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Orange crushed

TIM WHARNSBY

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 11:01 PM EDT 14/05/08

Penguins grab 3-0 lead in Eastern Conference final ...Read the full article

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  1. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Great headline.

    Like we saw before, if Biron doesn't stand on his head, this Flyers team can't win against speedier more skilled teams. They constantly get outshit, outshot and outplayed. These Pens know how to put puck in the nets and their defense (mostly underrated) knows how to shut it down when they have the lead.

    The Legion of Broom....
  2. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Crushed, squashed, whipped, beaten, pulverised, pureed, and frapped. Hammered, nailed, sliced and diced. It ain't over 'till I say it's over and it's over. Pens in four then on to the Final.
  3. Jeff O from Canada writes: For a team loaded with talent, the Penguins sure are boring.

    Get a one-goal lead, then hang everyone back in the neutral zone and break up rushes all night.

    It's like watching the old New Jersey Devils with a couple of better players.

    I was planning to watch the next game, but instead I think I'll paint the basement and watch it dry.
  4. Michael Mule from United States writes: I can't wait to see the Pens skate circles around the Wings and finally put some shots on over rated Osgood. Pens in six against the Wings.
  5. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Very impressed with the Pens. I think the series proves that the best defense is something you can't catch. The speed going forward is natural, the swarming coming back to defend is a testament to the coach.

    This series won't last much longer than 5, 4 is probably more realistic.

    On a separate note - can anyone convince me that two refs are better than one? It seems we get four times as many bogus calls to justify their existance. The NHL should go back to one ref now that Fraser has retired.

    My take on Stanley's final dance - Wings in five (sorry Insufferable)
  6. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Sigh. My glass is officially empty on this series. Too bad really.... I was hoping this would be a good one.

    Flyers gave away the puck so much tonight I was beginning to think that they thought they were wearing their white jerseys.

    Own goal to start... you could feel the air go out of their tires... totally flat 3 minutes later on goal number two.

    For those of you that hate the almost all Canadian Flyers vs the euro Pens and Sid the kid. (And I was only a Flyer fan the first year they won the cup... as the first expansion team to do so)..... I have hated them as well. But this team is no "broad street bullies".

    2010 will see at least two of the Flyers (Mike Richards and Simon Gagne) in Vancouver. The Pens will have at least two as well (Staal and Crosby) .... at least playing for Canada. I wouldn't count out Upshall or Hartnell either.

    Good young team that came up against the trap... sigh again... so much for all but one of my pools.

    Oh and Michael Mule... you are delusional. The Pens will be lucky to win one.

    Cheers
  7. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Mariposa - Wings in Five????

    I'm going to have to rethink my promotion of you as the next Leafs GM.

    Was that a double typo - did you mean Pans in 6??
  8. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: On another note... and only because the author of the article mentioned it.

    The alleged knee on Malkin was a hip check that Malkin almost avoided. The check on Brier that wasn't called was a true knee.

    Cheers
  9. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Martel, Mariposa, Miller (MIA).... Pens will be lucky to win one the way they play ..... the Wings are an "anti" trap team.

    Willing to bet big time on that one.

    Cheers
  10. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Last week Carbo wished the Flyers good luck and hoped they hadn't used up all of their lucky breaks. It turns out they did.

    This is the second series in a row where they Flyers are outshot, outplayed and outhit. Unlike the Habs, the Pens have real scorers. You can't keep giving scoring chances to a team that has Malkin, Crosby and Hossa up front.

    You're right Loucks. They aren't the Broad St Bullies just yet. The only toughness they show is after the whistle. It seems all the core players (Richards, Carter, Hartnell, Upshall, Lupul and Downie) are all being groomed for after the whistle shenanigans.
  11. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: Scott,

    After your call on this series, staying away from such bold predictions might be wise.

    The Pens may not win, but it will be the best final since Rangers-Canucks.

    2010: Upshall? Hartnell? You are truly delusional. These guys are hacks.

    Gagne would have been there, but with his concussion problems I fear we will hear too little from him in the next season and a half.

    I am no Richards fan, but he can certainly fill the "skilled guy who is gritty enough to play on the fourth line" role. So he'll be there.

    The Flyers aren't so hot when the opposing goaltender seems to have actually remembered to put on the trapper.

    And Downie is truly horrible. Send him to the ECHL.
  12. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Ian M;

    Gagne missed most of this year with concussion problems and was very close to ready when the playoffs started. Team management shut him down because they knew they didn't have a cup team this year. (Just like Gaineys plan in Montreal).

    Both Upshall and Hartnel are gritty young Canadian players that may well grow into the Drury type rolls for Team Canada.

    Mike Richards captained Kitchener Rangers, I believe he captained team Canada juniors in his last WJC. A true leader that was taught by one of the best junior coaches in the OHL. If any Flyer showed the heart and the will to win in this series it was Richards.

    As for Downie (who I never mentioned) it wouldn't surprise me if he turned into a serviceable 3rd line player... maybe even 2nd line... if he ever gets his head on straight.

    It won't be the best final btw. Detroit is going to school them.

    Oh and btw... I am not a fan of any of the semi final teams.... in fact... if anything I'd probably pick being a Pens fan if I had to make a choice.

    Cheers
  13. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Ian - I would take a long look at Upshall and Hartnell for 2010. While it is always good to have the scoring stars - the structure of a team is built on talented grinders who backcheck to create offensive opportunites.

    You really can't comment on hockey until you have put on the full armour and have been hit in the head countless times.

    That's why us Goalies know more than anyone else about hockey.

    I thought the Pens were at their clinical best in this game - Les Binckley must be proud of this team.
  14. Allan Martel from Canada writes: How can Scot Loucks believe that he can call the Final series when he was completely off-base on the Pens - Flyers series?

    The answer rests in what was in that once half full glass, I guess.

    Pens in seven in the Finals and by then no one will care who wins as they will both have demonstrated that they deserve it.
  15. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Scot...respectfully, I have to disagree on the assertion that the Pens play the trap. Sending only one forechecker in when you have a lead is something teams have done since I started watching this game when I was 4, 40 years ago.

    Therrien did get his system from Coach Vignault here in Vancouver, but everyone that calls it the trap is wrong.

    It is puck pressure all over the ice, laying back a bit when you have the lead. It is being responsible to the backcheck, and not cherrypicking. It is a system that causes turnovers and protects your own end. Thats just prudent. Thats not the "trap".

    The trap is when you have no forecheckers in, and all five guys are plugging up the neutral zone.

    I don't think the Pens play it, the same as I don't think the Canucks do.

    Peace.
  16. Phoenix Thorpe from Canada writes: Scot. Enjoy this post season.
    It will be the only time in the next five years the flyers get out of the first round
  17. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Gawd, I love those Philly fans...

    See the guy at the Wachovia Centre in that picture holding the sign saying "You're not that good!"

    Classy!

    Now the Pens just need to fend off Pickett's charge!

    Predictions are for fools.

    Go Pens.

    Cheers.
  18. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: sorry dan vanman - could not resist your last line at 11:08 - you don't think the Canucks can play hockey? Am I misreading you?

    Or are you stating facts?
  19. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Allan Martel from Canada writes: How can Scot Loucks believe that he can call the Final series when he was completely off-base on the Pens - Flyers series?

    ----------------------

    Well Allan ... you have been away. Assuming it is a Pens/Wings final (pretty good assumption) that means I am 11 for 14 on my series predictions.... oh and I have watched all the games. (Missed on both Dallas wins and this one).... and I took a flyer on this one prior to finding out Timonen was hurt. (pun intended).

    ----------------------

    Dan Vanman; Ok lets not call it the trap.... what do you call the new NHL trick of collapsing back infront of the net and chipping it out?

    Same game that Dallas plays ... and although the Pens have some serious talent... they don't stand a chance.

    If you watched the game tonight the problem was how many times the Flyers thru the puck away..... Detroit doesn't do that.

    ----------------------------

    Phoenix; Cute... but if you actually read all the comments you would know I am not a Flyer fan.

    Cheers
  20. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: 3Miller - forget Pickett - the Pens, if required, will repeat Flowerdew's charge and the victory will be sealed.
  21. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Mariposa...cheeky monkey!! I thought the sentence was fairly clear. I don't think the Pens play the trap, nor do I think the Canucks play it either. Please excuse my poor sentence structure!

    Scot...seems that the way to win in todays NHL is to collapse to the front. It does make for some boring games...you are right there.

    Did not watch tonights game. At work. I hear you about Detroit not being a team that gives away the puck, but lets see how they fare against the Pens. I think the youth and speed of the Pens will be the difference, forcing the Wings into more turnovers than usual.

    Peace!
  22. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: I will say one thing in defense of the Pens... Unlike the Sens last year, the Oilers and Flames before them.... the Pens will not miss or near miss the playoffs next year.

    The Pens will be a serious force for years to come. They won't be able to keep Hossa if they want to keep Malkin... and from what I heard Malkin wants Ovechkin money... without the Crosby discount.... but they do have a team that is only going to get better.

    From what I have seen of the playoffs this year and the young guns that have stepped it up... Teams that will improve next year in the east (no particular order) are Montreal, Washington, Boston, Pittsburg, Phlidelphia.... Tampa is about to land Stamkos (replacing Richards) and Florida with a real coach may improve.

    So NJD, NYR, NYI, TML, Atlanta, Ottawa, Carolina, Buffalo where does that leave you?

    Cheers
  23. Howard Young from Canada writes: I was starting to feel bad for the Flyers, then I saw Downie hit Sykora after the whistle and he didn't have the puck. Downie, thank you for reminding me why I was so POed when the Flyers beat Washington. Goodbye, don't the let the door hit you on the way out.
  24. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Howard.... half a second late (typical Downie) and Sykora had the wind knocked out of him for admiring his pass.

    No head shot... no elbow... fair check but a little late.

    Sykora looked like he had been shot.... soccer anybody?

    Cheers
  25. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: This Philly team is neither big nor all that tough, but this is also the team that led the NHL in suspensions.

    The late hits and after the whistle skirmishes are too much of a repetitive pattern to be dismissed as coincidental.

    Cheers.
  26. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Careful Robert... you are starting to sound like Billings.. not good for your credibility.

    Cheers
  27. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Actually Scott, I am willing to bet that Billings was probably picking the Pens to win this series too...

    Except I don't bet....

    However, the comments about Philly's style of play stands...

    Looks likely that it may be the Kids from the Steel Town versus the Motor City Geezers after all.

    How boring !

    Cheers.
  28. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Actually Robert .. Billings freely admits to hating Philly and claims he lived there for a while. I believe him.

    But his comments are a one trick pony. As I said earlier... change the cut and paste/macro comment and I might start listening.

    btw; The Wings are pretty young... take out Chelios and Osgoode from the average and see where they stand.
    Just like the Pens aren't that big if you take out Laroque and Gill.

    Cheers
  29. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: Scot, thank you. This age rap against the Wings is getting really "old".. pun intended.
    Chelios doesnt get near the playing time he used to but will probably play when he's 50. Hasek is on the bench. The bulk of the Wings older players are largely role players. McCarty.. 4th line; Drake, Draper, Maltby.. great third/checking line, just ask Dallas. And I defy any team to claim Lidstrom is a liability at 38! Seems to me like the perfect blend of youth and experience, exactly what Duhatschek points out in his column this morning.

    The Pens will have to wait at least one more year.
  30. garlick toast from Canada writes: how about hal gill!! he was a post in t.o.,looked lost on the ice,didn't know what to do with himself.now he plays like larry robinson.
  31. John Stanton from Canada writes: There must be bad water in Halifax...well really sour grapes...Pat and RMiller sucking their thumbs about Philadelphia wiping Montreal out of the playoffs then getting the same done to them here. What does that mean? It means that is how far away Montreal is from being a real contender....built like the Senators - great regular season , forget about the playoffs....top heavy with Euros including the Captain. Remember Philadelphia has lost their top D and another strong D. Gagne is gone for the season and likely his career and still this team competes - Montreal could only dream because no depth or grit.

    The Penguins captained by a Canadian, and led emotionallyby a grizzled old Newfoundlander. Their Euro players are sprinkled throughout the team and are key elements - Malkin, Ruutu, Gonchar, Sykora. 3rd and 4th line are grit and character. They are a strong team - defensively and mentally. They came into Philadelphia knowing it would be ugly and were determined to Win at any cost and they did.

    This isnt a Detroit forum but since one of the homers showed up, they are old. That will be their downfall in the finals. Not only do Pittsburgh hit and grind but they have the speed and talent to match any Red Wing if not surpass them. They are a younger version of Detroit and have had short series all the way through. Will be an excellent Cup Final - Penguins in 6.
  32. garlick toast from Canada writes: yup,once carey price got his hand broken by a philly slash,the habs were done.next year will be different.
  33. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: You really can't comment on hockey until you have put on the full armour and have been hit in the head countless times.

    That's why us Goalies know more than anyone else about hockey.

    **************
    You say this just about once on every thread. Okay, I'll bite: are you joking, or are you serious? I hope you're joking . . .
  34. Mowho33 Who from Canada writes: Too boring to watch this game to the end. A sad way to feel about a semi-final. I switched over to Foyle's War.
  35. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: how much did the flyers pay for Briere? it seems to me that he should have stuck it out with the sabres - they could have become a penguins-like team with a handfull of great talent- now he seems like a bust and both teams are not better off
  36. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: John Stanton.. by my count there were 7 references/predictions concerning the Wings, all by Canadians I might add, before I said a word. Face it, any speculation about the Cup finals has to include reference to Detroit.
  37. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Bill Weston - John Stanton said the Red Wings will be in the finals. He has said that all along. I dont think it matters whether you are Canadian are not to cheer for the Red Wings. No if you were Swedish, that would be a different matter! ha ha
  38. Gogh Forit from Canada writes: Sorry R. Miller from Halifax but the Red Wings Penguins series will not be boring nor will it be a sweep for Detroit. Detroit is a powerhouse but they've not yet played a team that has the energy and speed of the Penguins and while they've got hoards of talent and experience, it's not going to be a cakewalk. Keys for Pittsburgh against Detroit will be keeping Holmstrom from the front of the net. Even if it means taking a couple of penalties, such as a sharp jab in the back of the knee from a goal stick or two or to have Gill or Laroque dump Holstrom on his butt. Detroit's quick transition game will have to be slowed if Pittsburgh has plans to keep the series close and Fleury will have to stop trying to play the puck around the net otherwise Detroit will bury the puck behind him everytime he ventures too far from his crease.
    What you have is a Pittsburgh team likely not yet ready to take the cup but they don't know that and once the finals arrive, Sid the Kid and company are going to play as if their lives depend on it. Detroit, for its part, will keep to its game plan and as long as they don't lose anybody from the lineup will be hoisting the cup in June as the series won't be a sweep.
  39. Allan Martel from Canada writes: I suppose there is no avoiding it - Mr Loucks and I seem destined to place small wagers on the outcome of the Pens - Wings final series.

    As I am one of the few who believe that the Pens will win the series in 7 as compared to Mr. Loucks who states that the Pens will be lucky to win one game, then what handicapping should be applied to the odds?

    I see three possible outcomes - Victory for him; victory for me; and a tie.

    So, how to structure this:

    If the Pens win more than one game but lose the series, Loucks does not achieve victory and the bet is a tie. If the Pens win the series, Martel wins. If the Wings win the series in 5 games or less, Loucks wins. Any other outcome is a tie.

    Now as to the wager itself, I am open to suggestions from Mr. Loucks and I will look for his reply later today.
  40. Willard Kurtz from Toronto, Canada writes: As I expected, Bumberger is back to his true self - a garbage goal every 4-5 games, Hartnell is a non-factor, Briere/Lupul are fading fast and Biron is playing like he did in the regular season. Richards, Carter and Coburn are quality players but the rest over-achieved and this team should've never made it out of the first round. I said Pens in 4 because the dumb-luck was bound to run out for the Flyers and that's exactly the way it's going.
  41. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: Tom Sawyer.. I understand, my comment there was just in response to Johns remark that "This isnt a Detroit forum but since one of the homers showed up... " All good spirited, believe me.
  42. Bot Mark from Canada writes: Just desserts indeed! Serves Stevens right for putting that talentless goon Downie into the lineup. Another minus, another giveway at a critical time in the game resulting in yet another goal and another cheap shot. Lucky he didn't get a penalty for that late hit on Sykora. When/if Downie gets back into a game next season, somebody's going to fill him in.
  43. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Gogh Forit - I think the refs are solving the Holmstrom crowding of the crease. He will get called while in the paint. Orpik and Gill will also clear him out. I noticed he wasnt in the crease the last game.

    The Pens are more than ready to win. Their transition game is every bit as deadly if not more so than the Red Wings. It is the old Red Wings that will have to hustle back. Watch for Chelios' time to be very limited as he slows down...seeing that already. One key injury and Detroit will have a tough time.

    Agree with you on Fleury. They need to install invisible fencing on him in the crease. Detroit wont miss the opportunities Philadelphia did from his straying from the net.

    Bitter Montreal fan Willard - The Flyers lost their top two D men which is why they cant compete against the top team in the East. They earned every win to date especially against Montreal. Without the lucky goals and late penalty in the first game, they would have been swept. Ottawa like team top heavy on Euros as captain and too many passengers throughout the roster. They disappeared in the playoffs.
  44. Trilly B from Canada writes: Love the shot of that fans holding up his "You're not that good" sign to the Pittsburgh players. Is this what the frothing-at-the-mouth Philly fans have been reduced to? :)

    Hopefully these two semi-finals are the calm before the storm. Let's see Detriot and Pittsburgh go six games at least. Pleeaase!
  45. Matt O from Canada writes: Is it just me, or do the NBA playoffs seem to be a lot more interesting than the NHL these days?

    I don't follow the sport closely, but, as of yesterday 3/4 of their quarters were 2-2. At least a few game 7s in the first round, I believe. And this isn't an aberration, at least over the past 2-3 seasons...if I recall correctly, both of their semi-final series went to 7 a couple of years back.

    The NHL playoffs used to be the most exciting spectacle in sports. And whenever we see a dull, low-scoring game during the reg. season, the league is quick to point out the supposed "parity" that drives scores down. Well, where that's parity in the playoffs when so many series start out 3-0?
  46. Howard Young from Canada writes: All these blowouts in the 2nd and 3rd round of the playoffs makes for boring hockey. Who would have thought the most entertaining games would have been in the 1st round (Caps vs. Flyers and Flames vs. Sharks).

    I hope Detrot wins the Stanly Cup so people can shove their anti-Euro and anti-Euro Captain comments.
  47. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: John Stanton from Canada writes: ... led emotionallyby a grizzled old Newfoundlander.

    Who's that?
  48. John Stanton from Canada writes: Gary Roberts....they said his relatives and family is from there!
  49. John Stanton from Canada writes: Howard...now now, they are pro Canadian comments. You do support Canada dont you?
  50. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: yeah Howard and when Ottawa and Montreal wake up and have Canadian captains, I am sure your tune WILL change!! ha ha
  51. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: I'm pretty sure he's from just north of Toronto...played his hockey and lacrosse in Whitby...Guess his bloodline is Bluenose.

    I couldn't watch the game last night, so I gotta comment on stupid things like this.
  52. steve allan from Canada writes: DREADFUL HOCKEY!!

    It looks good on Bettman and the NHL. That lying New York lawyer has done everything to ruin the game and judging by the boring and passionless hockey we're seeing in the two conference finals, I would say he has succeeded wonderfully!

    Where's the passion??? Overpaid athletes going through the motions perhaps? Nobody wants to pay the price?

    Sickening.
  53. W R from Stratford, PE, Canada writes: steve allan from Canada writes: DREADFUL HOCKEY!!

    It looks good on Bettman and the NHL. That lying New York lawyer has done everything to ruin the game and judging by the boring and passionless hockey we're seeing in the two conference finals, I would say he has succeeded wonderfully!

    Please tell me how Bettman is responsible for what two teams do on the ice?
  54. Howard Young from Canada writes: Sawyer, are you familiar with Looney Tunes? You remind of the skit with the yippy Chihuaha whose running around the Bulldog and hanging off his every word. Stanton's the Bulldog, so you know what that makes you.
  55. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: yeah Howard, your comment makes me right!
  56. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Allan Martel;

    The usual wager in these parts is a pint and fish and chips at the local pub.

    But with gas prices the way they are it seems kinda cruel to make you drive all the way to Pickering to pay up.

    How about the loser has to post a comment suggesting that... Wow... "insert winners name" really knows what he is talking about?

    Maybe in caps.

    Cheers
  57. Matt O from Canada writes: W R from Stratford, PE, Canada writes:
    Please tell me how Bettman is responsible for what two teams do on the ice?

    ========================================

    There are many ways to answer this question, but here's the easiest one: with over-expansion to 30 teams, Bettman et al has encouraged teams to abandon offensive, superstar-based hockey in favour of a conservative, defensive style.

    There are a lot of good hockey players out there, but only a handful of truly great ones. So most clubs have to make due with the limited resorces they have, which means turning players into robots designed to clog the ice, control the puck, and take no risks.

    In the old days the best players in world (or North America, to be fair) were concentrated in 6 teams (4, really, since the Rangers and Bruins were traditionally terrible). Things were working fine enough with 21 teams, though...even 24 was okay in '92-'93. But once new clubs like the Florida Panthers caught on to how to win boring, there was no going back. And it's Bettman pyramid-scheme ways that brought about all these new clubs.
  58. steve allan from Canada writes: ----W R from Stratford, PE, Canada writes -Please tell me how Bettman is responsible for what two teams do on the ice?-----

    You're kidding me, right? I don't have time right now but I'll be back later to dot the i's and cross the t's for you.
  59. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Loucks

    You cannot escape this bet with your concerns about high gas prices.

    Fish and Chips with a pint it is!! I will gladly travel to Pickering gloating all the way to extract the lunch fee from your otherwise permanently locked wallet.

    There is a great place here in Ottawa for fish & chips as another option should you be victorious.

    The gauntlet is truly thrown now.
  60. Howard Young from Canada writes: Sure Sawyer, so you're saying that if you were to remove the C from Crosby the Canadian and give it to Malkin the European, that action alone would make it improbable for Pittsburgh to win the Cup?
  61. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Gogh Forit from Canada:

    The "boring" reference was intended as sarcasm... The Pens - Wings series will likely be the most exciting series that hockey fans have seen in awhile with, at least, 5 of the most talented NHL players in the World involved.

    I was actually poking fun at Don Cherry calling the Wings "boring" at the risk of getting another lecture from John Stanton, the Preident of the Don Cherry Fan Club.

    Looks like there might be some problems in the Board Room of 3M --

    One picks the Wings in Five.
    One picks the Pens in Seven.
    One says predictions are for fools.

    And as usual, I am right again so just enjoy this fantastic Final.

    Oh, and Go Pens!

    PS... MoWho 33 Who -- Thanks again for your input? Dallas and Philly... ROFLMAO!

    Cheers.
  62. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Allan Martel - out of curiousity, which place were you referring to? I know of a few, but wondering if you might know of a hidden gem in the city...
  63. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Stanton:

    Gary Roberts was born in North York, Ontario...

    However, he did say hello to his extended family in Twillingate, Newfoundland on air after game #2 ????

    Maybe, they decided to move to where oil and humour mix...

    Cheers.
  64. Allan Hewitson from Kitimat, Canada writes: I have to agree -- this has been a boring series. Nothing wrong with two refs -- that allows one each to watch Sid's back and Evgeni's stick. Any check on these two is a call, they seem to be untouchable. A five-on-five goal has been a bit of a rarity from Pens ths season.

    Phlly a major disappointment -- but Biron got cold and that's why they'll be gone. tomorrow...
  65. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: There is one good thing to consider. Should both series end in 4 straight....

    Game one of the finals could start in Detroit on Monday the 19th....
    Game two Wednesday the 21st.

    The cup could actually be presented in May for the first time since?????

    Cheers
  66. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Garlick Toast:

    Where did you hear that Carey Price's hand was broken by a slash from a Philly player in the Habs-Flyers series ?

    It wouldn't surprise me at all and would actually explain the weak trapper that he showed in the latter games...

    Do you have a reference?

    Cheers.
  67. Matt O from Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes:
    The cup could actually be presented in May for the first time since?????

    ==========================================

    Since 1990-91. In 91-92 the strike lengthened-season was pushed to June 1st, despite both the semis and the finals ending in sweeps (with the Pens over the Blackhawks 4-0 in the finals).

    Pardon me, sometimes my brain is a retainer for random facts.

    Cheers
  68. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Thanks Matt.

    Well we know that Chelios was playing back then :)

    Cheers
  69. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Howard, of course it isnt that black and white but clearly history has demonstrated the success of Canadian Captains both in the NHL and world championships. But beyond that, Crosby's ability to play in traffic and handle the physical play while scoring and creating key goals is paramount to leading the team. Malkin, without the burden, is able to be creative and imaginative if not a little quirky (slow penalty shot skate, huge slap shot on breakaway). I truly think Alfredsson (and of course Ottawa) would have been that much better with someone (Canadian of course) as captain - especially after he shot puck at Niedermeyer. You cant do that as a captain.
  70. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Scot Loucks asked for a bet and one has been offered.

    It is an unusually structured bet, but then again, coming from 3M, everything is a bit unusual.

    So the wager is a pint and a plate of fish and chips to be consumed at the location of the loser and paid for by the loser.

    As a major concession, I will be in Toronto for the evening of June 18th and I am prepared to ingest my free beer and nosh on that date in the fair city itself so as to prevent Mr. Loucks having to travel to Ottawa should he win this bet.

    I also like the posting idea that Scot raised and I am prepared to include that element as part of this wager.

    Now Scot Loucks is normally quite clear but I am still not certain that he has taken up my challenge. He should do so by responding to this posting, or suggest modifications to the proposal that are acceptable to both parties.

    I would suggest that Mariposa Belle hold the funds in trust except that I fear her prediliction for single malts might get the best of her, leaving nothing in the kitty once this issue is decided.
  71. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: June 18th would be a great day to collect on a bet Allan Martel.

    Being as I am living in Pickering and working at Mississauga road (west of the airport)... all of Toronto is available.

    Cheers (and that includes a handshake).
  72. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Hello Scott

    I will be at the Sutton Place Hotel arriving mid afternoon. I have no idea where fish and chips can be obtained downtown but I will leave that to you (as the loser, that's the least you can do!!).

    I suppose with enough pints, even Toronto cod will taste OK.
  73. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Allan & Scotty, big time betting on here. Wow. Good going boys, get the cashola on the table, the Toronto Cod. Love it. Anyways, I do not get to see "many" games, or that is "any" games, my only comment, I am glad that Steve Downie and Jesse Boulderdice will not be getting Stanley Cup rings this year, both do not deserve such an honor, both are thugs, both should be out of the league. Scott, Downie will never make it, he will blow his cool and be thrown out before it happens. Anyways, good final coming, wont see most of it, be cheering for the Pens, Im a Canadian like Stanton, I cheer for the Canadian contingent. Good betting boys, have fun.
  74. Howard Young from Canada writes: Sawyer, you can say what you want about the puck indcident, I don't condone it or defend it, but to say that if the Sens had a Canadian Captain in 06 would have been the difference, I have to disagree. It was the non-Canadian content that played a major role in getting the team that far.

    Looking back at this past season, I have to say the various pieces of Canadian content were what irked me the most as a fan.
  75. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Detroit=Stanley Cup. Re-read the first comment on this thread from Billings. Way too much information.

    Cheers-
  76. Neil No more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: Hey Scotty - there is a great Fish and Chips joint on the SouthEast corner
    of Burnhamthorpe and Creditview in Mississuaga - mom and pops, but great stuff. Don't know how close that is to where you work.

    I might pop by that day to make sure you two goons are keeping your bets. And to see how ugly you guys are.
  77. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Neil No more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: "I might pop by that day to make sure you two goons are keeping your bets. And to see how ugly you guys are". That was not very nice Neil. You just blew a chance for Scotty to buy you a Pickering 1/2 MT. Cheers
  78. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: While I agree that the Canadian team needs talented grinders - Hartnell and Upshall sure ain't it - these guys are second line talent on the flyers which is 6th line on team canada. In fact, on team Canada, Richards is the talented grinder along with Jordan Staal and Brendan Morrow.

    It would be great if Gagne could come back, but it has been so rare that players come back from a series of concussions and make it last, and by 2010 he'll be getting up there in years.

    And Scott, I would definetely take bets that the final goes six games or more. The Wings are better, but I am not yet sold on Osgoode.

    As for Downie, he just is terrible, nothing to do with Team Canada (really - nothing at all).
  79. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Eating "Toronto cod?"

    That sounds absolutely revolting!

    You're really taking one for the team there, 3M Martel.

    Also agree with Ian m's assessment of Hartnell, Upshall and Downie. Their services are not likely needed in 2010 for Team Canada.

    Radical idea.... Let's play the most talented Canadian players this time out.

    Cheers.
  80. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: Absolutely R. Miller, I think the Russians said it last time - "Canada had the talent (Crosby, Staal, Spezza) but they left it at home". I am sure that Yzerman won't make the same mistake.

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