Toronto Jules

Exactly the worst start the Leafs could have wanted. Down 2-0 on the board, but also the crowd is now completely out of the game and it seems like all the energy is with the Lightning. Something needs to shift very soon. 

Just now, FireDillabaugh said:

Looks like that'll be the case.

Yes it does. 

I think the New Jersey Devils had the best overall lottery though. 

1 minute ago, FireDillabaugh said:

Gallant has already said it will be Igor.

Well then there ya go. I just hope he is on his game for the sake of the Rangers or they could really be up against the fence really quick if he lets in 3 or 4 soft ones fast. 

1 minute ago, FireDillabaugh said:

It will be Igor.  But, if I were Gallant, I'd give him just 1 soft goal against before pulling him quickly.  His poor play and goals against haven't all been on the team in front of him these 2 bad games.  He's given up some very weak, soft goals.  He's the essence of a goaltender that's fighting the puck right now.  And, if he gives another one of those weak goals up, I yank him quickly.

I know there has been some talk of Georgiev, but you are probably right with the team on the brink of elimination they would have to go with the #1 goalie. 

2 minutes ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

 

So some Tomfu ckery might be going on you say not Gary Buttman...

 

 

Buttman has had his share of that for sure. I am always in the belief that things work out in these weird ways to benefit ratings, media, and of course money as well. If Montreal gets the #1 pick that means the place will be packed for sure and not only that the area will be watching and buying beverages which means more money being spent. I always looks at things that way. 

When a player can have 23 years tied to his career that is saying something. The guy put together one hell of a career. 

I really think Montreal will get the #1 pick because the draft will be held in Montreal this year and that will make it exciting. They also have the best chances with the lottery so we shall see. 

7 hours ago, GratefulFlyers said:

 

The Rags' D, team D, last night especially was just ... out to lunch. Igor has not delivered his A game in this series, more like his B game, which is still very good. The 7 goals and the losses in general are more about the Rags' defenders out of position, backing up at the blue line and letting the Pens get away with murder in the paint. Even a Vezina-caliber goalie in that situation will look bad.

 

To your question though, I think I would start Georgiev in G5. The Rangers need a big shakeup and they need it now.

I think you you are on point with your remarks. The D is out of sorts and that is messing up a lot of what Igor is attempting to do unsuccessfully. The Rangers have the D to turn things around. Don't know if that will happen, but their backs are know up against the wall so we shall see what happens from here.

I do think they need to start Georgiev in game 5 to just give it another look. 

Congratulations to the Colorado Avalanche. They are one step closer. This also gives much needed rest for Darcy Kuemper .

6 minutes ago, 3 Palmateers said:

I don't drink, but, man, do the Leafs ever drive one that direction. 

 

Is JT in this series? The captain has abandoned ship. Something's really happened to him this season. I hope the old Toby Keith lyric (not a country guy) applies tomorrow night for him... 

 

I ain't as good as I once was,
But I'm as good once as I ever was."

I never count out the Captain. He is my favourite player and he will turn it up. I will than handle your share of the adult beverages.

4 minutes ago, NHL HHOF said:

 

No, but close.

How about Pat Verbeek? Who at first I didn't realize had 500+ goals. 

6 minutes ago, NHL HHOF said:

Name the all-time leader in penalty minutes amongst the NHL 500+ goals club.

Is the answer Keith Tkachuk?

Not sure if the Rangers can be completely counted out yet. Yes, Igor Shesterkin has been really shaky and the Rangers just might go with Alexandar Georgiev in game 5. The Rangers have too much talent though on both the offensive and defensive side. 

This series is really now in the Panthers drivers seat heading back to Florida . They need to come out full throttle in game 5 because if they lay an egg in that game and head back to Washington Down 3 games to 2 it could easily be the end for them. 

I think the Goal was by Carter Verhaeghe. 

That OT ended pretty quick. Series all square. 

Extra Skater gets the equalizers.

2-2

I believe it comes down to an over confident team coming up against a veteran team who has experience in the playoffs and the Capitals are giving them a huge fight.  

It is not over for the Panthers yet at all, but it is slipping away. 

Will Samsonov hold up over these last minutes of the Florida strong offense?

Way more physical team it looks like is the Washington Capitals. 

2-1 Capitals

If Igor Shesterkin continues to struggle a bit would you think the Rangers would have it in them to go with Alexandar Georgiev in game 5?

Not exactly sure what went on with the decision Trotz made when he walked away from the Washington Capitals after the championship season.

This season however is a little different. Trotz had 1 year left on his contract so this had to come from the front office. Either they wanted to go in another direction on the bench or high profile players on the team were not really meshing with Trotz and they voiced their frustrations with the front office and that was the reason for the change. Obviously the team did not meet the goals they wanted to this season with missing the playoffs, but it was far from a horrible season. 

Really surprised to hear this move with one more year on his contract. He will not be without a job for very long. Great coach. 

The Florida Panthers are getting their monies worth in this first round series from the veteran team of the Washington Capitals. I still believe the Florida Panthers will come out of this series with the series win because they are the all around better team, but the Capitals are not going to go down lightly.