(3)Phoenix Coyotes vs (4)Nashville Predators Someone get the Nyquil series

[BlueandWhiteForever]

same thing could have been said for the entire Chicago series. Bottom line is; Coyotes find a way. They were out shot on goals something like 22-2 for the entire 3rd period and OT. It's not quantity of shots with the Yotes, but quality of shots.

It's a great plan, bore the hell out of the opposing teams goalie and then WHAM strike fast out of nowhere before he can wake up.

The fact you think this is a great way to play hockey shows you have a hell of a lot to learn about the game. Phoenix aren't playing this way on purpose, it's because they are a mediocre team with an all world goaltender.

 

[OregonDucks]

Just...not the best plan for longevity. You gotta learn from the first round. Whitney said it best after the game, they need to learn how to play with a lead. Riding a hot goalie tends to be a good thing in the postseason, but typically it ends just before you want it to.

I agree with this. They should have never let that game go into OT, and once in OT they got extremely lucky to pull this one out. They do need to learn and consider themselves lucky to have gotten away with a choked game. Easily could have been down 0-1 finding yourself needing a W in Nashville. They need to learn and get ready for Sunday. a 2-0 series lead would be huge.

 

[pixburgher66]

I didn't know Mike Smith scored 4 goals tonight.

No...but he only let in one legitimate one, and even then it was on the PK and he was screened. Maybe the fact that I only saw the end of the 2nd on hurts me here, but that was the Smith show. The Yotes nearly beat themselves. Just hope they see it, because you have to adjust.

 

[OregonDucks]

The fact you think this is a great way to play hockey shows you have a hell of a lot to learn about the game. Phoenix aren't playing this way on purpose, it's because they are a mediocre team with an all world goaltender.

Obviously this isn't an ideal form of play. But right now it is getting them W's. They do have to learn and learn quickly otherwise they don't make it passed this round. Like i stated in my last post. They got lucky tonight with the OT win, but it was a game that should have been won by PHX in regulation.

 

[pixburgher66]

The fact you think this is a great way to play hockey shows you have a hell of a lot to learn about the game. Phoenix aren't playing this way on purpose, it's because they are a mediocre team with an all world goaltender.

Also known as the theme of the playoffs. Quick, Lundqvist, Smith, Holtby (right now). All these teams are in it because of their goalies more than team play. Well, the Caps are probably more of team D in general. Definitely the theme out West though. Rinne has done his part too.

 

[OregonDucks]

No...but he only let in one legitimate one, and even then it was on the PK and he was screened. Maybe the fact that I only saw the end of the 2nd on hurts me here, but that was the Smith show. The Yotes nearly beat themselves. Just hope they see it, because you have to adjust.

yep, it was yotes game to lose. Smith had incredible saves, and you are right, only one legit goal was scored on him. Which does bode well for PHX later on, because doubt those fluke goals get scored again.

yes phx needs to fix everything else and fix it quickly, but Smith is a damn good goalie you need a damn good goalie to make a run in the playoffs.

 

[OregonDucks]

Also known as the theme of the playoffs. Quick, Lundqvist, Smith, Holtby (right now). All these teams are in it because of their goalies more than team play. Well, the Caps are probably more of team D in general. Definitely the theme out West though. Rinne has done his part too.

Maybe hockey is unlike any other sport, but doesn't defense win championships? That has been the theme in every sport, the best defense tends to win the title, or at least make a deep run because of their defense. I see no difference in hockey with a lock down goalie.

 

[BlueandWhiteForever]

Well I am still holding out hope the Coyotes start proving they belong here at this point of the playoffs. So far it's just been Smith, Smith, Smith.

 

[OregonDucks]

Well I am still holding out hope the Coyotes start proving they belong here at this point of the playoffs. So far it's just been Smith, Smith, Smith.

well they certainely have one major piece of the puzzle in place. now they just need to find the other part, IMO, the harder piece is already there.

 

[pixburgher66]

Maybe hockey is unlike any other sport, but doesn't defense win championships? That has been the theme in every sport, the best defense tends to win the title, or at least make a deep run because of their defense. I see no difference in hockey with a lock down goalie.

Yes, it does hold true...pretty sure a run and gun style hasn't won a Cup since probably the 80's. It just seems this year it's more goaltending saving team's butt's than actual D.

 

[BlueandWhiteForever]

well they certainely have one major piece of the puzzle in place. now they just need to find the other part, IMO, the harder piece is already there.

All I know is team that get outplayed this badly and rely on goaltending so heavily usually burn out by the conference finals. Phoenix looks like the Habs of a few years ago.

 

[BlueandWhiteForever]

On the plus side, they are going to love Smith in La Belle Province

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

The so called experts can stop praising Steve Yzerman now. Allowing Mike Smith to walk was one of the dumbest moves of the offseason.

The Bettman's find a way to win yet again.

 

[SLY]

The so called experts can stop praising Steve Yzerman now. Allowing Mike Smith to walk was one of the dumbest moves of the offseason.

The Bettman's find a way to win yet again.

They're doing it, that's all that matters. Props to them... Just sucks the following they have. Yes, the place was full, but it is so fucking silent there. That team deserves a better crowd.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

The so called experts can stop praising Steve Yzerman now. Allowing Mike Smith to walk was one of the dumbest moves of the offseason.

The Bettman's find a way to win yet again.

Mike Smith was garbage last year. This is the first time in his career he has shown he can put up these numbers, and surprise surprise it's on the biggest trapping team in the league.... outside of maybe Tampa. Dave Tippett makes his goalies rich. Look at how fast Turco fell off the face of the earth. Bryzgalov's numbers jumped when Tippett took over, then dropped when he went to a superior Flyers team. I'm not saying Smith isn't having a good year, but he's a system goalie. I don't remember anyone ripping Yzerman for letting him go, hell, people were wondering if he would ever make it back to the NHL... the guy was in the MINORS last year.

It's easy to thump our chest and be the greatest Hindsight General Manager on the internet, but let's dig back to the offseason and see if anyone here was lauding the genius signing of Smith by the Yotes last summer.

 

[Automattic]

lol

Y'all don't remember stonewall Bryz when he played for Phoenix? This isn't Deja Vu...It's Dave Tippett. I've watched Smith for years back since minors. He ain't winning these games by himself. How the fuck does a goalie singlehandidly win a 4-3 overtime game!?

 

[Automattic]

FYI..Don't argue with me today. I'll just respond by being a dick.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

FYI..Don't argue with me today. I'll just respond by being a dick.

No you won't.

 

[OregonDucks]

I can't wait for Sunday night!

 

[Automattic]

No you won't.

Dick.