Playoff Highlights for 2016/17
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The 2017 NHLP Champions
GM Tyson
The Cleveland Fury
Sidney Crosby
Marian Hossa
Milan Lucic
Patrick Marleau
David Backes
Brent Seabrook
Andrew Cogliano
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An NHLP First?
With a stunning upset, GM Tyson's Cleveland Fury became what we believe
is the first ever NHLP Finals underdogs to win. "I don't think in
27 seasons the CTR underdog actually won the Championship" said Muddy
Capone of the NHLP Yearbook. It is a very unusual event in the
NHLP as our final round usually is not as exciting as previous rounds of
the playoffs. Regardless of if it ever happened, it happened now.
For Tyson he makes it a third Cup in just 8 seasons as a GM making him
one of the most successful GM's to start his career. The magical
run started with the NHLP 1st overall pick, making the right choice in
Sidney Crosby. The playoff run was unlike any winner ever, as the
team at one point was declared out of the playoffs, only to be
resurrected on the forever known Discount Double Check. "We could
not ever imagine at that time that they would go on to win the
Championship" add Capone. Well, they did just that beating Boston
(Ryan) 17-16, Florida (Marcel) 13-5, Miami (Charlie) 6-0 and in the
Championship 7-3-0 over Pittsburgh and Colorado, both GM Chad's teams.
The 44 total playoff points was not the highest in the playoffs for the
CTR #13 ranked Fury. Of the 44 points the team scored, Crosby had
27, 61% of the teams Cup winning total. Patrick Marleau won for
the second straight year and Cleveland now has two Cups along with St
Louis (Norman), Las Vegas (Leo), Harford (Andrew), Chicago (Andrew),
Dallas (Jr), Edmonton (Scott) and San Fran (Scott). No team has
ever won three NHLP Championships. GM Tyson's three Cups ties him
with GM Chad (3 in 19) and is only behind GM Scott (5 in 27) and Andrew
(6 in 21). Congratulations from all of us at the NHLP Yearbook, a
great NHLP season with a well deserved Championed crown with Cup 27.
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| NHLP Championship At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | ||
| Seed | Team | Score |
| Central Conference Finals | ||
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
7 |
| East Conference Finals | ||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad) +1 |
3 |
| West Conference Finals | ||
| 3** |
#1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad) -8 |
0 |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Officially Over)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| Division Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference Finals | |||||
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie) |
0 | 6* |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson)+8 |
3 |
| East Conference Finals | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+4 |
14 | 5* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) |
1** |
| West Conference Finals | |||||
| 1 |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson) |
2 | 3* |
#1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+2 |
3** |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Officially Over)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| Division Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson)+7 |
13 | 5* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
|
1* |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
10 | 13* |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
3 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+4 |
11 | 9* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
|
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn) +8 |
28 | 35* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) |
1** |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+4 |
18 | 8* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel) |
1 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel) +5 |
12 | 19* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson) |
1 |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| First Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 4 | #22 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt) |
17 | 18* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
Pick |
1* |
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
17 | 16* | #15 - Boston Bruins (Ryan) +1 |
2 |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
19 | 15* |
#4 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) +6 |
1*** |
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
16 | 15* |
#20 - San Fran Titan (Scott) |
2 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+1 |
17 | 16* |
#17 - NY Rangers (Charlie) |
1 |
| 3 | #3 - Memphis Machine (Jr) |
13 | 13* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
Pick |
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 4 | #18 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) |
11 | 24* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel)+7 |
1** |
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+1 |
28* | 13 |
#2 -
Hartford Whalers (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 4 | #9 - Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) |
23 | 25* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel)+2 |
1 |
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+1 |
24* | 17 |
#11 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 4 | #21 - Seattle Storm (Shawn) |
9 | 13* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)+4 |
1 |
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel) |
27 | 22* | #7 - Phoenix Coyotes
(Charlie)
Pick |
2* |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
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Game #4
(Updates were written as the game was live...)
Gangbusters - Crosby Makes it 5-3 Fury 1:31 In
It's home ice. Crosby hits the goal post, draws a penalty and has an
assist. A great first period of work, but the game is only 1:31 old.
The Pens came out flying the Cleveland Fury and GM Tyson had the perfect start
to the night. GM Chad is back on his heels already. (Fury 5-3)
The Late Dagger - First Period Ends 3-0 Penguins
Rinne can't stop a beach ball in this building. The Predators really
appeared to be coming on and if they may have got one, or got to the dressing
room down 2-0, who knows. The 3-0 goal in the dying seconds by Malkin, was
just a killer. I think it is time to pull Rinne and save him for home ice
in Game 6. Why let him get shelled for 7 goals and break his confidence?
For GM Chad the score isn't the worst. If he hits the right goal, this
series can be 5-5 and he has the tie-breaker with the Pens win. This last
two periods may decide this series as this might be a 7 goal game for
Pittsburgh.
He's 5-5 and Looks Like Pang'er - 6-3 Fury
Well Nashville did pull Rinne to start the second period, but I had no idea
their backup was 5-5. Looks like a 70's throwback - a lot of net.
Scrawny little fellow. Saros allows the first shot he faces, Crosby gets
another assist and this one is gonna be real ugly. The Penguins might get
10 goals tonight. It is just a crazy night for GM Tyson and with the way
the Preds are playing, how many more can he get? (Fury 6-3)
What Water Bottle? Crosby Does it Again - 7-3 Fury
A Water bottle magically slips out of Crosby's hand and before you know it he
has another assist when he could have had a bench minor penalty. Firstly,
I never even knew the guy was on the ice for the goal. He is everywhere.
Secondly, I'd say he throws like a girl, but that is insulting as girls can
actually throw. Thirdly, I still remember doing the game Ted Nolan threw a
water bottle from on his bench, across the ice, and hit the boards in front of
the visitors bench. I never tried it, but that is throwing a water bottle.
Anyhow, back to the moment, the Cleveland Fury are now up 7-3. Crosby
won't be stopped. He has single-handedly taken over this series and it is
very likely, not even with Johansen in the lineup, GM Chad's Pens could beat
Crosby. The scary thing is, there is still half the game left to play in
this one.
Third Period Ahead - How Does Nashville Play It?
Do you just go quietly or spill a little blood and get some frustration out?
Now I know Pittsburgh would never do it because Murray is playing for the Conn
Smythe and has a shutout going, but if he didn't would you not rest him for Game
6 and allow Fleury, who won't be a Penguin in three weeks, to play his last
period in a Pens uniform on home ice? If it was 6-1, I bet they would, but
not 6-0. Give the guy a chance for the Shutout. Nashville just does
not appear to have any fight left. They likely won't score tonight and
Chad is in a bad situation.
No Mercy Rule - Cleveland Has 4 Point Lead
The third period was kind of a nothing period, even with 200 penalty minutes.
Every game in this series was a beat down of the other team with the home ice
team doing the beating. For GM Tyson he must feel great up 7-3. No
one goal can give Chad the lead. You really have to feel good about
Cleveland. Tyson picked Pittsburgh to win it all at the Draft (his actual
Cup winning pick, shared with GM Jr, who back it by picking Malkin) and he
picked Crosby first overall. This was the plan, or dream. Crosby, no
matter how you feel is a legend and his name, finally, on the NHLP Cup is
justified for all he has done. While Chad may be crushed, he needs to pick
himself up and throw on the ice pack. OK, it is 7-3. The Preds can
easily go out and get four goals and win on home ice in game 6. Even with
this trouncing, I can envision it happening all day long. The entire team
will bounce back and Rinne will shut Pittsburgh down on home ice. So, if
that occurs Chad will need at least 2 points. If it is 7-5, heading to
game 7, you know if it is a 2-1 Nashville lead, it can go to 3-1 and 4-1 with
the goalie pulled. If it was 4-1, you know Pittsburgh would pull the
goalie with 5 minutes left. There are easy points to pick up for either
team in game 7. So, although the series may now feel over, if game 6 is
what it feels it will be, Chad can get a couple points back. If Nashville
doesn't step up, Crosby will, to raise the Cup for the NHLP Champions in
Cleveland.
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Game #4
After the first three games of the NHLP Finals went in GM
Tyson's way it seemed heading into Game four of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals that
GM Chad would have to finally pull out a winning night. If the Pittsburgh
Penguins could do the same they could be within one win of back to back Cups, or
going home with the season down to just a two out of three for all their,
and our, marbles
The Goalie Interference That Was - But Wasn't - For a Goal to be
Washed Away
These NHL announcers drive me fucking crazy. You would think after
watching hockey for a living they would have a bit more of a clue as to what
they are talking about. When the NHL Penguins called for goalie
Interference on Nashville's first goal of the game, the announces were 110%
positive in every way that the goal was coming back. It took me one
overhead view to determine it definitely was going to stand and be a good goal.
The announcers simply don't know the rules. They don't know what a delayed
offside is and they have no idea what is and is not goalie Interference.
Then the announces say "they have no clue what is and isn't goalie Interference
anymore". Well, partially correct, only they never did in the first place.
The rules are very simple, but these announces who call a good game at times,
just really should go to the NHL Officials Conference and sit in to learn a bit
more about that side of the game, not just their playing side from being ex
players. There was Interference on the play. NO DOUBT.
However, the attacking player had already shot the puck and the puck had
travelled already by the goalie at the point of said Interference and was
heading into the net. The Interference came at such a time that a goal was
going to be scored regardless of the Interference (contact) by the attacking
player and thus the Interference had no bearing on the goal being scored and did
not prevent the goalie from stopping a puck that had already beat him.
GOOD GOAL.
First Stanley Cup Goal Since 2009 - Crosby Gives Fury 4-1 Lead
You give Crosby a breakaway. Just put it on the board and save him having
to embarrass the goalie already. It is really hard to believe this is now
a 4-1 Fury advantage. Chad can feel the ice he is standing on cracking all
around him. Forsberg and Subban seem dead. Nothing seems to be going
in and the series just keeps ticking off the clock. Chad just cannot catch
one single break. (Fury 4-1)
Rinne Stops Crosby on Breakaway - Unbelievable Save
If there was ever a turning point, this might just have been it.
With the Preds up 2-1 Crosby comes down on his second breakaway of the game, but
this time is stopped. It is then GM Chad gets the break that may change
everything. The rebound is there, a tap in to put the Fury up 5-1 but
Rinne dives back with the entire 6 feet of the net empty. He saved it.
There is just no way that is not a goal. Can Chad capitalize?
Wow - Did That Really Just Happen? Chad Gets Two, Now 4-3 Fury
After Arvidsson scored his first goal in 16 games to give Nashville a 3-1 lead
they just killed the clock in the third period. With 3:30 to go, the
Penguins see an offensive zone faceoff and pull the goalie. With Forsberg
and Subban on the ice GM Chad is going to have his best chance yet to finally
grab a point. The faceoff goes into Subban's corner and give the guy
credit, he just outmuscled the Pittsburgh forward, coming away with the puck and
pushing it towards his D partner behind their net. Ekholm helps it along
the boards over the Forsberg who had dropped far side below the goal line in
anticipation of this very play. Forsberg takes two strides and goes for
it. It is a 200 foot long attempt at the empty net and it HITS with just
three inches separating it in from missing the net completely. A fucking
empty net two point goal, Chad's quick strike offence finally tallied and
suddenly...4-3 Fury.
Three to Play - Breaker in Play
It is now clearly a series again. Crosby has been amazing and Forsberg just could not score, but for Chad he will take the freebie. Back to Pittsburgh for game 5 with Tyson's Cleveland Fury up 4-3. The tie-breaker makes both GM's cringe. From the outset GM Chad did the unusual move of betting against his two players, taking the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. Chad figured the Preds could not win without Johansen and although the Penguins were playing without Letang, they had proved they could win without him, while the Preds had not yet. So now Chad needs Forsberg and Subban to score, Pittsburgh to win, without Crosby getting a point. Tyson needs the Preds to win, without Subban and Forsberg scoring. It is kind of fucked up. Clearly each GM just needs his players to score, but the tie-breaker may decide this series and you can cheer for your player all you want, but if game 7 plays out with an NHLP tie or one point series, that NHLP winning team is counting for an all important point for one of these GM's from that tie-breaker. Not often in league history are we down to a three game series for the NHLP Cup. This is a great series to watch but a racing heart for two straight weeks can't be very healthy on these two GM's who have done just about all they can. Now, at most there is just three games to decide it all. Well, three games and of course, game 7 overtime. That is where this one is going.
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Game #3
It might be hard for any other NHL building to be as jacked about NHL
Stanley Cup Finals hockey than the Nashville Predators hometown fans.
They had it all. The noise, the class, the unification. No
doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs fans would be as wild outside the rink, in
the bars & homes and on the streets, no doubt, but not in the building.
You would never see the lower bowl of Toronto all wearing Leafs colors
and standing for the entire game. Suits don't do that shit.
Nashville does and with 10 times the celebrities Toronto could ever
have. Hockey has taken off and it isn't just this year. They
have grown the sport. Maybe a lot had to do with a big star for
the music industry marrying the captain of the Predators, that helped
for sure. It is great to witness. You had a feeling this
game would go Nashville's way. Although everything seemed in
Nashville's favor there is always that one thing (you know, like a guy)
working against them.
Guentzel - Now One Away From Dino's Record -
Cleveland Takes 3-1 Lead
Just three minutes into the game the Pittsburgh Penguins Guentzel scored
his 13th goal of the playoffs, as a rookie. CROSBY GETS AN ASSIST!
Crosby took a pass from behind the and moved it back to Cole who's shot
ended up just sitting for the Guentzel rebound goal, 1-0 Penguins but
Crosby gets the point. For GM Tyson it was the perfect start to
the night, building a huge 3-1 lead in the NHLP championship.
Guentzel is just one goal away from the 14 Dino Ciccarelli had back in
1981, almost 40 years ago. (Fury 3-1)
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Predator Goals Final Come - Route's On
Nashville was due to score some goals and three in the second and two
more in the third, without another answer from Pittsburgh, ended with a
huge 5-1 lead. Although Josi added three points, it wasn't Subban
and while Forsberg may have hit the post, GM Chad got nothing. "It
was a heartbreaking night for Chad" said GM Jr, one of many NHLP GM's
following and weighing in on the action, "Although the last thing Tyson
may have wanted was more games." The craziness of these two teams
battles with Chad's Penguins known as the team to have won their first
round series late, that game 7 point from Stafford, but yet, Tyson's
Fury winning even later than that, on a recount after Tyson himself
spoke with the NHLP Yearbook noting he had "Already congratulated GM
Ryan (on winning)." An emotional Finals so far is just the end of
the roller coaster ride, with Crosby doing what was expected from him,
but Forsberg and Subban disappointing Chad with the Cup squarely on the
line.
Quick Strike Threat
It must be nerve racking watching this series for both GM's. Every time anything happens, any penalty, it is all out face-paced high-heart-rate. Crosby is everywhere, giving Chad fits, playing another 20 minutes in the game three loss. Subban was up to his usual 25 and Forsberg was rested in the blowout, only hitting 16 minutes on the ice. At 3-1 it is a huge lead for Tyson, but the quick strike threat of having two players who can be in on just one goal, even an empty net goal, leaves Chad well in this series. Pittsburgh may have played their best game of the series, which is hard to imagine, with them getting shelled. It will be extremely tough for them to win next game, then game 6 back in Nashville. The Preds are just playing to good on home ice. We fully expect another lopsided score, maybe 4-1 or 4-2 in game 4. Chad cannot go further down. Of those game 4 goals that we see coming, but aren't here yet, Chad must get something big, as dropping further down isn't leaving the time Chad may need to come back. This NHL Finals is looking every bit the 7 game series we though it might turn into. That could mean these two NHLP GM's have to sit through 4 more games of this madness. We're nervous just watching, so we have no idea in the world what must be going through the mind of these two GM's. We do know one thing, one is going to win, and one is going to lose. It might not be fair, but this is for all the marbles, and the losing team, after all this drama, in the very end, ends with nothing more than just a memorable ride.
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Game #2
With all the excitement with game one of the NHLP Finals, game two had to be
a let down, and it was.
5 on 2 becomes 4 on 3
You don't get these opportunities back once they go by. As hard as it was
to believe Pittsburgh was given a full two minute 5 on 3 in game one, the NHL
Officials Association returned the favor to the Nashville Predators in game
number two, same period, same time, but without same results. This time
they got the penalty right during the 5 on 3. GM Chad had a great chance
for his own Pens to tie or take the NHLP series lead, both Forsberg and Subban
out for the 5 on 3, for a full two minutes. Unlike game one where the Pens
never controlled the puck, Nashville controlled this 5 on 3 and had
opportunities, although unsuccessful. Suddenly a Josi blast completely
destroys the Pittsburgh forward on the ice (I think Bonino) who is now
completely out of the play after blocking the shot with his knee, a 5 on 2
advantage. The play would have went on with the Pittsburgh fans going nuts
and 5 on 2, you know one is going in the net right here, over the next 20
seconds. Within 5 seconds of this occurring, Fisher, the Preds team
captain of all people turned what would have been into what was, a 4 on 3 and
the Preds opportunity, Chad's chance, was gone. Just another bone head
play be someone who should have known better.
et le Aberg
Something like that. For just a 23 year old, Aberg seems now ready to hold
down a spot in next years Predators lineup full time. This year he reached
a point per game in the AHL with 52 in 56 games for the Milwaukee Admirals and
he scored everywhere prior. He has had a couple identical goals this
playoffs, like game two's where he cuts across the front of the net from right
to left, and holds, holds, holds and scores. Subban was in fourth on the
goal and the Preds had their 1-0 lead. This game was gonna be different,
you could just feel the Preds out-playing the Penguins, but most important, the
NHLP Finals were still 2-1 Cleveland (Tyson).
5 Game Winners, 5 More Goals, 5 Less Minutes
What more can you say about Guentzel. Plays 5 less minutes than Crosby and
he scores the two big goals for Pittsburgh on the night, while Crosby goes
pointless. Guentzel is only three points behind Crosby for the playoffs,
at 22-19. He has already set a rookie record for game winning goals in the
playoffs at 5 and is leading the playoffs with 12 goals, 5 more than Crosby and
Kessel, who is the big goal scorer. His playoff points per game are at 0.9
and his PP60 ahead of the guy everyone just says is the Conn Smythe Trophy
winner if Pittsburgh wins, because his name is much the more famous.
Guentzel was down and up in this years NHLP more so then any other player, but
how soon will the never drafted player go in next years NHLP Draft? Is he
Elite? The way he is scoring in the playoffs at 0.9 PPG and lets not
forget his 33 in just 40 regular season games, just how high are NHLP GM's
willing to take him next year. We anticipate he will get scooped up quick
enough, going from undrafted to valued commodity as many NHLP players often do.
In game two, heading into the third period tied 1-1, Guentzel wasted little
time, just 10 seconds in to change all what was. 2-1 Penguins and the
flood gates opened up.
Hero to Goat in 3:28 - Rinne Gets Yanked Quick
When you start the third period, 1-1 and are losing 4-1 just 3 minutes and 28 seconds in, game over. The good news for GM Chad was Crosby was not on the board for any of the goals. The bad news for GM Chad is that Rinne is playing more like a Sucker than a Cat Fish. Now it is down to Smashville being Smashville in Smashville. The way the Pens have played, it seems highly likely the series goes back to Pittsburgh for game 5 all tied at 2 games each. That can only help GM Chad, as Nashville wins means Nashville goals. While Rinne's save percentage is a pathetic .777 for two games, I feel Pittsburgh is going to get the boots laid to them over the next two games. Murray has maybe won Pittsburgh two straight and if he isn't spot on, one game could go heavy in the Preds favor. That isn't anything GM Tyson wants to hear. So far it is his Cup, but if the Pens do win next game, without a bigger lead, Chad is only one point away. If the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, all Chad has to do is tie. In 27 years the NHLP Championship has never went to the tie-breaker, but this series should be the one to come down to the last game with an empty net or even overtime, before a Cup, in the NHLP if awarded. We go to game three on Saturday where we entered game two, the Cleveland Fury 2, the Pittsburgh Penguins 1.
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Game #1
Game On - Subban Snaps Forsberg Pass Top Shelf (2-0 Penguins)
In one of the more anticipated NHLP Finals in league history, the Pittsburgh
Penguins (Chad) wasted little time, less then 8 minutes into the game to take a
huge 2-0 lead on the Cleveland Fury (Tyson). "The second the puck went in,
it changed the series totally" said Muddy Capone, "Putting Crosby down 2-0, you
already sensed this was going to be Chad's series from the get go." By the
time they finished showing the replay, the NHL Pens were challenging the goal as
offside. Wow, what a turn of events. Seeing the replay I instantly
knew it was coming back, the play was clearly offside. The announcer
(moron) started saying something about the players stick. Does he not know
the offside rule after all these years? The stick never has anything to do
with an offside, it is the puck and the skates. It was close no doubt, but
with a front skate in the attacking zone prior to the puck, Forsberg would be
offside if his back skate was off the ice before the puck completely crossed the
blueline. That was what happened. A player can enter the attacking
zone with both skates preceding the puck if he has possession and control of the
puck prior. Receiving a pass is not considered possession in the NHL Case
Book, meaning that part of the rule has nothing to do with this call. Just
like that, the goal was correctly washed away and the NHLP Finals were back to
where it started, 0-0-0.
The Impact - Predators Need to Stay Mentally in the Game
For GM Tyson he must have felt like he had new life. The goal coming back
would have crushed GM Chad and the Predators. At this point every player
on that bench was reeling from the goal being washed away. You had three
days of anticipation then score first. Your team goes wild. A huge
goal, in game one on the road, only to now have to suddenly regroup that you
aren't leading. We can all relate, for we have all played sports.
But this would be a level beyond that. The emotions of this goal, with
everything that is riding on this, it had to deflate Nashville. If the
coach had the power, he would have said, "Go to intermission". That would
have allowed his team to refocus. That wasn't the case and with 13 minutes
left in the period, you just knew what was coming next.
Change of Events - Predators Take 2 Penalties, a Full 5 on 3 for Pittsburgh
When you aren't focused and pissed off, you do dumb things. With a delayed
penalty already being called for a penalty that wasn't a penalty, Neal decides
it is time to take out some of his teams frustrations with a stupid cross check.
If the same Ref saw that one, he doesn't throw up his second arm to signal two
delayed penalties. He has until the play stops to point out the two
infractions, something he would have had a few seconds to assess in his head and
likely would have only put the Preds down a man. However, once the second
Ref throws up his hand for Neals cross check, it's a 5 on 3. How is
Nashville ever going to kill this off? The still can't believe they aren't
winning. It was Crosby's turn now and you know Tyson must have felt
awesome at that very minute.
Gretzky High Sticks Gilmour - No Call (Fury 1-0)
The Predators were killing the 5-3 with nothing from Pittsburgh. It
certainly did look like the entire two minutes would be off the board if they
iced the puck one more time. Then, in a play so unreal, with the puck off
in the corner somewhere, Crosby absolutely flattens the Nashville player.
Now I am no NHL referee, however, I can tell you the survey I just took of 90%
that I know. I took that survey by the time Crosby had touched the puck.
You just washed a Predators goal, put the Predators down two men for a full two
minutes, and now Crosby doesn't just throw a pick, but decks to the ice an
unsuspecting opponent who is already outmanned 5-3 on the ice. Game
management says you aren't going to let that play go. BUT THEY DID!!!
Crosby should have got a penalty and the entire game would have changed on that
very call. Instead Crosby just walks over to the puck, touches it and
doesn't hear a whistle even he likely thought was coming. SERIOUSLY, THEY
LET ME AWAY WITH THAT? So I will just make a pass and SCORES.
Crosby's point on a blown non-call has the Fury up 1-0.
The Difference A Toe Can Make - Touch/No Touch (Fury 2-0)
The Cleveland Fury are like every NHLP team to make it this far. The team
has a long list of memories, little AND BIG, things that occurred along the way
to put them where they are and give them a chance to win the NHLP Championship.
Lets not forget Crosby's big toe. Cleveland was out. The NHLP
Yearbook had them out, we all did. But on the Discount Double Check in
round one, Crosby was added a point the next day for a puck that deflected off
his toe. Hmmm, look familiar? Crosby is behind the net with four
minutes to go in the first period, after the Pens just took the lead after the
no goal, good and bad penalty, and non call. Crosby backhands the puck
towards the point and another Pittsburgh player touches it, or not. He
tried to touch it, may have, not sure, but he tried. The puck goes from
Crsoby to a pass from Kunitz over to Sheary - SCORES, 2-0 Fury. Did he
touch it? It matters now. I watched the play in frame by frame, at
least 10 times. Looking for a change of direction or flutter in the puck.
That was not noticeable, but it was way to close. From the pucks reaction,
it was not touched. If the puck wasn't touched it was missed by less then
an inch, likely much less. If it was touched, it was so slightly touched
that it didn't alter the puck to any noticeable degree. I wish I had all
the NHL camera angles. No one ever takes a play like that as serious as
the NHLP. With every camera angle, we'd have looked at each frame by
frame. It is what we do. Cleveland is here because of Crosby's big
toe touch and they are up 2-0 (for now) until the replay surfaces that shows a
stick-toe touch that gets a point, ironic enough, taken away from Crosby.
The Make Up Calls Start Coming - Subban Gets One (2-1 Fury)
By the time the second period started, everyone had a lot of time to reflect on what just happened. The first ended with the Penguins up 3-0 and the Predators shocked. Thank God for Intermissions. Now the Refs also have time to see that they made the right call to disallow the Preds goal, the wrong call in the first penalty, the right call on the second penalty and the wrong call, a devastating wrong non call on Crosby who should have been signaled for Interference and that first Pen goal would not have been. So the Penguins are saying, how the hell are we leading 3-0? The Predators are saying, how the hell are we losing 3-0? The Officials are saying, how in the hell can we fix this now? They could not. You can't. Only makes things worse. But you knew the Preds were going to get some calls until they made a game of it. They did and on the power play, this one counted, a Subban pass that tightened the twine. Chad was back in it and here come "The PREDS".
An Entire Period Without a Shot - When Does That Happen?
The Pittsburgh Penguins went an entire period in the second without a shot, in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. Seriously, when does that ever happen? Brace yourself for the answer. It was the first time in Penguins franchise history, ever, they went a period without a shot. All their games, all their periods, for EVER AND EVER, they always got at least a shot. In fact, no team since 1958, when they started keeping shot on goal stats had ever gone a game in the finals without a shot. Fuck a period, why not two straight periods without a shot. Did you watch this game? We aren't making this shit up.
37 Minutes Later - Game Tied 3-3 - Guentzal Gets a Shot in Goal
Ya, it wasn't a shot on goal. It was in fact a shot in goal. In the
fucking net. The first shot in 37 minutes. What a goal. Here
some stupid folk said they might make him a healthy scratch for he only got two
points last series. He is a minus 2 in the playoffs, so maybe there is
merit, but hell, Crosby is only a ZERO. Forsberg a +16. Just saying.
Guentzal still leads the entire playoffs in goals and the power play has
obviously got Pittsburgh to where they are for it clearly isn't 5 on 5 play.
This was an awesome shot by Guentzal. A crippling goal, one that actually
hurt, crushing the Preds. Smashville came all the way back and even Neal
hit a cross bar with the game at 3-3. The Penguins go 37 minutes without a
shot and shot 9 gives them a 4-3 lead. RINNE FOR CONN SMYTHE. Not
tonight. An empty netter and 12 total shots, 5 goals, a 5-3 win and most
importantly, a 2-1 Cleveland Fury lead. The game, with all on the line as
it was, may have been one of the most memorable games I have ever seen. It
wasn't a good game. It might have been one of the worst games two teams
can play, but it was fucking amazing to watch. The Predators could have
won. Pittsburgh was lucky to win. Chad could have the lead over
Tyson and Tyson must feel lucky to be up 2-1. Chad picked the Pens to win
the tie-breaker, so is only a point down. Chad showed all playoffs how
quickly he can score. When you can get two points on one goal, things can
change in a hurry. That first goal, Chad up 2-0, comes back, wow.
This is already a crazy series. So memorable. We have played just 60
minutes!!! It is looking like a must watch, can't wait for the next game,
NHLP Finals. It is all on the line. This might actually be that one
Finals where the losing team isn't forgotten the day after the Cup is raised.
At this rate, this one might be that one Finals we talk about and say, remember
when GM ? beat GM ?, that was a series. The answer to the question marks?
Well, that is a whole other question that we have no idea the answer to today,
but can't wait to Wednesday to help us find out a little more.
---
C-R-O-S-B-Y
Crosby got it done. The Cleveland Fury (Tyson) have an opportunity to win
a second NHLP Championship, tying an elite group of teams to have won twice but
never a third time. The teams first round pick, #1 overall in this years
NHLP Draft, Sidney Crosby will get a crack at his first NHLP Championship, often
referred to as the "hardest trophy to win in sports." For a modern era NHL
superstar the NHLP Cup win would be the icing on the cake for a stellar career
that has now entered it's second half. Crosby assisted on the double
overtime game 7 winner, GM Tyson's lone hope for a third Cup, in what must have
been the ultimate stress filled game. The Cleveland Fury are now
considered a coin flip to win the Championship, officially an 8-7 CTR underdog.
"I have won with Ovechkin in Cleveland, Crosby deserves to have his name on a
banner" said Tyson who has been a big fan of Crosby's, having him more than any
other GM, but never ending with a Championship. Crosby has done it all so
far, but to carve his name into the NHLP history books it is going to take one
more solid series.
---
Colorado Avalanche - GM Chad
CTR #1
NHLP Champions in 2000
Great Run Ends With Pick
Colorado will not win another NHLP Championship in 2017, but GM Chad will be
happy to have gotten two teams to the Championship, holding down three of the
last six teams in the Finals. The Avalanche will have the first official
tie-breaking pick on the strength of their 45 playoff points through the first
three rounds. The lone way to win a Cup would be on that pick, meaning the
Stanley Cup Finals does not have a single point from Forsberg, Subban or Crosby,
who are projected to score around 15 points between them. So the Avs most
likely will finish third, but the pay day for GM Chad could be his biggest ever
shall his other team, Pittsburgh, win their first ever NHLP Cup.
---
Pittsburgh Penguins - GM Chad
CTR #24
Longest NHLP Drought Could End
GM Chad had what the CTR stated was the best, and worst, teams in the NHLP
playoffs. For Colorado it was expected and predicted they make the NHLP
Finals, according to the prediction machine the CTR is, who is now 16-5 in the
2017 season. When making the pre-playoffs predictions, what the CTR didn't
expect was Pittsburgh to win in round two, where Philadelphia (Scott) was
suppose to have his three Minnesota Wild players and Pittsburgh was not expected
to have their three Nashville players, if the Preds had lost to Chicago in what
was the official 1 and 8 seeded teams in the NHL Western Conference. What
Pittsburgh has done however, is been favorites and won their first three series.
GM Chad was favorites and won all four round last season in Toronto, something
only possible for one NHLP team to do every season. With the Penguins
favorites in the NHLP Championship, a tight almost pick'em 8-7, Chad could go
back to back years doing exactly what the CTR predicted he would do once the
playoffs began, go 8-0. "This team mirrors Chad's Toronto team of last
season with his three Sharks" said Muddy Capone, "By getting out of round one
this season, he would likely go as far as his Predators (or Bruins) would carry
him." That is exactly what happened. Chad's series were close,
extremely close. If the Penguins do win, something they will do short
handed with Johansen not playing, the team can thank veteran NHLP star Stafford
for his contributions. It was in 2011 on a GM Scott Edmonton Oil run that
Stafford got his name on the NHLP Championship, something GM Scott has never
forget. "That first round Stafford dominated in a crucial win over Ottawa
(Mike & Ray) and his points were the difference, especially his first round game
7 snipe." Stafford did it again this year for GM Chad, first round game 7
snipe, a goal that knocked out the NY Rangers (Charlie) in a tight 17-16 win.
With Predators in hand, Chad won another tense round two fight with the Flyer
11-9 before taking out Cup hopeful's in Carolina (Joel) 14-5. Stafford is
the only player with a Cup on the Roster, but Forsberg and Subban, both first
round picks in this past Draft are one of three elite players on the roster.
For Pittsburgh, they have been in the NHLP since it's inception, losing their
lone NHLP Cup appearance 9-3 back in 1995 to GM Leo in Las Vegas. A few
teams have, as equally as long of drought without a Cup, but none longer.
Chad would be the first GM to win back to back Cups since 1994 and the first to
win back to back on different teams. Chad would also tie GM Andrew as GM's
to win 4 Cups with different teams. Chad's the favorites and with the CTR
hammering out winners like clockwork, the GM is looking like he is a series away
from his fourth, fucking fourth, Championship!
---
Cleveland Fury - GM Tyson
CTR #13
NHLP Champions in 2010
Crosby & Ovechkin on Cleveland Cups?
In police code, 10-17 means "Enroute", something GM Tyson might long remember if his Cleveland Fury are 10-17 NHLP Cup holders. This is Crosby's team. The first overall pick was held onto, like every year with Crosby, but unlike previous years he stands a chance to win it all in 2017. Crosby has carried the Fury as far as he can without getting his name on the Cup. If he can do it just one more round, his name gets etched on the legendary Cup. Not gone unnoticed with this Roster is Patrick Marleau, a dominate force in GM Chad's Cup win just last season in Toronto. Marleau will try and become the 8th player in league history to win Cups in back to back years, the last being Nash winning in '15 and '16. For the Fury they lost their first Cup appearance in 2007 to GM Chad's Portland team, but won in 2010 when their 18 points in the Finals is the most ever scored by any NHLP Champions. That was Ovechkin's only NHLP Cup. If GM Tyson is to win his 3rd Cup in his first 8 NHLP seasons he will need as much scoring as he can get from Crosby who is out-manned two players to one. If any player can make up that difference it is Crosby, who has 20 points in the playoffs by himself compared to 25 Chad's combo of Forsberg and Subban have scored between them. Of course GM Tyson won in 2010 and 2012, the 10-12 Cup winners. Well, of course 10-12 in police lingo fittingly means "Stand By". Well, "Stand By" because Crosby could have the GM "Enroute" to his third NHLP Championship.
---
| NHLP Championship At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | ||
| Seed | Team | Score |
| Central Conference Finals | ||
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
7 |
| East Conference Finals | ||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+1 |
3 |
| West Conference Finals | ||
| 3** |
#1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)-8 |
0 |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Officially Over)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| Division Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference Finals | |||||
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie) |
0 | 6* |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson)+8 |
3 |
| East Conference Finals | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+4 |
14 | 5* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) |
1** |
| West Conference Finals | |||||
| 1 |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson) |
2 | 3* |
#1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+2 |
3** |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Officially Over)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| Division Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson)+7 |
13 | 5* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
|
1* |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
10 | 13* |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
3 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+4 |
11 | 9* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
|
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+8 |
28 | 35* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) |
1** |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+4 |
18 | 8* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel) |
1 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel)+5 |
12 | 19* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson) |
1 |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| First Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 4 | #22 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt) |
17 | 18* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
Pick |
1* |
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
17 | 16* | #15 - Boston Bruins (Ryan)+1 |
2 |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
19 | 15* |
#4 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn)+6 |
1*** |
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
16 | 15* |
#20 - San Fran Titan (Scott) |
2 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+1 |
17 | 16* |
#17 - NY Rangers (Charlie) |
1 |
| 3 | #3 - Memphis Machine (Jr) |
13 | 13* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
Pick |
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 4 | #18 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) |
11 | 24* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel)+7 |
1** |
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+1 |
28* | 13 |
#2 -
Hartford Whalers (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 4 | #9 - Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) |
23 | 25* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel)+2 |
1 |
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+1 |
24* | 17 |
#11 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 4 | #21 - Seattle Storm (Shawn) |
9 | 13* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)+4 |
1 |
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel) |
27 | 22* | #7 - Phoenix Coyotes
(Charlie)
Pick |
2* |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
---
NHLP Cup Rests (for now) on One Game
There may be more to write (later), but if the Pittsburgh Penguins do not knock
out Ottawa on Thursday, the NHLP Champions will be decided. It is down
(again) to one game. The NHLP playoffs are a revolving door of one game,
do or die matches, where if it doesn't go right, some GM is throwing his remote
and has nothing left but a future opportunity that won't be this year. For
both GM's (Chad & Tyson) Thursday's game will be stressful and the range of
emotions will be unlike what any other hockey pool in the world can provide any
of it's participants. For GM Tyson he could end the night with two teams
going to the NHLP Finals, and yet, be very devastated. Tyson's Cleveland
Fury are through, doing what 36 NHLP teams attempt to do from the draft, to make
the Championship. The team however will be left without a playing player
should Crosby not play in the Stanley Cup Finals. The same could be true
of the St Louis Blues, one of GM Tyson's other teams, who could win but not move
on Bonino (or anyone) if he gets a single point and the Sens move on. The
perfect night for Tyson would be two points from Bonino in a Pittsburgh win,
however, the GM would admit everything is about the Cleveland Fury (at this
point) as they stand the lone realistic chance to compete for a NHLP Cup.
Chad will go through his own range of emotions on Thursday. The GM knows
it is his Cup should the Sens win. Chad would win his 4th Cup, and back to
back at that. As close as it is, the cruelty of it all is very much in
play. As easy as Chad could win, Chad could lose. Chad knows what a
Pittsburgh win could mean. If the Penguins get through, the NHLP Yearbook
has a dream finals, one that will mean another round of 'every point matters'.
One that could come down to the final game, a 7th game, even a 7th game
overtime, before the NHLP Champions are a known. It may be down to two
(just two GM's). But in classic NHLP style, it is down (for now) to just
one game on Thursday.
---
Pittsburgh Joins Cleveland in NHLP Finals
The two NHLP teams that are now officially in the NHLP Finals seem to be set for
a great battle for the NHLP Championship. GM Chad is up 14-4 with only
Stone and two games to play for Carolina (Joel) who just could not stay with
Chad's powerful Predator trio. Of course the trio is now a duo and the
NHLP Finals will be a battle if GM Tyson gets Crosby through to play Forsberg
and Subban who are coming off a 10 point round. The NHLP Penguins are
predicted by the CTR to get about 8 points in the final round of the playoffs
and so far in three rounds Crosby himself has 19, about 7 a round. The
third NHLP series is not over. Colorado (Chad) is up 3-2 and would bring
no one to the finals shall he hold onto the series. For GM Tyson's St
Louis Blues Bonino would need two points if the NHL Penguins knock out Ottawa,
or just a single point in two games if the Sens come back and win games 6 and 7.
Although neither team would be expected to compete for the Cup, getting a second
team in the finals shows well to the shareholders by winning the extra gate.
If the NHLP is to have a very exciting finals, the Pittsburgh Penguins would
have to represent both the NHL and NHLP in the 2017 Championships for each
league, something of course we are cheering hard for.
---
Bonino Rallies Blues
Bonino had done nothing all series and suddenly he has made things interesting
in the NHLP's West Conference Finals. GM Chad is still up 3-2 and has the
very crucial tie-breaker, having chosen Pittsburgh. For GM Tyson he can
hope the Nashville Predators win tonight and end their NHL series, leaving
Colorado's Rakell done. Then Bonino can even get two games if the Pens-
Sens go 7. Of course it seems almost impossible for the Blues to win the
Championship as they would have to beat Chad's Pittsburgh team of Forsberg and
Subban or Crosby of Tyson's other team. If Nashville and Pittsburgh lost
out and St Louis wins this series, the Blues and Penguins in the NHLP would have
no players left, leaving Cleveland able to win the Cup with a single point from
Cogliano. What might be the most important here is the gate that goes to
the winner of the series, about 2 Bones. Suddenly the West is looking like
an interesting battle with something worth playing for at stake.
---
A Win Away
It might not be a lock NHLP Finals anymore, but GM Chad got a huge win from his
teams three players, now only a win away from making the NHLP Finals with their
Pittsburgh Penguins teams. GM Tyson who has more hope than ever hopes Sid
can do what Nashville did last night and be on a team also one win away today.
One thing we do know is it will be one GM or the other as 2017 NHLP Champs, both
hoping to accomplish amazing feats in their own right. Chad could be the
first back to back winner in a quarter century and would be only "two Cups" away
from all-time leader in that department, GM Andrew. GM Tyson could win for
the third time in 8 years, suddenly throwing him into a different category all
together. Clearly Tyson's Cup totals would have him as one of the top new
GM's and would be on pace to even surpass what GM Andrew did in 21 NHLP seasons,
then on pace for Cup 6 in just 16 NHLP seasons. These two GM's are proven
winners, but only one can win this season. That is very much up in the air
making for an exciting next 19 days until an NHLP Champ is crowned.
---
Black & Blue
As both NHL series become best of three's, GM Chad gets news that may change
everything. With Chad's Penguins up 10-3, his NHLP Finals potential took a
huge hit, losing Johansen for the remainder of the playoffs. It was
believed as long as Chad got his three Nashville players to the NHLP Finals, no
other NHLP team could compete. At best Chad's Pen trio would face Sid the
Kid Crosby. Now Crosby is like two players, but isn't like Johansen,
Forsberg and Subban. The three had 159 points this year compared to the 89
Crosby had. However, when you take Johansen out of the equation, that
changes to 98-89, almost the same amount of points. So now even if Chad
does get his Preds through to the Stanley Cup Finals, versus Crosby we would
have a battle. In the first three rounds Forsberg and Subban versus Crosby
was way to close for Chad's comfort. Round One the two tied Crosby 7-7,
while beating him 8-7 last round and leading him 6-3 this round. In a one
series finals, it would be anyone's as the CTR would likely have it 8-7 for
Chad, who would have the pick before GM Tyson as well, come the Finals.
What isn't lost on the NHLP Yearbook is suddenly, with this huge injury, GM
Chad's best chance of an NHLP Championship might have actually changed to his
other team, Colorado. Of course if Nashville makes the Finals against the
Senators, it would be Chad's Cup regardless with his two Preds versus no one.
However, if Pittsburgh is in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals it is a coin flip for a
'one round' winner take all. So, that said, Colorado may actually now be
GM Chad's best hope on a finals of Anaheim and Ottawa. That means Rakell
for Chad would play Cogliano for Tyson, giving Chad's Avs a 4-1 series
advantage. So far Chad won that matchup 5-0 in round one, 5-2 last round
and is up 3-0 this round, a 13-2 playoff scoring advantage so far.
Injuries are huge. Crosby had one that everyone thought would derail any
hope GM Tyson had. That didn't happen for Tyson but this is a big one for
Chad. A playoff injury changing his unstoppable trio to a possibly
beatable duo.
---
Avalanche Hopes Still Alive
The NHLP Championship is clearly still anyone's as the Conference Finals stand
at their halfway points. With the Nashville loss last night the Pittsburgh
Penguins (Chad) are up 10-3 but with the roster now in limbo, all tied up 2-2
with just a three game series remaining. The door opened for the Colorado
Avalanche (Chad) who is up 3-0 and now hopes Rakell can make the Finals, making
the Avs potential favorites in the Finals. Of course Cleveland (Tyson),
the lone team to have booked their NHLP Finals appearance still have hopes of
Crosby and Cogliano in the Finals. With the way Ottawa has handled the NHL
Pens, it seems an appearance by Crosby could shockingly be in doubt. If
that occurs, the best the Fury can do is a head to head match with Colorado,
Cogliano against Rakell for the Cup (favoring Chad 3-0 so far this round).
That would not be ideal for GM Tyson, but beats the alternative of playing
Johansen, Forsberg and Subban, even with Crosby. With all the focus on GM
Chad, getting two teams to the finals and losing the NHLP Championship would
have to be considered disheartening by any stretch. At this point, on
paper, GM Chad has the best and second best shot to win it all and yet a
Penguins come back and Ducks NHL Final, something very realistic, leaves GM
Tyson standing with his third NHLP Cup and Chad left with just a great
all-around season.
---
A Few Good Days
Unlike any hockey pool in the world many factors that go unnoticed when they
happen change the outcome in the NHLP. "You can easily get lost analyzing
it all" said Muddy Capone. Here with GM Chad about two wins away from
having his Pittsburgh Penguins a heavy favorite to win the NHLP Championship,
none of this run would have even been possible had it not been for a crazy last
week of scoring. At the NHLP Deadline, GM Chad was heard saying he "may
not even have a team in". Pittsburgh left the meeting in 3rd place, just 2
points ahead of Atlantic City and 5 up on Philadelphia (Scott) who was in 5th.
on April 1st the Penguins were now in 5th place, 5 points behind Atlantic City
with just over one week left in the season. The Gamblers had the third
worst finish in the entire league, with 9 points in April while Chad finished
with 18 points thanks to huge finishes by Subban and Stafford. "Ya,
Stafford got me in the playoffs that final week" said Chad. If those guys
don't finish that strong, or if Vinnie even has a below average finish, he is in
the playoffs. The Gamblers did not and Chad gained 9 points in the final
week to catch the 5 points behind and pass Vinnie. The Gamblers being in
4th place would have left them playing the New York Rangers (Charlie) and
Charlie would have won in round one 16-15, instead of losing to Chad by
Stafford's point. So Stafford got Chad in and then Stafford took out
Charlie. Check out Officepools, it happened. Of course the Rangers
would have won easily in round two and right now would have had their three
Ducks, Getzlaf, Silfverberg and Fowler a series away from a Championship.
Only in the NHLP do these seemingly innocent things, that go unnoticed when they
occur, such as one good week, or a bad one, and all is changed. A few good
days, a point, a late transaction. Pittsburgh has many things that all
seemed insignificant, now playing a huge roll in a potential Cup win. That
of course is just a few more good days away for GM Chad.
---
Smashville Awesome Hockey Town
You really could not ask for a better hockey town than Nashville.
Anyone catch the empty seats in Ottawa and Anaheim, empty seats, rows,
everywhere. Not so in Nashville. Not one. The town has
really embraced the Predators and not just on this playoff run.
They have done all the right things to grow the game in the city.
It appears Nashville is the hottest ticket anywhere. How cool is
it they can have every single fan wearing their teams colors. That
is a Canadian tradition, jut not accomplished by teams like Toronto and
Montreal because you aren't going to get some rich suit wearing a
fucking jersey. Nashville has become the team to cheer for for the
fan looking to cheer for a feel good story. It could be the Sens,
but isn't. Even Canadian hockey fans are getting behind Nashville
as their favorite to win it all. GM Chad moved to an 8-3 lead,
seemingly well in control for the first time in these NHLP playoffs.
Most importantly on Tuesday the Preds came back, even over coming two
disallowed goals in 8 seconds. Things aren't easy for Chad and
these games are tense. He knows if Nashville does not win this
round, neither do his Penguins. This series is giving every
indication of maybe a 7 game series where once again NHLP Cup dreams
will be up for grabs. Chad has done everything right so far and
had everything go right. He is just two Predator wins away from
what would be his Penguins 1st NHLP Cup and tying GM Andrew for the only
GM to win a Cup with four different teams (Colorado, Portland, Toronto).
---
Cleveland Cup Hopes Improving
GM Tyson hasn't got a point in the Conference Finals in either St Louis or
Cleveland, but Cleveland, although currently even losing their NHLP series are
looking better and better as the potential NHLP Champs. With the Penguins
win on Monday Crosby is one game closer to having his Fury in the Finals.
Tyson is hoping Anaheim can take a 2-1 advantage in their NHL series, leaving
Pittsburgh (Chad) winning, but carrying on to the NHLP Finals no players.
The Fury are in a Walk-Over this round with Miami (Charlie) who have no players
left, but Tyson has yet to get the one point needed to qualify the Fury for the
NHLP Finals. With Crosby having three more games and Cogliano the same,
the Fury will be there, but what team they have and how strong their opponents
are remains to be seen. Cleveland could still win the Championship some
different ways, but Nashville losing seems the most logical. Crosby would
be down 7-0 to GM Chad's three Preds, so the Predators in the NHL Finals seems
very improbable even if Crosby can have an 8 point series with ease.
Cleveland could win without Crosby if Chad wins in Pittsburgh, then matching one
on one with Chad in Colorado in a Cogliano and Rakell finals. If Bonino
can get a point, the Fury could even have a Walk over in the Finals playing two
teams without a player left on a Finals of Ottawa and Anaheim with the NHLP Pens
and Blues playing Cleveland for the Cup. It still must be considered GM
Chad's Cup to lose, but with each Ducks win, the Fury are getting closer to
ensuring that it is suddenly Cleveland's Cup to win.
---
No Explanation Required
There is a famous saying in sports. It is easy to
tell the team that is losing because, "If they ain't winning, their whining
---
Another Look at Each Conference Winners Final CTR(Done just after the NHLP Trading Deadline but before the final NHL or NHLP Standings were official.)
Best Pick #1 – Crosby,
Worst #73 Boedker
Moves – 7
Best – Cleveland (Tyson) Trades
Backes to Chicago (Andrew) for Cogliano
Worst – Cleveland (Tyson) Drops Laine, Miller, Hoffman, Brouwer and Yakupov, Adds, Anisimov, Hossa, Seabrook, Marleau and Rust
The entire season was set in
motion for Cleveland with the first overall
pick and first overall Waiver of the NHLP season.
Having Crosby has worked out for Tyson. If
they run to the NHL Finals again, it might help win him his third Cup.
If Crosby does not have a big first round, this team will likely
be gone early as overall it cannot score without Crosby.
The team didn’t make any great or bad moves, but in hindsight
only, we might say that the first Waiver of
the season turned out to unfortunately not work in the end.
Laine went on to score like crazy and Miller and Hoffman are
great playoff guys who are scoring well. The team
added Anisimov, and until his injury the Waiver might have been a great
move. Rust died off and had to be moved.
It is a tough call. The team still has Marleau,
Hossa and Seabrook, parts that can help win it all.
In the Fury’s final move they
dropped the teams second Backes that they had
just picked up twice, while dropping the
injured Anisimov. If Boston misses the playoffs, the
team would have penaltied out, so as of writing this, dropping Backes
might have been a move that saves Tyson’s chances for a third NHLP
Championship. We say if Crosby has a good first round
and Chicago advances with Pittsburgh, Cleveland has a good shot.
If Crosby has a mediocre, say 4 point first round, this team is
likely out just like that.
---
Best Pick #197 Kreider
Worst #20 Kopitar
Moves 7
Best Miami
(Charlie) Trades Kopitar and Saad to Toronto (Chad) for
Shattenkirk and Parise
Worst - None
From where GM Charlie started to
where he ended up, this is an awesome example of how to build a
Championship team. Charlie’s first three picks were
Kopitar, Bergeron and Krejci. He turned that into a
top three of Kreider, Shattenkirk and Shattenkirk.
The team didn’t really make a bad move. Once again,
as did GM Shawn in New Orleans, Charlie hung on to a Bruin.
Sure everyone can say, but the Bruins were in at the deadline.
True. But it was known
their next four games were Leafs, Sens, Lightning and Islanders and they
are 0-3 as we write this. That was a known.
A bad streak over 4 games and they likely would be out.
Charlie kept Vatrano. Will it mean anything,
likely, but maybe not. We
will wait and see. As far as what else is here, this
team is every bit as good and some might say better then New Orleans.
You read that right.
Two Washington, two Minnesota and two Rangers.
All distance players and decent scoring. When
it comes to the first round, when points are needed most and the CTR has
it 24-24. Will Charlie have Vatrano's extra and
needed few more points?
---
Best Pick #248 Rask, Worst Pick
#99 J. Jokinen
Moves 9
Best Move Pittsburgh (Chad) Drops Backlund, Schenn, Pearson and Backes, Adds Hoffman, Krejci, Krejci and Subban
Worst Move Pittsburgh (Chad) Drops Rask, Nyquist and Jokinen, Adds Pearson, Fowler and Desharnais
GM Chad’s drafting did not help
his cause, getting off to a poor start. The GM tried
his best, but in the end is left with a team that might not even score
in with 4 Bruins and 3 Preds. The scoring is enough
to do some early damage and then hope for a Preds or Bruins run.
Not out of the realm of possibilities, but very much improbable.
We do think Chad can play a spoiler if he can get in.
The team he faces won’t like this team in round one with any long
series with the Bruins and Preds. Chad has three Cups
and this isn’t a team we would like to think he is proud of.
We expect more from certain GM’s and this clearly isn’t the GM’s
best work in recent memory.
(Update: GM Chad made two moves at the NHLP Trading Deadline. With minutes left in the Deadline, Chad sent Marchand and Desharnais to Las Vegas (Vinnie) for Forsberg and Spooner. There was only one transaction by Vegas to the Minors after this move. Vegas was in fact trying to grab a playoff spot and did only miss the NHLP playoffs by a single point. The other move Chad made at the Deadline in Pittsburgh, dropping Connolly and picking up Stafford. It was Stafford's wrist shot that won the first round 17-16, knocking out the NY Rangers (Charlie) who had a massive second round in scoring and would have Getzlaf, Silfverberg and Fowler. Where would Chad be without Forsberg and Stafford? These kind of deals and that single goal likely has Chad another Cup. If Nashville wins this round and Chad can get by GM Joel, likely not even Crosby can outscore Forsberg, Johansen and Subban by himself.)
---
Best Pick #224 Marner, Worst
Pick #65 Carlson
Moves 6
Best Move - Carolina (Joel) Drops Marner, O'Reilly, Teravainen and Ekman-Larsson, Adds Draisaitl, Saad, Shattenkirk and Gaborik
Worst Move - Carolina (Joel)
Trades Foligno and Shattenkirk to NY Islanders (Ryan) For Johanson and
Marleau
Carolina had one of the best drafts in the NHLP ending with Backstrom and Stone still around after the teams six moves. The Hurricanes were strong all season and are not far behind Hartford (Andrew) for the best team in the East Division. The NHLP’s four top scoring teams in the league are all from this same Division, so they will have to beat each other to represent the Division, a good thing for the rest of the NHLP. For Joel he has a great chance on a Washington run. The odds of a West player are good with a player off each of Edmonton, Anaheim and San Jose, with only the Wild Card team able to prevent one of these three from seeing semi-finals action. You do not want to play this team round one, but every East Division team is fearing each other in round one which will certainly be the highest scoring of the playoff Divisions round one this year.
(Update: The best deal of the year, adding Draisaitl and his 13 point second round paid off in a 35-28 second round win against Halifax (Shawn). The scoring was advertised. Having a top player on each Edmonton, Anaheim and San Jose paid off, a great strategy, getting Silfverberg through with Stone who was drafted by Joel. If Joel can get a high scoring round and pull off a huge upset now, the GM would likely have a Cup on a Ottawa finals. If Nashville got through, He'd then play no one and if Anaheim wins, he'd have both Stone and Silfverberg against at best Cogliano on one team and Rakell on another.)
---
Best Pick #139 Hoffman, Worst #37 J. Carlson
Moves
Best Move Colorado (Chad) Drops Domi, Brassard, C. Smith and Bonino, Adds Pastrnak, Granlund, R. Smith and Williams
Worst Move
Los Angeles (Andrew) Trades Scheifele to Colorado (Chad) For Kuznetsov
Right off the hop GM Chad
drafted a first four of Kuznetsov, Carlson, Brassard and Hoffman, four
top playoff guys. With his first early Waiver he was
able to bring in the team’s top scoring playoff player Granlund and also
grabbed high flying Pastrnak and current distance guy Williams.
This team is still a Washington built team with Johansson and
Williams, but they moved out Carlson and in what might have been their
worst trade of the year added Scheifele for Kuznetsov.
Chad will argue he added some points and Kuznetsov was doing
little at the time. Scheifele’s points were dropped
at the Winter Meeting just two weeks later for Marchand who was turned
into Zuccarello then Johansson at the Trading Deadline.
Chad likely didn’t do to poorly ending with Johansson for
Kuznetsov. What Chad does have is the best team in
the entire NHLP according to the power rankings.
Colorado has 7 distance players, high scorers and could have all seven
in round two. Three west players in Granlund, Hanzal
and Rakell and four East with two Caps Johansson and Williams and two
Rangers Hayes and Zibanejad. While the seasons focus
seemed to be on how great of season GM Shawn was having, in the end Chad
quietly builds a team that will challenge for his fourth Cup.
Chad has proven he is a winner and now seems to always have a
solid team at years end. He methodically goes about
his business and with end results of a team this good, you cannot argue
he knows how to build winning teams. It has been 17
years since the Modan0-Barteck0 “Double O – Millennial Cup” team in
Colorado won GM Chad his first Cup with what is now known as 00-7-16
“Double O-7 Sweet 16”, the leagues easiest three Cups years to remember.
It won’t be harder if it becomes 00-7-16, 17.
Right now, GM Chad has the best of the best.
(Update: GM Chad did end with a 5 player second round team after his two Minny guys went out early. The "Best Move", in hindsight might be a good do over, keeping Brassard and Smith instead. He did draft Brassard and Hoffman top four, so as stated, the draft was good. The team is likely going to the NHLP Finals, so the CTR was correct, but in the end will likely fall a little short. Can Colorado win it all? Quite easily actually. If Pittsburgh (Chad) wins and the Preds lose to Anaheim and Cleveland (Tyson) wins but Ottawa plays the Ducks for the Stanley Cup, Chad would be favorites with Rakell to beat Cogliano. It has been a while since CTR #1 wins it all and although the NHLP Penguins and Fury have better shots, the Avs have realistic hopes.)
Best Pick #16 Panarin, Worst
#160 Hudler
Moves 7
Best Move
Los Angeles (Andrew) Trades Draisaital, Zuccarello, Dubinsky
2017/18 2nd Rounder #67, 2018/19 1st #33, 2nd #50 and 2019/20 6th
Rounder #183 to St Louis (Tyson) for Panarin, Suter, Lindholm and Picks
#43, #3, #70 and #191
Worst Move – None
The entire season changed for St
Louis in the Panarin deal. The Blues added all kinds
of scoring with the most recent tally 167 points for 122, a 55 point
gain and three of the team’s current top four scorers.
Draisaitl, Zuccarello and Dubinsky along with Niederreiter and
Spurgeon are GM Tyson’s hopes for a run. The team
made 7 moves with not a poor one to be found. Tyson
is a winner. His track record of strong teams speaks
and says all that needs to be said. He has been known
to not make many transactions, but had one of his most active seasons.
Is St Louis strong enough to win Tyson a third Cup?
The mix seems logical to say they are but the first round won’t
be easy. The teams in the conference are weak
scoring, but this team will struggle to hit 25 in the first round and
might need a low scoring opponent round one, where things can get much
easier after that.
(Update: Wow, the difference one deal makes. Tyson added Draisaitl, Zuccarello and Dubinsky in one deal. Weak first round scoring and might need a low scoring opponent? How about a 13-9 first round win over Seattle (Shawn). Can you get any lower? Although it now seems almost impossible for St Louis to win the NHLP Championship, we must not forget that if Edmonton had beat Anaheim in game 7, one single game, GM Tyson's Blues had a walk over to the Cup Finals. Tyson would have had two walk over's, one in Cleveland as well with just that one game. We see why the Oilers ripped the GM's heart out. Tyson can still win this years Cup, just not likely it will be here in St Louis anymore.)
---
| Division Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson)+7 |
13 | 5* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
|
1* |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
10 | 13* |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
3 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+4 |
11 | 9* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
|
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+8 |
28 | 35* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) |
1** |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+4 |
18 | 8* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel) |
1 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel)+5 |
12 | 19* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson) |
1 |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
| First Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 4 | #22 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt) |
17 | 18* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
Pick |
1* |
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
17 | 16* | #15 - Boston Bruins (Ryan)+1 |
2 |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
19 | 15* |
#4 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn)+6 |
1*** |
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
16 | 15* |
#20 - San Fran Titan (Scott) |
2 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+1 |
17 | 16* |
#17 - NY Rangers (Charlie) |
1 |
| 3 | #3 - Memphis Machine (Jr) |
13 | 13* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
Pick |
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 4 | #18 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) |
11 | 24* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel)+7 |
1** |
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+1 |
28* | 13 |
#2 -
Hartford Whalers (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 4 | #9 - Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) |
23 | 25* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel)+2 |
1 |
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+1 |
24* | 17 |
#11 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 4 | #21 - Seattle Storm (Shawn) |
9 | 13* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)+4 |
1 |
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel) |
27 | 22* | #7 - Phoenix Coyotes
(Charlie)
Pick |
2* |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
---
Conference Finals Tie-Breakers
Cleveland (Tyson, Carolina (Joel) and Colorado (Chad) each have the tie-breaking
home advantage picks. GM's may pick from either NHLP series and picks must
be in by game one so we can update the site and sent out the sheets accordingly.
Nashville vs Anaheim or
Ottawa vs Pittsburgh
---
Ovechkin & Crosby
Two of the greatest players the past decade both have the opportunity to forever
be tied to the Cleveland Fury (Tyson). In 2010, Ovechkin won his only NHLP
Championship, but although he is behind Crosby by a couple NHL Stanley Cup
rings, Crosby has yet to win the more prestigious of the two awards. "Of
the thousand NHL players to play in any given season, only 7 get their name on
the NHLP Cup" said Muddy Capone who has been with the NHLP for 27 years.
Crosby has been a first overall NHLP pick and a player seldom ever moved once
picked, was again 1st overall this last NHLP Draft. Cleveland held on
tight and now with a point is through to the NHLP Finals with possibly both
Crosby and Cogliano if things go perfect. GM Charlie had a disappointing
end to his season, one that looked so bright heading into the round if either
Washington or the NY Rangers, two home teams, could advance. Neither did.
Left with nothing left on the roster the Surf are left with another long off
season of 'what could have been'. Cindy From Windy, the South Division
Cinderella story of GM Andrews had the best CTR in the Conference Finals moving
on Perry, Brassard and Cogliano, but the team struggled to score in round two,
solely on Brassard who got 1 of his expected 5, the difference in a 13-10 Miami
win. For Cleveland to be in the Championship with the possibility of
winning Crosby his first Cup is exciting for Tyson. "I have picked him
before, and until he wins it all he isn't a first ballad hall of famer for us"
stated the GM today. Cleveland wasted little time picking Pittsburgh as
their tie-breaker for the GM knows it is Pittsburgh to the Cup with Crosby or
likely no second Cup for the Cleveland Fury Franchise.
---
Blues "Heart Ripped Out"
In the end Draisaitl outscored the entire Vancouver Canucks (Joel) team, 13-12
with what was an amazing round for the NHL Star. GM Tyson however lost his
new favorite player, advancing only Bonino in what should be an interesting
Conference Final heads up versus only Rakell. The CTR #1 ranked Colorado
Avalanche (Chad) were pegged by the CTR to go to the NHLP Championship,
something that may just happen, but are in a one on one after losing out on the
night. The Avs could have been stronger had they had Johansson and
Williams, but the Blues many have taken the biggest hit. If Edmonton had
won their game 7, Draisaitl and Bonino would have had a walk over, GM Tyson's
second of the Conference Finals. The Blues are a 2 point underdog now, but
after just outscoring the CTR prediction by 8 points and over-coming a five
point deficit last round, GM Tyson isn't too worried about some 'CTR'
prediction. According to the
NHLP Playoff Tracker, there are only two
Penguins alive and GM Tyson has them both. With Cleveland (Tyson) in on a
walk over, they will have Crosby if the Pens make it, versus Bonino, if the
Blues can also get there for Tyson. GM Joel in Vancouver would have had
the best team remaining in the NHLP with four players and 15 points through to
the Conference Finals, but just could not keep up to Draisaitl (who Joel also
has in Carolina). Vancouver will now just have to wait for another
opportunity next year as it is Colorado or St Louis to represent the West
Conference in the NHLP Championship.
---
Hurricane Joel Downgraded But Still Dangerous
It likely feels like GM Joel got punched in the gut twice last night. The
GM lost both game 7s, his two Caps and Draisaitl. The GM did advance
Silfverberg who's 8 points was one hell of a round, but shy of Draisaitl's
whopping 13. Those numbers helped Joel dismantle the heavily favorite team
of GM Shawn's in Halifax. Shawn had advanced his entire team and scored 56
points in two rounds on back to back 28's, but playing without Letang for the
entire playoffs haunted the team in the end. It is unlikely Letang could
have overcame the 7 points that the team lost by, but with Guentzel getting 8
and Malkin 7, it is very conceivable he did throw up a 7. Shawn now must
watch as Malkin and the young stud Guentzel move on without him in a painful and
cruel end to the season. Halifax would have easily won any other series.
Reading over the final CTR of the season, the CTR harped over and over that this
Division, the highest scoring in the NHLP, would all have to kill each other for
one to represent the Division, and ultimately, that is what happened. The
top four scoring teams were all here and they showed it come playoffs.
Carolina was predicted to go to the NHLP Finals so it is no surprise they are
playing for that right, but the #24 Pittsburgh Penguins of GM Chad, the last in
power of all 24 playoff teams, is a favorite for the third straight series to
win. The Pens have won 17-16 on a last point of the series by Stafford in
round one and hung on, 11-9 thanks in part to an injury by Eaves, in round two.
Now favorites again, the Penguins and their three Elite Nashville players are as
close to a back to back Cup for GM Chad as we have ever seen. How the GM
ended with three Elite players on one team is credit to what this brilliant GM
does year in and year out. It won't be easy, and we think this series can
go either way. Silfverberg and Stone outscored Johansen, Forsberg and
Subban 12-11 in round two, so although four point dogs and downgraded to a
category two Hurricane, these Canes are still a threat to win the entire NHLP
Championship.
---
CTR - "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad"
The CTR followed a 9-3 first round with a 4-2 second, for a 13-5 two round
total. "I think 14 or 15 (right) would make us content" said Muddy Capone,
"But there were a lot of tough series everywhere." The CTR originally put
the curse on the New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) to win everything, beating both
Carolina (Joel) and Colorado (Chad) in the Cup Finals. While the Avs are
two point favorites to be there, Carolina would have to pull off another upset
for the CTR to end with two of three. The Hurricanes are in a huge battle
with GM Chad's Pittsburgh Penguins, the only NHLP team remaining with three
players on a team. Congratulations to all playoff winners so far, but
especially to GM's Chad, Tyson, Joel and Charlie who represent the final 6 teams
in the 2017 season.
---
Hurricane Joel
Not surprisingly GM Joel never had much of a team in 2010, fizzling out
in the NHLP's first round. That was the last year NASA named a
hurricane Joel and the two day storm never made it higher then
officially s Subtropical Storm. Not wanting to wait around for the
next two "official" Hurricane Joel's, that aren't until 2022 and 2067,
the GM decided to create his own, NHLP style. With Eaves in
crutches and not playing tonight, GM Chad knows he is officially through
with his three Predators and will have competition for sure in Stone and
either Draisaitl or Silfverberg. What we don't know is exactly how
deadly Hurricane Joel will be in round three. Will Washington
complete the comeback tonight, upgrading Joel to at least a category 4
in the Conference Finals with Backstrom and Johansson. Joel's two round
total of 59 is second in the past 10 seasons to only San Fran (Scott) who had 66
in 2014 on round totals of 45-21-31-8 for an unprecedented 105. That year the
Titan had 17 over their CTR prediction in round one when they scored 45, while
GM Joel currently has 14 over for his 35 point second round. If Washington wins
tonight the GM is guaranteed a player in the NHLP Championship and will be
favorites against what might be the best team left, GM Chad's #24 Penguins.
"This is the kind of night you must win when you win the Cup" said Muddy Capone,
"Joel's opportunity is as great as it can be right now with either a magical or
miserable night ahead." For GM Chad, make no mistake, this is his night as well
for even his powerful team may be no match for a Category 4.
---
Wave Charlie
Although they don't name the actual waves, they are still recorded for
their sheer size. The worlds largest recorded wave ever surfed was
in 2011 in Nazare, Portugal, cresting at 78 feet. For Charlie his
'waves of emotion' today likely has him about to surf that kind of wave,
in NHLP style. It is all or nothing tonight for the Miami Surf.
The Surf must have Washington win tonight or are out, a walk over next
round with a single point from either Lucic or Cogliano by GM Tyson's
Cleveland Fury who in a walk over scenario, also has a guy named Crosby
next round as well. If Washington wins, Charlie has the upper hand
with Shattenkirk and Shattenkirk against only either Lucic or Cogliano
and no Crosby. A Washington completed comeback easily opens the
door for the Surf to still ride that wave of a lifetime.
---
Avalanche Chad
Tonight it is all about the Washington Capitals. No NHLP GM should
miss this game 7, for every GM in the NHLP playoffs depends on this game
in one way or another. If it is Washington, Chad can breath in the
Anaheim - Edmonton game 7, because he will already have Johansson and
Williams through. At that point, with a Washington win in the
early game, the Avalanche can be set for a walk over with a Ducks win,
leaving the St Louis Blues (Tyson) without a single player. The
Blues perfect night starts with Pittsburgh and ends with Edmonton,
giving GM Tyson a place in the NHLP Finals for his St Louis team as they
will have a walk over against the playerless Avs next round. The
Blues still have a chance to be the first ever NHLP team with three Cups
and are trying to steal it from GM Chad who is trying to win back to
back Cups as a GM, done last by St Louis Blues GM Norm 23 years ago.
No NHLP GM's have won back to back Cups on different teams. NHLP
playoff hockey cannot be any bigger than it is tonight where GM's Chad,
Tyson, Joel and Charlie will either crush or be crushed.
---
CRUSH
(Pittsburgh win)
or
be
CRUSHED
(Washington win)
by
a
Hurricane,
Wave,
Avalanche
---
Surf vs. Fury
Although Miami (Charlie) still have to close out
their second round series with Chicago (Andrew) it does look like 12-8
with the man game advantage in hand will be enough to get them through
to the Conference Finals. Cleveland (Tyson) is waiting, but with
what? No one thought Pittsburgh would suddenly be on the verge of
elimination with just one more lose, absolutely destroying the Fury's
one man wrecking crew with Crosby. In the same breath, it appeared
GM Charlie had little chance of Shattenkirk and Shattenkirk, suddenly by
themselves should easily be enough to send Miami to the NHLP Finals
versus just Lucic or Cogliano. Clearly that game 7 (Pens-Caps)
will decide if it is Cleveland or Miami stronger next round. The
tie-breaker next round goes to the team who has scored the most points
the first two rounds and both teams are at 28. If that number
stays tied, Miami would have the next tie-breaker, so Cleveland does
need to finish tied or ahead in this rounds points against Miami if they
want next rounds pick. If Pittsburgh wins GM Tyson will have
Crosby and Lucic or Cogliano, about 8 to 10 points next round.
Although Crosby advancing gives Tyson his only hope, GM Charlie is not
hopeless if that occurs. With a win tonight by the NY Rangers,
Charlie can still have Kreider and Stepan next round, about 6 points.
That would be enough to battle Crosby who is lucky he did not literally break
his neck in last nights game. GM Tyson is chasing his third Cup, a crazy feat
considering he is the least experienced GM in years of service at only 8. For
GM Charlie his drought will be 17 years if he can't win in Miami this year, the
longest in NHLP history. A Capitals and Rangers NHL matchup means GM Charlie
will have at least two players in the NHLP Finals and suddenly at least have a
realistic shot at that long-awaited first Cup.
---
Penguins vs. Hurricanes
Although GM Chad has a 4 point lead he won't feel comfortable until his
series with Philadelphia (Scott) is official, which an Ottawa win
tonight should easily take care of any attempted Hail Mary's by the
Flyer. The Penguins are sitting with their three Nashville players
for the Conference Finals while GM Joel gets the tie-breaker pick.
Chad has about 12 CTR predicted points next round and GM Joel has
Draisaitl. What's that, 10, 15? In all seriousness,
Draisaitl or Silfverberg will make it through and Stone with an Ottawa
win. That is about 8 to 9 points and enough to battle Chad for a
right to go to the NHLP Finals. Where the Hurricanes become the
favorites is if Backstrom and Johansson play next round meaning the
Canes will have anywhere from 12 to 18 points predicted by the CTR next
round. It did not appear GM Chad would have that kind of
competition next round but this Canes team appears to be a special team.
For Chad he is playing for his fourth Cup, entering "fucking legendary
status". Cups are hard to win and if Chad pulls it off, Andrew
(6), Scott (5) and Chad with four will be talked of having 15 Cups of
the 27 the NHLP will have awarded with this the 27th.
HALF! For Joel he has been closer
than any non-winner and for the 10 year veteran this could finally be
his year. The Canes have chewed up the competition. A
powerful team that deserves all the recognition and accolades that we
can bestow. Right now it is Pittsburgh's to lose but Carolina
might end up the team to beat in the next 72 hours.
---
Blues vs. Avalanche
The Avalanche will have the pick for GM Chad next round. Both GM's
will have two teams still alive next round in the status quo.
There is a lot on the line here with tonight's Ottawa and New York game
followed by the two games 7's to follow. While a Senators win
would cost GM Tyson Zuccarello, he'd have to face both Hayes and
Zibanejad if the Rangers come back and move on, a slim disadvantage for
Tyson's Blues by a point or two. One GM will win in a huge way in
the Ducks-Oilers game 7. Tyson can bring on Draisaitl or will be
against Rakell. For GM Chad he is banking on the completed come
from behind win by Washington, moving him on Johansson and Williams who
by themselves would be enough to challenge Draisaitl. Both these
NHLP teams can move forward with just as little as one player each if
Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Ottawa all win. The Avs will have no one
if Pittsburgh, Edmonton and Ottawa win while the Blues will have no one
if Anaheim, Ottawa and Washington win. As stated, Chad is playing
for Cup four and Tyson his third Championship, tying Chad with the third
most in NHLP history. Both these teams stand a chance to go to the
Finals and both still win it based on some huge games to end out the
NHLP second round of play.
---
"Their
Time is Done. It's Over"
Herb Brooks 1980 Soviet Pre-Game Speech
Kudos to the Edmonton Oilers. Unlike the Toronto Maple Leaf meltdown, the
Oilers had the opportunity to respond 48 hours later. This was more than a
response. It was a message. The Edmonton Oilers fired a shot that is
to be heard not only by the Anaheim Ducks, but teams across the NHL.
Regardless of how they responded last night, or if they win or lose game 7, the
message had already been sent, and quite clearly, that the NHL has been witness
to the changing of the guard, or this case power in the NHL. The shift has
occured, or obviously is about to heading into next season. The NHLP first
round Draft next year will reflect this shift. It will no longer have
names like Thornton, Toews, Keith, Kopitar and Perry, mainstays the past 10 NHL
seasons. A new next ten years has emerged with names like McDavid,
Matthews, Marner, Draisitl, Ehlers and Laine. Everyone though the Oilers
would come around eventually and Toronto was on the right path, but teams like
Chicago, St. Louis, Anaheim, and San Jose, are no longer going to be considered
the powerhouses, even if the ducks win next game. Already Las Vegas
odds-makers have the Edmonton Oilers favorites to win this years Stanley Cup.
Already, this seaon. They won't fall too far to start next year. The
best thing that happened to Edmonton is they blew that game in game 5, not game
7, where all year they would have had to answer about it. If they win game
7, they know they never have to think about that game again, and if they win
game 7, they won't.
---
Carolina Round "One For the History Books"
When this playoffs are over we may have the time to go back through the history
books to see just what we have witnessed in Carolina. Leading 31-24 the
upset is all but official and the Hurricanes will have over came a CTR 8 point
deficit to win. We say aloud, that is unheard of. Ever done prior?
We think a couple times, ever. Not many teams outscore their first rounds
total, but hardly ever by this amount. The Canes have over 30 in round two
and have beat their CTR prediction by over 10. Draisaitl alone has 13
points this round and for a top 10 overall NHL scorer already, he may just go
top 5 in the NHLP Draft next season considering he is an Oiler. With GM
Chad up 11-7 it seems very likely his Smashville Penguins will be the opponents
next round for the right to go to the NHLP Finals. Joel has a chance
tonight to win another game 6 and still have hope of Backstrom and Johansson to
join Stone and either Draisaitl or Silfverberg (how can you go wrong there) for
the next rounds anticipated battle. While most NHLP series seem decided
for Round Two, the players moving on are anything but. These are some huge
games to end the round, and GM Joel can have as little as a single player or as
many as four. Joel hopes to keep this storybook run alive and is a huge
Caps fan tonight.
---
Why Not Two?
The thought must have crossed both GM's Chad and Tyson's mind, "I could get two
teams to the NHLP Finals." Just a year after winning it all GM Chad is in
great shape to give himself two teams in the Finals. The CTR #1 rated
Colorado Avalanche are in control 13-8 over Alaska (Marcel). Although the
Attack have McDavid, he is barely outscoring series rival Rakell (5-4) and at
this stage a 5 point deficit when out manned seems highly improbable. Chad
won't be happy to move on only one of five on the current roster, but the
Rangers and Capitals haven't yet been stoked off the list either. If all
four current NHL '3 win teams' win their NHL series, Chad would move on with
Rakell to play Bonino for the Conference Championship. Bonino's St Louis
Blues (Tyson) are hoping Draisaitl comes back, giving them a walk to the NHLP
Finals. For Tyson his underdog Blues aren't home free just yet, but with
Vancouver (Joel) having just 8 points in 20 player games, gaining 5 with a
maximum 8 player games left seems as unlikely as Might Casey striking out in
back to back plate appearances. That brings us to Smashville, the "Smashville
Penguins". In a seemingly improbable event of itself, Johansen, Forsberg
and Subban have a combined 3 points in the last four games (12 player games).
Chad has let Philadelphia (Scott) hang around and is up a lone point at 8-7.
For Chad he does have the luxury of getting a game 7 from his three if the Preds
fail today to wrap up their first ever trip to the NHL Conference Championship.
That game 7 can help Chad's Penguins guarantee their own Conference
Championship, which as long as teams roster stays as it is, the competition next
round appears favorable to put it politely. Carolina (Joel) is up 26-23
but as is would have Stone and Silfverberg next round. GM Joel still has
other plans for his team next round, including adding Backstrom and Silfverberg
while Halifax (Shawn)just needs a great Blues day today, to not only force a
game 7, but even reignite his Cup dreams. Finally, we come to Cleveland
(Tyson) who's heart only beat fast without Crosby for one missed game. Up
handily the Fury are looking at GM Charlie's Miami Surf who barring a wipe out
are the next round opponents. The Surf must have the Rangers or Capitals
come back, or next round will be 'rag dolled' by Cleveland who will easily have
a clean ride to the Cup Finals without competition. It is safe to say,
today, and the rest of the games this round, will help shape the 2017 NHLP Cup
Finals where right now anything truly is possible.
---
Biggest Collapse in NHL Playoff HISTORY
Yes - Bigger Than The Leafs
If you missed it, there are no words to describe it. Just know it was
epic. Epic if you are an Anaheim fan. Not quite sure what the Oilers
will come to know it as. No team in NHL playoff history ever has come back
from three goals to win or force overtime with less then 4 minutes to play.
Until now. The well known Toronto Maple Leafs game 7 collapse still haunts
every living Leafs fan and undoubtedly is likely the reason a few are no longer
with us.
A collapse that Lupul said "Will
haunt me until the day I die." We have to wonder this
morning how Edmonton fans will remember this game in years to come?
Toronto still is the only team in NHL history to blow a three goal lead in game
7. While the Leafs game a deciding game and this one only a game 5, it
does feel as crushing (and as deciding), the difference of up 3-2 to down 3-2.
With the Leafs, they led 4-1, but the first Bruins goal came with over 10
minutes to play, while the final two just 30 seconds apart in the final 90
seconds of the game. The Ducks dominated the first period, and maybe the
game, outshooting Edmonton 64-38, but somehow the Oilers found a way to take a
3-0 lead. The Ducks never stopped coming and it is easy to say, but as
someone watching the game, I always felt the Ducks were going to win this one.
They just needed one goal. With their goalie out they got one with 3:16 to
play, 3-1. I still thought they could actually do this and goalie out
again, 3-2 with 2:41 to play. Wholly shit. The final goal, goalie
out AGAIN, 3-3 with 15 seconds to play was as controversial as they come.
Teams are always crashing the net in the late minute scrambles but although the
Oilers players were (and are) whining about it today, they are just being poor
fucking sports. Instead of blaming what happened on a controversial call,
why not take ownership for the fact you blew a three goal lead with 4 minutes to
play. That is the real story. A losing team whining because they
blew it makes them look like whiners and nothing more. When their own
defensemen pushes, shoves and holds the Ducks player in the crease, you aren't
taking it back. If the rolls were reversed and Edmonton had scored to tie
it, they sure as hell would have burnt the arena down had their goal been taken
away on that exact same play. There just wasn't enough there, all dynamics
factored in, to disallow it, even though your emotions may not want it to count.
The Ducks completed the overtime win. It was epic. (Note:
Carlyle coached the Leafs in their collapse against the Bruins and was coach of
the Ducks for this comeback. Wow)
---
Battle Rages On
There are not many second round series in the history of the NHLP that have two
teams combining over 50 points, but Carolina (Joel) and Halifax (Shawn) only
need 5 points to reach 50. With the Canes now taking the lead 23-22, and
the tie-breaker of Anaheim, for the first time in this series, GM Shawn will
really feel the heat on Saturday. With Shawn's Zuccarllo, Malkin and
Guentzel versus Stone, Backstrom and Johansson, a 14-7 advantage for the
Destroyers so far, Halifax must come back today. If they don't and
Pittsburgh ends the Caps season, this series just might be over. The good
news for Shawn is his three Blues get another game and still could come back and
knock Nashville out, even though Steen missed last night with an injury.
For Joel he has his own issues. Winning here is bittersweet if all that is
left is either Draisaitl or Silfverberg (although they have both scored 8 this
round), so the GM must have Stone moving on or this win will likely only mean
things end next round. GM Chad was the big winner of the Conference's
other series last night, as Nashville got another game where Chad is a huge
threat to break out at any time (but time is running out). If Zibanejad
gets a point today, for the first time in the series Chad will actually need to
score, as he will be losing on the pick. The Yearbook thought the West was
the most intriguing, but we have headed East where suddenly four teams still
have Cup hopes as round two dwindles to just a handful of man games now, after
today, all NHL series will be in elimination games.
---
GM Chad: "I Am Proud Of My Predators"
GM Chad has made it clear over the years, he isn't exactly a fan of the CTR.
"It makes for a good read" said the GM, following with a lot of laughing out
loud. The CTR rated the GM's Pittsburgh team the worst of all the NHLP
playoff teams, #24 of 24. The CTR went as far as saying that "This isn't a
team that we think Chad would be proud of." Of course with four Bruins
players and the Bruins at the time of writing, might not even qualify for the
NHL playoffs and the three Predators, sure they were in, but a road team in
round one versus the Chicago Blackhawks. There was no hope for this team
to win, unless the Bruins or Preds made the Stanley Cup Finals. No hope
otherwise. Well, Chad told the NHLP Yearbook they are wrong. "I am
happy with my Predators" said the GM in an interview yesterday with Muddy
Capone. "I picked Nashville as my dark horse team" Chad added, "I did
think they would run and were a dark horse to not only make the finals, but win
the Stanley Cup." The GM may not have been alone in his love for
Nashville, but no other GM had the balls to show it in the way Chad has, with
the Preds three top players. Although a CTR #24 rated team, the Pens were
in fact favorites by a point in round one when they knocked out the NY Rangers
(Charlie) 17-16 on a Stafford goal late in the series. That was a huge
goal for the entire NHLP at the time (so they thought) as GM Charlie (still
sending 'fucking Stafford' texts out daily) was sending into round two an
unstoppable 6 player team that included Getzlaf (2-0-2-4) who in four games in
round two has 8 points by himself, the Rangers teams total would be near 20
already. As is often the case in the NHLP, what looks like the best thing
turns into what was the worse. We are of course talking about the other
teams and GMs, who would initially have seen Chad's win as a win for their team
elsewhere, getting rid of such a strong Rangers team of Charlie's. Now it
looks like if Chad can win this round, up 7-6 (GM's confirmed their series
yesterday) who can stop Johansen, Forsberg and Subban next round, where Chad
would be one series away from him having the three in the NHLP Finals. The
entire East Conference thinks they have four teams who all can win this years
Championship, and are all invested hard in the games tonight. Against Chad
is Philadelphia (Scott) who will be without Eaves again tonight, a crushing
injury for a fragile team. With the Nashville tie-breaker, GM Scott is
truly only down a point, with Neal tonight, and at least two more from Zibanejad.
"I need a 1-0 Preds win, they must end the series tonight and then I have to
catch up what is needed" said the GM who can still move on Neal, Eaves and
Zibanejad in what would be a worthy Conference Final's trio. Halifax
(Shawn) is bringing on Malkin, Guentzel and maybe Zuccarello, but is only up
21-20 and GM Joel still thinks his Hurricanes, who with Draisaitl and Stone
matching up against the Flyer would only leave the Flyer Neal, an easy
Conference Finals for Carolina. For Joel he will answer tonight in the
late game with Draisaitl and Silfverberg who have 13 points this round in just
four games, after the early game is over for Tarasenko, Steen and Pietrangelo
who have a respected 7, about two a game through 4 games. For GM Chad he
is chasing his 4th Cup in his 19th NHLP season. Already at three, only two
GM's have more, winning their fourth Cups in their season 9 (Andrew) and 21
(Scott). It has been 22 years since the Pittsburgh Penguins have made an
NHLP Cup Finals appearance, never to have won a Cup. To think they can win
it all the year the CTR says they are the worst is a little more incentive for
the GM who said, "That would be funny. Maybe they should just draw out of
a hat next year to determine their big power rankings." Ya Chad, we get
it. You may not be quite the fan of the CTR but trust us, you have our
respect. There is no more need to ever whisper "Can you believe I have
more Cups than Jr". We do believe. A fourth Cup means you can say,
"I only have two Cups less then Andrew." For the record Chad, we're proud
of your Predators as well.
---
Wind Beneath Hawks Wings
In round one when the Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) were flying-high it was
Brassard who had 5 points over his CTR predicted 3 points for an 8 in round one.
That was the difference as the Hawks, who weren't expected to move on, easily
knocked out the favored New Orleans (Shawn) team that the CTR had predicted
would win it all. Now in round two, Brassard received as big of upgrade as
the CTR ever allows, a two point gain to a predicted 5, making Chicago's second
round battle with Miami (Charlie) appear much closer on paper where the Surf
would be officially a one point favorite. Brassard has been no where to be
found, without a point this round, as the Hawks have fallen back 7-3. For
Andrew all is not lost. The team did just pick up two extra games from
Perry and Cogliano, where they are outscoring Charlie 2-0 in that NHL series
through four games. Tonight the Surf do bring Kreider and Stepan who have
combined for 3 points, or 3 more than Brassard through the first three games of
that NHL series. If Brassard can help Ottawa win tonight, going up 3-1 in
what is Andrew's tie-breaker, with Brassard adding a point or two gain, this
series can now be 7-4 or 7-5. If Shattenkirk then went quietly, the door
would be open for a late run for the Hawks to pull off back to back upsets.
With Anaheim and Ottawa moving on the Hawks would be favorites next round versus
Crosby and Cogliano of the Cleveland Fury (Tyson) should be representing the
North Division in the Conference Finals. At that point Chicago could
win the NHLP Cup with either Anaheim or Ottawa in the NHL Finals, something
seemingly very possible at this stage of the playoffs. GM Andrew still has
a shot at his Seventh 'fucking' Cup but Brassard must be the lift beneath the
Hawks wings if the team is to soar once again.
---
Full Circle From Lubos Bartecko to Marcus Johansson
It has been 17 seasons, about as many teams as
Lubos Bartecko played on in his over 20 years
of playing hockey since the Junior ranks, since the Colorado Avalanche won GM
Chadwick his first Championship. Although the team was led by NHL star
Mike Modano who had 23 points during Chad's run, it was Lubos Bartecko and his 2
playoff points that is what the team is most remembered for. The remaining
three in the five were Claude Lemieux (10), Chris Drury (14) and Rob Zamuner
(2). Lemieux hoisted the NHL Stanley Cup that season, his Devils winning
over Modano's Dallas Stars, a two player unbeatable force for the GM come the
NHLP Finals. Now 17 years later, Modano's 23 points are long forgotten and
Bartecko is most remembered from the team. Bartecko was no slouch,
although with NHLP folklore what it is, you'd think those where his only two
career playoff points. Wait a minute. They actually were!
However, to the contrary of common belief, Bartecko had a decent season in
1999-00, chalking up 39 points in 67 regular season games. His 2 playoff
points where in fact the only two he scored in his NHL career over 12 games, his
career stats ending with 111 points in 257 games. Bartecko played as late
as last year, a total of 16 different teams with his last 10+ years over in
Europe. He even scored 49 points in 44 games for
Lulea of the Swedish Elite League (SEL), back in 06-07,
a point behind teammate Mikael Renberg. Although the pair could not lead
Lulea to an SEL title, they both had NHLP Championship rings in common that year
with Renberg's in 2002 with Los Angeles (Andrew). It isn't uncommon for
SEL teams to scout the NHLP site looking for tips to sign future players
(seriously, we do get a lot of European hits in the site). Ten years ago
on that same Lulea that season, was the current Colorado Avalanche scoring
leader for GM Chad,
Johansson, who as a rookie never had a point
in 7 games that season. The Avs are not done this season and a Rangers win
tonight could be what changes this teams fate 17 years after Bartecko's only two
career playoff points changed the fate of that team then. The torch has
now been past on. Bartecko can do no more. It is now Johansson's
turn to carry the team back to where Bartecko helped first bring them all those
years ago.
---
Capone: "I Expect This From CNN"
After the Sheary article slipped by the stringent editing process at the NHLP
Yearbook Muddy Capone was none to pleased. "I looked around the room,
looking for someone to fire this morning" said Capone, "But there was only
Bonnie, the cat and the old decrepit Great Dane." The NHLP did an in-depth
feature about Sheary, totally missing the fact the guy is as concussed as sister
Sid. "It is embarrassing" stated Capone, "We would expect this from CNN,
the New York Times, but I hold the Yearbook to a higher standard." Sheary
is not playing tonight, something the Yearbook apparently did know, but simply
forgot to mention. "I am not sure which is worse" Capone said sadly
shaking his head. As for now, no one is getting axed, including the Great
Dane, Capone explained before adding, "His days are numbered as is."
---
Sheary Shoulders Share
With just 2 points in 8 games in the playoffs, Sheary by all accounts has been a
major disappointment for GM Joel in Vancouver. After having an outstanding
season, finishing with 0.87 PPG and 53 in 61 games, it appeared he was set to
explode in the playoffs. Sheary was a +24, third on the Penguins team
during the season and only three off the leader, who wasn't Malkin (+18) or
Crosby (+17), but Shultz at +27. Suddenly, the playoffs start and Sheary
is quickly a team worse minus 4, and the coaching staff just looses all faith,
dropping his ice time by 3 minutes a game and basically turning him into a third
liner. With the St Louis Blues (Tyson) up 9-6 and Ryan leaving last nights
game with a day to day injury that could see him out next game, Sheary must step
up without Crosby or the Canucks, who have a potential four players set to
advance, will likely be out. For GM Joel coming into the round it looked
like Vancouver could roll with his three Penguins, but things are never easy in
the NHLP. The Blues were only expected to reach 11 points this round,
already have 9, and may hit their round mark tonight with Draisaitl and Bonino.
For Joel he may be hoping for some more high scoring games and Washington to
push Pittsburgh further, but just not quite far enough (although Joel's best
shot in Carolina is with Washington players Backstrom and Johnansson). If
Vancouver does get upset this round, surely Sheary must shoulder that blame when
so much was expected from the teams top point producer, and he produced so very
little.
---
Eaves Injury Costly For Flyer
GM Scott admitted everything has went his way in Philadelphia's second round
series with favorite Pittsburgh (Chad). With Neal outscoring Johansen,
Forsberg and Subban in two of the four games in the series, the Flyer shockingly
are only down a single point, 7-6, with the Nashville tie-breaker only a game
away from being in the bank. The answer tonight was suppose to be Eaves
who appears not projected to be in the lineup. For GM Chad his Nashville
trio have been as advertised, strong and advancing, but if the Predators win
next game, the Penguins will have no further response the rest of this series
and a couple point lead likely won't be enough. Zibanejad could have had
multiply points last night, putting it mildly, and has yet to play game 4 for
the Flyer who are potentially stealing the NHLP Cup from Chad's hands if the
Preds go onto the Stanley Cup Finals. The Flyer GM said the team is still
thinking big, hoping to yet advance all three players with Ducks and Ranger
comebacks. "We won the first round on the tie-breaker" the GM said, "This
round is a nail-biter, another potential tie-breaking series. For the
teams that win, things are never easy. We know this. These runs are
so exciting to be part of. Meaningful games, ever night. Teams that
win look back and say wow, everything went our way. So far we can say that
and we aren't even out of round two."
---
Timing Of It All
Crosby took a pretty solid cross check to the head. For GM Tyson it was a
terrible sight in Cleveland where the Fury know they are through to the Central
Conference Finals representing the North Division. With Crosby and Lucic
the Fury have about a 10 point CTR predicted Conference Finals team and with the
current NHL series leaders not blowing their leads, the best coming through from
the South Division is 5 points from Chicago (Andrew) who is now losing 4-2 to
Miami (Charlie) who doesn't have a player through for the Surf. Cleveland
doesn't need Crosby this round to win as Rakell cannot come back this deficit by
himself, so the Fury are safe, as they still have Lucic and Cogliano. If
they play Miami next round without a single player, a single point from Lucic
would be enough to put the Fury into the NHLP Championship, so they won't need
Crosby next round either if everything holds as is. "If there was ever a
time and landscape to have Crosby go down in the playoffs for a full round, this
is it" said Muddy Capone. Crosby might not miss a game.
Realistically he took a good shot. He has a history of concussions.
He looked out of it and honestly doesn't appear to be a player set to play for a
while. How long is a while in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with this guy?
Well, that might depend on many factors, one being if the Pens start to lose.
If they don't start losing, and he does have a concussion, why rush him back?
Cleveland is in a very rare situation. Having a star player who may not
need a point for this round, nor next, and still be good enough to win the NHLP
Championship. We have seen this exact situation in 1992, the best player
in the world missing the second round after two points in game #1, and the Oil
winning the round 2-1 before Mario Lemieux came back for the last two rounds,
including 7 points in the NHLP Finals. Crosby could go longer, missing a
full round and if he got 7 in the NHLP Finals, still give Cleveland their second
NHLP Championship. It is all about the timing and it looks like Cleveland
has a lot of time to get Crosby back before their hopes begin to fade in 2017!
---
Scoring Machines
There is no slowing down the Carolina Hurricanes (Joel) or the Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn) The two teams have combined for 31 second round points,
with the highest other NHLP series at 12 (Twelve - Douze). The Canes are
up 16-15 with the pick currently in the Destroyers favor with Edmonton. It was
GM Shawn who likely benefitted the most from the Washington win last night,
outscoring GM Joel 8-5 in that NHL series. Shawn would love nothing more
than a Blues win and tie their NHL series tonight. The Destroyers are up
6-0 in that series with the Canes not having any chance for points without a
player there. There seems little hope for Carolina, who are the heavy
underdogs here, to be leading by morning in this battle. With Halifax
having a 4-1 player advantage tonight and only needing a single point gain to
retake the series lead, this engagement may come down to player games. GM
Shawn benefits from longer Blues & Pens series while GM Joel likewise with a
longer Edmonton and Anaheim series. The winner here needs all they can
bring through if they get Pittsburgh (Chad) and his three Nashville players.
GM Chad is in total control of his series, but is nothing without Nashville
advancing in the NHL. If both Halifax, who have three Blues, and
Pittsburgh, who has three Predators, meet next round in the NHLP conference
Finals, the winner of that NHL series (blues-Preds) will determine who likely
has the better team next round. The East Conference is wide open as to who
will win this round and battle next round to represent the NHLP in the Cup
Finals.
---
Perfectly Imperfect
While most other NHL playoff pools have already been decided and members have
stopped checking the scores to now focus on whatever comes next after hockey,
the NHLP is never decided, never finished, never over, until the very last game.
While nothing else matters anymore elsewhere, every point, every win and lose,
every injury and every game matters in the NHLP, every single night. It is
part of what makes this the best hockey pool in the world (hands down). In
the West Conference you have two perfect teams, perfect in that they have teams
that look like Kermit the Frog, ready to play next round. They are both
losing their series to their imperfect competition. Alaska (Marcel) is
down 6-3 even though McDavid, Brassard and Bonino are currently advancing while
Colorado (Chad) doesn't have a player moving on with the status quo. GM
Joel has four green cards ready for next round, one for each Sheary, Schultz,
Hornqvist and Ryan, but is losing 7-5 to St Louis (Tyson). For Alaska and
Vancouver who have a perfect 7 players currently green, in the NHLP (and only in
the NHLP) they are now cheering for their players to have their series tied up,
before (of course) they eventually do win to move on. This will allow
these GM's more player games and the potential for
more points. You can move on all the players you have, but they don't do
you any good if you don't move on the most important part of the equation, your
NHLP TEAM. Four NHLP GM's, all have serious chances still, all need
different outcomes from each NHL series for them to eventually be in the most
desirable position to win it all. All can, but none may. It is what
makes the NHLP perfectly perfect.
---
Swept Away
Four NHLP series may be altered with a Pittsburgh Sweep over Washington.
The lone game tonight is a big one, as teams will either need more or less games
from that series to help win their own. No other NHLP series may be so
heavily invested in a sweep then Vancouver (Joel) who are currently down 7-3
with three Penguins. For Joel to win in Vancouver it would appear he needs
his Pittsburgh players to extend this round or he simply will be gone. A
big favorite, about 5 points, the Canucks are a long ways back. Making
matters even worse is Hornqvist is a game time decision. Odds are he will
not play. Why? Well, even if he can go, why rush him back when up
2-0 when you want him healthy for the next two rounds. If you win again,
why rush him for game four. Our logic isn't what GM Joel wants to hear but
might be music to the ears of GM Tyson in St Louis who is hoping for a win here,
all series stay as they are, and Colorado (Chad) wins over Alaska (Marcel) who
would have no players next round. Tyson would go straight into the NHLP
championship where he would hope to bring Draisaitl and Bonino, depending how
all other series unfold. The Blues are trying to become the first team in
league history to win a third team Cup. GM Tyson was lacking confidence
heading into this series, finding it hard to see how the blues could beat
Vancouver and win it all. That is gone. Tyson is clearly thinking of
a championship now and with the current snapshot of the series, things aren't
looking to shabby.
---
More Bets...
NHL First Round Scoring
Shawn has Keith
Matt has Staal
Result: No Bet - Both had 1 Point
The Bolts are IN
Shawn says Tampa Bay makes NHL playoffs
Matt says Toronto makes NHL playoffs
GM Scott says - "I didn't bet these two, but I hope they both make it in
and Boston can penalty out 4 NHLP teams and lose in total 19 players off
playoff teams"
Result: Shawn owes Matt
Playoff Points - Must Lead or Tie Outright, or No Bet
Marcel - Crosby - Right there
Shawn - Kane
Matt - Kessel - Right there
Joel - Backstrom - Close
Chad - Burns
Andrew - Pavelski
Scott - Collectively the Nashville Roster - 50 points so far - clear
winner
ok, Scott - Forsberg - Likely Not
Result:
Conn Smythe - Win it or No Bet
Scott - Forsberg - Likely Not (Rinne)
Matt - Keith
Chad - Crosby - Maybe
Marcel - LMFAO - Price - LMFAOEFHN
Charlie - Kane
Andrew - Burns
Joel - Holby - No so far
Shawn - Toews
Result:
and...Side Dishes
I Ain't Fraid of no Ghost
(But Clowns scare me)
GM Scott takes over 55 while GM's Joel and Chad take 55 & under
Result: Scott owes Joel
---
Book of Matthew
Turning to page 45 & Over were GM's Marcel, Chad, Charlie and Andrew
while GM Scott stopped reading long ago.
Result: Scott owes Marcel, Chad, Charlie & Andrew
---
Century Club
GM's Jr, Shawn, Ryan and Charlie all are in belief a triple digit scorer
exists while GM Joel takes them all on and says Wayne's the Max.
Result: Joel owes Jr, Shawn, Ryan & Charlie
---
Stamped Out?
How the mighty have fallen, in GM Andrew's eyes. Setting the bar
at a low 59 & under while Charlie, Scott & Joel got 60+.
Result: Charlie, Scott & Joel owes Andrew
---
All GM's Predict Cup Winner
Charlie - Chicago
Marcel - Montreal
Shawn, Andrew - Tampa Bay
Jr, Tyson - Pittsburgh - Still Alive
Vinnie, Ryan - San Jose
Joel, Chad & Matt - Washington - Still Alive
Scott - THE PREDS!!! - Still alive
Result:
---
Win-in-peg
GM Scott says the Jets are flying into the playoffs while GM's Joel,
Chad, Jr, Tyson, Ryan and Andrew says even the new expansion team in
Vegas has a better shot this season. OUCH!
Result: Scott owes Joel, Chad, Jr, Tyson, Andrew & Ryan
---
Calder Kid?
Shawn gives it to Mathews while GM Scott clearly has everyone else
Result:
---
Get Out the Calculators
(Top Total Points Wins)
Andrew - Kane, Crosby & McDavid = 278 (Hit top three scorers in NHL)
Marcel - Crosby, Benn & McDavid
Chad - Kane, Kuznetsov & McDavid
Joel - Crosby, Tarasenko & McDavid
Jr - Crosby, Kane & Benn
Scott - Stamkos, Benn & Tarasenko
Result: Marcel, Chad, Joel, Jr & Scott owes Andrew
---
Red Light District
Win 3 Times or Lose 3 Times
Correction - Joel pointed out it should be like as follows, which I did
confirm is correct:
GM's Andrew & Joel say no chance of someone having 50 or more goals. Scott, Shawn and Jr
all say the lamp lights for someone 50 or more times.
Result: Scott, Shawn & Jr owe both Andrew & Joel
---
Guentzel Star of Playoffs So Far
There are so many different ways to build an NHLP Championship team. GM
Shawn walked into the NHLP Trading Deadline with Eichel and Eichel and a whole
lot of points. In the Deadlines first move of the day, they were dropped
for three current players, Steen, Pietrangelo and Guentzel, who was at
that point back in the Minors. "Everyone knew the kids chance was coming"
said Muddy Capone, "His point per 60 minutes were over the top and he was
chewing it up in the AHL and everywhere else, so a minutes increase and he would
stick for good." Shawn knew this when he added him and now suddenly his
playoff minutes are almost 19 a game, as many as Malkin and more then Kessel.
He has more goals then Malkin and Kessel put together, and three more than
Crosby this playoffs, and fits right in with his teammates who are one through
four in playoff scoring (Malkin, Kessel, Crosby and Guentzel). The kid had
33 points in 40 regular season games, likely putting him around what Kessel did
for third on the Pens had he been given the chance. His 1.43 PPG in the
playoffs, THE PLAYOFFS, makes it clear his AHL days are over. When you
know what you are looking at, you knew he was going to get some points.
Guentzel went the US College route. When look at stats he was like 46
points in 39 games and over a point a game each of his college years. What
you have to now realize is this is US college hockey. The TOP teams in the
league score 80 goals on the season. Guentzel was in on half his teams
goals over a three year period. That is insane for any league. Then
who in the AHL ever gets a point per game but the best of the best. Only
the very elite, just like in the NHL. He had 42 in 33 AHL games this
season. All those numbers means his time was coming. Now, just throw
in the fact that if he comes to the NHL he could be on a line with Crosby (or
maybe he drops way down and plays with Malkin) and you have one of the most
valuable low numbers in the NHLP, someone who should have never been in the
Minors to begin with, EVER. For Shawn he is in a real battle, up 11-9 but
with extended series in St Louis and the pick so far with Edmonton, and Guentzel,
this are looking OK. With just Malkin and Guentzel the Destroyers could
lose next round if they meet Pittsburgh (Chad) with his three Predators, so the
GM is not only in a battle this round against GM Joel, but the NHL series still
all need to go right for Halifax. If Shawn does go, he might just have
Guentzel to thank. Well, truly, he has himself to thank for seeing and
grabbing the young stud from a place he should not have been, and that is a move
a winning GM makes at the Trading Deadline that wins him an NHLP Championship.
---
Perry Must Get to Steppin'
GM Andrew is battling hard for Cup fucking 7. It just isn't Cup 7.
When you have that many Cups, they get the adjective ''fucking' put in front of
the number, "It is just good writing" stated Muddy Capone. Can you believe
that, Cup fucking 7!!! He has a shot. Right now Chicago, Cindy from
Windy, whatever you call them, GM Andrew don't care, as long as in the end they
are also referred to as the NHLP Champions. This isn't the route GM Andrew
ever takes to winning his Cups, likely making this run very special in many new
ways for the rings leader. After a stunning first round upset, and in
convincing fashion, the Blackhawks again get the underdog roll in round two.
Tied 2-2 with Miami (Charlie) this four on four series resembles the battle of
Little Bighorn. Andrew has the pick after it was Charlie's decision to
take the road game in the NHL series, but everyone knows you are never losing a
series until you lose your first round game, something that the Rangers have not
done yet. With the Hawks defense doing their job, GM Andrew must get more
from Perry who has nothing this round in two games. With the best Ducks
team remaining, Andrew can go and win the NHLP Championship with Ottawa and St
Louis, but the passage through Cleveland (Tyson) becomes easier with Perry,
meaning the Fury lose Lucic for that potential matchup. If the NHL
Penguins built teams lose elsewhere in the NHLP, Crosby could be the last big
Penguin to get by next round, opening the door for a very open NHLP Finals,
where Andrew can compete. This is a huge series. For GM Charlie his
Cup hopes are fading fast thanks to downers in Washington and at MSG.
Nothing is lost for either GM here just yet, but nothing is likely won if things
stay status quo.
---
8-67-5 in '74-75
"I'd rather find out my wife was cheating on me than to keep losing like this.
At least I could tell my wife to cut it out" Washington Capitals head coach Jim
Anderson was quoted as saying in 1975. Even as far as expansion teams go
the Washington Capitals first year was a bad one. The team lost 17
straight games, including 37 straight road games (39 out of 40) and finished
with half the points of their expansion partners the Kansas City Scouts.
The teams 8 wins are the fewest in league history for a 70+ game schedule as is
the .131 winning percentage. Although never winning a Stanley Cup the team
has been a dominate force over the past decade, but just cannot beat their arch
nemesis the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 7 all-time playoff matchups, the Pens
won 6 against the Caps, including in all four Cup years ('91, 92, 09 & 16).
The Capitals will try and regroup today or go back to Pittsburgh having to win 4
of 5 to win the series. NHLP GM's in each Division are sitting with
Capital built teams, all having two Caps each. GM Charlie has Shattenkirk
and Shattenkirk and is only down 2-0 in Miami while Carolina (Joel) tied 6-6 has
Backstrom and Johansson and Colorado (Chad) down 2-0 has Johansson and Williams.
If the Caps come back, these 6 players could yet all battle for what could
potentially be the most exciting final in NHLP history. Today could be the
day things finally turn in the Washington Capitals history, a single win to
build upon in their dreams of a first Lord Stanley's Cup. It could also go
a long ways in determining three GM's won't be winning this year with their
current teams in Miami, Carolina and Colorado.
---
Is Carlyle Costing Ducks?
McDavid played three straight shifts on different lines, going to the bench and
coming right back out, while the Ducks on the ice changed to allow Kesler on
each time. The Edmonton Oilers coaching staff must be laughing their asses
off. They are totally in control and to me it is quite funny to watch play
out. Is all this 'stop McDavid' emphasis by the Ducks really worth it?
Come on, he only had 4 first round points. Who do you think the guy is,
Malkin? Maybe the Ducks should just concentrate on playing the game,
putting the entire Edmonton team on the defensive instead of basing your entire
strategy on stopping one guy? McDavid is good, if good means as good of
player as any living active player in the world. But the Ducks are also
good. Play your game. It was good enough to finished ahead of
Edmonton all season. Why change now, suddenly, and focus everything on one
player? You are playing the Edmonton Oilers, not Connor McDavid.
Play THEM, not HIM! Play YOUR GAME, not
THEIRS! If they can somehow be forced on the road to concentrate less on
what Edmonton is doing, and more on what has to be done, they will likely come
home tied 2-2. A very wise coach once said, "I'd rather find out my wife
was cheating on me than to keep losing like this. At least I could tell my
wife to cut it out." CUT IT OUT!!!
---
Path Clear For GM Tyson
The window of opportunity opens and closes very quickly in the NHLP and what is
there today is gone tomorrow, or tonight if there is a game on the schedule.
Seizing that opportunity when it is there is most often the difference between a
winning team and the 35 other teams on any season. With two teams
remaining GM Tyson's teams both have an Oiler and a Penguin, two teams that are
now winning their first round series 1-0 after road wins. "Every room I
walk in has two windows" said Tyson, "One window has light coming through, the
other a brick wall behind it." Most rooms look like this for an NHLP team
this time of year while the odd room has two windows with light and the odd room
two brick walls. For the Cleveland Fury, up 4-0 after being out of the
playoffs just 100 hours ago until a Discount Double Check has them looking like
a potential NHLP Champion. With today's snap shot Crosby and Lucic would
move on to play Brassard from Chicago (Andrew) for the right to play in the NHLP
Finals. With the other Penguin built teams down 5-1 and 6-3 in their
series, Crosby would look like a three man team come the finals. If all
things stayed the same the Pittsburgh - Edmonton NHL Stanley Cup would look
great for Tyson with even a potential dream finals of Crosby - Lucic vs McDavid
and Bonino from Alaska (Marcel) who holds a slim 2-0 lead over Colorado (Chad).
Tyson can see the light through the windows he must take. He only needs to
avoid any brick walls that as of this moment, don't appear to be standing in his
way today.
---
Canucks Close Gap
The only NHLP series with two teams that have three NHLP Championships between
them, even if it has been a while, has tightened to complete game ones.
With Vancouver (Raymond) winning the first NHLP Championship in 1990 and St
Louis (Norman) winning Cups 4 and 5 in 1993 & 1994 the teams can now be said to
be in official droughts. Neither new GM has won a Cup with their current
teams but GM Tyson owns Cups 20 and 22 in '10 & '12. After Draisaitl put
the Blues up 4-0, game ones end 6-3 with both GM's likely ok with where they are
at all things considered. The winner here will compete next round or even
be a walk over if Colorado (Chad) comes back with his favored team and his lady
is wearing the same dress as she is now at the end of the round. If Chad
wins with nothing the either Vancouver or St Louis are straight through to the
Finals. Of course GM Marcel in Alaska with McDavid certainly believes he
will have a say in who will be in the NHLP Finals and Chad is saying that
Colorado is down today but we haven't heard the last of his CTR #1 rated team
who was picked from the 12 West Conference teams to represent the Conference in
the Finals. You have heard these words from us before, but how the West is
won, we here at the NHLP Yearbook still don't know, but we sure have enjoyed the
battles so far.
---
Update
Appears they took a point from Schultz and added the assist to Cole.
---
Subban Holds Grudge
Drafted by Philadelphia (Scott) with their first pick in this years draft,
Subban now a Pittsburgh Penguin (Chad) got a little revenge on Wednesday night,
adding three points in now a 5-1 Pens lead. GM Scott admitted he new Chad
would have one big night there, but said a second one will likely spell the end
of his Cup hopes in 2017. "I need Nashville to win in 4, with some 2-1
scores now" said Scott. For Chad he is now 5-0 from his Preds this
playoffs and is only 7 more wins away from what might be a second straight Cup.
Unlike NHL teams where 16 wins a Cup, the NHLP only needs a GM to get his
players to the finals, just 12 wins. With just 7 more wins to go, the way
the team is playing it looks like it could be a little as 7 more games.
This team is a lot like Chad's Toronto team a year ago, getting stronger as they
go. The series isn't over yet, but so far Chad is looking every bit the
feared team we knew they could be with a Preds run.
---
Love Hate Affair
GM Joel had mixed views on the night, but only one NHLP team wins the
championship anyhow. A heavy underdog in one series with Draisaitl and
just a heavy of favorite in another series against Draisaitl. With the
rounds biggest underdog at 8 points, Carolina, who's CTR predicted 21 points
would win any other series but the one he is in, took off in a big way with a
5-0 lead. For Halifax (Shawn) his three Blues got nothing and now it is
time to let Malkin go to work. Malkin is predicted to get as many as 9,
after an 11 in the first round, but that might be a little fallacious to expect
a 9 from any hockey player any series. If Malkin comes down to earth this
round this series could be much more even then the CTR has it pegged. Both
GM's are hoping for a lot with their teams in the chase for a first Cup.
For Joel in Vancouver, being down 4-0 without a player having played might not
seem as overwhelming. St Louis (Tyson) did fire a warning shot they aren't
going to be an easy round.
---
| First Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) | |||||
| Seed | Team | Score | Score | Team | Seed |
| Central Conference - North Division | |||||
| 4 | #22 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt) |
17 | 18* |
#12 -
Florida Panthers (Marcel)
Pick |
1* |
| 3 |
#13 - Cleveland Fury (Tyson) |
17 | 16* | #15 - Boston Bruins (Ryan)+1 |
2 |
| Central Conference - South Division | |||||
| 4 |
#23 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
19 | 15* |
#4 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn)+6 |
1*** |
| 3 |
#6 - Miami Surf (Charlie)+1 |
16 | 15* |
#20 - San Fran Titan (Scott) |
2 |
| East Conference - Atlantic Division | |||||
| 4 |
#24 - Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad)+1 |
17 | 16* |
#17 - NY Rangers (Charlie) |
1 |
| 3 | #3 - Memphis Machine (Jr) |
13 | 13* |
#5 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)
Pick |
2* |
| East Conference - East Division | |||||
| 4 | #18 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) |
11 | 24* | #8 - Carolina Hurricanes (Joel)+7 |
1** |
| 3 |
#10 - Halifax
Destroyers (Shawn)+1 |
28* | 13 |
#2 -
Hartford Whalers (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - Pacific Division | |||||
| 4 | #9 - Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) |
23 | 25* |
#19 -
Alaska Attack (Marcel)+2 |
1 |
| 3** | #1 - Colorado Avalanche (Chad)+1 |
24* | 17 |
#11 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
2 |
| West Conference - West Division | |||||
| 4 | #21 - Seattle Storm (Shawn) |
9 | 13* |
#14 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)+4 |
1 |
| 3 |
#16 - Vancouver Canucks (Joel) |
27 | 22* | #7 - Phoenix Coyotes
(Charlie)
Pick |
2* |
* - Predicted to win Division (Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official)
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites
2017 Playoffs Page
---
All Series Now Officially Verified by NHLP Yearbook
After double checking all series, we found one "point change". For the
second time in league history, the after series double-check, now forever know
as the "Discount Double-Check" (if that isn't too painful?) has changed and
reversed a series. The first time this had occurred was the Division
Finals in 2009 when the Atlanta Thrashers (Ryan) lost a point on the
double-check, then tying his series 15-15 with the Las Vegas Strip (Joel),
moving Joel into the Conference Finals. This was huge as Ryan would have
carried on 5 players and Joel moved on with one. Vegas would go onto the
NHLP Finals before losing to Dallas (Jr). This time around, it is Ryan
losing again with a 5 man team that would have rolled over Florida (Marcel) next
round, as will now Cleveland (Tyson) who is in with Crosby. "The mood
changed this morning" said Muddy Capone, "The events of last night were so
remarkable, so exciting, and now this. It is heart-breaking. We have
officially apologized to GM Ryan, but upon investigation of the events, it seems
it was a scoring change and not an NHLP Yearbook oversight." Things move
so fast in the round, we cannot double check every series, that has to be left
to the GM's. We did report Kessel with three points that night, Crosby
zero. At some later point, the toe-touch was noticed, likely the next day
and Crosby was given an assist, taking a point from Kessel in game four.
Of course this isn't just another point change, it comes on the heals of a
memorable night. In 1994 it was a 7th game overtime that GM Norm could
only win his series with GM Clark if Jeff Brown got a point on the overtime
winner. Any other combination meant Clark moved on. Brown got that
point (and I was in the room with Clark that night) and it was one of the most
crazy things ever to this day in the NHLP. Last night, slightly different
because the Leafs could have force a game 7 with a OT win, but if Washington
scored in OT, the only way Ryan could win (we assumed) was if Carlson was in on
the goal. It did happen that way and to be talking to both Ryan and Tyson
at the time it happened, their range of emotions last night, and then today,
brings me back to 1994. Of course Norm went on to actually win the Cup
that year showing the incredible importance of just one assist. In this
case, a simple toe touch by Crosby, barely seen after watch review after review,
changes history again in the NHLP. Although we know GM Ryan is not in the
mood today for laughter, in his honor, we will forever more have a new title for
the series ending point verifications - the DISCOUNT DOUBLE-CHECK.
---
Here is the account as the story broke on the NHLP site this morning.....
---
OMFG
For FUCK SAKES. Does anyone ever check their NHLP series? This is a
whopper. A huge ERROR. I have verified Florida and Cincinnati as to
be correct.
Why does Crosby have 7 points? If this is the case, the overtime goal last
night that knocked Tyson out, really did not.
More to come on this story and other "Errors"? No GM should feel safe
right now....
---
Corrections
Cleveland - Crosby +1
I went into NHL.com and reviewed the game
four Crosby assist. I am not sure if they added it or I missed it.
He deflects the shot off his toe. It isn't very clear but the shot does in
fact hit him in his foot.
---
Upon review Kessel passes it to Shultz who shoots, touches Crosby's toe and
Hornqvist scores. That night Kessel in fact had the point, for he had 3 in
game four. They obviously changed it the next day, for now he has 2.
We apologized to GM Ryan but at least we do not feel it was anyone's error.
It was an after the fact scoring change.
Phoenix - Kessel - Minus 1
----
All series now official verified as to be correct
---
Quarter Staff'd
GM Chad pulled out a shocker yesterday as his Pittsburgh Penguins won their NHLP
series 17-16 over a fully stocked team that now must just watch, the New York
Rangers (Charlie). Chad had four players suppose to play, but after the
lineups were announced, Krejci, Krejci and Spooner were all scratches, leaving
the team at one quarter the man power, only having Stafford play. Stafford
would have to outscore Niskanen for Chad to win and it didn't take Chad long to
get that point as Stafford buried what would be the series clinching goal.
For Chad his 2017 Pens mirror his 2016 Leafs, NHLP Champions in Toronto.
With Johansen, Forsberg and Subban the team will strengthen with distance and as
far as individual teams go, the three Preds can rival the three Blues or three
Pens found on other NHLP hopeful teams. It is sink or swim from here on
out with no team left if the Preds lose out, but Chad has been here and done
that. "It is going to be a fun series" Chad said of the Blues-Preds.
The GM is riding high and why would he not be with a chance to be the first GM
to repeat Championships in 23 years.
---
CTR Goes 9-3
The CTR was on their game in round one, going 10-2 last night, but ending
officially 9-3 for the round. The CTR had three series called as Pick'em
series and one ended that way, while the other two were a point and 5 point
differences. What the CTR did not see coming was the Chicago Blackhawks
(Andrew), a shocking upset winner in round one after being declared a 6 point
underdog. The CTR also had the Bruins to win, who lost on the Discount
Double-Check and also Phoenix (Charlie) who were to win a Pick'em series but in
the end last by 5 points. The CTR had predicted New Orleans (Shawn) to
beat Colorado (Chad) and Carolina (Joel) in the NHLP Finals. The
Wolverines are out, while both Carolina and Colorado are very much alive yet for
their Cup runs. If the CTR has a 6-0 second round the Conference Finals
would look like this:
Central Conference
Cleveland (Tyson) vs. Miami (Charlie)
East Conference
Pittsburgh (Chad) vs. Halifax (Shawn)
West Conference
Colorado (Chad) vs. Vancouver (Joel)
With one of those 5 GM's winning the Championship. Of course GM's Marcel,
Andrew, Scott and Tyson are all still alive but not favorites to win the second
round.
---
First Things First
Please check the NHLP Playoff page.
Make sure your second round team is correct. I have to re-type things out
each round of course so I don't want to forget a player or put the wrong player.
---
NHLP Second Round Tie-Breakers
GM's listed may pick from either series listed for their second round
tie-breaker. Tie-breakers played big in round one. Please get your
picks in so I can do the sheets and send them out to everyone. The playoff
page is updated.
Florida (Marcel)
Carolina (Joel)
Alaska (Marcel)
Picks either series:
Pittsburgh at Washington or
Edmonton at Anaheim
Miami (Charlie)
Philadelphia (Scott)
St Louis (Tyson)
Picks either series:
NY Rangers at Ottawa or
Nashville at St Louis
---
Playoff Tracking Updated
It gets interesting when you look at the NHL Cup combinations and see who is
still alive in Playoff Tracking. There are 9 Penguins still alive on teams
while only four players on each the Oilers, Blues, Preds and Sens.
---
CHECK YOUR OWN SERIES POINTS PLEASE!!!!It will be done by me later, but it is nice to know we are reporting the scores accurately as we go.
---
Divisions for 2017-18
First round winners stay
with the 5th place team and are joined by the two first round losers and
the 6th place team of other Division within Conference.
North Division
Florida (Marcel) - Stays in North
Cleveland (Tyson) - Stays in North
Toronto (Chad) - Stays in North
New Orleans (Shawn) - Moves to North
San Fran (Scott) - Moves to North
Buffalo (Joel) - Moves to North
South Division
Miami (Charlie) - Stays in South
Chicago (Andrew) - Stays in South
Las Vegas (Vinnie) - Stays in South
Boston (Ryan) - Moves to South
Cincinnati (Matt) - Moves to South
Dallas (Jr) - Moves to South
Atlantic Division
Philadelphia (Scott) - Stays in Atlantic
Pittsburgh (Chad) - Stays in Atlantic
Atlantic City (Vinnie) - Stays in Atlantic
Hartford (Andrew) - Moves to Atlantic
Hamilton (Tyson) - Moves to Atlantic
NY Islanders (Ryan) - Moves to Atlantic
East Division
Carolina (Joel) - Stays in East
Halifax (Shawn) - Stays in East
Quebec (Matt) - Stays in East
NY Rangers (Charlie) - Moves to East
Memphis (Jr) - Moves to East
Montreal (Marcel) - Moves to East
Pacific Division
Alaska (Marcel) - Stays in Pacific
Colorado (Chad) - Stays in Pacific
Edmonton (Scott) - Stays in Pacific
Phoenix (Charlie) - Moves to Pacific
Seattle (Shawn) - Moves to Pacific
Calgary (Jr.) - Moves to Pacific
West Division
St Louis (Tyson) - Stays in West
Vancouver (Joel) - Stays in West
Green Bay (Ryan) - Stays in West
Los Angeles (Andrew) - Moves to West
Portland (Vinnie) - Moves to West
---
Winner Walks - Bruins Need Two
With the Florida Panthers (Marcel) advancing with only Rakell, the North
Divisions 2-3 seed winner will represent the Division in the NHLP Conference
Finals. The Crosby led Cleveland Fury (Tyson) has the best opportunity, a
two point lead with Backes who has scored four points this round to hold off a
respectable duo from Boston (Ryan). The Bruins must gain at least two
points and start the day with the Karlsson - Backes match up head to head.
Karlsson has a 5-4, ever so slim point advantage, but Ryan also has Carlson to
go in the late game where although Carlson only has a point this series, if it
comes down to needing a single point that game to win the series, GM Tyson would
be under pressure. Either series extending to a game 7 would help Ryan at
this point. The winner here can easily be in the NHLP Finals so today is a
huge day.
Boston needs Karlsson and Carlson to outscore Backes by 2 points.
---
Larry, Kuraly & Moe
The New York Rangers (Charlie) look like they will have a 6 man team that will
cruise into the NHLP East Conference Finals but GM Chad is hoping to yet do the
same, with a 7 man team. This series has been a battle the entire way and
today the early game should be interesting to say the least. Will Krejci
play? He has been battling an injury and did not complete game 5. If
he doesn't play, it might be a good thing for Spooner who was a game 5 scratch.
The Sens inserted Kuraly who scored two goals, so he isn't coming out in game 6.
This NHLP series is 16-16 with Chad bringing Krejci, Krecji, Spooner and
Stafford who have a combined 3 points in 18 player games. Chad must have a
single point gain on Niskanen who is Charlie's late game response if Chad
scores. Niskanen has just a point in 5 games, so if Chad can get one, the
odds are he will go on. Charlie may need an extended Washington - Toronto
series if Chad scores to help Niskanen in his response. Of course, if Chad
does not get a point, he can still hope the Bruins go to game 7, where Chad is
still hoping he can have not just his powerful 3 Preds, but a full 7 player
second round team.
Pittsburgh needs Krejci, Krejci, Spooner and Stafford to outscore Niskanen by a
point
---
McDavid Empty Netter With 0.3 the Difference
How he even did it is still a shocker 12 hours later. McDavid was down and
out, gets up at his blue line and back hands a shot 120 feet into an empty net
with just 3 tenths of a second to play. For the Alaska Attack (Marcel)
that gives him a 23-22 series lead with the tie-breaker currently in his favor,
but not decided, in Washington. The Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) can compete
to win next round versus Colorado (Chad) who appear to strong not to win this
round, but Matt must now have a miracle finish. Matt only has Williams and
he must outscore Brassard by one if the Leafs come back and knock out the Caps
or two if they don't. Both remaining players can yet get a game 7 which
could play big in deciding who wins the series.
Indianapolis must have Williams outscore Brassard by a point if the Leafs win
the series or two if Washington wins.
---
Do You Believe in Miracles
GM Scott said it was painful watching a miracle back hand from Stepan go 180
feet into an empty net but his own shot by Nugent-Hopkins got kick saved by a
d-man. "I have learned to shake everything off, and quick" said the 5 time
NHLP Champion. "I think we can win this, today, and go on and win the NHLP
Championship" the GM said of what would be nothing shy of a miracle for that to
happen at this point. The Miami Surf (Miami) have a 16-14 lead and Boston
as the tie-breaker with Shattenkirk, Shattenkirk and Vatrano playing one or two
more games each. Miami can be favorites next round in an expected fierce
battle with Cindy from Windy, the NHLP season's Cinderella team from Chicago
(Andrew) who are looking as strong now as ever. Who do the Titan have left
to pull off this miracle? Turris. The Titan leading scorer has 1
point in 5 games, but Scott believes he can win. "All Turris needs is a
point today, just one in a Bruins win, or I will take two with an Ottawa win, it
isn't out of the realm of possibilities to occur" explained the never-say-die GM
who of course needs Vatrano not getting a point then Washington winning tonight
without Shattenkirk getting a point. Would it be the biggest comeback in
the GM's 27 years? "No, not at all" said Scott, "That is why I am so
certain it will happen, it isn't a miracle, it is a good night."
San Fran needs Turris to outscore Shattenkirk, Shattenkirk, Vatrano by two
points and have Ottawa win the series.
---
Elimination Games Everywhere
With all NHL series facing elimination games, every NHLP series could be a game
away from ending for every single player. This is where things can really
change. "We can see who can be very strong next round, and who needs a
little help if they advance" said Muddy Capone, "But things can change so
quickly with a single win, we have a tied series and game seven." If San
Jose, Montreal, Boston or Toronto win next game, they all force an even series
and a one game take all. This means a GM can go from having a player(s)
and his opponent not having them, to an even series, to an opponent with players
and you not, totally changing your next round. "Many NHLP series we see
this very thing" stated Capone. The one series not in this win and game 7
is the St Louis and Minnesota series where Minny must win today at home before
they get their shot. With all other NHL series with maximum two games
left, the Blues - wild series could play a big part in NHLP outcomes with a
potential three games left if this is a series that ends up going the distance.
We have already seen Boston push their series on, keeping alive several NHLP
teams. What series and how many will go to game 7? We always seem to
get about two or three and this year should be no different.
---
Wild Win Needed?
GM Charlie has been in three NHLP battles that he said at the start of the
playoffs, he could win them all, but knew they could all go either way.
Well he still can, and they all can go either way. What makes things more
tense is the GM has good second round teams as well. Charlie's three teams
have a CTR prediction of 19-19-15, all good enough to win their second rounds.
The issue is the GM is losing all three of his series, by a combined 5 points.
The GM has some huge games today if he has hopes to see his Cup dreams stay
alive and none as big as the Blues-Wild and Sharks - Oiler series. For
Chuck's Rangers his is down just 2 points to take over the series with
Pittsburgh (Chad). Whatever Charlie does today, Chad now gets to answer
after his four Bruins won in OT to extend Chad's potential point total beyond
16. If Schwartz and Perron don't get the two points and the Blues win,
Charlie would be left with Niskanen to then outscore Chad's four Bruins by one
or two points depending on today's scoring. Niskanen has one point in 5
games, so relying on him surely means GM Chad win win this series. A wild
win, not only helps the Rangers but also will help Charlie's Miami Surf where he
is 14-14 with the San Fran Titan (Scott). The Surf have Parise and Suter
versus just Pominville, a 5-1 point advantage in the series first four games.
Getting an extra game from this NHL series, likely helps Charlie win both these
NHLP series, again, where he is favorites next round. Finally, the last
game of the night seems almost an impossible feat at this point for GM Charlie.
In Phoenix, down 25-22 with the Edmonton tie-breaker, GM charlie would need
Burns, Eberle and Hertl to outscore Pavelski and Ward, a combination Charlie is
on the wrong side of 8-6 so far. The biggest issue is Hertl's scoring,
while needed here to win, is a double edged sword because his points help defeat
Charlie's Surf as he is a member of the Titan roster as well. The NHLP Cup
chase can be cruel. Charlie has had a great first round and deserves to be
rewarded. The flip side are GM's Joel, Scott and Chad who all think their
second round teams can eventually win them this years Cup as well. It
isn't going to end will for them all, but a Blues win today, likely won't end
well for Charlie.
---
Cleveland Retakes Series Lead
With Crosby cheering on his teammates, GM Tyson was able to squeeze out a
perfect night, to now lead 15-14 over Boston (Ryan) in their North Division
battle. Backes scored two points and Boston's NHL win gives him another
opportunity to do it again. Of course Ryan has Karlsson who was held off
the score sheet for the first time in the playoffs. For Cleveland to win
this series from this point, Lucic, Marleau and Backes must play even with
Karlsson, Hanzal and Carlson. All GM Ryan has to do is gain a point, so
would be happy with the Wild winning today and a low scoring Oilers series
ending win could set Ryan up to knock out team Crosby. Both these GM's
would be favorites next round against either Cincinnati (Matt) or Florida
(Marcel) who are in a serious 16-16 battle that can yet go either way.
That series has all remaining 7 players playing elimination games today where
all Marcel has to do is play even with his 4 players as Florida has the
tie-breaker.
---
Carolina Looking for Wild Comeback
GM Shawn would not be the first GM in NHLP history to have the carpet pulled out
from under his feet. In fact, it would not even be the first time it
happened to GM Shawn. A GM who has been as close as any non winner has had
the highs one day and the lows the next, seemingly always just a win away from
being cup favorites, or has been the case with Shawn, cup winners. For
Shawn's Halifax Destroyers the round has been a perfect first round, as good as
the GM could ask for without seeming a tad greedy. Although the Destroyers
have a CTR projected 31 next round, it won't be easy as GM Joel's Carolina
Hurricanes are looking to be around the 23 mark. Of course where things
totally change is if the Wild don't day today, or the next two games after that.
The Destroyers have a lot to play for this round, and the Hurricanes a lot to
cheer for, for it that was to happen, these Destroying Destroyers would be heavy
underdogs in round two, about 23-18 point underdogs. Can the Wild win
three straight games? Two of the next three games would be at home and we
have seen four game comebacks, so three seems more probable. The Wild and
Blues series seems to play big everywhere, but for these GM's with as big of Cup
homes as they have at this moment, it seems like today is already game 7 in that
series.
---
North Division
Bruins - Crosby Killers
It appears GM Ryan has weathered the storm, up 14-13 with the pick with little
left to play. Ryan's Bruins have the best second round team, moving on
about 14 or more. Cleveland (Tyson) who have moved on Crosby have just
potentially three player games remaining, Lucic, Marleau and Backes in what
might be a good enough team to win next round, but need to find a way to gain
two points on Karlsson, Hanzal and two more games from Carlson. The Bruins
were a one point favorite and with home ice they hit the
crucial tie-breaker. For the winner here the Florida Panthers (Marcel) are
looking like a punching bag next round, only bringing through Rakell with four
others facing elimination. Florida is tied 16-16 in the CTR predicted
pick'em series and with Washington at home and the series tied, it appears
Marcel should have the tie-breaking pick. With Radulov outscoring all
three remaining Rage players himself, again it favors the Panthers. The
Panthers have 4 man games left in the round if Minny or Montreal don't extend
their series. For GM Matt in Cincinnati he can compete with either Boston
or Cleveland, but only has the three man games from Steen, Pietrangelo and
Maroon. For Matt a big St Louis win tonight would throw this series back
in his favor, but he can't hope for an extended series as that would mean Staal
and Koivu likely outscore Steen and Pietrangelo in a Wild win. The entire
North Division is separated by a single point in the two series with truly
nothing officially decided with but a few player games to play.
---
South Division
Miami's to Lose?
It appears the CTR Championship curse struck early this season. Picking
the winner of it all as the New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) was not only wrong,
they may not even win one round. Even if the Wolverines can win, which
means just gain a single point on Chicago (Andrew), currently Shawn would be a
Walk-Over with no players next round, a shocking result of a team with Hawks,
Sharks, Wild and Habs. For GM Andrew's Blackhawks winning this series
still means hope of a higher level. The team was written off long before
they made the playoffs and have a second round team good enough to win the
Division. Andrew must have Backes, Brassard and Bergland match what Shawn
gets from Couture, Parise, Gallagher and Stafford to complete the upset.
The San Fran Titan (Scott) had a big night that was also a tough one, losing
Arvidsson's man games four straight, the Titan 14-12 with the Ottawa
tie-breaker, but are out man gamed by a Miami Surf (Charlie) team who with
Washington coming back in their series should allow Shattenkirk and Shattenkirk,
in two games to not only overcome the deficit but give the Surf the best second
round team in the Division. The Surf have at least 9 player games
remaining to only 4 for the Titan. If GM Scott can hold off Charlie, with
Arvidsson and Arvidsson joining what else is winning, the titan would bring the
best team to the Division finals. The Entire South Division is separated
by just 3 points.
---
Atlantic Division
Pittsburgh Only Bruins Remaining
GM Chad is winning his Pittsburgh - Rangers (Charlie) series 16-14 but Charlie
has the pick. Both GM's have 4 player games left without extensions.
For the Penguins Chad has his four Bruins tonight, Krejci, Krecji, Spooner and
Stafford who must lose no more than a single point to Schwartz, Perron and two
more games from Niskanen to hold off Charlie. So far in this match
Charlie's three are up 5-3, but the player games could be just 4-4 without any
extensions. Both GM's can ice good teams next round with the Rangers
having a great opportunity if they can win. In the other series GM Jr can
only play a first round spoiler barring a Wild comeback in round one. Jr's
are down 12-11 with the Flyer (Scott) having the Oilers as a tie-breaker.
For Philadelphia their second round team could not beat Charlie and would be
underdogs against Pittsburgh. For both Scott and Jr, a Wild comeback could
change everything and if that happens the four Wild players the GM's have are
2-2 in points, meaning this series would be a nail biter through that game 7.
Chad could be a heavy favorite himself if the Bruins stormed back and gave him a
full 7 next round, but outside of that he just might hope they can have at least
one big game left tonight and keep his three Predator players in the NHLP
playoffs. The Atlantic Division series are separated by only 3 points.
---
East Division
The Strong Get Stronger
No NHLP team has been as dominate in the first round as the Halifax Destroyers
(Shawn) who not only have scored 24 points but have all 7 players advancing two
round two so far. It never occurs where a team's CTR gets higher in round
two, but with Malkin's 11 points in round one, it appears he is to hot to not
reflect a potential increase over round one's CTR predicted 7 points.
Outside of a Collapse by the St Louis Blues, the Destroyers will have at least 5
healthy players next round. If the Washington Capitals move on GM Joel who
was given a tougher then expected series in round one could still bring over 20
points to round two. The two GM's are heading to meet next round, we know
this much but things heavily favor Halifax who are the class of the NHLP in
round one.
---
Pacific Division
Avs - Kings Battle Rages On
The Pacific Division can go many different ways with all four GM's, with just a
handful of player games to play, still clinging to hope of being the best team
next round. Well, maybe they are first hoping to win this round. In
a huge battle Colorado (Chad) is up 16-15 over Los Angeles (Andrew) in a series
with Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, Johansson and Williams all with at least two player
games left. Chad has the Blues as a tie-breaker, so GM Andrew is likely
going to have to gain 2 points here. Chad has an 8-7 player game
advantage. If the Capitals get through round one and suddenly become the
team we thought they were, beating Pittsburgh next round, suddenly GM Chad or
Andrew could be unstoppable. With teams next round potentially as good
Alaska (Marcel) is up 21-18 with the Washington tie-breaker. Indianapolis
(Matt) who can field his own competitive team next round must hope Williams has
a big finish. This is a lot of points with just potentially 5 player games
left. The Pacific Division is separated by just 4 points.
West Division
Door Ajar - Coyotes See Light
GM Charlie's 22 first round points would be enough to be leading in 10 other
NHLP series, but not this one. The Vancouver Canucks (Joel) are up 25-22
in the predicted pick'em series where with the overtime win last night, GM
Charlie has the tie-breaker with Edmonton. To win the series Charlie would
need to gain three points with Burns, Eberle, Hertl and two games from Carlson,
against Pavelski, Ryan and Ward and have the Oilers win as the tie-breaker.
The GM to win this series is heavily favored to win the Division. Seattle
(Shawn) is up 9-8 and has a solid 6-4 player game advantage but is without the
pick against St Louis (Tyson) who's potential 12 points next round could be
competitive if he can advance. Bot GM's Charlie and Joel need this series.
They both have awesome teams, as good of Penguin teams as exist and could
matchup against Halifax's Duo of Malkin - Guentzal if it came to that. The
West Division is separated by just 4 points.
---
Advancements In Technology
The NHLP Yearbook has a new column added to the playoff page that is
only a trial run for now. "We will see if it serves any purpose"
said Muddy Capone. The NHLP Yearbook is constantly counting those
numbers to see the strength of teams next round, to make projections,
and that is what this column's purpose is. We call it "Advancing"
or look at it as "The points a team is currently advancing to the next
round." How we are calculating it right now is taking the numbers
that exist within the column, either a zero if that player has been
eliminated, or a number, a rough CTR prediction of what that player
should get next round (which can differ from this round if he is hot or
cold), then adding it to the other players that are currently in green,
or winning their series. Only players who are officially moving on
get an actual number. So by quickly adding the numbers under
Advancing, you will get the points the team is already advancing, but
the bottom number may be higher, for it is adding in the other players
in Green, but of course, they could still lose out their series for it
isn't over. Finally, when using the number, and again this is a
work in progress to help us write articles and such, but it does not
take anything of players who are in Black, meaning tied series. If
you look at Cleveland (Tyson) as an example, you can see his "Black"
players are Lucic and Marleau, who are playing each other head to head,
so the Fury will get one of those players points next round. The reason we
don't factor it in yet, is he could have three Sharks and one Oiler making a big
difference on what his next round number could be. If we try it and like it, we
will keep it. If we find it doesn't help what we do, we will lose it down the
road.
---
Bruins Lead But Ducks Sweep Hurts
GM Ryan's Bruins are hanging on to a slim 12-11 lead with the
tie-breaker seemingly in the bag (Pens). The Bruins advanced
Kesler and Eaves, but in such a tight series the 7-2 CTR point advantage
over Cogliano, which was actual 4-0 could hurt the Bruins if they fall
behind. While GM Tyson is happy to have Crosby going tonight,
Crosby, Hossa and Seabrook face elimination tonight, meaning Ryan could
lose Anisimov and Josi. Crosby's 5 points is enough to outscore
the other four combined who have a single point between them. Both
these teams should fair well next round with Ryan looking like the clear
class of the North Division. The fury have an 11-8 remaining
player game advantage, but all should be lost if Crosby ends his first
round tonight. The more games from Crosby right now will help
Tyson who could be at 11 or 12 points next round, looking like enough to
win the Division. For Ryan this is his only hope of a Cup this
year so tonight is another big night if that is to eventually fall into
place.
---
Cindy Blows Sneaker
The NHLP's Cinderella story in 2017 had a rough night, losing three of the
teams six players. For GM Andrew's Chicago Blackhawks, a 6 point
underdog, the loss means New Orleans (Shawn) now has a 9 to 3 player
game advantage, even though down 14-10 in the series. The good
thing for Andrew is Cinderella is suppose to lose a sneaker. That
is how the story goes. So the bright side is if the NHL Hawks go
down quietly tonight without a fight, Kane, Toews and Seabrook would
then give Cinderella hope someone might be looking for the owner of the
sneaker. For Shawn, he now officially has the Tie-breaker, picking
the Anaheim series correctly, meaning he only needs a four point gain.
This series is not lost on GM's Scott and Charlie, in their own battle
to play the winner. With Ottawa's win, the tie-breaker is now in
San Fran's hands, down 11-9 with Arvidsson and Arvidsson, yet to player
games 4, but the Titan are down 12-11 in man games, with Arvidsson's two
tonight. While Andrew is looking a threat next round, without a NHL Hawks
comeback, GM Shawn will likely be a dream second round matchup for Charlie or
Scott. Cindy needs the Hawks gone tonight or the NHLP Yearbook is going to have
to resort to trashing the team again.
---
Pens Now Need Extension
For GM Charlie's NY Rangers it was a bad night. The Rangers are
leading 14-13 and have the tie-breaker in the bag now with the Ducks
advancing, but for GM Charlie he lost 3 of his 7 players. GM Chad
could face that same dilemma tonight if Johansen, Forsberg and Subban
complete the wicked first round sweep of the Western Conference's top
team Chicago. There is all kinds of reason to believe the
Blackhawks can actually come back four straight games. A win
tonight would give the Hawks two of the last three games at home.
For many GM's they need this series going on, even those GM's like Chad
with Preds who still need points to win. Chad losing the Preds
scoring could spell disaster for him as the Bruins, his last four
players, could be out next game as well. This series is huge for
Chad as the Predators team he would have would be like his Sharks last
year, but this could be even bigger for Charlie's Rangers. With
three Ducks, Blues and a Cap, GM Charlie would have a lot more options,
second round scoring and more realistic chance of going all the way.
Charlie has to be cheering hard for a low scoring Preds win, for extra
games means extra points and that isn't something that sits well for Charlie's
Cup hopes.
---
11 of 12 Series Within 2 Points
We said it was going to be tight, but we had no idea things were going to be
this tight. At the half-way point of the possible player games for a
round, 11 of the 12 NHLP series are within 2 points of each other, with two
series tied in points. "Things didn't change as expected last night" said
Muddy Capone, referring to the ending of NHL series. The Blue Jackets
survived to play again, huge for many NHLP teams. Two series also evened
up at 2 games each, meaning at least two more games from the Rangers-Habs and
Sharks-Oilers. Player games always matter, but will matter even more in
these tight series as series go to 6 and 7 games where a single point will
determine NHLP winning and losing. Tonight both Minnesota and Calgary will
try and do what Columbus did last night, win a stay of execution. For NHLP
teams with Wild-Blues, Ducks-Flames you are likely wanting the extra player
games, but if you are against these players, would be happy to see the series
end. While NHL teams do come back from 3-0 down, it is very rare, but when
it happens it makes the difference in NHLP Champions as most recently happened
to San Fran (Scott) and Cleveland (Tyson) who's fortunes changed do to 4 game
comebacks. For some GM's, they will be hoping for a one game come back at
this point, or risk losing their series lead and chances of winning a NHLP Cup.
---
Outscoring Three Series and Losing
Every year some GM will shake his head at what could have been. Their team
did everything right, scored, moved players on, had the right next round
matchup, and was looking like they could go to the Cup, but yet, they are out in
the first round. We don't have an official name for these teams, but we
need to find one. For GM Charlie, his Phoenix Coyotes have scored 19
points, more points then three other NHLP series have scored combined in each
series. It isn't enough and Phoenix is losing 20-19. Last night
everything that Burns shot to the net was deflected by Pavelski who now has more
tip-in goals over the past year than any other NHL player. Surprisingly it
was Burns first three points of the series. Both teams have two Sharks,
but Charlie should win the long-distance series when he adds in Eberle. So
far Joel's Pavelski - Ward have 7, outscoring Burns-Eberle-Hertl by a point, the
single point difference in the series. This matchup was expected to favor
Charlie 12-7 in a pick'em series. For Charlie he has gained his lost
points back in the Pittsburgh series where he was expected to be a 13-10
underdog, but is up 12-6 and had Kessel - Guentzel combine for 8 points the past
two games. The winner here will be favorites next round. Maybe Cup
favorites if the Sharks also win the round or the Pens just go to the Finals.
But yet, we know already, right or wrong, one of these teams is out in round
one. One is gone. Cup dreams gone. Seems harsh, but it is
reality. The winning team wins 4 rounds in a row, 'not should of or could
of'. They Do! We know what these teams can do after round one.
For these GM's it could truly be their lost opportunity for a first NHLP
Championship.
---
Ranger Danger
GM Charlie's New York Rangers are looking like the class of the Atlantic
Division but there are some issues. Currently Charlie is winning on the
tie-breaker, 13-13 with GM Chad in Pittsburgh who has his own realistic Cup
aspirations at this point. The winner of this series could be heavily
favorites to win the Division, but the series is coming to a crucial phase.
Charlie is up first. Tonight he will hope not to lose Getzlaf, Silfverberg
and Folwer with a Ducks win and Schwartz and Perron with a Blues win.
Losing those 5 players will leave the door so wide-open you might as well just
remove the hinges. GM Chad will be hoping his four Bruins tie their NHL
series, adding two more player games each. By tomorrow night, this series
could be over, before Chad himself would have to decide to cheer against
Forsberg, Johansen and Subban, his Preds trio who he hopes will yet win him this
years NHLP Championship. "Too many times NHLP GM's wished for their team
to lose a game, just to extend a series, and suddenly, their team is out" said
Muddy Capone, "No person that knows hockey would think it would be safe to hand
a free win to Chicago and go back to Chicago for the next game." Ya,
Chicago could come back and win four straight. For the Rangers, not
extending a series tonight likely means the Preds-Hawks NHL series means nothing
more here anyways.
---
LEAFS - CAPS
Torn
Today is all about GM Charlie, and why shouldn't it be? The GM is one
down, tied and one up in his three first round series. His Miami Surf are
up 9-8, but San Fran (Scott) were down 9-3, scoring the last 5 points in the
series. The Surf have been let down by Shattenkirk and Shattenkirk, mostly
just missing the net on glorious opportunities. They do have two more
games, and maybe 4 as that series, a little shockingly, seems to be heading the
distance. That will still win it for Charlie if that occurs unless GM
Scott can somehow find his own long series. With the Predators duo of
Arvidsson and Arvidsson providing half the teams scoring, them going out next
game should seal Charlie's victory. For GM Scott he is hoping the same
fait beholds the Wild tonight, where Charlie has half his team's scoring from
Parise and Suter, outscoring Scott 5-0 in that series. Both these teams
might be at the mercy of one of the most powerful NHLP teams of this playoffs,
the Mighty Cindy from Windy team of GM Andrew's who has defied logic and is up
12-10 with more green in the series than Bill Gates. For the Surf, a Caps
comeback and Rangers win in their NHL series gives the Surf about 15 points next
round and maybe the best Capitals team left, depending on the outcomes of the
other close series. In his heart Charlie is going "Leafs, Leafs, Leafs",
but his best chance at winning his own glorious trophy truly is "Caps, Caps,
Caps."
---
Favorites Up in 10 of 12 Battles
You might think things are all over the place, but the NHLP Yearbook currently
has predicted 10 of 12 NHLP first round series correct, after completed games
number threes. "Things are so close, as close as ever" said Muddy Capone.
What the CTR has wrong is the Pittsburgh (Chad) and NY Rangers (Charlie) series,
where Chad is favored by a point, but is tied 13-13 and the Rangers are sitting
with the tie-breaker. That series is far from over and Chad's Pens do have
three extra player games. What the CTR did not see coming is "Cindy, from
Windy", the Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) who's the Cinderella story of the
playoffs. Entering the playoffs, limping in with 6 players and without
their top scorer, things seemed bleak. The NHLP Yearbook trashed the Hawks
every chance we got. The lowest scoring CTR predicted first round team,
they are set to become the first team to pass their predicted mark, 17 in this
case. If GM Andrew wins, Cindy from Windy would get "Lady in Red" from
Miami (Charlie) who is winning, without one of only two NHLP teams currently
without a single player in round two. Ironically enough the other is GM
Andrew's "Good team" in Los Angeles, who are all red. There are rumors (If
it is confirmed is it still a rumor?) that say Andrew has given up in L.A.,
officially throwing his support behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. No not
Chad's team, they are golfing in Bermuda. The real team that hasn't won an
NHL Stanley Cup in the lifetimes of 11 NHLP GM's (we think 11, you know
18,267 days
ago). The Hawks aren't just looking like, first, second round
winners, but an unstoppable force on a Ducks run to the Cup. They aren't
just winning in round one, but are beating the team the CTR predicted would win
it all. We haven't done the research yet, but we will, to find the last
team to overcome a CTR predicted 6 point underdog to win. It don't happen
often. GM Andrew got pissed and is making us eat our words. Sorry
Cindy, we LOVE WINDY!
---
Ryan Puts Canucks in Charge
No, not everything is about you GM Ryan (but it might be this year). This
article is about the Vancouver Canucks (Joel) and the "Real Silver" who's two
point night has helped the Nucks take a 13-11 lead over Phoenix (Charlie).
For Charlie, the turn of events with yesterday's scoring change has dropped the
team quicker than Nunes destroyed Rousey. Now with the Pens also dropping
the Blue Jackets as quick, Charlie could be down and out after tonight if he
cannot find a way to come back in a very big way. For GM Joel he will
gladly take the knockout of Columbus, which should open the way for Vancouver
walk right through the West Division and into the West Conference Championship.
"No team may challenge GM Joel after the first round if the Pens go all the way"
said Muddy Capone, "With Letang gone from Halifax, Vancouver should be ok all
the way". The round might only be half over, but for some teams the
knockout punch is about to be thrown.
---
Kessel Robbed of Point in NHLP Controversy
The assist that was, is, but isn't. At the 0:55 second mark of this video,
the camera flips to the overhead view which is clear as ever what happened, but
is it right? "You have to really dig deep into the NHL rule book for the
answer to this one" said Muddy Capone. The end result, the Phoenix
Coyotes, with no NHL inside contact to help them out, are stuck with the
decision, losing a crucial point in what could amount to the first round series
with GM Joel in Vancouver. For now Phoenix is still up by one point,
11-10. The goal went from Rust from Malkin and Kessel, to Malkin
unassisted, instead of Malkin from Kessel and whoever gave it to Kessel.
As far as the rule, the rule book interpretation in the case book is needed,
otherwise you would give the goal to Rust. Rust does not touch the puck,
but according to rule (Page
113 if interested) 78.2 - A “goal” shall be credited in the scoring
records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponent’s goal.
Did not Rust propel the puck? That is where the casebook, which gives
examples of all the rules, fails GM Charlie. As for Kessel's assist, 78.3
says - Crediting Assists - When a player scores a goal, an “assist” shall be
credited to the player or players (maximum two) who touch the puck prior to the
goal scorer provided no defender plays or has control of the puck subsequently.
Now, Kessel passes the puck directly to Malkin and it is never touched by
anyone, so he should receive an assist. However, in the case book it says
if a Defending player shoots a puck into his own net, the last attacking player
to touch the puck is awarded the goal, unassisted. So the official scorer
in this case, determined that the Columbus Blue Jacket scored on his own net,
instead of saying the puck deflected off him, which would have been with
Kessel's assist. Likely another arena in the league, definitely in
Pittsburgh, leaves Kessel's assist, but Columbus HATES Pittsburgh and the
Official Scorer won't be changing his ruling any time soon.
---
Total Domination & Destruction
The Halifax Destroyers, GM Shawn came to play, now up 18-4. Where have we
ever seen this type of dominance? "Jr and I use to love playing
Civilization II and when the advancements of the Internet allowed us to compete
from home against one another in live action play, the mother of all battles was
on" said GM Scott. "Things were intense" Scott says recalling the glorious
battle, "He knew how good of player I was and it was time for me to school him,
show him first hand. I wanted to dig in, built up my military and let him
come to me. I knew he would. I knew my wiping him out on my home
turf would be beneficial before I advanced and mercifully wiped him out city by
city. I am dug in, defensive weaponry advancements like my country had
never seen. Then he came. Looked like Battleships, they were big.
Steel. Interesting. Maybe they were Destroyers or Cruisers, didn't matter
to me if he might own the water at this point, this fight was inland. A
Transport, not the 18 wheeler kind but more of for Transporting military, that
was different. Off rolls his units and the battle, finally was about to go
down. Tank after Tank, Howitzer's and Marines. Three Transport
dumps. Bottom line, is my people were happy. I wasn't quite as
weaponized, but the taxes were fair and the people were very happy. When
Jr rolled up, I at first wanted to work things out, so I call my units to stand
down. I could have went hard at him on the offensive first. I
didn't. My Archers, Calvary, Legion, Pikemen and Musketeers, never fired a
single shot. I really wanted a strategic alliance. That is
what my Diplomat had asked for. Jr didn't. Seriously, Jr had Tanks.
Fucker. Wasted my fucking time playing for five hours. Wasn't right.
We didn't play after that. Fuck that shit. I still don't know if
they were Battleships or not." We think that is likely the kind of mood
the Hartford Whalers are in today. Not quite as weaponized.
---
Rangers Green With Envy
GM Charlie's quest for an NHLP Championship has been a very long and winding
road, but one the GM once said 'Was only an uphill climb". We never really
knew the meaning of that until you understand that you can't reach the top if
you stop and go back down the hill. "The one place I never wanted to live
was in the past" said Charlie, "But yet it was the work of the past, say someone
planting a tree, that gave the person sitting under it today, the shade they
enjoy from it." Charlie has been laying the ground work, working hard,
learning as he went, ever, sometimes painfully sluggish, but yet unwavering,
continuously moving upward on the hill. While time after time we have saw
his efforts fall short, Charlie doesn't see things that way at all. "As
long as we don't stop and go back down the hill, you can't say our efforts
failed, but only we haven't yet reached the top" explained the GM, "So we are
getting closer, not farther away." Charlie is getting closer. His
Rangers are up 12-9 over the Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad) who may be without
Krejci and Krejci for game three. With the two versus three seed in the
Atlantic Division looking like Flanders Field the winner of Charlie-Chad will
likely walk straight out of the Division. Charlie looks strong bringing
maybe 6 players and 17 points to the Division Finals. For 17 seasons the
GM has climbed, relentlessly climbed. Maybe, just maybe, 2017 is the year
the GM finally, and we say deservingly, gets to see the view from the very peak!
---
Time to Re-Think Blackhawks?
The NHLP Yearbook has been relentless in their attacks on the Chicago Blackhawks
(Andrew). Is time we chance our stance? When GM Andrew held on to
Tavares, it seemed a sell out. But there was 12 games left to play and the
NY Islanders missed the playoffs by a single point, they could have made it in.
One angle, our take was the team could have done more to be stronger.
Maybe, what Andrew did was everything he could do to be as strong as possible.
Entering as heavy underdogs to win in round one, or ever, anything. that
is how we called it. When these lousy teams just get hammered, no one
recalls we said they were terrible. But when they win, now we have a
story. The team that succeeds that no one sees coming, we love that story.
Now up 7-6, this Blackhawks team now can sail through the Division. It can
happen. The team goes from a team everyone is cheering can knock out the
powerful New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn), even though we all know Andrew has no
shot at winning the series. Now, half way through and Kane, Toews, Parise
and Seabrook could all go four straight, and the Wolverines knocked out.
Wow. Suddenly, with all the red in New Orleans, it is time NHLP GM's start
cheering for New Orleans. This Chicago team is the most deadly now when
the snapshot is expanded moving forward. Seriously? The #23 Chicago
Blackhawks actually have a shot to go deep. Now there is a story we can
get behind. Sometimes we hate being wrong, but being wrong can be so much
more fun. We never turn a blind eye to a great story. What Chicago
is creating is a great story for the Yearbook and it is time for us to get
behind the good with this team. Today in the South Division, Andrew is in
the driver seat.
---
Guentzel Powers Yotes In Critical Battle
The Phoenix Coyotes of GM Charlie are leading a potential Division winning
battle with the Vancouver Canucks (Joel). Thanks to Guentzel's strong
play, the Yotes are up 12-10 and with the tie-breaker. Guentzel came over
with Burns and Hertl, three of the corner stones of the "Mighty Yotes of
Arizona" team. Guentzel with 5 and Kessel 4, have given Charlie 9 of a
predicted 10 from those two and 5 more points than Sheary, Schultz and Hornqvist
have gotten for GM Joel. The Canucks three Pens were suppose to outscore
Charlie's two 13-10, but are being outscored 9-4. For a pick'em series,
that is the difference. With the one versus four seeded series in the West
Division looking like delicious McIntosh apples, the winner of Charlie-Joel will
shimmy to the Conference Finals. What is most crucial about this series is
it is being played head to head, player wise. When the NHL Penguins and
Sharks series end, this NHLP series will only have remaining Carlson for Charlie
versus Versteeg and Ryan for GM Joel. So to win here, you must win the
head to head matchup and it just isn't going GM Joel's way, but yet 12-10 is by
no means near being called. The winner here can go a long, long way.
The loser will still have a better team then what the other series moves
forward, but that don't mean shit. You have to find a way to win this
battle if you want to play for the biggest battle of them all and hoist the NHLP
Championship Cup.
---
It
Can't Be Nashville Every Night
This guy walks into a Las Vegas Casino and up to the Sportsbook. "I have a
million dollars cash and I would like to know the odds the casinos will give me
if I place the entire million on the bet. The bet is Rinne will outscore
the entire Chicago Blackhawks team combined by a point after the first two games
in Chicago." Don't think for a second this bet won't happen. The
casino is going to take this suckers money. "Please have a seat and I will
be right back" the attendant would say. There would be about 10 phone calls made
in the next 30 minutes. What are the odds he throws up two shutouts and
gets an assist in the first two games? What would be those odds? The
casino employee comes back with the odds. "The casino is willing to give
you 15 to one odds sir, so $15,000,000 would be your payout if Rinne outscores
the entire Blackhawks roster combined by at least a point or more for games one
and two of the Western Conference first round series" explains the employee.
The casinos holding their breathe, praying this sucker makes the bet. They
already checked the Statstics, Rinne played 61 games this season and doesn't
even have a point. The guy isn't liking his odds very much so he says,
"OK, what if I say he outscores the entire Chicago Roster by at least 2 or more
points and also at least ties what Forsberg gets in games one and two."
(Editors Update: The guy is fucking rich!)
---
Sweet
Home Chicago
The only NHLP team predicted to not crack 20 points, the #23 Chicago Blackhawks
(Andrew) have made it through completed games two with a 5-4 lead over the
heavily favored #4 New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn). Many GM's, including
the CTR, predicted the Wolverines with Toews, Kane, Couture, Parise, Seabrook,
Gallagher and Stafford, a combination with 4 NHLP Championships between them
would win the NHLP Championship. The team has struggled to score. In
the NHL Chicago series Quenneville broke up the Tootoo line after game one,
moving Toews onto a new line with Hartman. And that didn't work either.
The Blackhawks finally tried Kane and Toews together, but got routed. The
entire Blackhawks roster is down in points to Rinne himself who has two points.
GM Shawn didn't predict he would be in this spot, and lets be clear, either did
GM Andrew. The Blackhawks stole a playoff spot and are trying to do every
other GM in the playoffs a favor and take this powerful team out before they
regroup and roll all the way to a Cup. Andrew is living large in Chicago.
---
Shipping Up to Boston
GM Tyson might like one of those Crying Crosby Masks to hide his own tears.
Hey, Crosby has been great, but the issue is Pittsburgh has been so good, a four
game sweep is inevitable, meaning for Tyson, his top scorer will be resting for
his round two NHL series while Cleveland tries to hang on to their first round
NHLP series. The Boston Bruins (Ryan) got at least one extra game from
their top scorer, Karlsson, and many think Ottawa-Boston have 7 games written
all over them. That NHL series returns to Boston while the NHLP Bruins
hold a completed game two lead of 7-6, with the Pittsburgh tie-breaker.
This is going to be a battle but the Fury can't have Crosby go four straight and
still hope to win at this point, likely not going to happen. Can the Blue
Jackets rally for a nice 4-3 win and give Crosby a few more points and another
game? We think it must happen for Cleveland to win this crucial series.
---
North To Alaska
It is only fitting the Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) are playing Alaska (Marcel).
They should fit right in. The Icemen are giving GM Marcel fits, hanging
tough with McDavid's team, down just 9-8. The Icemen stole the tie-breaker
(Toronto) on Saturday and should by all accounts be up 2-0, heading back to the
hockey capital of the world. Both GM's want this series bad. Both
have been talking about it. McDavid, an unstoppable force if the Edmonton
Oilers pull off a Cinderella like story that many are now believing in.
For Matt it is an opportunity to get the L.A. Kings (Andrew) who are down 7-6.
The NHLP Yearbook loves the Pacific Division. Also here is the defending
Champion GM Chad, with the #1 overall rated team from Colorado, another good fit
for a team known as the Icemen. There is color, red, green and black all
over this Division. It is wide open. Two GM's saying "Anything can
happen come playoffs" and GM Andrew disagreeing with the statement in a big way.
Chad, he don't give a fuck. He the champ. He just cares about
winning again.
---
Attack Add More Offence
GM Marcel may not have won the night, but after Friday's games, he feels he is
winning the war. The #19 Alaska Attack are down in points 7-5 to the pesky
#9 Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) but there was movement for Marcel in key battles
on Friday. While the Icemen had 5 players go up or down 2-0 in their NHL
series with only Maroon assured a game 5, GM Marcel had McDavid, Galchenyuk and
Boedker add an extra game. On Saturday the Attack hope Gaudreau, Monahan
and Brassard, not only get Alaska back in the series over Williams, but also add
their own games 5's to the mix. "It is a game at a time right now" said GM
Matt who admits he is happy with the lead in the series and he isn't holding
back what is motivating the Icemen. "There is a possibility we play the
Kings (Andrew) next round and I hope that happens" Matt said, "That means we won
round one." If Edmonton wins their NHL matchup, GM Matt and Andrew's NHLP
Yearbook's 'dream engagement' would be about 14-14, for the Division crown.
Of course GM Andrew is in his own battle, tied 4-4 with the #1 Colorado team of
GM Chad's. All four West Division GM's think they can win the Division.
"Anything can happen" Marcel said yesterday (sounds like Matt), "I like our
chances with McDavid". How The West Was Won? That article is less
then a month away.
---
Crosby Justifies #1 Overall
The #13 Cleveland Fury (Tyson) don't appear on paper a team that should be
winning their first round series 5-2. Well at least not when you say they
have played 10 player games in round one, and have 8 of those games ending with
zero points. "That is why Crosby is one of the best players in the world"
said Muddy Capone, "He can have multi-point games, every game." Crosby had
a three point game and adding in Lucic's two from game one, the Fury have 5
points despite scoring points in only 20% of their player games. Crosby
was the first overall pick in this seasons draft and doesn't usually move once
picked. In the past 5 seasons he has been traded once, ironically by GM
Tyson. The only players our research has shown traded less then Crosby's
one time, is Ovechkin and Kane, not in a single transaction in the past 5 years.
With the current snapshot in the North Division Crosby would almost have enough
by himself to win round two with the little the opponents are currently moving
on. GM Tyson has won two of the last 7 NHLP Championships, joining GM
Andrew and Scott's two over that time with GM Chad winning last year.
Crosby can carry this team all the way. Pittsburgh has been so dominate
that they may only play just two more games this round. What effect that
will have on this first round series isn't known yet, but Cleveland is a CTR
underdog with 6 games from Crosby, so Crosby not getting his predicted 7 isn't
going to help the Fury. If Tyson wins this year, his 3 Cups in 8 years
won't beat Andrew's 3 in his first 7 years, but it would put him second to only
one. Tyson had the first over-all selection and he choose Crsoby. If
he wins it all, it will be because of Crosby who clearly was the justified 1st
overall in this years draft.
---
6-0?
The #10 ranked Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) are off to a perfect start to the
playoffs. Leading 4-0 over #2 Hartford (Andrew) the Destroyers will try on
Friday to not only stretch their lead with all seven players playing, but remain
all green and have all seven players go up 2-0 in their NHL series.
"Winning means nothing if you don't bring along a second round team" said Muddy
Capone of winning in the first round. Well, you can't do better then all
7. As an NHLP GM the working parts in the first round are so numerous it
is hard to keep track of them all. Clearly you need to score points enough
to win. You also need to hold your opponent's scoring down. You need
your players team's to win, for you need a second round team that will compete,
but you don't need them to win in a four game sweep, as player games are needed
to boost scoring. Out of the corner of your eye, you are watching the
other first round series in your Division. You are cheering for a certain
opponent, giving you the best matchup in round two. Of course that may
mean, yes it may mean, hoping one of your own players don't go through if that
makes your second round opponent unbeatable. When you are in a situation
like GM Shawn is in with Halifax, you have little to pay attention to when you
are winning and moving along a full 7 players. That perfect round doesn't
happen often, maybe once or twice every year. If you move through seven
players, you are almost a cinch to go to the Conference Finals. The
Destroyers have a chance to have their players teams go to 6-0 in the NHL first
round. In this series, sweeps would wipe out all but one player in
Hartford, so player games don't matter unless things are closer than they are
now. There are a lot of moving parts, but the Destroyers are moving them
all in the right direction so far in the 2017 playoffs.
---
Getzlaf:
"Silver is Gold"
There is a new "Silver" in town and as far as teammate Getzlaf goes, "Tonight he
was golden." The #17 New York Rangers (Charlie) had two points each from
Getzlaf and Silfverberg to go up 6-2 on #24 Pittsburgh (Chad). For GM
Charlie he knows he can win an NHLP Champion if the Ducks go to the Stanley Cup
Finals where the duo along with Fowler would be an unstoppable force. "I
have liked the Ducks all season long" said Charlie who drafted Getzlaf 11th
overall in the Draft and Silverberg later in round 5. Along with Keith
those three players never moved all season along. At the Draft Charlie
told the Yearbook he'd build around the Ducks all season and he stayed true to
his word. Only Keith lost game one, leaving the Rangers a deadly looking
second round of 6 players. As for Silfverberg, ironically he was acquired
by the Ducks who shipped out Ryan (Who is in the NHLP Playoffs with Vancouver,
Joel) to Ottawa. Silver for Silver? Soon after that deal came a new
Olympics in 2014 and you may have guessed the result already. Getzlaf won
Gold (again) and Silverberg who played for Sweden took home the Silver of
course. As for Getzlaf he thinks Silfverberg doesn't have to be gold all
the time, "Just this years NHLP playoffs". Were sure Getzlaf won't mind
just this once if Silfverberg also wins the Championship, "As long as he knows
it would be my third Cup" said Getzlaf, then adding, "And I still get the Conn
Smythe as well".
---
Vla-Sick On Night One
With a depleted roster the #21 Seattle Storm (Shawn) stepped up to steal night
one of the NHLP playoffs, leading 2-1 over #14 St Louis (Tyson) after two points
from Vlasic. With Thornton, who was a game time decision, and Buchnevich,
a healthy scratch, both watching from the press boxes and already a huge 4 point
underdog, it seemed clear the Blues would be the team taking an early lead in
the series. Vlasic who only had two games all year where he scored more
than a point, as well as a stretch of 13 straight pointless games, put all that
aside and took charge. "He always steps up in the playoffs" said GM Shawn
who noted Vlasic had 12 points in last years playoffs. The Storm will need
to cash in big on night two of the playoffs, stretching out a lead while the
opportunity exists. "Four point underdogs don't win often" said Muddy
Capone. The Storm have Kesler, Niskanen and Giordano versus Bennett to end
game one's, about a 9-2 advantage. If the Storm can have a big night, the
pressure will start to mount early on the Blues who finished the season 34
points ahead of the Storm.
---
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Two NHLP teams ended night one of the playoffs with a perfect seven zero's
including GM Andrew's #2 ranked Hartford Whalers. "It wasn't a great night
but a long way to go" said Andrew who had 12 zero's and two ones in 14 player
games on the night. Making things worse for the Whalers was Malkin came
back strong for #10 Halifax (Shawn) who are up 4-0 after completed game ones.
Tarasenko and Steen added singles for the Destroyers who had all seven players
win their game ones. "With Letang gone, I need someone to step up in round
one" GM Shawn said just last week after he heard Letang was gone for the
playoffs. It would appear the GM could not have asked for a better night
when all things are considered. Halifax also through in the St Louis
overtime win, giving them the pick early on. Although a battle is expected
here the Whalers cannot afford to fall any further behind as playing catch up in
the NHLP playoffs is like skating on thin ice and we all know there aren't many
GM's in this league who should ever be on thin ice.
---
Bottom's Up
If you said Burns and Sheary, the leading point getters in the Phoenix (Charlie)
and Vancouver (Joel) series both were held off the scoreboard in game one, you'd
not expect a 5-4 series. While the Yotes did get two from Kessel it was
the unexpected points from Ryan, Ward and Hertl who helped with the high-scoring
night. For GM Charlie everything will be more difficult with a six man
team because of Kunitz out for round one, but the good news is Carlson seems
likely to dress Thursday for Washington who will battle Versteeg of the Canucks
on the night. The series is expected to come down to a pick, something GM
Joel stole on the road with the Sharks win. Joel also had 5 of his 6
players win their games on the night.
---
Seeing Double
Only three NHLP teams are carrying players with the same last names. GM
Chad in Pittsburgh has Krejci and Krejci where his pointless night didn't help
as the NY Rangers (Charlie) took a 1-0 lead. For GM Charlie he is also
against Arvidsson and Arvidson of the San Fran Titan (Scott) who down 2-1 face
off on the night with GM Charlie's own brotherly act of Shattenkirk and
Shattenkirk in Miami. "These players will likely go a long way in
determining the winners of their series" said Muddy Capone, "Anything outside
the ordinary, either really good or really bad, will factor in big." GM
Charlie loves his chances this season, telling the NHLP Yearbook he can see all
his three playoff teams moving on, but admitted things won't be easy. "I
like my chances" said the GM who's CTR predictions have his three teams plus
one, minus one and even in his three series. Shattenkirk has been a
monster for Washington and GM Scott said a four game sweep by the Capitals would
be a blessing. "If Toronto can't win the series, I hope they don't win a
game" said Scott, "Player games will likely decide who has the best round
(between Arvidsson and Shattenkirk) and I do like Nashville's changes of a
longer series over Toronto's, but I have also been wrong about things I have
been more sure of."
---
Playoff - Player Tracking
The new look Playoff Player Tracking shows there are 90 Western
Conference players remaining in the NHLP playoffs and 79 from the Eastern
Conference. As per each series, the Minnesota and St Louis series features 29
players followed by Pittsburgh - Columbus at 25 and Anaheim - Calgary at 24.
Washington has 14 players and Toronto zero, making that series the lowest player
number of any series but only two less than the 16 of Chicago - Nashville.
---
Halifax Needs Malkin at 100%
The NHLP Playoffs kick off in a huge way tonight and for GM Shawn he can
finally get a second game from Malkin. "It is great timing" said
GM Shawn today, "I just hope he gets to game speed quick." For #10
Halifax his scoring, and every bit of it, will determine if the team
moves out of the first round. The Destroyers, with a full 7 points
from Malkin, are a one point favorite against the CTR # 2 rated Hartford
Whalers of GM Andrew. The NHLP Champions in 1997 and 2015,
Hartford was GM Andrew's first Cup and also his most recent. The
team is loaded again in hopes of winning their third team cup, something
no team has ever done. For one NHLP team every year they must be
the highest scoring team in the first round to lose, and if the CTR has
this series right, it will be the winner of this series handing it to
the loser. The Whalers are expected to reach 28 points, one shy of
the 29 Halifax can bring, even without a point from Letang who is gone
for the playoffs. Shawn has only had one game from Malkin since he
acquired him on March 15th. The Pittsburgh - Columbus series will
play big here as Shawn is set to get 12 from Malkin and Guentzel, one of
the hottest players in the league with 14 points his last 10 games.
For GM Andrew he is set to get 13 from Sheary, Wennberg and Gagne. The
series is expected to go 6 games, meaning a longer series should in theory help
Andrew. "It is a lot of points from two players in 6 games, reaching 12" said
Shawn, "And I won't want 7 games, as the pressure of Pittsburgh losing out might
be hard to take." There is a lot at stake and everything starts in a big, big,
big way, TONIGHT!
---
One Impossible Task
The CTR has a thankless job. With First Round parity like the NHLP
has never seen, making predictions this year just wasn't fun said the
President of the NHLP Yearbook Muddy Capone. For Capone he is
entering his 27th NHLP playoffs and the Yearbook has strived to predict
the winner each of those seasons. With an uncanny ability the
Yearbook does quite well predicting the winner of each series, usually
hitting 70 to 80% on any given playoffs. Were the Yearbooks CTR
falls short is getting the winner correct. "It is almost
impossible to sort through it all" said Capone, "And the best we can do
is one path, one guess, that gets broken with the first NHL or NHLP
upset, changing everything that happens from then forward." If the
Yearbook does hit 75% accuracy in the first round, that means they got
right 9 of the 12 First Round series. "That is where we fail"
Capone says, "We would have done phenomenal in hitting 9 right, but the
3 wrong would change everything we thought moving forward." Of
course, that is assuming all 8 home teams win in the NHL's first round,
the only path the NHLP Yearbook takes in deciding who wins their
Championship. Let's not forget that we need all spleens in and
unexpected injuries kind of screw things up, but they happen all the
time. Making the pick the most improbable this season is of 12
first round series the Yearbook only has 3 over a three point favorite,
and another three series that could go to the pick. "There are so
many good teams, so many close series, it just is mind-boggling trying
to sort through how it might turn out" Capone states, "But we'd not be
doing out job if we didn't try and sort through how we think it will
go."
---
Very Picky
25-25, 26-26, 25-25. It sounds more like three judges scorecards
in a three-round bout then NHLP's CTR predictions in round one of the
NHLP playoffs. Three series, one in each conference are heading to
the pick, if the CTR calls things with precision accuracy. "The
first round series are very close, with only 3 of the 12 expected to be
3 or more point "landslides". In the only NHLP series featuring
two top 5 rated CTR teams, GM's Scott in Philadelphia and Jr in Memphis
do battle in a 26-26 CTR predicted series. Making the series more
interesting is that two like players cancel each other out, Coyle's and
Werenski's, meaning 5 vs. 5 will determine the winner. For the two
GM's this is their best chance for a Cup, so one will not be happy with
an early exit to the playoffs. In the West Conference the #7
ranked Phoenix Coyotes of GM Charlie, a team with Burns and Kessel are
expected to need the pick against #16 Vancouver (Joel) who has high
scorers Sheary and Pavelski. For the Coyotes 25 is with a zero
from Kunitz who is not playing round one and could be costly in this
anticipated battle. At CTR rated #12, the Florida Panthers
(Marcel), rated highest in the North Division, have a tight series
expected with #22 Cincinnati (Matt).
---
New Orleans Wins First NHLP Championship
If the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals meet in the NHL's
Stanley Cup Finals, the NHLP Yearbook has predicted the New Orleans
Wolverines team of GM Shawn will hoist their first NHLP Championship.
If Shawn can get through with that final, he should be good for 12
points, winning a close finals over Carolina (Joel) who would be good
enough for 9 points and Colorado (Chad) who could bring 7 more with the
Caps-Hawks going the distance. Winning won't be easy after the
first round according to the CTR who has New Orleans only a 2 point
favorite versus Miami (Charlie) in round two and would only tie Boston
(Ryan) for the Conference championship, but be 5 better than Florida
(Marcel) who the CTR would have beating a second round pick'em series
with Boston, on a predicted 22-22 if the favorites all win. Of
course Florida starts the first round in one of three NHLP pick'em
series. Both Carolina and Colorado would have easier paths to the
NHLP Finals if the favorites all win, although of the three expected
conference winners, GM Chad's Avalanche have by far the hardest first
round, only a point favorite. Most NHLP GM's consider being picked
to win it all by the Yearbook more a curse but Muddy Capone sees it
differently. "It isn't our fault the top seeds all never win in
the NHL playoffs" Capone says, "So we blame them for our lousy
predictions." Who knows, maybe this is finally the year without a
single upset in the NHL playoffs and GM Shawn finally wins his first
NHLP Championship, also a first for the New Orleans Wolverines.
Nah. Who are we kidding!
---
Blackjack!!!
It was just a year ago that the #21 rated Toronto Maple Leafs won GM
Chad his third NHLP Championship. By all accounts it was the
lowest ever team to win a Championship and with 24 teams in the playoffs
this season, it seems high unlikely one of those lowly seeds can go all
the way. That said, the lowest rated team in the playoffs, #24 is
a GM Chad team, the Pittsburgh Penguins who are in fact predicted to win
in round one, 24-23 over the #17 NY Rangers (Charlie) team. The
Penguins have three Preds and four Bruins, so a first round win and a
long run by those teams and GM Chad might be looking again at what he
did last year with his three Sharks. With this seasons #21, GM
Shawn in Seattle is a heavy underdog early, a 4 point dog in round one.
After that, the team appears built for distance with Kesler, Thornton,
Niskanen and Vlasic if the Sharks get by the Oilers. GM Chad
proved it is possible last year. It can be done. The odds to
hit a Blackjack in the famous betting game, about 21 to 1. If the
NHLP is sheer luck, we just might see it happen again this year.
Place your bets!
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Tie-Breaking Pick Options:Florida (Marcel)
Carolina (Joel)
Alaska (Marcel)
Picks Winner of Either:
Toronto vs. Washington or
Nashville vs. Chicago
New Orleans (Shawn)
NY Rangers (Charlie)
St Louis (Tyson)
Picks Winner of Either:
NY Rangers vs. Montreal or
Calgary vs. Anaheim
Boston (Ryan)
Hartford (Andrew)
Los Angeles (Andrew)
Picks Winner of Either:
Columbus vs. Pittsburgh or
St Louis vs. Minnesota
San Fran (Scott)
Philadelphia (Scott)
Phoenix (Charlie)
Picks Winner of Either:
Boston vs. Ottawa or
San Jose vs. Edmonton
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Divisions for 2017-18
First round winners stay
with the 5th place team and are joined by the two first round losers and
the 6th place team of other Division within Conference.
North Division
Florida (Marcel) -
Boston (Ryan) -
Cleveland (Tyson) -
Cincinnati (Matt) -
Toronto (Chad) - Stays in North
Dallas (Jr) - Moves to South
South Division
New Orleans (Shawn) -
San Fran (Scott) -
Miami (Charlie) -
Chicago (Andrew) -
Las Vegas (Vinnie) - Stays in South
Buffalo (Joel) - Moves to North
Atlantic Division
NY Rangers (Charlie) -
Philadelphia (Scott) -
Memphis (Jr) -
Pittsburgh (Chad) -
Atlantic City (Vinnie) - Stays in Atlantic
Montreal (Marcel) - Moves to East
East Division
Carolina (Joel) -
Hartford (Andrew) -
Halifax (Shawn) -
Hamilton (Tyson) -
Quebec (Matt) - Stays in East
NY Islanders (Ryan) - Moves to Atlantic
Pacific Division
Alaska (Marcel) -
Los Angeles (Andrew) -
Colorado (Chad) -
Indianapolis (Matt) -
Edmonton (Scott) - Stays in Pacific
Portland (Vinnie) - Moves to West
West Division
St Louis (Tyson) -
Phoenix (Charlie) -
Vancouver (Joel) -
Seattle (Shawn) -
Green Bay (Ryan) - Stays in West
Calgary (Jr.) - Moves to Pacific
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