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Post by dvg on Apr 3, 2017 17:29:45 GMT -5
Last year. none of Canada's seven NHL franchises were able to secure a berth in the NHL Playoffs.
But this year things have turned around for Canadian teams, with five of the seven teams likely to make the post season.
Young Austin Matthews in T.O. is poised to set the Maple Leaf franchise rookie scoring pace, possibly tonight, in the Leafs fight to nail down a playoff spot.
Montreal is on the precipice of clinching the Atlantic division, maybe tonight, with Carey Price playing well in the nets once again.
Meanwhile in Edmonton, a team in the midst of an 11 year playoff drought, sophomore savior, Connor "McJesus" as some devoted fans have dubbed him, (Don't laugh, I've seen the jerseys) is leading his team to the promised land for Oiler's fans.
All the Canuck teams in the hunt, Calgary and Ottawa included, are seeking to sup from the Holy Grail of hockey lore, Lord Stanley's mug.
It's always better when there are a few Canadian teams in the hunt at pro hockey's spring time tourney.
GO CANADA!
dvg
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Post by dvg on Apr 18, 2017 15:04:26 GMT -5
How 'bout those Canadian teams? Although they didn't get off to an auspicious start with all of them losing game one of their respective series, four of the five have since rebounded to now lead their series, with the exception of Calgary. The Flames can't quite seem to get that two tonne gorilla off their back in Anaheim. Let's Go Canada! dvg
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Post by dvg on Apr 25, 2017 19:41:05 GMT -5
Round one is done! And two of the Canadian teams are moving on to the second round. Go Sens Go! Let's go Oilers! dvg
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Post by jbron on Apr 25, 2017 20:33:37 GMT -5
Few good overtime games in the first round!
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Post by dvg on Apr 26, 2017 11:57:44 GMT -5
Haha, yeah a few...18 in fact...a new NHL record.
No game 7 matches though.
My feeling is that if the Oilers get past the Ducks, and they do have a fair chance at that, they'll be going to the Cup finals this year.
Let's go Oilers!!!
dvg
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Post by dvg on Apr 30, 2017 13:57:53 GMT -5
Ottawa and Edmonton are really playing their hearts out this spring. With the Sens currently up 2-0 on New York, they had a pair of spectacular ways to win both their games. In game one, their stud Swedish defenceman, Eric Karlsson found a way to bank his wrist shot from an impossible angle, behind the goal line in the corner, off the back of the Rangers goaltender's head. And in game two in OT, Sens Jean-Gabriel Pageau potted his fourth goal of the game to add to his hat trick in regulation, to win it for his team. Meanwhile the Oilers, not to be outdone, have also taken a 2-0 lead in their series against the Ducks. And last night, Las Vegas has changed their odds on whom is now favored to win the Cup this year. www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/oilers-now-favoured-vegas-win-stanley-cup/The Oilers are now listed at 3-1 favorites, ahead of the defending champs, Pittsburgh Penguins. Go Sens Go! Let's GO Oilers!!! dvg
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Post by dvg on May 8, 2017 18:26:37 GMT -5
It is getting interesting for Ottawa and Edmonton now.
Both teams are a single win away from moving on to round 3 in the NHL playoffs.
The Oilers/Ducks are the first teams to be confirmed for a game 7 matchup.
The Senators can wrap up their series with the Rangers with a win tomorrow night in New York with a game 6 win.
Go Sens Go!
Let's GO Oilers!
dvg
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Post by jbron on May 8, 2017 18:51:45 GMT -5
It was a slaughter house for the Ducks last night, hopefully they're still rattled and make it an easy win for the Oilers!!
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Post by dvg on May 8, 2017 19:11:25 GMT -5
Yeah, the Oilers were playing with some focused anger after they felt they were jobbed by the refs in games 4 and 5 with those no calls on the goal tender interference in both of those games.
Maybe not just their imagination either as Don Cherry emphasized his agreement on Saturday.
The Oilers should still give the Ducks all they can handle and then some on Wednesday night, providing the refs officiate the game rather than just manage it.
dvg
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Post by dvg on May 10, 2017 13:33:37 GMT -5
WOO HOO!
Ottawa's onto round 3!
To be honest, at the start of the playoffs, I thought Ottawa was the weakest of the five Canadian teams, due to their bumps and bruises.
They just seemed to be a little too beat up to advance very far in the playoffs.
But despite some saying it's all smoke and mirrors, they have been very impressive so far.
They've shown grit and fortitude in their scrappy play, coming from behind to win games that looked like they were destined to lose.
Still hoping to see Stanley come back to Canada this spring.
It been some time now, not since 1993 when Montreal last hoisted the cup, that Stanley has been awarded to a Canadian franchise.
Go Sens GO!
dvg
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Post by dvg on May 11, 2017 12:22:08 GMT -5
The Oilers playoff run has ended.
It ended last night in Anaheim, at the hands of a better team in the Ducks.
There were some positives to take away though.
It was great to see the enthusiasm of the long suffering fans this spring...
...finally having something to celebrate after an 11 year playoff drought.
And the team has some fine talent in place, that will only get better in the future.
With the experience gained this season, the future is looking very bright indeed for Oilers fans.
So now there are four teams left in the hunt, with Ottawa being the lone Canuck team still standing.
Go Sens Go!
dvg
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Post by dvg on May 27, 2017 11:30:39 GMT -5
Well, Canada's hopes of winning the cup this year were ended with a thrilling double overtime loss to the Pens. Next year will mark the quarter century mark since the cup was last won by a Canadian squad...Montreal was the last to do it in 1993. Here's to next year. Now time to do some gardening! dvg
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