Was pulling for Vegas, but good for Montreal. Crazy, considering that they really shouldn’t even have made the playoffs. Nothing against them, its just funny. Sports are weird sometimes, n gotta take advantage of opportunities. Like bouncing the pens last year.
It was recently the 30yr anniversary of pens first cup, n I had no idea that Minnesota was so bad that season. They were well under .500, n just happened to go on a run. Think we even got Murphy from them that year too.
- wsldck

There are no real absolutes in team sports regarding outcomes, but even more so in hockey, a sport with so much random variance occurring.

hahaha

Kinda like its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog.
- MattStrat

All their high danger shots are rushed though, they're just getting lucky that they are going in. The've got PDO injected into the blades of their stick. It's like the stickum for WRs in football.

I wouldnt bet against the Habs right now. They have a magic going on amongst themselves. Always the underdog, never given a chance but totally believe in themselves. Also, they are kinda like the Isles when it comes to limiting HDSC's against (62 HDSC's Habs to 49 for Knights at 5 on 5),...and then when the team does get a HDSC in top form Price is there.

I wish I was in Montreal last night. My favorite city I've ever been (9 times), has a this hard to explain amazing feel and atmosphere, and last night would of been just nuts there. Yes , I know, there was some tear gas...some arrests...flipped cop car.....none of that scares me and I have the ability to realize a few bad apples dont spoil the bunch.
- MattStrat

They have a negative 5v5 goal differential lol

All their high danger shots are rushed though, they're just getting lucky that they are going in. The've got PDO injected into the blades of their stick. It's like the stickum for WRs in football.
- j.boyd919

I dont see why it matters that most are on the rush, as long as they get them. They out high danger'd the Knights by 13 at 5 on 5. That's a whole lotta rushing vs what is supposed to be one of the best defensive/overall teams in the league.

They have a negative 5v5 goal differential lol
- Feds91Stammer

This is your stat of the day argument now, is it? HDSC at 5 on 5 irrelevant for this one? hahah

This is your stat of the day argument now, is it? HDSC at 5 on 5 irrelevant for this one? hahah
- MattStrat

It’s not an argument…

It’s just funny how everything is going their way right now and people are acting like they are the model for success all of a sudden.

I dont see why it matters that most are on the rush, as long as they get them. They out high danger'd the Knights by 13 at 5 on 5. That's a whole lotta rushing vs what is supposed to be one of the best defensive/overall teams in the league.
- MattStrat

Pretty sure he’s making fun of grinder

I dont see why it matters that most are on the rush, as long as they get them. They out high danger'd the Knights by 13 at 5 on 5. That's a whole lotta rushing vs what is supposed to be one of the best defensive/overall teams in the league.
- MattStrat

Oh it doesn't matter lol I am making fun of grinder.

It’s not an argument…

It’s just funny how everything is going their way right now and people are acting like they are the model for success all of a sudden.
- Feds91Stammer

Personally I dont believe they are a model for success but they sure as hell are backing up the mantra, that I totally believe, that just make it to the playoffs and anything can happen...I mean how could I not believe in that after 2017? hahah

Their GM, before this season started, said he made all of his moves the past year to make them better for the playoffs...and those moves are paying off. Anderson, Toffoli, Perry and Staal are major factors in them making the finals...and of course the little ELCer spark plug they injected into the lineup.

Oh it doesn't matter lol I am making fun of grinder.
- j.boyd919

oh hahaha, sorry

Personally I dont believe they are a model for success but they sure as hell are backing up the mantra, that I totally believe, that just make it to the playoffs and anything can happen...I mean how could I not believe in that after 2017? hahah

Their GM, before this season started, said he made all of his moves the past year to make them better for the playoffs...and those moves are paying off. Anderson, Toffoli, Perry and Staal are major factors in them making the finals...and of course the little ELCer spark plug they injected into the lineup.
- MattStrat

Outside of Toffoli I wouldn’t call any of those guys major factors. They are on an insane run especially pk wise. Good for them.

It’s not an argument…

It’s just funny how everything is going their way right now and people are acting like they are the model for success all of a sudden.
- Feds91Stammer

They're definitely not a model though I do like how despite the lack of elite talent they have a good mix of 2 way centers, small speedy forwards, physical but skilled forwards, and both some size and puck moving ability in their top 4.

I do find it amusing however the amount of things they did that the Pens supposedly can't do and win.

They're definitely not a model though I do like how despite the lack of elite talent they have a good mix of 2 way centers, small speedy forwards, physical but skilled forwards, and both some size and puck moving ability in their top 4.

I do find it amusing however the amount of things they did that the Pens supposedly can't do and win.
- Tojo.

If Nelson gets hurt in game 1 and Bergeron is suspended in the 2nd round I’m sure the pens would be playing Tampa right now.

Point to consider. If you want to win next year, you don't trade Rust. If you want to compete in years after this, you should consider trading Rust for someone that will be around longer.

Personally I think next year is their last best chance to do something so I just keep him aside from an overpay which is possible. But some of you guys who want to keep competing beyond aren't really giving yourselves a path to do so.

Outside of Toffoli I wouldn’t call any of those guys major factors. They are on an insane run especially pk wise. Good for them.
- Feds91Stammer

Have you been watching their games?

Besides the stellar PK, Their PP is running at 20.9% with Perry on the 1st unit. Caulfield is getting a lot of praise with 9 points in 15 games...while Perry and Staal have 9 and 8 points respectively. 14 guys with at least a goal and four with 5 goals. Contributions down through the lineup.

It’s not an argument…

It’s just funny how everything is going their way right now and people are acting like they are the model for success all of a sudden.
- Feds91Stammer

It doesnt have to be considered a model of success, but you should look at it and try to understand why it is working for them... it's not luck.

They have 3 young guys on entry level contracts making a big impact.

They have a solid, physical, defensively oriented D group that is a solid 6 deep.

They have a legit #1 goalie.

They added a lot of grit and are not afraid to leave an overrated softie like Tatar on the bench.

They also have a great mix of young and veteran players and they are all believing that if they win every shift they will win the cup. It shows you that there is more to winning the cup than putting together a bunch of talented players.

Point to consider. If you want to win next year, you don't trade Rust. If you want to compete in years after this, you should consider trading Rust for someone that will be around longer.

Personally I think next year is their last best chance to do something so I just keep him aside from an overpay which is possible. But some of you guys who want to keep competing beyond aren't really giving yourselves a path to do so.
- Tojo.

Do you think they can dump Rust, McCann, Blueger, etc. and get enough in return for a retool that gives them a chance to make a 2023/2024 run? JR put this team in a really bad spot.

It doesnt have to be considered a model of success, but you should look at it and try to understand why it is working for them... it's not luck.

They have 3 young guys on entry level contracts making a big impact.

They have a solid, physical, defensively oriented D group that is a solid 6 deep.

They have a legit #1 goalie.

They added a lot of grit and are not afraid to leave an overrated softie like Tatar on the bench.

They also have a great mix of young and veteran players and they are all believing that if they win every shift they will win the cup. It shows you that there is more to winning the cup than putting together a bunch of talented players.
- MacPatty

On the Canadian broadcast last night they put up a graphic about the Habs top 4 D and their size. I caught a glimpse of it and it said something like none of them are shorter than 6'1 or 6'2 or lighter than 215 pounds.

It doesnt have to be considered a model of success, but you should look at it and try to understand why it is working for them... it's not luck.

They have 3 young guys on entry level contracts making a big impact.

They have a solid, physical, defensively oriented D group that is a solid 6 deep.

They have a legit #1 goalie.

They added a lot of grit and are not afraid to leave an overrated softie like Tatar on the bench.

They also have a great mix of young and veteran players and they are all believing that if they win every shift they will win the cup. It shows you that there is more to winning the cup than putting together a bunch of talented players.
- MacPatty

Their D is most certainly not 6 deep. The 3rd pair guys played 5 and 8 mins last night. FOH. Tatar is 2nd on the team in hits per 60 in the playoffs. FOH.

Have you been watching their games?

Besides the stellar PK, Their PP is running at 20.9% with Perry on the 1st unit. Caulfield is getting a lot of praise with 9 points in 15 games...while Perry and Staal have 9 and 8 points respectively. 14 guys with at least a goal and four with 5 goals. Contributions down through the lineup.
- MattStrat

You said major contributions. I don’t consider 3 goals in 17 games major contributions.

If Nelson gets hurt in game 1 and Bergeron is suspended in the 2nd round I’m sure the pens would be playing Tampa right now.
- Feds91Stammer

I thought it was just the goalie's fault.

I mean our wings are great except for Zucker. He only had 2 5v5 goals.

The rest?
Rust 2
Kapanen 1
Gaudreau 1
Tanev 1
Guentzel 0
McCann 0
ZAR 0

You said major contributions. I don’t consider 3 goals in 17 games major contributions.
- Feds91Stammer

Anderson, Staal and Perry each have a game winning goal these playoffs...Tofolli has 2...

Do you think they can dump Rust, McCann, Blueger, etc. and get enough in return for a retool that gives them a chance to make a 2023/2024 run? JR put this team in a really bad spot.
- Feds91Stammer

Nope I think they're screwed after this year unless some prospects surprise them. That was more for the people who think they can be competitive the rest of Crosby and Malkin's careers.

Point to consider. If you want to win next year, you don't trade Rust. If you want to compete in years after this, you should consider trading Rust for someone that will be around longer.

Personally I think next year is their last best chance to do something so I just keep him aside from an overpay which is possible. But some of you guys who want to keep competing beyond aren't really giving yourselves a path to do so.
- Tojo.

The most important thing is blowing up this D group. It doesn't matter what happens with Rust when our weak defence group is getting paid more than Carolina and Tampa's.

Anderson, Staal and Perry each have a game winning goal these playoffs...Tofolli has 2...
- MattStrat

Cool