I think more points get the home ice but don't quote me on that.
- MidnightMarauder

Can't find a source to confirm or deny. But Boston does have home ice if they make it to the final, so it would seem if all rounds are consistent that the home ice is the higher-point team.

do you know the answer to who would get home ice if the Rangers and Habs meet in the EFC?

Montreal has more points, Rangers are a second seed
- jimbo83

I believe it's points based.

I just realized that Brad Richards best Ranger moments happen after Hagelin gets cut with a high stick and we get a double minor PP


- jimbo83

On Brad Richards, I realize what he is at this point of his career. He is never going to score 80 + points a game. He is likely to be a player, over the course of the next 3-4 years that goes through his up and down streaks, and ultimately scores 55-60 points. I realize the risk in not buying him out. I realize that it is probably crazy not to buy him out. But, I do like the player. And if wasn't for the damn recapture penalties, and the lack of options to move him down the road, I would want him to stay a Ranger.

On Brad Richards, I realize what he is at this point of his career. He is never going to score 80 + points a game. He is likely to be a player, over the course of the next 3-4 years that goes through his up and down streaks, and ultimately scores 55-60 points. I realize the risk in not buying him out. I realize that it is probably crazy not to buy him out. But, I do like the player. And if wasn't for the damn recapture penalties, and the lack of options to move him down the road, I would want him to stay a Ranger.
- Pete V

I feel the same way, I really don't want him to go.

I am not going to think about it until the season is over and I hope that means towards the end of June

On Brad Richards, I realize what he is at this point of his career. He is never going to score 80 + points a game. He is likely to be a player, over the course of the next 3-4 years that goes through his up and down streaks, and ultimately scores 55-60 points. I realize the risk in not buying him out. I realize that it is probably crazy not to buy him out. But, I do like the player. And if wasn't for the damn recapture penalties, and the lack of options to move him down the road, I would want him to stay a Ranger.
- Pete V

Richards, like hossa, luongo, and a few other players that signed similar deals will all end their careers on LTIR.

I feel the same way, I really don't want him to go.

I am not going to think about it until the season is over and I hope that means towards the end of June
- jimbo83

As far as I am concerned, if he wins up a Cup this season, he can stay forever.

As far as I am concerned, if he wins up a Cup this season, he can stay forever.
- AgraipVigneaurd

There are alot of current projections that have the salary cap at $80 million in four years, and over $100 million by the end of the CBA in 2022. Obviously, if the salary cap is between $80-90 million in the last 3 years of Richards' contract, a $6.6 million cap figure is less burdensome that it is now. I also don't think that it is beyond the realm of possibility that he can be reasonably effective into his late 30s, but obviously it's a risk.

But, as you said, if the Rangers win this year, I could care less about buying out Brad Richards. Hell, if wins the Conn Smythe, they should retire his damn number, and Knight him Sir Brad Richards.

I am actually calm because this series is a slam dunk, in my eyes.

My only concern is getting out of this series unscathed in the injury department. Pens or Blue Jackets will certainly be tougher.
- MidnightMarauder

It'll probably come down to game 2 ... if you guys win that you'll win the series in 5, or MAYBE 6 if the Flyers get a few lucky breaks. You might even sweep.

If, however, the Flyers win game 2 ... well, then we have a series.

It'll probably come down to game 2 ... if you guys win that you'll win the series in 5, or MAYBE 6 if the Flyers get a few lucky breaks. You might even sweep.

If, however, the Flyers win game 2 ... well, then we have a series.

- FlyerGuy

For sure. Next game is beyond crucial.

For sure. Next game is beyond crucial.
- rangerdanger94

Or maybe they'll just lull you into a sense of complacency like they did the Bruins in 2010 and come back from down 3 games to 0 down 3 goals to 0 in game 7?

Anyone remember this game. I actually got worried about Blake's well being. Thought his head was going to pop like a tick.

Or maybe they'll just lull you into a sense of complacency like they did the Bruins in 2010 and come back from down 3 games to 0 down 3 goals to 0 in game 7?
- bodiva88

Had to be the worst thing ever being a Bruins fan, though they got their cup shortly after.

Had to be the worst thing ever being a Bruins fan, though they got their cup shortly after.
- evitageN

I actually think that wound up hardening as a team. They won the cup the very next year and are one of the most mentally tough teams I've ever seen.

On a league-wide note, Colorado has a little mojo now. Seems like they score a big goal late every single time they're in that situation. Two days in and we have already had some classic comebacks and games. I have a bunch of baseball fans coming to the house on Sunday, hope they have the mlb package or a sling box on their smartphones bc they're not watching April baseball.

I actually think that wound up hardening as a team. They won the cup the very next year and are one of the most mentally tough teams I've ever seen.

On a league-wide note, Colorado has a little mojo now. Seems like they score a big goal late every single time they're in that situation. Two days in and we have already had some classic comebacks and games. I have a bunch of baseball fans coming to the house on Sunday, hope they have the mlb package or a sling box on their smartphones bc they're not watching April baseball.
- Blueshirts4ever

(frank)ing can't stand baseball for this reason... Baseball season doesn't start til July when Hockey and the Draft are over.

(frank)ing can't stand baseball for this reason... Baseball season doesn't start til July when Hockey and the Draft are over.
- evitageN

Not a fan anymore. Just can't take the overkill it gets in New York. One of the few markets that's baseball first and it's too much too soon with the game to game reaction. I hate extreme reaction for hockey and that still only half of the baseball games.

It'll probably come down to game 2 ... if you guys win that you'll win the series in 5, or MAYBE 6 if the Flyers get a few lucky breaks. You might even sweep.

If, however, the Flyers win game 2 ... well, then we have a series.

- FlyerGuy

I am not saying this as disrespect to the Flyers. As I have previously stated I just think this is a bad matchup for them.

On Brad Richards, I realize what he is at this point of his career. He is never going to score 80 + points a game. He is likely to be a player, over the course of the next 3-4 years that goes through his up and down streaks, and ultimately scores 55-60 points. I realize the risk in not buying him out. I realize that it is probably crazy not to buy him out. But, I do like the player. And if wasn't for the damn recapture penalties, and the lack of options to move him down the road, I would want him to stay a Ranger.
- Pete V

I still think he is worth keeping after this season.

He is a good leader and he will be able to contribute, at this rate, for another three or four seasons.

I still think he is worth keeping after this season.

He is a good leader and he will be able to contribute, at this rate, for another three or four seasons.
- MidnightMarauder

great teeth too

Current plan is to get up Sunday AM before the game and then write a quick recap one and send it to HB admin for posting Monday AM. I am working on getting a sub for me Tuesday AM as a Game 3 preview blog.

great teeth too


- jimbo83

Keep him away from the forest, that dude could clear a couple acres in a day with those chompers. Looks like Matt Dillon in Something About Mary.

Or maybe they'll just lull you into a sense of complacency like they did the Bruins in 2010 and come back from down 3 games to 0 down 3 goals to 0 in game 7?
- bodiva88

Don't think that hasn't come to mind, but let NY win game 2 and then Game 3 before I worry about it

I still think he is worth keeping after this season.

He is a good leader and he will be able to contribute, at this rate, for another three or four seasons.
- MidnightMarauder

If he plays like he did last night for the next 6 weeks and helps win the cup he will be worth every penny

Keep him away from the forest, that dude could clear a couple acres in a day with those chompers. Looks like Matt Dillon in Something About Mary.
- mdw7413

I thought I saw something about how the playoffs were a little different about who got home ice in later rounds -- can't find the article. Most say after round 2 the format is exactly the same as how it used to be.

- jimbo83

Exactly