This fan doesn't want forced parity, a la the NHL. Organic parity is fine. Without forced parity you are more likely to get dominant teams and the occasional dynasty team. I'm cool with that.
- Scoob

The only problem with that the way I see it is that it takes any excitement away from the regular season and most of the playoffs. I know it gets the league the prime time Finals matchup they want, but I can't think that a regular season that is essentially devoid of any suspense can't be good for the bottom line either.

So do you prefer Hischier to Patrick?
- jak521

Tough call. Hischier may have a slightly higher ceiling, but Patrick is more of a sure thing. Minus the injuries, I'd go with Patrick. Right now, I'm still undecided but leaning ever so slightly to Patrick

The only problem with that the way I see it is that it takes any excitement away from the regular season and most of the playoffs. I know it gets the league the prime time Finals matchup they want, but I can't think that a regular season that is essentially devoid of any suspense can't be good for the bottom line either.
- Sublime55

I don't think I agree. The way it is setup now, it is virtually impossible for a team that is "out of it" in Jan/February to make a realistic run at a playoff spot due to the way the points are awarded.

The NHL messes up everything. They had the perfect playoff setup with making sure the most points always played the team with the least amount of points in every round. They screwed that up and as a result you get Washington playing Pittsburgh in the conference SEMI finals, instead of the Conference finals where it should have been.

I hate artificial parity. It makes it really difficult for teams to make runs after a slow start. And I don't just say it because it hurts the Flyers.

The only problem with that the way I see it is that it takes any excitement away from the regular season and most of the playoffs. I know it gets the league the prime time Finals matchup they want, but I can't think that a regular season that is essentially devoid of any suspense can't be good for the bottom line either.
- Sublime55

If one understands the NHL point system and math, there isn't any suspense regarding which teams will make the playoffs.

"In terms of style of play, Button compares Patrick to Eric Staal and Jeff Carter. He said Hischier's style reminds him of Henrik Zetterberg."

Wide's 2.0. Hide Simmonds' wife!

I don't think I agree. The way it is setup now, it is virtually impossible for a team that is "out of it" in Jan/February to make a realistic run at a playoff spot due to the way the points are awarded.

The NHL messes up everything. They had the perfect playoff setup with making sure the most points always played the team with the least amount of points in every round. They screwed that up and as a result you get Washington playing Pittsburgh in the conference SEMI finals, instead of the Conference finals where it should have been.

I hate artificial parity. It makes it really difficult for teams to make runs after a slow start. And I don't just say it because it hurts the Flyers.
- MBFlyerfan

Ottawa took Pittsburgh to double ot in game 7 I believe. Maybe they were better than Washington.

I actually like the playoff setup. I do think it's good for rivalries

gun to your head is hischier in the flyers starting lineup opening night?
- Just5

If he's the pick, yes.

Gun to your head, I say pull the trigger.
- SuperSchennBros

Oh lol!! i walked right into that one

- YuenglingJagr

Two posts and a crossbar... VERY HORRIBLE

I wasn't particularly impressed with Martina McBride the other night either.

They both sounded sick almost.

Carrie Underwood or bust tbh
- Mordecai

I'd think Carrie for game 6 but that would break the string of 10 different singers so far.

Here's a quick question. If the Preds win the cup can she bring it to Philly on 6/15 when she plays The Fillmore? I can't believe some credit card company is having her do a show there for their cardholders.

I'd think Carrie for game 6 but that would break the string of 10 different singers so far.

Here's a quick question. If the Preds win the cup can she bring it to Philly on 6/15 when she plays The Fillmore? I can't believe some credit card company is having her do a show there for their cardholders.
- dragonoffrost

If the Preds win Game 5, I think you gotta go T Swizz for the Game 6 anthem.

IMHO

I wasn't particularly impressed with Martina McBride the other night either.

They both sounded sick almost.

Carrie Underwood or bust tbh
- Mordecai

She was pitchy as hell.

If the Preds win Game 5, I think you gotta go T Swizz for the Game 6 anthem.

IMHO
- aightwebang17

The streak of different singers for the anthem is crazy. But it's country music's home so I understand why it's happening. Just makes you wonder if other cities start to have this happen during the playoffs in future years.

If the Preds win Game 5, I think you gotta go T Swizz for the Game 6 anthem.

IMHO
- aightwebang17

I wish they'd let Jack White do it

I wish they'd let Jack White do it
- YuenglingJagr

Not Nashville enough. Kings of Leon got relegated to Rally Towel duty when they were at a game.

I wish they'd let Jack White do it
- YuenglingJagr

Emma and Ryan duet or gtfo

Not Nashville enough. Kings of Leon got relegated to Rally Towel duty when they were at a game.
- dragonoffrost

Good because they are terrible

Two posts and a crossbar... VERY HORRIBLE
- dragonoffrost

Not horrible. We all know the one thing Vinny could do was score on the one timer. This is just the cherry on top of the cake of a career jumping off a cliff. It's hockey, these things happen even to good players.

Good because they are terrible
- Mordecai

There are babies with guns beheading their friends
In shopping malls around the world
Yet somehow the Kings of Leon still find time to write songs about girls

Not horrible. We all know the one thing Vinny could do was score on the one timer. This is just the cherry on top of the cake of a career jumping off a cliff. It's hockey, these things happen even to good players.
- SuperSchennBros

I can think of another word to describe it

Emma and Ryan duet or gtfo
- Mononoke

I've tried to move on
http://www.huffingtonpost..._58e79ba2e4b05413bfe233db

On the various questions about last night's funky goal.

From NHL Rules

78.6 Video Review – Any potential goal requiring video review must be reviewed prior to or during {emphasis mine} the next stoppage of play. No goal may be awarded (or disallowed) as a result of video review once the puck has been dropped and play has resumed. See Rule 38.

When a team scores an apparent goal that is not seen by the on ice officials and play continues, the play shall be reviewed by the Video Goal Judge at the next stoppage of play. If the goal is confirmed by video review, the clock (including penalty time clocks, if applicable) is re-set to the time the goal was scored. If the goal is not confirmed by video review, no adjustment is required to the clock time.

Only one goal can be awarded at any stoppage of play. If the apparent goal was scored by Team A, and is subsequently confirmed as a goal by the Video Goal Judge, any goal scored by Team B during the period of time between the apparent goal By Team A and the stoppage of play (Team B’s goal), the Team B goal would not be awarded. However, if the apparent goal by Team A is deemed to have entered the goal, albeit illegally (i.e. distinct kicking motion), the goal shall be disallowed by the Video Goal Judge and since the play should have stopped for this disallowed goal, no goal can be awarded to Team B on the same play. The clock (including penalty time clocks, if applicable) must be re-set to the time of the disallowed Team A goal and play resumed.

Any penalties signaled during the period of time between the apparent goal and the next stoppage of play shall be assessed in the normal manner, except when a minor penalty is to be assessed to the team scored upon, and is therefore nullified by the scoring of the goal.

Refer to Rules 16.2 and 18.2. If an infraction happens after the first stoppage of play following an apparent goal (infraction after the whistle) by either team, it is assessed and served in the normal manner regardless as to the decision rendered by the Video Goal Judge.

On the various questions about last night's funky goal.

From NHL Rules

78.6 Video Review – Any potential goal requiring video review must be reviewed prior to or during {emphasis mine} the next stoppage of play. No goal may be awarded (or disallowed) as a result of video review once the puck has been dropped and play has resumed. See Rule 38.

When a team scores an apparent goal that is not seen by the on ice officials and play continues, the play shall be reviewed by the Video Goal Judge at the next stoppage of play. If the goal is confirmed by video review, the clock (including penalty time clocks, if applicable) is re-set to the time the goal was scored. If the goal is not confirmed by video review, no adjustment is required to the clock time.

Only one goal can be awarded at any stoppage of play. If the apparent goal was scored by Team A, and is subsequently confirmed as a goal by the Video Goal Judge, any goal scored by Team B during the period of time between the apparent goal By Team A and the stoppage of play (Team B’s goal), the Team B goal would not be awarded. However, if the apparent goal by Team A is deemed to have entered the goal, albeit illegally (i.e. distinct kicking motion), the goal shall be disallowed by the Video Goal Judge and since the play should have stopped for this disallowed goal, no goal can be awarded to Team B on the same play. The clock (including penalty time clocks, if applicable) must be re-set to the time of the disallowed Team A goal and play resumed.

Any penalties signaled during the period of time between the apparent goal and the next stoppage of play shall be assessed in the normal manner, except when a minor penalty is to be assessed to the team scored upon, and is therefore nullified by the scoring of the goal.

Refer to Rules 16.2 and 18.2. If an infraction happens after the first stoppage of play following an apparent goal (infraction after the whistle) by either team, it is assessed and served in the normal manner regardless as to the decision rendered by the Video Goal Judge.
- bodiva88

So they did it right. The goal was awarded by review prior to the next stoppage in play.

I can think of another word to describe it
- YuenglingJagr

Yep - sometimes players make bad shots. That shot is no different than one that goes completely wide.

Yep - sometimes players make bad shots. That shot is no different than one that goes completely wide.
- Scoob

Lol what about the pucks the guys flub and it still goes in the net? That would mean he skillfully accidentally had the puck bounce off of him into the net?