Series Thread: Stanley Cup Finals: Washington Capitals vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights

[elocomotive]

What's crazy is, this is IMO their worst team of the past three seasons. Maybe the difference is Kuznetsov found his playoff game and Holtby is playing consistently. But it makes you wonder if the Penguins preemptively prevented a Caps three-peat!

Short answer - hockey is stupid. Puck luck, momentum, etc all have a factor and chance is simply a greater component of victory in hockey than any other sports' playoffs. Having a better team def gives you more chances, but still a lot of chance involved.

Team related answer - Can't disagree that past teams may have had more talent, but I think there are five differences:

1. Holtby - he's always played really well in the playoffs, but he's been phenomenal this year, and at the right moments and times to boot. We outplayed CBJ and PIT, but he stole the Tampa series.
2. Centers - Eller having a career year and Kuzy has gone from great player to an elite player this year. Other Caps' teams have had better talent overall. No team in the past has had four guys at Center like this year's team.
3. Strategy - The defensive change from late in the season to a hybrid trap system has fit the personnel better and the team has played better since.
4. Attitude - The resilience this year's team has showed has been great. I'm tired of hearing sports radio callers talking about "well they're finally blocking shots" or something similar. The days of controller broken OV have been gone for years, this team has played tough defense for many seasons now. But the attitude of the team has been fantastic. No heads down. They have been in the fight in every game save ONE the entire playoffs. That says a lot for their mental preparation.
5. Blue liners peaking - Career year for Carlson. Orpik having his best postseason run in five years. Orlov going next level. Niskanen being the steady eddie he always is. As a unit, they've just peaked at the right time.

 

[Comeds]

I just got off the phone with GM GM and he told me Vegas is not, I repeat is not, using their win in the bank tonight. @esls79 was wrong, clearly he is a bandwagon fan who doesn't know hockey.

GM GM would not rule out using a penalty in the bank or a disallowed goal from Toronto in the bank.

 

[Comeds]

I hope he spends the whole time doing Milbury impressions.

It would be nice if the Canadiens could get skilled personable players like PK......

 

[dash]

I hope he spends the whole time doing Milbury impressions.

I'm hoping he removes Milbury's shoe and beats him over the head with it.

 

[obxyankeefan]

It would be nice if the Canadiens could get skilled personable players like PK......

they just turn them into bruisers like Chris Nilan

 

[Darrell Green Fan]

I would bet that concession sales are the prime reason teams started doing it. Can't imagine its worth opening the doors at all without the 7 dollar beers.

Can't say I'm a fan of tickets to such an event, but then again Edmonton sells tickets to walk the concourse. I guess it was only a matter of time. Owners will take every penny they can get. Can't wait for one to figure out how to make money on the outdoor events like Winni, Vegas and Caps have done. Rope off a section around the arena and charge 20 bucks a head to get in?

I can see the appeal. Back when this was the way to watch a fight I went to Cole Field House to watch Sugar Ray Leonard beat Tommy Hearns on closed circuit TV. It was exciting as Hell, almost like being at the fight

 

[higgyfan4]

I went to 2 of those, had a great time both times. Once was game 3 of the 1998 finals, and game 3 of the 02 finals. The one where Larionov scored in the third OT. It was 1 am and my sons were falling asleep in their seats, and it was awesome!

You're with real, passionate fans when you go to those things; it's always a good time, IMHO.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I went to 2 of those, had a great time both times. Once was game 3 of the 1998 finals, and game 3 of the 02 finals. The one where Larionov scored in the third OT. It was 1 am and my sons were falling asleep in their seats, and it was awesome!

You're with real, passionate fans when you go to those things; it's always a good time, IMHO.

I agree. I watched a game outside at the baseball stadium in Buffalo during the '99 Final. They had the mascots out, music playing, goal celebrations, the whole thing. I enjoy watching from my couch, but when you get to that point, it's fun to be around a large group like that. They lost. Because Buffalo.

 

[forty_three]

Not gonna be able to watch the whole thing tonight as I am on a plane at 5AM tomorrow. I should be nodding out during the opening, somewhere around the time the Jets fly over. 10ish PM.

I don't want it to end tonight because this series has been so much damn fun to watch. I want to go to 9 games.

But if it does end tonight, I offer my congrats to Caps fans. For me, it's kind of like watching that weird kid from your high school that you kinda got along with sometimes go on to get nominated for an Oscar or Grammy or something. You secretly hope they succeed, but you would prefer to win the damn thing yourself so kinda fuck him. Plus he hit on Jenny in third period and got her to go out to a movie. Damn I wanted Jenny.



And if it doesn't end tonight, don't hurt Devante Smith-Pelly.



P,S. - Any suggestions for good Tex-Mex and/or BBQ in Austin TX? Out of the way off the beaten path type places preferred.

 

[higgyfan4]

I agree. I watched a game outside at the baseball stadium in Buffalo during the '99 Final. They had the mascots out, music playing, goal celebrations, the whole thing. I enjoy watching from my couch, but when you get to that point, it's fun to be around a large group like that. They lost. Because Buffalo.

Maybe you will feel somewhat vindicated when a SCF GWG is scored on a puck over the glass penalty.

You know it's coming.

 

[higgyfan4]

 

[Payton]

These intros are getting out of control....

 

[obxyankeefan]

At this point I almost want the Capitals to win, just so I don't have to watch any more of this stupidity. Play the damn game already

 

[higgyfan4]

What's the over/under that the majority of Coaches Corner will be mostly bitching about OV's stick tap on MAF?

*yawn*

 

[thedddd]

LOL at AO and MAF during the pre game skate. I am fully expecting the Hanson brothers to show up now.

 

[juliansteed]

Manon Rheaume looking as good as ever!

 

[dash]

"I must crush you"

 

[higgyfan4]

Boy, a lot changes in 20 years...

 

[puckhead]

These intros are getting out of control....

first one of these I've seen.
hot garbage. I expected a prime rib dinner to be served afterwards.

same with the floating panic! at the disco
mix was shit, so all you heard was vocals. it was .... not good

 

[craigk217]

l-i-f-e