Game 1 - Senators vs. Maple Leafs - 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs

[Poonhound]

I think the leafs have alot of cup hungry playoff performin players in their roster. I believe they'll take the series in 5, possibly 4 depending who gets the first one in game one. If the leafs can come out strong and pop one in early in the first game it could very well be a sweep for the leafs.

GO LEAFS GO

 

[blitz]

I belive that Quinn and Co. realy like and need last line change ergo home ice advantage.

Last change gets you the matchups that are sometimes needed.

 

[Ranger68]

But, blitz, they had a better road record than home record this year. This argues against their "need" for last line change.
It seems like *Ottawa* isn't the best road team, actually.
FWIW

 

[blitz]

I agree that is what the stats say but Quinn likes the last line change in the playoffs so he can get his "shadow" on the ice when necessary.

Although his home v road record says otherwise Quinn is big on matchups. Also, I think, but could be wrong, that Kidd played many of his crappy games at home. Last change wouldn't have helped that seive this year.

Kidd, I love ya but you were brutal!

 

[Ranger68]

That was perhaps true when they had a player like Corson, but now there's nobody who fits that bill. He'll just keep rolling all four lines like he always does.
Well, we'll see.

 

[blitz]

Tucker still injured, coulda filled a similar role

Fitzgerald maybe/unlikely...I see Perrot in the role cuz he has the speed to keep up with top forwards but he might be in the press box making my point moot

I'm anxious to see how things start off and play out

 

[Jim Rome]

That was perhaps true when they had a player like Corson, but now there's nobody who fits that bill. He'll just keep rolling all four lines like he always does.
Well, we'll see.

Yeah he rolled the Corson line right into the dressing room and onto the links ...... with Corson, Mr. Leaf ... hehehe ..... abandoning the rest of the cowards during the playoffs last year and then the rest of the team getting bounced out on their asses in the FIRST ROUND ......hehehe .... too funny ..... still have a pic of the dejected looking Buds crying as my screensaver ..... hehehe ..... man, that makes me laugh .... FIRST ROUND ......hehehe.

 

[Chivas Regal]

Only an Ottawa fan would have a Leaf picture as a screen saver...no Leaf fan I know would put a pic of a Sen on their Computer!
Pansey, sometimes I just don't get you!

Chivas

 

[n_v]

Yeah he rolled the Corson line right into the dressing room and onto the links ...... with Corson, Mr. Leaf ... hehehe ..... abandoning the rest of the cowards during the playoffs last year and then the rest of the team getting bounced out on their asses in the FIRST ROUND ......hehehe .... too funny ..... still have a pic of the dejected looking Buds crying as my screensaver ..... hehehe ..... man, that makes me laugh .... FIRST ROUND ......hehehe.

Pansey - Listen man, it has been requested to keep posts on this thread to critical hockey arguments and analysis. Keep your hehehe's and bashing to other threads .. cannot you read and understand? Or is that too much to ask?

 

[Ranger68]

I agree with what you're saying, blitz, but Tucker just isn't nearly big enough to be that kind of defensive shadow like a Corson, or a Holik (both big dudes). Neither is Fitzgerald. Perrot won't see the ice.
This is what I meant about no shadow player.
I'm sure Quinn will just keep rolling 3 and a half lines like he always does.

 

[blitz]

I'll have outright to agree then Ranger.

On another note, I've managed to stack my 3 playoff pool teams with a combination of Leafs, Stars, Devils and Red Wings. Feeling pretty good about that, whew!

 

[Ranger68]

Those Devils make me nervous for ya, blitz - no Stevens, Rafalski hurt .... good luck with that, anyway.

 

[blitz]

I gotta believe that even without Stevens and Rafalski NJ's D can overcome Philly's offence.

Even if I think...hmmm...Brodeur vs Esche...I'm feeling pretty good.

One of these days Clarke will learn that he can load up on offence as much as he wants but if you're weak between the pipes, starting booking your tee off times. JMHO

 

[pistol]

leafs in 5

TO fans, you can relax for another 10 days. The Buds have been in the Sens head and handled them easily fo rthe most part. This trend will not be reversed now. Ottawa has the talent but neither the heart or the goaltending to win this series unless, Belfour's back acts up.
Lalime has had an off year and this recent injury doesn't help. They rely heavily on thier PP and penalties are not called with the same regularity in the playoffs. Finally, other than alfredsson, the Sens big names have been mia once the playoffs start. Do Havlat, Hossa, Bonk.....care?
On the other hand, the Leafs are a very well motivated club with a bunch guys getting what is likely to be their last kick at the can.

 

[tigerxxx]

I know that they say it isn't over until its over but if the leafs win the first two games here with Belfour only allowing a couple of goals, its over. The Sens are so f***ed up when it comes to the leafs they will crumble. Their poor team psychologist will be working overtime!

 

[scubadoo]

Now that things have calmed down a little and we can have a proper banter back and forth, this is my take on the series.

I feel it will be a close series probably going the full 7 games. Should be a tight series and powerplay goals and goaltending will probably determine the winner. Possibly Ottawa, but with a few "if's" along the way:

1) They need great goaltending from Lalime and I expect him to start the series. Whether or not he shows up is a different matter. If he shows up, Toronto could have their hands full. If he doesn't or gets injured again, Toronto will probably win the series.

2) Powerplays! Will Toronto be able to stay out of the penalty box? If so, Ottawa could be in tough trying to score goals on Belfour ( considering that he is healthy ).

3) Belfour's health. If Belfour is healthy, he could play be the series breaker.


As to Leaf fans saying Toronto is going to win with little or no trouble, I dispute this. I don't think you give Ottawa credit. These teams after 82 games were only one point apart and the season series really didn't do much to give a true assessment of the situation since we had a Toronto team without a number of players for 1 game, Ottawa and the pukefest game, the last game of the season Ottawa had their back-up goalie playing the night after he had played a game in Philly. Also, considering they open on the road ( a good thing in my mind if they can win game #1 ) and Toronto is the favourite, Ottawa really has nothing to lose. Now, if Toronto was to lose to Ottawa, well, every sportscaster will be eating their words.


Should be a good series and I will fully enjoy seeing the three Ottawa home games of this series!

 

[MojoRisin']

I kind of agree scubadoo. Im getting tired of all the media and fans saying this is going to be a roll over series. I mean i love trashing the Sens as much as the next guy but all this talk is getting a bit much. Its going to make the Leafs overconfident and maybe not come out with enough respect for the Sens. I hope im wrong but i dont want the players feeling the way the media and fans do for the most part. Lets just play the games and get going. I think there is a mental edge and physical one too but lets just get it on!

 

[Ranger68]

I agree with Scubadoo - I can't see this series going much less than seven games - the two teams were so close over the regular season, and have such an obvious hate-on for each other - it's hard to imagine one team being blown out.

 

[n_v]

Only about 6 hrs to go until the drop of the puck. I don't know about you guys, but I am nervous with anticipation. Hopefully the battle on the ice is worthy of all the press it is getting. We should be in for some great hockey. Let's just get it on!

 

[MojoRisin']

IM getting pretty anxious too...this is gonna be great! I love this time of year!. Playoffs rock!