So I guess that stat about OV only scoring against the broken franchises in his division wasnt overblown LOL. His whole career is built on being in the worst division in PRO sports, not just hockey. Pathetic failure like everyone who really really understands hockey has known all along. This guy isnt built to play in NHl playoffs, may as well just go to the KHL now and win what the frank ever you win there
- StabMastaArson

This is incredibly uninformed for a Pens fan - go back and see Ovechkin's production in the 2009 series against Pittsburgh. He HAS come up small in Game 7's, but he was great in that series.

Thanks, it is brutal. The Caps turned out to be a bit of a one-trick pony, unable to generate much offense 5 on 5. They NEEDED PP opportunities in order to score, especially against a guy like Lundqvist. I won't go on a long rant, and I know you guys are less than sympathetic to Ovechkin, but if you watched the series and see the disparity in PP opportunities, there is some merit to what he said. Regardless, it sounds like sour grapes after having your ass handed to you in a Game 7 at home.
- MadCap2008

I didn't hear what he said but the PP discrepancy in that series was a joke.

I didn't hear what he said but the PP discrepancy in that series was a joke.
- canadianpenfan

Here's what he said :

Ovi on refs: "Not saying there was a phone call, but they wanted Game 7. For ratings. You know, lockout, escrow, league must make profit".

I didn't hear what he said but the PP discrepancy in that series was a joke.
- canadianpenfan

What were the numbers? I didn't follow that series too much.

What were the numbers? I didn't follow that series too much.
- madmike71

Washington was called for 33 penalties and Rangers 21. I believe in the last 3 games Washington was called for 14 and Rangers 6.

Disclaimer: These were numbers from espn.

What were the numbers? I didn't follow that series too much.
- madmike71

28-16, but 7-2 in the final 2 games for the Rangers

Edit: This is PP opportunities

Here's what he said :

Ovi on refs: "Not saying there was a phone call, but they wanted Game 7. For ratings. You know, lockout, escrow, league must make profit".
- MadCap2008

I thought the same thing watching game 6.

Washington was called for 33 penalties and Rangers 21. I believe in the last 3 games Washington was called for 14 and Rangers 6.

Disclaimer: These were numbers from espn.
- kgrpitt

Could you imagine what the Rags board would be like if the roles were reversed?

28-16, but 7-2 in the final 2 games for the Rangers

Edit: This is PP opportunities
- cap1681

Not to mention majors and 5 on 3's. In game 6 Dorsett slewfooted Green and Callahan elbowed someone in the face, both times no penalty on the Rangers and the Cap player was called for the retaliation.

Could you imagine what the Rags board would be like if the roles were reversed?
- madmike71

Hockey Buzz would crash no doubt. hah!

Could you imagine what the Rags board would be like if the roles were reversed?
- madmike71

I wanted Toronto and the Caps to move on, but the good news is the Rags and Bruins will beat the poop out of each other for 7 games. If the Pens can get by Ottawa they might be in pretty good shape. Until they meet LA or Chicago.

Washington didnt score enough dirty goals. A big part of that is Lundqvist and the fact the Rangers collapse 5 guys literally into the crease. But the Caps also didnt get the puck into the crease enough.

I wanted Toronto and the Caps to move on, but the good news is the Rags and Bruins will beat the poop out of each other for 7 games. If the Pens can get by Ottawa they might be in pretty good shape. Until they meet LA or Chicago.
- canadianpenfan

I was rooting for TO, but I actually think the bruins would be a better match up if the Pens get that far. TO was playing with tenacity and speed....something our team now seems to mysteriously struggle with. I don't see the Bruins playing a 1-3-1 either.

I have to admit the Rags have looked like last years team after the deadline. Sather made some good moves.

I was rooting for TO, but I actually think the bruins would be a better match up if the Pens get that far. TO was playing with tenacity and speed....something our team now seems to mysteriously struggle with. I don't see the Bruins playing a 1-3-1 either.

I have to admit the Rags have looked like last years team after the deadline. Sather made some good moves.
- madmike71

Washington is seemingly the first team they've played since the deadline over .500. They had a cakewalk schedule coming down the stretch.

The non-call on the Callahan elbow is game 6 was ridiculous ...same thing with the non-call to Chris Kelly for his elbow to JVR last night and Rene Bourque's elbow in the Habs Sens series. To me this means so long as you are not named Matt Cooke it is open season for elbows to the head. I love NHL hockey more than any sport but the standardless officiating is too much sometimes... though it does provide good foder for the internets

Washington didnt score enough dirty goals. A big part of that is Lundqvist and the fact the Rangers collapse 5 guys literally into the crease. But the Caps also didnt get the puck into the crease enough.
- Deadstar

Lundquist was incredible the last few games. They're going to need more of that with their big aquisitions Nash and Richards doing absolutely nothing. Richards is terrible, absolutely terrible. I will be shocked if he isn't bought out.

The non-call on the Callahan elbow is game 6 was ridiculous ...same thing with the non-call to Chris Kelly for his elbow to JVR last night and Rene Bourque's elbow in the Habs Sens series. To me this means so long as you are not named Matt Cooke it is open season for elbows to the head. I love NHL hockey more than any sport but the standardless officiating is too much sometimes... though it does provide good foder for the internets
- Tiogadog

Yep.


They didn't call anything in that Leafs game last night. That elbow to JVR was brutal. Alot of players were bleeding.

Ovi also ran McD's head into the boards without a call.

Anyone who ever said officiating is the same in the postseason was mistaken.

Lundquist was incredible the last few games. They're going to need more of that with their big aquisitions Nash and Richards doing absolutely nothing. Richards is terrible, absolutely terrible. I will be shocked if he isn't bought out.
- canadianpenfan

He will need to be that good or better versus Boston. Not that Boston is a scoring machine, but Boston's defense is better than Washington's. Boston also is good at getting people crashing the net and setting screens. Hell, Lucic and Chara in front is a good start.

The non-call on the Callahan elbow is game 6 was ridiculous ...same thing with the non-call to Chris Kelly for his elbow to JVR last night and Rene Bourque's elbow in the Habs Sens series. To me this means so long as you are not named Matt Cooke it is open season for elbows to the head. I love NHL hockey more than any sport but the standardless officiating is too much sometimes... though it does provide good foder for the internets
- Tiogadog

Don't forget about Perron chickenwinging Penner. That easily should have been a suspension.

Yep.




Anyone who ever said officiating is the same in the postseason was mistaken.
- canadianpenfan

Which is why I hate the old adage about "letting the players decide it". When the whistles are swallowed and this happens players do decide it, just the wrong players. A penalty is a penalty and players should be held accountable regardless of the clock or score.

He will need to be that good or better versus Boston. Not that Boston is a scoring machine, but Boston's defense is better than Washington's. Boston also is good at getting people crashing the net and setting screens. Hell, Lucic and Chara in front is a good start.
- Oneonta Penguin

I thought for much of the year (after Philly/Jersey went belly up) that Boston would be the obstacle for a healthy Penguins team (and this was pre-deadline deals), but the Bruins just haven't looked right. I now think that the Sens are the Pens biggest obtacle in getting to the finals, though I think the Pens will win this in 6 (also think the Bruins, even with their struggles, will beat the Rags in 6).

Confirmed Vokoun starts.
Bold move, but you cant really blame DB.
I do feel bad for Fleury.

Which is why I hate the old adage about "letting the players decide it". When the whistles are swallowed and this happens players do decide it, just the wrong players. A penalty is a penalty and players should be held accountable regardless of the clock or score.
- Tiogadog

Agreed "Let them play" means that we're letting less talented players get away with penalties and letting 3rd liners decide games instead of the stars. Call a complete game regardless of score and the penalties don't have to be even!!!

Confirmed Vokoun starts.
Bold move, but you cant really blame DB.
I do feel bad for Fleury.
- nbartley9

Seems like the right move.

Agreed "Let them play" means that we're letting less talented players get away with penalties and letting 3rd liners decide games instead of the stars. Call a complete game regardless of score and the penalties don't have to be even!!!
- lloyd095

Garage League?

The other call that has somehow disappeared during these playoffs is the hit from behind. I can't believe some of these hits are now suddenly "good". Nothing to see here....