Who Will Win The Stanley Cup?

[J.Mencalice]

This will be my last post on this subject. I've made it pretty clear and supported it with facts that it was easier to win championships in the distant past.  They simply played fewer games and against fewer opponents. And YES that DOES mean something.

You've contradicted yourself more than a few times in your posts.

Here are your lastest "Factual" assertions!

Quoted from Willowpad:
Fact #1  I am (and always will be) an avid Montreal Canadiens fan since the age of 3 (listened to the
           game radio coming down en francais from Canada.
Fact #1a My father's casket contains a puck with the Canadiens crest and so will mine.
Fact #2  I follow and root for the Colorado sports franchises; I have lived here since 1977
Fact #3  I attend some Colorado Avalanche (and attended Colorado Rockies) games for the love of the
            game.
Fact #4  Every team on the dynasty list has at least one back-to-back (or more) championships
Fact #5  The Chicago Blackhawks have been eliminated from the playoffs each year after winning the
             Cup.  Repetitive dominance over time is indicative of a dynasty.
             Since 2010, ergo, they are lacking the dominance of dynastic performance and don't deserve
             to be acknowledged as such (at this time).
             When the Hockey Hall of Fame puts them in their Stanley Cup Dynasties Exhibit, then and
             only then will they be formally recognized.
Fact #6 Patrick Kane declined to call their team a dynasty after winning the Cup in 2015.
              Who better to say?  He described the three Cups as " I know that's pretty good."
Fact #7 Bettman may not be popular (and I don't know why), but he IS a good Commissioner for the
              game.  It is becoming a better game under his watch for the players, the fans, the rules,
              the overall "health" of the game and the exposure/progression of the game around North
              America.
Fact #6  I love the game of hockey and looking forward to the finals; whomever gets there. Not
             bitter at all about who's winning and who's losing.  I'm wise enough now to realize that blind
             allegiance to only one club gets in the way of honoring the sport in it's entirety.



Fact #9 First, it's probably hard for you to grasp the numbers game when your having a hard time counting past 7.... referring to your numbering system above; so I can see why you're having a hard time grasping what I've been stating as facts!

Fact #10 Patrick Kane not declaring his own team a dynasty means that he's leaving that up to others, not tooting his own horn---I'm not sure where you draw any analogy from that.

Fact # 11 I can certainly understand how a league or sport operates WHILE having an allegiance to one team. No need to explain that one either as I won't be replying.

Fact #12 You're obviously forgetting in the distant past, NHL teams had exclusive rights to their surrounding territories for "obtaining" players. I "think" that would have made it harder for especially the Blues and Blackhawks-and to some extent Detroit since the better players were all from Canada back then.

Fact #13   Your Canadiens no longer dominate the NHL like in the distant past. Maybe because it's harder to win in a league with 29 other teams(comprised of WORLD players) in which one has to win FOUR best of SEVEN series, unlike the early years when a team had to sometimes win only a couple games against one opponent from a 6 team(or less) league.

Suggestion #1 Work on your counting skills a little bit and you can better comprehend the numbers I've thrown at ya throughout this thread.

Fact #14 It's hard to understand Trigonometry if ya can't count past SEVEN!

Thanks for repeatedly wishing the Blackhawks better luck next year. The sincerity in that really strikes home.  lol

Best of luck to the Avalanche next year too.. Maybe they can even get IN the playoffs!

Fact #15  I root for all Chicago teams except the Cubs. In Chicago, it's almost illegal to root for the Cubs and the Sox. I'm a White Sox fan.

Fact 16 I'm done with this thread!

Thank you for enlightening us about...nothing.
Adios.

[J.Mencalice]

Sure was a good game last night. My first time watching Oshie. He is pretty good.

Good matchup between Pittsburgh and Washington and I hope it goes seven.  Up and down play with good defense on both ends.  The loss of Fleury in goal for Pittsburgh could be the pivot point against the Penguins over time, but this kid Murray has been playing well.
Oshie.  Still don't know why St. Louis gave him up; I've liked the kid's play for a few years now.  Good game from him on both ends of the ice.
If Ovechkin and Crosby both get going, it'll be really good.

[msb]

Hockey dynasties.... hey, what about Vancouver???  Our great cup win was pretty dominating over Ottawa. OK, Ok, it was a few years ago now (1915) and we were then known as the Millionaires, but that's just a minor quibble 

BTW, ask any Canadian what they think of Bettman     And... the NHL was at it's very best as far as pure sport goes during the glory years of Richard, Beliveau, Lafleur, Howe, Orr, Esposito, and Hull 

[t-man403]

the better players were all from Canada back then.
Fact 16 I'm done with this thread!

The better player come from Canada even today.
Fact 16....no your not! 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Stars vs. Blues is looking to be a great series. Lots of great passing, and up and down the ice action so far in game 1. 

[t-man403]

Stars vs. Blues is looking to be a great series. Lots of great passing, and up and down the ice action so far in game 1. 

Was an awesome game!
Elliott should have been 1st star.

[J.Mencalice]

Strong finish in the 3rd by San Jose last night.  They seem to be gathering momentum from the last month of the regular season and now through the first series.  Watching out for them to make a run.  Their defense is pretty tight right now.

msb:
Hope that a franchise could be put into Seattle rather than Las Vegas; it would spark an immediate rivalry with Vancouver to help both teams keep the fans interested in both cities.  Seattle has paid their dues over the decades and so bring back the Totems!
If folks couldn't get tickets up in Vancouver for a particular game, they could hop on down to Seattle and catch that same team a day or two later.

My bracket is toast and I'm looking for a Washington vs. San Jose final.

[msb]

msb:
Hope that a franchise could be put into Seattle rather than Las Vegas;

       Las Vegas is just dumb!  No thought at all about the actual game itself or the real hockey fans in these decisions ... only what suits Bettman and his closed inner circle of owners. Seattle would support a team with real fans actually interested in the game - not just with "corporate attendees" such as is what will happen in LV....which will eventually peter out in a couple of years and leave another franchise in a non-hockey market being propped up financially by the teams in the true hockey markets. You are right as well....Seattle vs Vancouver would be a great rivalry 

[t-man403]

Washington vs. San Jose final.

The way San Jose handled LA. I figure they'll go the distance as well!
Jones is take care of the net really well but if for what ever reason he cools off or is injured, Reimer will have no problem stepping in!

[trout dude]

The Team with the most points!!!

[t-man403]

The Team with the most points!!!

Sigh ........ you should have not got involved in this one!!! 

[J.Mencalice]

The Team with the most points!!!

Hockey fans know that this is not necessarily true.  Think about it. ???

[The emperor has no clothes]

The Team with the most points!!!

Hockey fans know that this is not necessarily true.  Think about it. ???

Ease up 357. I doubt there is much hockey going on in Louisiana. 

[t-man403]

The Team with the most points!!!

Hockey fans know that this is not necessarily true.  Think about it. ???

Ease up 357. I doubt there is much hockey going on in Louisiana. 

Ha Ha Ha! and that's "Troutdude" trying to figure out why I even watch the game!

So what happened tonight ........ oh yes, Pens over the Caps ... I'm not surprised, even though I have never heard of the goal scores!

[J.Mencalice]

The Team with the most points!!!

Hockey fans know that this is not necessarily true.  Think about it. ???

Ease up 357. I doubt there is much hockey going on in Louisiana. 

But how are they ever going to be converted to the Church of the Frozen One lest they not read, understand, and embrace the Official Rule Book of the NHL?

[The emperor has no clothes]

The Team with the most points!!!

Hockey fans know that this is not necessarily true.  Think about it. ???

Ease up 357. I doubt there is much hockey going on in Louisiana. 

But how are they ever going to be converted to the Church of the Frozen One lest they not read, understand, and embrace the Official Rule Book of the NHL?

I think the "Swamp People" will embrace hockey when we embrace gator huntin. 

[J.Mencalice]

Oh my, great OT game between Pens and Caps; 3-2 Penguins and now they are up 3-1 in the series.
Two similar and evenly matched clubs.  I wish this was the Cup final and I don't think Washington is out of it yet.  Desperation game on Saturday for them.  Both goalies very good.  Good on both ends by both teams.  Hit posts and body hits good.  Only game of the night and that kept everyone on the TV focused in their call and interpretation of the game.
My bracket will be toast if the Capitals lose.

All I can say is that if Bobby Hull ever had composite sticks like these guys do, he would have launched it at 125 MPH and most goalers of his era would have turned the nets round and hid.  Whippy like anything in super slow motion.

[t-man403]

All I can say is that if Bobby Hull ever had composite sticks like these guys do, he would have launched it at 125 MPH and most goalers of his era would have turned the nets round and hid.  Whippy like anything in super slow motion.

No kidding!

I don't think the Caps will go down this easily (5 games). I think the type of goals Holtby let in were unusual for him ..... he'll tighten up I'm sure.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

[J.Mencalice]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

Its probably just me getting old and a not very good memory, but it seems like there have been a ton of OT games this year. I think you are right, it might go to game 7 in OT. It's been some great hockey so far.

[J.Mencalice]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

Its probably just me getting old and a not very good memory, but it seems like there have been a ton of OT games this year. I think you are right, it might go to game 7 in OT. It's been some great hockey so far.

Yes, Nashville/San Jose went triple OT last night and that was a barn burner as well.  Fantastic goaltending under pressure from both teams.  Now that series is 2-2!  Hope everyone doesn't blow their loads in the conference series and don't have anything left for the finals. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

Its probably just me getting old and a not very good memory, but it seems like there have been a ton of OT games this year. I think you are right, it might go to game 7 in OT. It's been some great hockey so far.

Yes, Nashville/San Jose went triple OT last night and that was a barn burner as well.  Fantastic goaltending under pressure from both teams.  Now that series is 2-2!  Hope everyone doesn't blow their loads in the conference series and don't have anything left for the finals. 

Damn, I missed that one. I was going to switch over but didn't. 

[J.Mencalice]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

Its probably just me getting old and a not very good memory, but it seems like there have been a ton of OT games this year. I think you are right, it might go to game 7 in OT. It's been some great hockey so far.

Yes, Nashville/San Jose went triple OT last night and that was a barn burner as well.  Fantastic goaltending under pressure from both teams.  Now that series is 2-2!  Hope everyone doesn't blow their loads in the conference series and don't have anything left for the finals. 

Damn, I missed that one. I was going to switch over but didn't. 

If Islanders win tonight, that would mean all four series will be tied at 2-2.  So, whoever wins game five sets up their opponents for a mustwin game six or it's all for nothing and get out the driver. Big pressure that the players won't admit, but it's in the room.
Nobody in those locker rooms wants to go home earlier than after hoisting the Chalice.
This could get extremely interesting.  Great goaltending.
Beats the hell out of the NBA.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good game going on right now with the Blues and Stars 

Another overtime!!!!  2-2 series.  These goaltenders are so huge these days that it's usually some sort of change of direction or a stuff that beats them anymore.  Breakaways...well, that's just finesse that scores.  Blues and Stars battling boys.  This could go seven.

Its probably just me getting old and a not very good memory, but it seems like there have been a ton of OT games this year. I think you are right, it might go to game 7 in OT. It's been some great hockey so far.

Yes, Nashville/San Jose went triple OT last night and that was a barn burner as well.  Fantastic goaltending under pressure from both teams.  Now that series is 2-2!  Hope everyone doesn't blow their loads in the conference series and don't have anything left for the finals. 

Damn, I missed that one. I was going to switch over but didn't. 

If Islanders win tonight, that would mean all four series will be tied at 2-2.  So, whoever wins game five sets up their opponents for a mustwin game six or it's all for nothing and get out the driver. Big pressure that the players won't admit, but it's in the room.
Nobody in those locker rooms wants to go home earlier than after hoisting the Chalice.
This could get extremely interesting.  Great goaltending.
Beats the hell out of the NBA.

You got that right. 

[J.Mencalice]

Ouch, my bracket is toast.
Washington-out
Anaheim-out

Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay in the East for that division.

Two game 7's in each of the series in the West!  How crazy is that?
Hoping for excellent games on Wednesday and Thursday to see who moves on to the division final.

Revised for the Cup: Penguins vs. Stars, but I've been wrong about the whole thing so far.

[t-man403]

Tonight ended the way it should have.
I feel for Holtby as he is an elite tender for sure.

I think you'll see SJ and the Pens in the end.

[J.Mencalice]

Tonight ended the way it should have.
I feel for Holtby as he is an elite tender for sure.

I think you'll see SJ and the Pens in the end.

Was pulling for Washington and they came back hard in the 3rd to tie it; I'm at the job and can't watch it on T.V. until the replay tomorrow on the NHL network.  Hard to beat Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel for 60 minutes (or OT) in a 7 game series; ya can't cover them all on every shift.  Somebody's gonna shake loose sooner or later; tonight it looked like Kessel in the box score.

[t-man403]

Tonight ended the way it should have.
I feel for Holtby as he is an elite tender for sure.

I think you'll see SJ and the Pens in the end.

Was pulling for Washington and they came back hard in the 3rd to tie it; I'm at the job and can't watch it on T.V. until the replay tomorrow on the NHL network.  Hard to beat Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel for 60 minutes (or OT) in a 7 game series; ya can't cover them all on every shift.  Somebody's gonna shake loose sooner or later; tonight it looked like Kessel in the box score.

Yup.....Kessel with two and just before his second one, he hit the post and crossbar where they meet! Three consecutive delay of game calls on the Pens ....... I couldn't believe it!!! I feel bad for OV as he is one of those players that truly loves the game. They were too good all year to carry that momentum all the way IMO.

I thought the other two series would have been over as well last game.

[J.Mencalice]

Tonight ended the way it should have.
I feel for Holtby as he is an elite tender for sure.

I think you'll see SJ and the Pens in the end.

Was pulling for Washington and they came back hard in the 3rd to tie it; I'm at the job and can't watch it on T.V. until the replay tomorrow on the NHL network.  Hard to beat Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel for 60 minutes (or OT) in a 7 game series; ya can't cover them all on every shift.  Somebody's gonna shake loose sooner or later; tonight it looked like Kessel in the box score.

Yup.....Kessel with two and just before his second one, he hit the post and crossbar where they meet! Three consecutive delay of game calls on the Pens ....... I couldn't believe it!!! I feel bad for OV as he is one of those players that truly loves the game. They were too good all year to carry that momentum all the way IMO.

I thought the other two series would have been over as well last game.

Ovechkin.  30 years old and been in the league 10 years now, all with the Caps.  They'd better get one for him or he'll be down the pike to a better team pretty soon.  Don't know how long he's contracted, but they'd be wise to wrap him up for a career salary in Washington.  Not crazy about his personality on ice, but the guy's a hoss.  There's always room for him in Colorado; Avs need big help.

[The emperor has no clothes]

OMG !!! The Blues are killing the Stars.

[Serk]

OMG !!! The Blues are killing the Stars.

This gives me The Blues...

[Serk]

OMG !!! The Blues are killing the Stars.

[J.Mencalice]

Ouch, my bracket is toast.
Washington-out
Anaheim-out

Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay in the East for that division.

Two game 7's in each of the series in the West!  How crazy is that?
Hoping for excellent games on Wednesday and Thursday to see who moves on to the division final.

Revised for the Cup: Penguins vs. Stars, but I've been wrong about the whole thing so far.

And I'm STILL holding serve at WRONG AGAIN!!!!    Whew, time to get the windex out and clean all the junk off of the crystal ball; better yet time to just go get the Magic 8 Ball and let it answer the question of who will be in the final?  No more jinxing anyone with a prediction, just gonna sit back and watch the show.

St. Louis just destroyed Dallas tonight.  Lehtonen, shelled; Niemi, not much better.  Blues just too strong and determined to not lose this game.

[t-man403]

OMG !!! The Blues are killing the Stars.

This gives me The Blues...

And the Preds will be gone tomorrow.......

[The emperor has no clothes]

Game 7 Sharks and Predators about to start. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Holy crap ! What a domination. Blues and Sharks should be a great series.

[t-man403]

Again, this was what I expected the outcome would be with SJ's win!

I'm going with SJ in the next round even though I think it's great the Blues are there.

[The emperor has no clothes]

This is the first time I've seen Tampa Bay this year. They are good !!!

[t-man403]

This is the first time I've seen Tampa Bay this year. They are good !!!

That was a waste of ice time ....... Pittsburgh will dominated!!!