2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (predictions and discussions)

Thanks for that.

 

Blackhawks the last six years (since Toews and Kane's first playoff appearance):

Games 1-3 of a playoff series: 22-22 (.500)
Games 4-7 of a playoff series: 30-9 (.769)

 

I know the Rangers have problems with their power play, but how the heck do you manage to get shut out by Fleury in consecutive playoff games?

Pens win, 2-0, to take a 2-1 series lead. Fleury makes 35 saves. The posts make three.

 

The Hawks are also out in front of the analytics game as well. I'm sure you've read this Rick.

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24548618/blackhawks-gm-stan-bowman-says-analytics-give-team-leg-up

 

I did.

One thing I notice is that on defense the Blackhawks don't pressure the point when the puck is at the blue line and near the boards. They concede that shot every time, in order to defend better in more dangerous areas.

And similarly, they never take that shot on offense. They will always either dump it down the boards or try to skate to the center of the ice to take the blue-line shot from straight in front of the net.

It kind of reminds me of the modern NBA's focus on not allowing the corner-3.

 

Xcel Center will be jumping tonight. First time to host a second-round playoff game since 2003.

 

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Yeah, it was. Those crowds were very lively during the Colorado series.

Any other oldtimer notice the difference in organ music at United Center? The live organ used for anthem(s) has nothing on the taped stuff from the Stadium pipe organ used during stoppages in play. Brings back fond memories.

 

Who's in goal for Anaheim tomorrow? Hiller, Andersen, Gibson.

 

Surprised to see the Rangers dominate the way they did tonight. Obviously, their power play has been exceptionally bad until tonight, and breaking through with a PP goal seemed to spark them.

It's interesting how series develop a personality. Had the Rangers won Game 4 at home and then lost tonight, they would still feel the pressure of elimination, but the task wouldn't seem nearly as monumental as overcoming a 3-1 deficit.