We are Yahoo! Sports' NHL hockey experts, here for the 3rd round of the playoffs. AMA!

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

Depends. How young are you? -SL

29

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

How old are you? -Sam

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?

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

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!

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

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

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?

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

Better series...

Chicago vs. LA

or

Boston vs. Pittsburgh

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Im a big fan of yours Mr.Wyshynski

Thanks! -wysh

Any thoughts on the supposed Islanders interest in Luongo?

"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

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

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<

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.

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

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?

Yes. -Sam

how do you feel about torts "dismissal"?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

Why can't Michael Ryder catch a break?

He dented the Stanley Cup. It's a curse. -SL http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/video-stanley-cup-dented-in-fall-on-michael-ryders-day?urn=nhl,wp11386

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

How will the Kings defend their title?

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

Rask, Crawford, Quick, or Vokoun?

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

That was the question, right? - Wysh

Quick every day of the week. -SL

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?

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Sharp or Lundqvist?

Too much handsome there to choose. -SL

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

45.5% -Sam

41.5432% - SM

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.)

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

Will Toews show up this series?

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

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

Chicks dig it. -SL

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

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

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?

Is that you, Shane Doan? -Sam

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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

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

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

What am I, an astronomer? -Sam

Jonathan Quick: Robot Ninja, or Cyborg Jedi?

Robot Sith, like Cyborg Darth Maul - GW

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?

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

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

Crosby, Krejci, Keith, Doughty. -SL

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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?

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.

Thoughts on the newest 538 piece on why Cananda isn't winning any Stanley Cups?

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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.

Who do you like for the cup?

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

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

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

Biz. -Sam

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Sexiest swede in the league?

Is it possible to pick against Gabe Landeskog? -SL

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

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

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

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?

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