Can you define what makes a 1st pairing defenseman? (not trying to be a smartass) Just need a better understanding of how one qualifies for that designation.
- seaofgreen

Hero charts, obviously.

Didn't Schmidt leave game 6 without putting any weight on his leg? Or am I imagining things?

Didn't Schmidt leave game 6 without putting any weight on his leg? Or am I imagining things?
- tpcg402

He came back later in the 3rd.

He came back later in the 3rd.
- Blackstrom2

Thanks. I somehow missed that.

The Toronto D was not spectacular but the Leafs consistently gave the Caps problems.
The big difference is the goalies MAF on the road is shaky at best. It will come down to which goalie does the best in the crease. Based on MAF past road performances and his playoff history.......the Penguins are at a distinct disadvantage. Sorry all of you MAF lovers out there. But that is just facts.

The Toronto D was not spectacular but the Leafs consistently gave the Caps problems.
The big difference is the goalies MAF on the road is shaky at best. It will come down to which goalie does the best in the crease. Based on MAF past road performances and his playoff history.......the Penguins are at a distinct disadvantage. Sorry all of you MAF lovers out there. But that is just facts.
- holeinone

so do you wanna talk about how fleury did in the cbj series or? well ok I guessed so.

so do you wanna talk about how fleury did in the cbj series or? well ok I guessed so.
- martox

Not very well on the road...now in saying this game 4 was one of the worst Penguins efforts I'd seen in a long time. The skaters in front of him were garbage.

so do you wanna talk about how fleury did in the cbj series or? well ok I guessed so.
- martox

Fleury's performance last series has forced holeinone into a milder #taek that Fleury sucks on the road. You bet your ass the first opportunity he has to go back to "Fleury sucks in general", he'll take it, and if Fleury has a good road game, he'll disappear.

Fleury's performance last series has forced holeinone into a milder #taek that Fleury sucks on the road. You bet your ass the first opportunity he has to go back to "Fleury sucks in general", he'll take it, and if Fleury has a good road game, he'll disappear.
- Victoro311

nah he will just say fleury sucked. though that would be admiting he is good now so that would never happen I guess

Oddsmakers in Vegas say 51% Caps AND 49% Pens

He's referring to Niskanen, Carlson, and Shattenkirk.
- Blackstrom2

^^this.

Generally I look at points, shot metrics, shot quality impacts, stuff like that.

Oddsmakers in Vegas say 51% Caps AND 49% Pens
- powerhouse

I'll take those odds/chances any day.

Hero charts, obviously.
- MattStrat

haha, Richard. More than just hero charts, points come into play, scoring chances, high danger chances for/against, impact on team mates.

I'll take those odds/chances any day.
- MattStrat

Yep. I think we have a better forward group despite what Gunner says. However we have weaker defensive group. MAF is statistically not better than Holtby this season, however career is a different story. MAF's record vs Caps 20-12-2. Save % .913. Goals against 2.60.
Holtby 7-7-2. Save percentage .914. Goals against 2.77

haha, Richard. More than just hero charts, points come into play, scoring chances, high danger chances for/against, impact on team mates.
- j.boyd919

hahah I was hoping you would respond to that. I agree, they are all top pairing defenseman.

The speed narrative needs to die.
- Blackstrom2

Why? Once it is a non-point then it will die, but when the "best team" squeaks by a young FAST wildcard team it just validates the point even more. The leafs are fast and gave the caps fits. soo once again I ask Why does it need to die?

I cant believe you picked Washington.

Pens in 5....4 if they get some luck

I forget who are the defending champs here? Listen I franking hate the Pens but the Caps aren't showing they're anything different than what they've always been.

Yep. I think we have a better forward group despite what Gunner says. However we have weaker defensive group. MAF is statistically not better than Holtby this season, however career is a different story. MAF's record vs Caps 20-12-2. Save % .913. Goals against 2.60.
Holtby 7-7-2. Save percentage .914. Goals against 2.77
- powerhouse

I would agree and give the edge to the pens. I don't think the advantage is neccessarily "a push." At least until this series gets under way and guys like Kuznetsov and Burakovsky prove the pens otherwise

Why? Once it is a non-point then it will die, but when the "best team" squeaks by a young FAST wildcard team it just validates the point even more. The leafs are fast and gave the caps fits. soo once again I ask Why does it need to die?
- Braximous

Why/How are they fast?

Something thats not really talked about when two teams are about pay each other is the coaching. I think Sullivan and his staff have to be a factor here too. They seem to adapt and make good adjustments very well from game to game. On top of this Sullivan is great motivator and someone who milks the most out of his players. They almost finished 1st in the league dressing 15 different defensemen and missing very important forwards for significant amounts of time this year.

This series and the Preds/Blues should be amazing. Rooting for the Caps only because of 2009, but totally respect the talent the Pens have.

Why/How are they fast?
- Blackstrom2

Cocaine.

Cocaine.
- RafiDRW

"smelling salts"

"smelling salts"
- Blackstrom2

Not much difference.

Why/How are they fast?
- Blackstrom2

What kind of question is that? I think everyone knows what fast means and if you know the meaning of the word you should be able to figure it out .