but i suppose he wanted to take a stand to what he perceives (note: i can't stress enough that while he perceives it as such, i do not) as getting harrassed by the Canucks. Sure, he doesn't know that it isn't true that he's untouchable when he's on the ice, but his knowledge about the rules of the game don't seem very up to par (i've seen him scream at the ref for signaling the faceoff in the Bruins d-zone when the puck went off the crossbar into the netting).