2022 - 2023 NHL: Who wins the cup?

[tranquility]

Hahahah, Boston. Biggest CHOKE ever!!!!!!!!!!! Best hockey weekend ever, Toronto clinches and Bruins choked hard.

Go Leafs Go!

[M_Six]

Can I change my vote?

Bruins join the 2007 Patriots as a team that had a hugely successful season followed by a playoff choke. Losing Bergeron hurt, but still, to get beaten by a bottom seeded team in the first round. Oy.

[tranquility]

You love to see it. Beantown fans always laugh about the Leafs' 2013 4-1 goal collapse but that was a series the Bruins should have EASILY won but somehow crapped the bed getting generally outplayed until they woke up in the last period of the last game of the series. Never mind they *conveniently* forget chokes of the 3-0 in games and 3-0 goal lead in Game 7 to the Flyers! Eat it Boston aka Choketown (forgot they were leading 3-1 here)! Hahaha.

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Can I change my vote?

Bruins join the 2007 Patriots as a team that had a hugely successful season followed by a playoff choke. Losing Bergeron hurt, but still, to get beaten by a bottom seeded team in the first round. Oy.

Bergeron probably should have say out more of the series. While winning faceoffs...guy had 1 goal and was a minus 6 in 3 games played. I think he's done...

[ShopVac]

Av's losing the Kraken is a big deal too. Kinda shocked on that one, to be honest.

Just need the Devils to come through tonight...then I'm good with everything.

[DocL]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

About 20 seconds before Panthers 3rd goal, TNT flashed the red goal icon

Did they really land on the moon?

I watched the Panther's games on our local Bally Sports channel and it was about 20 seconds ahead of the the TNT broadcast.

[MunkyTool]

So can we all collectively pray for an Oilers / Leafs final now?

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by MunkyTool

So can we all collectively pray for an Oilers / Leafs final now?

I'd love to see that.

So, do the Leafs have home ice or are there still higher seeded teams?

After suffering for ages, can this fan dare to dream for another series win? Hopefully Florida is exhausted and spent it all after taking out the Bs.

[MunkyTool]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I'd love to see that.

So, do the Leafs have home ice or are there still higher seeded teams?

After suffering for ages, can this fan dare to dream for another series win? Hopefully Florida is exhausted and spent it all after taking out the Bs.

Mostly. I believe Vegas would still have home ice if they went all the way. Otherwise it’s Toronto.

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by MunkyTool

So can we all collectively pray for an Oilers / Leafs final now?

Quite opposite...I like to see Canadiens suffer. Both out next round...

That said - Truba is an A-hole for the hit on Meier..my hatred for this guy continues. Glad they're out too. Bunch of over-paids that tried to cheat the salary cap with rentals. Good luck now that they lost a bunch of draft picks for nothing.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

Quite opposite...I like to see Canadiens suffer. Both out next round...

What you got against us poutine-eating, maple sirop-slurping friendly neighbors, eh? 😅

Our nation hasn't won one since '93, have some compassion.😄

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by tranquility

What you got against us poutine-eating, maple sirop-slurping friendly neighbors, eh? 😅

Our nation hasn't won one since '93, have some compassion.😄

Oddly, had poutine last night for dinner. Should have posted in the dinner thread

My son played World Jr's for Team USA. Let's just say I have a hatred for Canadian hockey fans that goes way beyond what one should have for anyone.

That said, and keeping this to the NHL though, let's talk the Toronto fan base. And we'll convert this to baseball for those south of our shared boarder can fully understand, and discuss the Red Sox:
For decades, Red Sox were in check. They had the curse, couldn't win in the playoffs, and folks around the US started to actually feel bad for them. Then one day, they beat the Yankees and go on to win a world series. What happened next was the problem - fans became the 'ultimate knowledge of everything baseball', to the point that just seeing one of their fans is beyond obnoxious. Every fan is a total Ben Asscrack (sorry, autocorrect, Ben Afflict) We all went from feeling bad for them...to becoming 2nd rate fans in their eyes.

The NHL fan base has Toronto in check right now. You can start to see an uproar just because they made it out of the first round. If they win the cup, may God help us all...because the rest of the world will never hear the end of it. Always remember, Toronto had their parade route mapped out, once they signed pajama boy. I hope to never see this route used in my lifetime (though, Raptors used it already...no)

It's not just Canada's fans though...every single team's fan base gets put down by the "original 6" teams fan base. Nobody is worth in their eyes.

Now...for the Oilers. McDavid will never be as good as Crosby. Don't even compare until the McJesus guy holds up Stanley. So him never winning a cup should keep that talk in check.

Truly sad that my dog is named after a current Toronto player and McJesus. Need to get my own priorities straight. Shame on me...

[tranquility]

Dude, every fanbase has their knuckleheads, the avg Leaf fan is ever hopeful, humble, realistic and used to suffering, just cuz a few loudmouths are out there doesn't really mean much. Maybe the exception are Boston fans with the banana incident and knocking out a Leafs fan cold outta nowhere, among other antics. They don't call them Mass....holes for nothing lol. Like I said before, they conveniently always forgot they are the true chokers and rub in w the Leafs 4-1 2013 loss....a series they should've *easily* won from the start. To say delusional is putting it mildly. Glad they got some major humble pie here. Some fans were chanting "we want the Cup" early in this 2023 series lmao.

Btw, he wasn't wearing PJs, it's a comforter/blanket. I get the ribbing but it's kinda lame ppl mocked him for being ecstatic in achieving his childhood dream.

As far as I'm concerned, the Leafs and Cats are both playing w house money here, so it's gonna be a fun and loose series, so good on them, but, ofc, GLG!

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Dude, every fanbase has their knuckleheads, the avg Leaf fan is ever hopeful, humble, realistic and used to suffering, just cuz a few loudmouths are out there doesn't really mean much.

I'm aware - they travel well. PIT just happens to be one of the locations they travel to. I hit a few away games every year as well...I'm fully aware that I'm a nuisance. Doesn't make me like 'em any more.

Originally Posted by tranquility

Btw, he wasn't wearing PJs, it's a comforter/blanket. I get the ribbing but it's kinda lame ppl mocked him for being ecstatic in achieving his childhood dream.

Oh - I'm aware...this is what name the Islander boys gave him though, not me. I'm not really a fan of how he left, but since I hate the Islanders too, I'm good with it.

Originally Posted by tranquility

As far as I'm concerned, the Leafs and Cats are both playing w house money here, so it's gonna be a fun and loose series, so good on them, but, ofc, GLG!

And you call yourself a Habs fan? Excited to watch...physical play vs talent play. Had a feeling that Boston would have trouble with it, don't think the Leafs will have a similar issue. Long as Murray is out, they have a chance.

Honestly though, waiting for this Canes/Devils series. Should be all out speed. Fan of fast hockey...

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

I'm aware - they travel well. PIT just happens to be one of the locations they travel to. I hit a few away games every year as well...I'm fully aware that I'm a nuisance. Doesn't make me like 'em any more.



Oh - I'm aware...this is what name the Islander boys gave him though, not me. I'm not really a fan of how he left, but since I hate the Islanders too, I'm good with it.



And you call yourself a Habs fan? Excited to watch...physical play vs talent play. Had a feeling that Boston would have trouble with it, don't think the Leafs will have a similar issue. Long as Murray is out, they have a chance.

Honestly though, waiting for this Canes/Devils series. Should be all out speed. Fan of fast hockey...

We Leafs fans suffered long enough, have some compassion and don't hate too much haha.

True, he did leave that org in a 'serpentine' way haha, should've been upfront and more of a man. Oh well.

No man, that's your assumption. I'm a transplanted Leafs fan from Toronto, but don't tell the locals lest I get kicked out haha.

I think that the Leafs have a good chance to go further, but we all know what it means to be a hopeful Leafs fan.

Some great hockey still ahead!

[ShopVac]

Hmmm...don't think the Panthers have compassion. Down 2-0.

Sergei Boobtitski stood on his head...no?

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

Hmmm...don't think the Panthers have compassion. Down 2-0.

Sergei Boobtitski stood on his head...no?

The Leafs played well but that 1 minute in the 2nd period....wth......and also all those hit posts/crossbars. They suck at home. Talk about digging a big hole, they need to take both in Florida or it's over.

[UncleWede]

This is now some EXCITING hockey! Back and forth, a lot of amazing goalie play.

[ShopVac]

I mean, if they don't win a game in the 2nd round, did they really get out of the first?

[tranquility]

Good question. It's excruciating being a Leafs fan. I'm not one of those "We Want Florida" ppl as either they or Boston were gonna be super-tough, but cmon, at least make the series competitive. They absolutely didn't deserve to win esp last night, no backchecking, just dump-and-chase hoping to control the puck in the O-zone, so damn passive not rushing at the puck like their lives depended on it, their awful 'attitude' even rubbed off on ROR! as even he got sloppy. They don't want it at all. I dunno who they should keep from mgt to the coach to the players. This is obviously not working. What would you guys do to the team?

[ShopVac]

Tavares is not a leader. Never did shit with the Islanders, does nothing now. With that (and hard to say this) - Marner and Matthews don't have another 'level' like other players. If the play comes easy for them, great...but don't expect them to work for it.

That said, I thought ROR would inject something into these folks...his play, and play of a few others, can't overcome.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

Tavares is not a leader. Never did shit with the Islanders, does nothing now. With that (and hard to say this) - Marner and Matthews don't have another 'level' like other players. If the play comes easy for them, great...but don't expect them to work for it.

That said, I thought ROR would inject something into these folks...his play, and play of a few others, can't overcome.

Ya, Johnny T is a nice guy and all but not a leader, at least not for a hockey team. Need someone way more gritty and vocal and passionate. Dubas was a fool because he wanted to start his GM tenure w a 'sexy' major signing and went for him instead of a stud dman. Ofc, that contract set the tone for the other 'core' players and killed the cap space. Matthews is trying but obviously still not to his potential. I dunno about players like Marner and Nylander. ROR is unfortunately just one man, no matter his creds.

No heart, esp in OT, it was incredible how lousy they played in a sudden-death period being down 0-2 in games. They don't deserve it at all. The scores are not indicative of how badly they played vs the Cats. I hope they get blown out in G4 and heads start rolling in the Leafs org.