***Official 2016 NHL Playoff Thread***

[CarlHungus]

The best post-season in sports begins in a few days. I'm thrilled my Redwings have made the playoffs, yet again for the 25th year in a row. This should be a fun one. Will Washington finally do something in the playoffs? Will Chicago defend the cup? Who will the surprise team be in the playoffs? Let's enjoy this, gentlemen.

 

[CarlHungus]

Also interesting that no Canadian teams made the playoffs this year

 

[CarlHungus]

Matchups are set

In the West:
Stars vs. Wild
Blues vs. Blackhawks
Ducks vs. Predators
Kings vs. Sharks

In the East:
Panthers vs. Islanders
Lightning vs. Redwings
Capitals vs. Flyers
Penguins vs. Rangers

 

[Thomasrickj]

Born and raised in DC, diehard Caps fan. The past seven years have been rough for us fans, but this team is completely different this year. Everything from offense to defense to goaltending is fantastic. I think the Caps have a great shot at finally doing it.

 

[CarlHungus]

Born and raised in DC, diehard Caps fan. The past seven years have been rough for us fans, but this team is completely different this year. Everything from offense to defense to goaltending is fantastic. I think the Caps have a great shot at finally doing it.

We'll see if it's different this year. Talent has never been their problem

 

[HitItHard58]

Ducks, Wild, and Sharks in that order for me. Can't wait for some playoff hockey!

 

[isurock]

good luck blackhawks.

 

[Blackhawk6515]

We'll see if it's different this year. Talent has never been their problem

They have goaltending this year, something they have sorely lacked.

 

[Blackhawk6515]

Blackhawks beat the Blues in 7. The Stars Wild series should be a good one.

 

[CyGuy5]

My Wild are without Parise for at least 2. I predict a sweep by Dallas

 

[Colorado]

To say that it's hard to win the Cup in back-to-back years is an understatement. I think the Blackhawks can do it, though. They are healthy but lack depth on defense. Glad to have Crow back.

I was just reading an article on nhl.com with expert picks. Most of them were picking Capitals/Kings in the Final. Meh.

 

[CarlHungus]

Redwings-Lightning already getting chippy

 

[LindenCy]

Excited! First round matchups in the West are brutal.

 

[CarlHungus]

Well poop

 

[isurock]

still 0-0 blackhawks and blues 3rd pd.

 

[RING4CY]

Regardless who was going to win game 1, Blue or Blackhawks, that's how it was going to be won.

 

[fsanford]

It 2016, that means its the LA Kings turn, Hawks 2013,15, Kings 2012, 14, 16?.

Will be at Staples tonight watching them take on the Guppies from the north. Gonna be a nasty physical series.

Go Kings Go...

 

[jdoggivjc]

This Kings-Sharks game is crazy. Nobody seems to want to hold a lead for more than a minute or two.

 

[KnappShack]

Don't discount the Stars. That squad can play.

Only thing missing in the Kings - Sharks is a 3 point line and a shot clock.

 

[fsanford]

Don't discount the Stars. That squad can play.


Only thing missing in the Kings - Sharks is a 3 point line and a shot clock.

Wait til they get Seguin back the offensive fire power Stars have is sic.
Still think they are not as strong between the pipes as some of the other teams, but then again if you put up goals like the Stars you don't need it.
Gonna be another wild series.. Though I think the Kings will get back to their structured game a bit more. That was an un-King like performance last night. Kings registered 22 hits in the first period. An insane number. Those things add up if the series goes 6 or 7.

Sharks are a great road team and horrible at home. go figure.

.
Which is amazing Canada has no teams in the playoffs, and California is not considered a hotbed of hockey has 3.

Though lots of the players like living here so that helps attract talent.



Looking forward to Blues-Hawks game 2 tonight.. That along with the Kings Sharks are the most intriguing first rounds series out there.


Did I mention I love the NHL playoffs. No primadonna's just men pounding the crap out of each other night in and night out trying to win the GREATEST trophy in all of sports.