THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING. THIS EVENT IS OVER.

It’s time for the third round of the 2013 NHL playoffs! Join Yahoo Sports' NHL editor Sam McCaig, Greg Wyshynski, Harrison Mooney and Sean Leahy of the Puck Daddy blog along with NHL columnist Nicholas Cotsonika and Yahoo! Canada managing editor of sports Steve McAllister to answer all of your questions about the next round match-ups, as well as any surprises you saw in the second round. Ask Us Anything!

We'll be available to answer all your questions from 11:oo a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET today.

You've got questions? We've definitely got answers.

You can find more of our best NHL blog posts at Puck Daddy: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/

Comments: 374 • Responses: 112  • Date: 

bestincal34 karma

Will the Sharks ever win the Cup? And will it be in my lifetime?

YahooSports20 karma

Depends. How young are you? -SL

bestincal6 karma

29

YahooSports15 karma

You got some time. Next year will likely be the last hurrah for their main core. It will be interesting to see what kind of moves Doug Wilson makes this summer. Does he go for broke next year and stock up or keep an eye to transitioning the team into Logan Couture's hands. -SL

YahooSports6 karma

How old are you? -Sam

courser15 karma

On a scale of 1 to Vancouver, how ugly would it have gotten if Seabrook hadn't scored that game winner in OT? And do you think a Chicago loss there might have led the league to actually take a look at the officiating?

YahooSports7 karma

I've been consistent in saying there was nothing wrong with Walkom's call. Players make far, far more mistakes than officials do - and missed/wrong calls tend to even out IMHO. -SM

Miannie12 karma

Oh yay!

1) Do you find it problematic that the final 5 teams were the last 5 teams that won the Cup?

2) Do you think the Pens can continue to ride Vokoun as they have been? If not, can Fleury step up, being so out of practice?

3) Who do you think was this year's "rising star" (in the whole league)?

Thanks for your time!

YahooSports22 karma

  1. No, and I think this story is woefully overplayed. NYR/NJD/PHO/LAK in the final 4 last season, a.k.a 1994/2003/Never/Never.

  2. Yes, and I have no confidence in Fleury as a postseason goalie at the moment.

  3. Until he hit the wall, Nazem Kadri.

-Wysh

YahooSports9 karma

Here ya go:

1) Like the idea of having dominant teams - parity often = mediocrity. 2) Vokoun as played every bit as well as Rask and Crawford (Quick at another level). 3) Great question. Too tough to call in a shortened season. Karlsson is a guy to watch as one of the game's superstars moving forward. Logan Couture took his game to another level in San Jose. And John Tavares is known outside of Uniondale now. - SM

joeap10 karma

Lots of interesting stuff should be happening this coming off-season, so...

  • 1) Where does Luongo (finally) end up?
  • 2) What happens with Vigneault and Tortorella?
  • 3) Do the Leafs re-sign Bozak or does he walk?
  • 4) Will Dallas Eakins make the jump to the NHL?
  • 5) Any other big moves you're predicting?

Edit: One more (related to #5) - with the salary cap going down for next season, which teams will be the most effected/have the toughest decisions to make roster-wise?

YahooSports7 karma

  1. No clue.
  2. Alain to Dallas, Tortorella to TV
  3. I think he re-signs, and I think it's important to Kessel that he does.
  4. Yes, and it wouldn't shock me to see it be either in Vancouver or NY

-Wysh

amlax98910 karma

Better series...

Chicago vs. LA

or

Boston vs. Pittsburgh

YahooSports8 karma

Boston-Pittsburgh. We'll see more offence in that one. - SM

jhguidot8 karma

with the new divisional realignment set for next season, do you think teams like Carolina and 'Lumbus will have any chance to hang with the other teams in that division? it seems it's expected they'll be perennial punching bags.

YahooSports6 karma

The way the playoff situation will work under realignment, there are going to be some good teams missing the postseason. Teams like the Canes and Blue Jackets will have a tough time cracking the divisional top 4. -SL

paulinsky7 karma

What is the Stanley Cup Final match up that you want to see?

YahooSports20 karma

Pittsburgh-Chicago. Two star-studded teams who play entertaining hockey. Think we'd see a similar series to Detroit-Chicago - the way hockey's meant to be played. - SM

YahooSports12 karma

Pittsburgh vs. Chicago. But mostly because those are my picks. - Wysh

iseverythingok6 karma

Where will Ryan Miller land? Where will Luongo land? Will it be on the Isle or elsewhere?

YahooSports3 karma

Miller's an interesting one, because I'm not sure where the options are. Could Philly kick the tires? The Islanders? What about a team that really needs an upgrade like Edmonton?

Luongo ... sheesh, who knows? -Wysh

KakunaUsedHarden6 karma

Last week I made the clutch Twitter decision to unfollow Wyshinski and follow Mooney instead. I'm happy so far, but what are your thoughts on the decision?

YahooSports7 karma

I can only assume palpable boredom is your path to happiness. #CallTheYawning - Wysh

YahooSports7 karma

You know you can follow two people, right? In fact, I've heard you can follow more than two and you don't even have to pay or anything! For real though, Wysh sucks compared to me. Sucks. -- HM

YahooSports3 karma

Your "hockey song parody" intake just increased by 100%. -SL

YahooSports3 karma

Mooney knows music and he's a foodie. Give Wysh the edge when it comes to pucks and fine beers. SM

SebFromHawk5 karma

You gotta f one, marry one and kill one: Blake Lively, J-Lo, Henrik Sedin... GO!

YahooSports12 karma

J-Lo, Henrik, Blake, in that order. My marriage to Henrik will be a celibate one for obvious reasons... I prefer Daniel. -- HM

YahooSports9 karma

I don't know who the first two people are... -Sam

YahooSports5 karma

F-Blake. M-J-Lo. K-Henrik, only because you still can enjoy Daniel as a Sedin. -SL

Navarath5 karma

Is the NHL ever going to get over the fact that penalties in the regular season should also be penalties in the playoffs? Powerplays and Penalty kills are an important part of the game too!

YahooSports3 karma

I do think they're getting better at it. Intensity and physicality gets ramped up in playoffs compared to regular season, so it's difficult for refs to quickly adapt to more rugged, clutchy-grabby style of play. -Sam

dontibbles5 karma

What's the consensus opinion about next year's realignment plans? Do you guys like the divisions? What teams do you think are poised to be in the best position for a long time?

YahooSports9 karma

I like the geography of it, and love Columbus moving East more than Detroit, whom I believe the West needs for TV purposes. But the playoff format makes me nervous. -Wysh

BigB1029385 karma

for you guys being experts you say " I don't know" to a lot of things lol

YahooSports45 karma

I don't know how to respond to that. -Sam

bestincal4 karma

What was the biggest downfall for the Sharks in the second round? An inept road PP? The Torres suspension? Not screening Quick? Something else?

YahooSports4 karma

Not taking Game 2 in LA. Rare will be the opportunities to beat that team on home ice. -Wysh

ivillalobos111 karma

Im a big fan of yours Mr.Wyshynski

YahooSports1 karma

Thanks! -wysh

dontibbles3 karma

Curious as to your take on the state of college hockey. Seems like it's never been better and the B1G conference can only improve things. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, MSU are some of the best pro factories in college hockey.

YahooSports1 karma

Think that it's great that the college game is growing and improving. It gives young players many options to continue their develop. -SL

Sklib3 karma

A lot of Chicago meatballs cry that Ray Emery should be starting over Crawford, which is ridiculous, but do you see Crawford being the 'Hawks netminder for the foreseeable future?

YahooSports1 karma

Yes. -Sam

dontibbles3 karma

Thanks for doing this guys. Can we talk 2014 Olympics briefly? What are the real chances we don't see NHL players in Sochi? Could you also give us a few guys pushing to make the Team USA roster?

YahooSports5 karma

Zero percent chance the NHL doesn't go to Sochi.

Quick should be the Team USA starter. Two names I'm intrigued by: Derek Stepan and Kevin Shattenkirk.

-Wysh

dontibbles3 karma

After what Mike Babcock has done with this year's group of Red Wings, is it too much of a stretch to say he is the clear-cut best coach in hockey? He's now won the Cup, Olympic Gold and several IIHF Championships at various levels. If not, who would round out a Top 5?

YahooSports5 karma

Not sure if he's the "clear-cut" best because other coaches deserve kudos too...but if you want to say Babcock's the best coach in the NHL, I won't fight you on it. -Sam

DMaximus123 karma

Are the Sabres crazy for keeping Regier at GM? Seems like when you miss the playoffs 4 out of the last 6 seasons there's a talent problem that should have been addressed.

YahooSports3 karma

I was surprised there wasn't total regime change, but Darcy did some good things at the trade deadline. - Wysh

imnotwillferrell3 karma

has the sharks window closed entirely? so much talent and regular season dominance for so many years and not even a single stanley cup appearance to show for it

YahooSports3 karma

Not at all. One more kick at the can in 2013-14 before Jumbo and Marleau go UFA. - Wysh

pdh19893 karma

Harrison - If you could pick a second-tier comic book hero to represent you in a single-elimination bracket, who would it be?

YahooSports3 karma

Luke Cage, a.k.a. Powerman. At one time just a gangsta in Harlem, he was recruited for an experimental cell regeneration process based on a variant of the Super-Solider procedure that made Warhawk. Unfortunately, as he's undergoing the procedure, one of his enemies messes with the controls, hoping to kill him. He fails, and instead the accelerated limits of the program give him superhuman strength and NEAR IMPERVIOUS SKIN. Have you ever skinned your knee? Hurts like a bitch, and every time it happens I'm like, damn, I wish I was Luke Cage right now. In closing, Luke Cage. -- HM

YahooSports1 karma

I'm not Harrison. So can I pick Harrison as my second-tier comic book hero? -Sam

FaceTimE883 karma

Any thoughts on the supposed Islanders interest in Luongo?

YahooSports6 karma

"Interest" is the key word. All teams have interest in players. 29 teams have "interest" in Sidney Crosby. Reality says the Islanders don't take on such a long-term and rich contract, given their current spending habits. -SL

YahooSports4 karma

I still comes down to whether Luongo would play there. How this fact seems to always get ignored in fantasy trade casting is beyond me. - Wysh

YahooSports3 karma

I think they're interested, and I think Luongo would go there. I honestly think the idea that he'd only go to Florida is overblown. He himself said he never vetoed a trade last summer, and while that's been reported, I don't buy it. I think he just wants to play, and I think he'd happily do it in Long Island/Brooklyn. -- H<

RockguyRy3 karma

Which basement dweller team do you see having a breakout season next year and making a run at the playoffs?

YahooSports2 karma

At some point over the next 2-3 seasons the Oilers and their young talent will breakout. Right? -SL

poncainajio3 karma

how do you feel about torts "dismissal"?

YahooSports5 karma

Had to happen. Players stopped playing for him, and it's gotten to the point where Lundqvist needs to win every playoff game 2-1 or 1-0. That's untenable. - Wysh

YahooSports5 karma

He didn't become a horsebleep coach overnight and the Rangers' decision to not keep Prust and Rupp didn't help him. But he's not the right guy to direct this roster. - SM

iseverythingok3 karma

Why can't Michael Ryder catch a break?

Kraagenskul5 karma

He got his name on the Cup just two years ago. He just finished a two year, $7 million deal, and will probably get around the same next year. I think he doing just fine.

YahooSports2 karma

Agreed, there'll be tons of demand for Ryder. A mighty fine addition to most clubs' top-nine forwards.

amckechn2 karma

Now that San Jose is out, the road to the Stanley Cup no longer goes through Vancouver. This streak lasted three years.

What fresh area of pain will Canucks fans use to fill this void of victimhood?

YahooSports3 karma

Maybe they'll trade Roberto Luongo, the goalie, in exchange for Roberto Luongo, the head coach? - Sam

ChangedMy_Mind2 karma

How will the Kings defend their title?

YahooSports6 karma

Hopping on Jonathan Quick's back and hiding in Penner's beard when things get, uh, hairy. -SL

l_llll_llll_l2 karma

Rask, Crawford, Quick, or Vokoun?

YahooSports33 karma

I'd f--k Crawford, marry Quick, kill Rask and pin it on Vokoun.

That was the question, right? - Wysh

YahooSports2 karma

Quick every day of the week. -SL

NS242 karma

I've got a theory that if Pittsburgh wins again the cup this year or next year, Malkin is going to want to leave the Penguins to take on a new challenge and have his own team instead of being on Crosby's team. Am I crazy?

YahooSports5 karma

Ah, yes, The Scottie Pippen Theory. Think both are quite happy to be Penguins, winning titles, all of that. -Wysh

cliff_diver2 karma

As someone who has never watched the sport, what should I pay attention to when I put on a game?

If you could hang out with your favorite player, what beer would you drink or what sci-fi movie would you watch together?

When was your first experience with hockey?

What was the best goal or play that you have witnessed?

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Thanks for answering!

YahooSports3 karma

  1. Don't just watch/look for the puck. Watch how the players skate to find space and create scoring chances.

  2. I'd love to share some Absolut with Loui Eriksson.

  3. First experience was playing in my driveway with my older brothers. We used milkcrates as goals.

  4. Lemieux's goal in the '91 Final on Jon Casey is still amazing to watch.

  5. Cookies and cream.

Thanks for joining in!

-SL

YahooSports3 karma

  1. Pay attention to what players without the puck do, whether it's getting open for a pass or defending a play.

  2. I would drink an Old Speckled Hen with Karl Alzner and MST3K the shit out of "After Earth"

  3. Watching it with my dad.

  4. Hmmmm... Marty's save with the paddle in Game 4 of the 1995 Final comes to mind.

  5. Butter crunch or butter rum.

gramary1212 karma

Do you think Torey Krug keeps it up in the Eastern Conference Finals, or do you think Pittsburgh brings him back down to Earth?

YahooSports2 karma

Gonna go way out on a limb and predict that Torey Krug does NOT score a goal-a-game in the East conf final. -Sam

YahooSports1 karma

He has to come back down to Earth, right? Right? He'll probably cool off vs. the Penguins. -SL

jamesEkrueger2 karma

I know this doesn't relate to this playoff round, but do you see the Lightning making it to the postseason next year?

YahooSports3 karma

It's going to be awfully difficult in their new division once realignment kicks in. They'll have tough competition from the Bruins, Habs, Red Wings, Leafs, Sens, and maybe an improved Sabres team. -SL

YahooSports1 karma

No secret that the Bolts need to improve defensively and get better goaltending. I like the potential of Bishop-Lindback tandem. -Sam

NotoriousRJG2 karma

Who will win the first game between Chicago and la and what will the score be?

YahooSports4 karma

It's in Chicago, the Kings have struggled on the road, so...LA, obviously. Final score: 12-8. -Sam

ivillalobos112 karma

do you guys hate the sharks as much as every other eastern media sight does?

YahooSports5 karma

I was pulling for the Sharks to win the Cup this year. Best story ever. - Wysh

YahooSports5 karma

How does one hate Joe Thornton or Logan Couture or Patrick Marleau? OK, so Jeremy Roenick hates PM, but... -SL

YahooSports3 karma

Are you kidding? I've predicted the Sharks to win the Stanley Cup for the past 8 years in a row... - Sam

hawksfan812 karma

Sharp or Lundqvist?

YahooSports4 karma

Too much handsome there to choose. -SL

NWLierly2 karma

Do you think this post seasons "do no harm" policy regarding headshots and suspensions is the new line going forward? What I mean is do you think the bar has been raised yet again in regards to what constitutes a good hockey hit?

YahooSports3 karma

Great point and it has. Players going to have to think really hard about making open-ice hits after the Gryba hit on Eller in the Sens-Habs series.

butters892 karma

Who gets booed more in Boston -- Matt Cooke or Jarome Iginla?

YahooSports3 karma

Uh, Matt Cooke. And it's not close. -Sam

torpedo2002 karma

What chance do you give of the Bruins beating the Pens?

YahooSports2 karma

45.5% -Sam

YahooSports2 karma

41.5432% - SM

Lareine2 karma

Got in too late on the last one, so I'll try again:

  1. 5 words or less, why haven't the Sharks been to the finals?
  2. What is the single creepiest thing Pierre McGuire has ever done?
  3. Which Cheechoo Train video is actually the best?
  4. My jersey has 44 and "Pickles" on the back. I love it, and he chuckled when he signed it, but: Nickname = Jersey Foul? (If yes, I'll dig up a picture and you can publicly humiliate me.)

YahooSports3 karma

  1. Some choking some losing
  2. Close talked on the TSN set

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxkImZhylkQ

  1. The one before this last one, with the Mayor of Awesometown
  2. Tough call. There's some thought that an official nickname might be OK. But those are the people with No. 28 Jiz jerseys

-Wysh

MichaelBoltonIsGod2 karma

Why do hockey players leave those damn gaps in their teeth?

YahooSports5 karma

Chicks dig it. -SL

hmann09922 karma

Will Toews show up this series?

YahooSports3 karma

Short answer is...yes. He's too good to be held off the scoresheet for long. And don't forget he does a lot of things that don't show up on the scoresheet, too. - Sam

JPplaneswalker2 karma

Where do the NY Islanders go from here? i don't know where they stand for draft picks, but with their current youth, you'd think now is the time to trade for some star power. Do you think they retain Nabokov? Other than goaltending where is the most pressing need?

YahooSports1 karma

I think the Islanders need to package picks and prospects and upgrade their defense. Get a true, veteran stud back there. Maybe come knocking on Vancouver's door for one, in exchange for younger players.

-Wysh

hattrickptrck221 karma

As a disgruntled Caps fan, do you read anything into the Rangers lack of penalties at MSG (In the Bruins series as well)?

YahooSports4 karma

They were a disciplined team in the regular season too -- fewest minors. - GW

YahooSports1 karma

They lost some Burkian truculence with the departures of Prust and Rupp. More a matter of discipline than any conspiracy theory re: MSG.

RakoGumi1 karma

Would you rather play hockey dressed as a ballerina, or have to wear skates all year long non stop (even when showering and else :))

YahooSports3 karma

Hockey as a ballerina, which for me means finding a tutu to go with my pink body suit. - Wysh

YahooSports1 karma

Definitely wear skates all year long. We'd be ready to play at any notice. We're pretty sure ballerina shoes would give us poor traction on the ice. We'd end up skating like Hal Gill or someone. -SL

YahooSports1 karma

Tried wearing ballerina shoes for five years - still having issues with ingrown toenails. Damn. - SM

magerchan1 karma

Why hasn't Vokoun broken into your Conn Smythe watch?

YahooSports3 karma

Here's been serviceable, not spectacular. Malkin, Sid and Dupuis have been better. - GW

courser1 karma

Jonathan Quick: Robot Ninja, or Cyborg Jedi?

YahooSports6 karma

Robot Sith, like Cyborg Darth Maul - GW

jewswagga1 karma

Due to the capitals early round exit, do you guys think ovechkin will want to be traded because he is unhappy with Washingtons postseason performances over the last 5 years?

YahooSports3 karma

Nah, I think Ovechkin is a Capital for life. Which is sorta the problem. -Wysh

ihaveabadmonkey1 karma

How does Dustin Penner growing a beard make him a better player?

YahooSports7 karma

It keeps the syrup from dripping down his chin onto his pants. - Wysh

YahooSports1 karma

There are magical powers in each of those follicles. -SL

Kjr5671 karma

What is the key factor for the bruins to pull off the upset?

YahooSports2 karma

Staying out of the penalty box/limiting the Penguins' power play. And Rask outplaying Vokoun/Fleury/Gilles Meloche in goal. -Sam

Kjr5671 karma

Do you think this is the best conference finals the NHL has ever sceen?

YahooSports2 karma

These are two great matchups with lots of compelling storylines. Let's just hope they can come close to matching the hype. -Sam

fluttershy911 karma

Do you think expansion will or should happen in the NHL?

YahooSports3 karma

I think 32 teams makes a lot of sense. Where? Another one in Toronto and a return to Quebec City. If there's relocation (cough coyotes cough), how about Seattle? -Sam

pretzelzetzel1 karma

Who do you like for the cup?

YahooSports4 karma

I picked LA at the beginning of the season and Chicago at the beginning of the playoffs. But I think Boston has the deepest forwards corps and the Penguins have Crosby, so... one of those four. -- HM

YahooSports1 karma

Ask me 4 times, I might give you 4 answers. I'll pick the penguins, but it is truly wide open and it'll probably come down to the hottest goalie. -Sam

atleverton1 karma

Which team do you think can take more positives from these playoffs-Detroit or Ottawa?

YahooSports3 karma

Ottawa. They again succeeded despite numerous injuries that would have crippled other teams. -SL

Creativezx1 karma

Sexiest swede in the league?

YahooSports3 karma

Is it possible to pick against Gabe Landeskog? -SL

YahooSports3 karma

Yes, because Henrik Lundqvist exists. Give your head a shake, Leahy. -- HM

YahooSports2 karma

Seriously? It's Henrik Lundqvist. No contest. He's the most beautiful person in the world. Even Tortorella thinks so... -Sam

Arunatic51 karma

1) How strongly do you believe in advanced statistics?
2) I may be wrong, but the NHL had indicated that they wanted to start officially recording advanced statistics. Do you know which ones they have planned?

YahooSports2 karma

Although I'm an old-fart sports journalist, there's a big appetite for advanced stats. Cam Charron who writes for our Buzzing the Net blog, is one of the best out there. Going to read a lot more from him in the future. http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/memorial-cup-2013-mackinnon-drouin-dominance-halifax-top-191115890.html

thepoisonninja1 karma

Do you guys think the situation in Phoenix will ever get sorted out? Do you think it's more likely they stay or get moved if it does?

YahooSports3 karma

Is that you, Shane Doan? -Sam

Sergeio241 karma

Of all the Puck Daddy crew which of you can actually say you can lace em up and play some form of ice hockey?

YahooSports3 karma

Harrison does some ice dancing, but not at a competitive level. -Sam

DrapedInVelvet1 karma

What team is going to make the most drastic moves this offseason? How will teams like Philly, Vancouver, and San Jose get out of cap jail?

YahooSports2 karma

I'm watching Buffalo, Colorado, Edmonton, NY Rangers, Ottawa, Philly (always Philly), Tampa & Vancouver. -Sam

therealfan1 karma

After I pointed out to a friend yesterday that the last four cup winners are still in contention, all dominant American franchises, he asked me what I thought of the NHL rigging games so that Canadian teams don't make it very far into the playoffs. Why do so many Canadian hockey fans go about our teams' failures as if we were cheated? The only people who should be blamed for the Canucks not winning a game or the Leafs collapsing in Game 7 or the Sens not being able to compete with the Pens are the teams themselves, wouldn't you agree?

YahooSports2 karma

There hasn't been a good conspiracy sine the moon landing -- and Montreal won the Stanley Cup that year. -Sam

irish6751 karma

If you could party with either Kane or Biz who would you pick

YahooSports3 karma

Biz. -Sam

YahooSports3 karma

If the party includes a cab ride, going with BizNasty. If it's a night on the town in Tonawanda, give me Kaner.

Coraon1 karma

Which do you think we will see first: The leafs win the cup, the return of halley's comet?

YahooSports4 karma

How about Sidney Crosby's beard will finally grow in? -SL

YahooSports3 karma

What am I, an astronomer? -Sam

Crossbeau1 karma

All Bruins Penguins Questions

Do you think the history between Jagr, and the penguins is gonna add some more tension to the game?

Do you think the W/L ratio between the two teams is going to make this interesting?

Do you think that having Torey Krug will make a change in the win loss ratio currently held between the two?


Do you know if Tim Thomas is still going to the islanders, or do you think he is retiring ?

YahooSports2 karma

  1. Probably more for the fans than the players/teams. Jagr left Pitt so long ago, he doesn't have much of a connection to today's cast of Penguins.
  2. Pens won reg season series 3-0, but this ain't the regular season.
  3. If the Bruins are relying on Torey Krug to continue being the difference-maker, I think they're in trouble.
  4. My guess is we don't see Tim Thomas in the NHL again. -Sam

SnookSnook1 karma

I know nothing about hockey. At all. I live in Raleigh, and my coworkers have way too much to say about the Hurricanes. Can you give me something smart to say to get them to leave me alone about my lack of hockey knowledge? Or at least a talking point that will get them to converse amongst themselves for ten minutes?

YahooSports5 karma

Tell them you won't rest until Marc Staal is a Hurricane. -Sam

YahooSports3 karma

You should to go a Canes game. The atmosphere there is incredible and they might have the best tailgate party in the NHL. -SL

YahooSports2 karma

I only got thru the first 238 pieces, so don't feel qualified to answer... -Sam

the_anj1 karma

1) With Roy as the new Avalanche coach, how successful do you think he will be?

2) What do you think the Avs are going to do with the 1st pick? I think the odds are on Jones, but some rumors about even trading the pick away are coming through the pipes.

3) What are your general thoughts about the short-term future of the Avalanche, considering their youth, first overall pick and the hiring of Roy as coach and VP of hockey ops?

YahooSports2 karma

Patrick Roy...part of me thinks he'll be boom-or-bust as an NHL coach. But really, he's so competitive and knowledgeable, and such a hard worker and garners so much respect that I think he'll do well. Probably be a learning curve for the first season, and Avs are certainly no lock to make the playoffs next year. -Sam

doomocrat1 karma

Will Gulutzan have to get an AHL job again before he can land another NHL gig? I think he would have been great for Colorado and got the blame for the transition front office in Dallas, just like Tip.

YahooSports2 karma

With the many big names (AV, Ruff, Torts, maybe Tip) on the market, coupled with GG's inexperience at the NHL level, you'd have to think he'll end up in the AHL before getting another crack at The Show. The NHL loves to recycle old coaches. He might have to wait his turn to get back in. -SL

YahooSports2 karma

Agreed with Leahy. Bad timing for GG with so many excellent coaches on the market. I'd throw Dallas Eakins and Dale Hawerchuk into the mix, too.

YahooSports2 karma

I think Gulutzan is really respected around the league, and people feel he got the shaft in Dallas. Wouldn't surprise me to see him get the Pete DeBoer thing -- fired from a bad team, hired by a good team after cutting his teeth in the NHL. - Wysh

Acee526951 karma

[deleted]

YahooSports2 karma

Predicting Pittsburgh-Chicago final because that matchup will provide the best hockey.

rizzie_1 karma

Any advice for someone who's trying to get more involved in hockey? (Watching/learning game, not playing)

YahooSports1 karma

If you have the chance to see live games -- whatever the level, minor pro, junior, kids, beer league -- get yourself to the rink. Nothing like being there. Also, fantasy pools are a good way to connect to NHL and get to know the players.

YahooSports1 karma

Go to see live games as much as possible to see how plays develop, get a sense of the speed of the game, etc. - Wysh

Mc2sand3s1 karma

This isn't related to the playoffs but....

What do you say are the Oilers greatest strengths & weaknesses?

If you had to trade one of the young guns (Hall, Nuge, Ebs, Yak or Schultz) who would you trade and for who in return?

YahooSports1 karma

Oilers need to shore up their back end somehow. That's a tough one because I like the four young forwards you mention. If I can get a 2-3 D-man, however, I'd give up one of those guys. You still have Gagner in the mix and I'd keep him.

[deleted]1 karma

Do the Kings have what it takes to repeat? How do you see the Vokoun-Fleury issue playing out? Will that be the Penguins Achilles heel?

YahooSports1 karma

Vokoun has been steady as she goes since taking over from Fleury - don't see goaltending being an issue for the Pens in this series.

deliriumtriggered1 karma

Can the Kings score enough to get past the Hawks?

Can the Bruins physical play slow down the high scoring Pens? Will Pittsburgh be able to expose the young Boston defense?

YahooSports1 karma

  1. I think both teams are waiting on their big guns to start firing. Problem for the Kings: It won't happen on the power play, where the Blackhawks are stellar.

  2. Problem for the Bruins: Pittsburgh can beat you with offensive flourish and with gritty, dirt goals too.

-Wysh

-Wysh

Kraagenskul1 karma

Who has been the best player in the playoffs for each remaining team, not including goalies?

YahooSports1 karma

Crosby, Krejci, Keith, Doughty. -SL

YahooSports1 karma

BOS-Krejci / PIT-Crosby / CHI-Keith / LA-Voynov

imnotwillferrell1 karma

how much interest do you think there will be in ryane clowe this offseason?

YahooSports1 karma

If he wants 5 years at $5M per, as was rumored when he was traded to the Rangers, that seems like too long and too much. But it's a thin UFA crop, and Clowe brings physicality and skill and surely played through injury...so who knows, maybe somebody needs a power forward and pays up. -Sam

justamania1 karma

Who do you believe is front runner right now for playoff MVP?

YahooSports3 karma

The way Quick is playing, no one is in his stratosphere. -SL

YahooSports3 karma

I think it's Quick. The Kings obviously have to advance, but he's so damn good right now I think there's a chance he goes back to back. - Wysh

zekkas1 karma

Quick. He's basically won every series by himself so far.

YahooSports1 karma

Quick. The other three teams remaining haven't really had a difference-making player although Lucic has been pretty damn brilliant for the Bruins through two rounds.