NHL Playoff Race Tracker

[theMINI]

My prediction: Boston in 4.

[Ravin]

Doubtful in 4. Montreal will probably win one at home at least.

[theMINI]

Doubtful in 4. Montreal will probably win one at home at least.

Not with the team we have...

[killgod]

11 seconds and Martin Havlat is the first OT hero of the playoffs.

[theMINI]

4-2.

Yeah yeah.. you'll win the series. You'll just be beat up for the next round lol

[Tailback U]

Very depressing game tonight in San Jose.

The first period was absolutely rocking. The two teams combined for 19 hits at the end of the first and there were some BIG hits at the start of that game. The pace and intensity of live playoff hockey is something you forget about from year to year because the regular season just doesn't match it.

The Sharks put 33 shots on goal (2 dingers) while the Ducks found the net twice on just 15 shots, both were pretty soft goals, IMO.

The Sharks looked good in the 1st period but it became pretty obvious that this team is very sub-par when it comes to passing the puck and hitting teammates in stride. They just can't do it, I don't know what the hell is wrong with them, but they are not a good passing team. It became evident especially in the 3rd when they just gave up on passing it up the ice and started to resort to dump & chase hockey.

I still think the Sharks are the better team and will win this series, but I don't think they have it what it takes to be Stanley Cup champs. They just haven't consistently played elite hockey in the last couple of months, I just don't see it happening. I hope I'm wrong.

[Ravin]

Getzlaf's goal was not a soft one. That guy has a sick shot. He pulled the NHL 09 glitch goal move on Nabby. First goal I wouldn't say was soft since the reason you pass the puck around is to get the goalie sliding so you can create holes to get the puck through.

The CBC announcers talk about it, and it seems again like the Sharks are not showing up to the playoffs. They said something about Thorton and that he is a happy go-lucky guy in the regular season, having a lot of fun, but when playoffs start, everyone gets serious and the fun is gone, so that could lead to him not playing well.

The ducks have all the weapons to beat the Sharks. Goaltending was the only thing that basically made everyone go "Sharks are for sure going to win". I told wr50l that if a goalie shows up for the playoffs for the Ducks (See Osgood last season) then the Sharks will not have an easy time with the Ducks.The Sharks just have so much pressure on them, even more after last night because again, the only thing people will talk about is the Sharks not showing up to the playoffs.

[killgod]

Very depressing game tonight in San Jose.

The first period was absolutely rocking. The two teams combined for 19 hits at the end of the first and there were some BIG hits at the start of that game. The pace and intensity of live playoff hockey is something you forget about from year to year because the regular season just doesn't match it.

The Sharks put 33 shots on goal (2 dingers) while the Ducks found the net twice on just 15 shots, both were pretty soft goals, IMO.

The Sharks looked good in the 1st period but it became pretty obvious that this team is very sub-par when it comes to passing the puck and hitting teammates in stride. They just can't do it, I don't know what the hell is wrong with them, but they are not a good passing team. It became evident especially in the 3rd when they just gave up on passing it up the ice and started to resort to dump & chase hockey.

I still think the Sharks are the better team and will win this series, but I don't think they have it what it takes to be Stanley Cup champs. They just haven't consistently played elite hockey in the last couple of months, I just don't see it happening. I hope I'm wrong.

Their shots were weak, they generated just about dick all in the scoring chance department. They had to dump and chase because Anaheim refused to allow them to skate into the zone, they should have turned to that before the 3rd period.

Getzlaf's first goal could have been stopped, the 2nd was just a ridiculously nice shot.

Thornton, Setoguchi and Marleau were fucking invisible last night. Surprising for Marleau since he's usually on his game in the playoffs, but not surprising for the other two.

I expect a completely different approach in game 2, they must win that game convincingly.

WHAT? Thornton not showing up for the playoffs?

That seems to be the case... again! The guy has to step up or the Ducks may pull off the upset.

I might set my Thornton jersey on fire if this is a one and done year.

Getzlaf's goal was not a soft one. That guy has a sick shot. He pulled the NHL 09 glitch goal move on Nabby. First goal I wouldn't say was soft since the reason you pass the puck around is to get the goalie sliding so you can create holes to get the puck through.

The CBC announcers talk about it, and it seems again like the Sharks are not showing up to the playoffs. They said something about Thorton and that he is a happy go-lucky guy in the regular season, having a lot of fun, but when playoffs start, everyone gets serious and the fun is gone, so that could lead to him not playing well.

The ducks have all the weapons to beat the Sharks. Goaltending was the only thing that basically made everyone go "Sharks are for sure going to win". I told wr50l that if a goalie shows up for the playoffs for the Ducks (See Osgood last season) then the Sharks will not have an easy time with the Ducks.The Sharks just have so much pressure on them, even more after last night because again, the only thing people will talk about is the Sharks not showing up to the playoffs.

rofl at the glitch goal.

spot on comments. Thornton gets all retarded, he loses trust for his linemates and tries to do everything. I can't count on both hands (and feet) how many fucking times I saw that line on the ice, with all 3 forwards within 2 feet of each other in the offensive zone fighting for a puck, which would only end up popping out to a duck player sitting alone uncovered.

[Ravin]

rofl at the glitch goal.

spot on comments. Thornton gets all retarded, he loses trust for his linemates and tries to do everything. I can't count on both hands (and feet) how many fucking times I saw that line on the ice, with all 3 forwards within 2 feet of each other in the offensive zone fighting for a puck, which would only end up popping out to a duck player sitting alone uncovered.

This is why I think San Jose is not going to win this year. Maybe give them one more year. Because they may be able to pull that shit against the Ducks (didn't work in game one mind you) but if they pull that against Boston, Detroit and even Vancouver, it is going to be a terrible sight to see.

I think with Thorton, San Jose needs to make a choice and fast with him. Getting to the playoffs for them is not a struggle. They know they will be there for the next couple of years. Thorton is one of the best players in the league, but is as good as a bench warmer with ice time in the playoffs. So do you trade him and get a shit load of talent, or keep him and hope he at some point in his career, he shows up to the playoffs. In the case of Thorton (and San Jose) I really think you need to look at what someone can bring to the team in the playoffs, not just the regular season.

[killgod]

if the Sharks fail to make noise Thornton MUST BE traded IMO. He simply doesn't have big game ability, he's like Oli Jokinen. They produce on the stat sheet but results simply do not happen with these guys around.

But moving a 7.2 million dollar salary will be hard with the cap expected to drop.

[Ravin]

Yeah that cap hit is going to hurt that move. I just don't see what this guy can do to change how he is in the playoffs. It would be one thing if it was like Malkin last year when he played the first three series and didn't show up to the finals, and this year he is back to normal, but Thorton never has shown up. Thing is, you always know someone will find a way to get him if the offer is out there. I wouldn't put it past The Islanders or Thrashers to team Thorton up with Tavares or Kovy.

[killgod]

Yeah that cap hit is going to hurt that move. I just don't see what this guy can do to change how he is in the playoffs. It would be one thing if it was like Malkin last year when he played the first three series and didn't show up to the finals, and this year he is back to normal, but Thorton never has shown up. Thing is, you always know someone will find a way to get him if the offer is out there. I wouldn't put it past The Islanders or Thrashers to team Thorton up with Tavares or Kovy.

Yeah that's true. The Leafs after the top pick, maybe sent Joe to NYI, the 1st overall to Toronto and the 7th Overall and something else to SJ.

Sounds good to me if this shit keeps up.

[Tailback U]

People exaggerate Thornton's lackluster play in the playoffs. He has 30 points in 36 playoff games. He just doesn't score as many goals as people like (he's more of a playmaker than a goal scorer) so people always blame him.

Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi line were terrible last night. Setoguchi had an absolutely terrible game, but it was his first playoff game ever and the kid is only 22 so I'm not surprised. He was trying to do too much and it showed.

I'd like McLellan to put Cheech on the first line with Joe and Patty because he has become a pretty good grinder on the boards and still has a nice shot. Joe/Patty/Setoguchi aren't tough enough on the boards to scrap and get to loose pucks. Joe needs the puck in space, when he gets the puck on the boards he has two guys on him as soon as he touches it, there's nothing he can do in that situation but swing it around the boards to another player and Setoguchi and Marleau can't fight on the boards so they lose the puck.

I don't think anybody thought this series was going to be easy. Anaheim is as tough as any team in the league and they know what it takes to win it all.

And Joe's not the only one playing bad. Rob Blake is slow as hell out there, Ehrhoff is incredibly soft, Setoguchi played terrible last night, Marleau was invisible. The Michalek-Pavelski-Clowe line was also pretty lack luster with the exception of Clowe.

Only a couple of players played well last night (Clowe, Boyle). Everyone else played below their level but Joe gets all blame.

[killgod]

People exaggerate Thornton's lackluster play in the playoffs. He has 30 points in 36 playoff games. He just doesn't score as many goals as people like (he's more of a playmaker than a goal scorer) so people always blame him.

Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi line were terrible last night. Setoguchi had an absolutely terrible game, but it was his first playoff game ever and the kid is only 22 so I'm not surprised. He was trying to do too much and it showed.

I'd like McLellan to put Cheech on the first line with Joe and Patty because he has become a pretty good grinder on the boards and still has a nice shot. Joe/Patty/Setoguchi aren't tough enough on the boards to scrap and get to loose pucks. Joe needs the puck in space, when he gets the puck on the boards he has two guys on him as soon as he touches it, there's nothing he can do in that situation but swing it around the boards to another player and Setoguchi and Marleau can't fight on the boards so they lose the puck.

I don't think anybody thought this series was going to be easy. Anaheim is as tough as any team in the league and they know what it takes to win it all.

And Joe's not the only one playing bad. Rob Blake is slow as hell out there, Ehrhoff is incredibly soft, Setoguchi played terrible last night, Marleau was invisible. The Michalek-Pavelski-Clowe line was also pretty lack luster with the exception of Clowe.

Only a couple of players played well last night (Clowe, Boyle). Everyone else played below their level but Joe gets all blame.

Yeah but this is the playoffs. Joe is better than a point per game player during the season and in the playoffs you need to take your game to another level if you want to lead your team deep. This is the issue with Thornton.

Cheechoo played hard last night but took a terrible penalty which lead to the first goal. Just a terrible decision on his part and that probably won't earn him more ice time.


There was too many reminders of previous season's failure with that first game. They spent the first minute and 30 seconds of a powerplay trying to skate the puck into the Ducks zone, and couldn't break the blue line before having to turn back. Why they kept doing it over and over.....I don't know. The Ducks were standing 4 strong on the blue line, DUMP THE FUCKING THING IN, don't wait two periods to come up with that idea.

Much like in the past where they'd continually force things to Thornton and our PP would sputter.

Stop forcing things that aren't there, there was simply no creativity in their game last night. Completely predicitable and stubborn play. It was so frustrating to watch.

[Tailback U]

Yeah but this is the playoffs. Joe is better than a point per game player during the season and in the playoffs you need to take your game to another level if you want to lead your team deep. This is the issue with Thornton.

Cheechoo played hard last night but took a terrible penalty which lead to the first goal. Just a terrible decision on his part and that probably won't earn him more ice time.


There was too many reminders of previous season's failure with that first game. They spent the first minute and 30 seconds of a powerplay trying to skate the puck into the Ducks zone, and couldn't break the blue line before having to turn back. Why they kept doing it over and over.....I don't know. The Ducks were standing 4 strong on the blue line, DUMP THE FUCKING THING IN, don't wait two periods to come up with that idea.

Much like in the past where they'd continually force things to Thornton and our PP would sputter.

Stop forcing things that aren't there, there was simply no creativity in their game last night. Completely predicitable and stubborn play. It was so frustrating to watch.

Agreed. Their power play was a joke. No puck possession in the Ducks zone whatsoever.

My other issue is with Jody Shelley. I don't know why the fuck TMC had Shelley dress to play 2 whole minutes when we need more offensive players out there. Plihal, McGinn, or even Lemieux would all be superior to Shelley. Why waste a spot on a guy who is going to play 2 minutes??? Mind boggling.

Hopefully McLellan won't wait till game 7 like Wilson last year to realize that Shelley does not deserve to play in the playoffs. We don't need an enforcer or a goon out there, we need somebody that can add scoring depth to our 3rd and 4th lines.

Roenick needs more playing time. Roenick and Cheechoo should be on the same line. Shelley needs to be scratched and Plihal needs to play. Goc's line had some decent chances last night but those guys are not going to score 99% of the time, our 3rd and 4th lines have no scoring threats on them right now so our top 2 lines are playing too much and have too much pressure on them.