NHL Playoffs

[slotdirt]

And, mostly importantly, Kesler is American. There have been quite a few exemplary performances (Van Riemsdyk, Jimmy Howard, Ryan Kesler) in the playoffs from American-born hockey players. Hopefully, this is a harbinger of things to come for future Olympics and world championships.

[slotdirt]

Old Man Modano in for the Wings tonight, and Clowe is apparently still feeling the effects of a Nikolas Kronwall check as well. Considering Franzen has been a non-factor, I'd say that's advantage Wings in the lineup changes, even if Modano is about 75.

[slotdirt]

Well, all things considered - going down 3-0, and playing game seven basically without three of their top six forwards - the Wings can go into the offseason a proud bunch. I hate Joe Thornton's assface.

[rpncaine]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Well, all things considered - going down 3-0, and playing game seven basically without three of their top six forwards - the Wings can go into the offseason a proud bunch. I hate Joe Thornton's assface.

Ditto...worse thing is now I have to back the B's or the Canuckies.

[slotdirt]

As much as I hate New England sports, Boston is the obvious choice for an impartial observer. First of all, they're an original six team who haven't won in forever (see 2010 and Blackhawks, Chicago). Second, they're not in f'ing California or Florida.

The Lightning would actually be likeable if they weren't in Florida. There's nothing remotely likeable about either the Sharks or the Canucks.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

As much as I hate New England sports, Boston is the obvious choice for an impartial observer. First of all, they're an original six team who haven't won in forever (see 2010 and Blackhawks, Chicago). Second, they're not in f'ing California or Florida.

The Lightning would actually be likeable if they weren't in Florida. There's nothing remotely likeable about either the Sharks or the Canucks.

Once the Hawks were ousted, I too was looking for a team. Buffalo and Philly didn't work out so well, and I grew up despising the Bs, but may have to lean that way. Tampa would be cool, but their fans ( and I use the plural loosely) don't deserve it...just not sure what to do.

[slotdirt]

Originally Posted by GBBob

Once the Hawks were ousted, I too was looking for a team. Buffalo and Philly didn't work out so well, and I grew up despising the Bs, but may have to lean that way. Tampa would be cool, but their fans ( and I use the plural loosely) don't deserve it...just not sure what to do.

It's slim pickings. I almost want to root for the Canucks, but Gary Bettman has been desperate for a Canadien Stanley Cup champ for years now, and I'd hate to see a smile on his face a month from now. The Sharks seem to have pretty good fans, but it's hard to like a team led by such perennial losers as Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, and Joe Thornton.

Like I said, hard not to like Marty St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, etc., but those guys play in friggin' Tampa and already have one NHL-engineered Stanley Cup championship in their pocket.

Meanwhile, the Lightning have five Americans on their roster, the Sharks have five, the Canucks have six, and the Bruins have only three (though one of them is ubergoalie Tim Thomas, so I guess that counts for something).