...

I never knew there was a Nintendo version of Spelunker. I used to play that game on my Atari 800 XL.

Anyone getting "repeat of 2024" vibes, yet?

BTW, balance has been returned to the Force in Raleigh.

I'll do it.

I think the Leafs are better at it this year, but the past two games are the result of Florida beating them down over the course of the series. Last year, the physical side was the Panther's strength: they upped the physical game and wore down opponents while being able to maintain their skill. This is what they're trying to go to Toronto and it seems to be working if Domi is any reflection of how the rest of the team is taking it.

Now that was the kind of game I expect to see Florida play.

Well. They DID look outclassed.

Vegas looks so outclassed.

The camera-work in this Vegas game is the worst. Choose a zoom-level, bro.

That was some good hockey. I haven't watched any of the western games - are either series as good as this one?

Florida decides to show up second period of the third game.

Adams and Staal will relate to Galivan what they remember Rod the Bod doing in the gym. That's all he'll need to succeed.

He used to be Erie County Sheriff? Maybe that was his brother. Or a distant relative.

Based on recent studies specifically looking at NHL players and Achilles tendon ruptures, the picture regarding recovery rates is more nuanced than a simple "poor record." Here's a breakdown of the findings: High Rate of Return to Play: Studies indicate a high rate of return to play (RTP) for NHL players after Achilles tendon repair. One study found that 14 out of 15 NHL players (93%) with Achilles tendon tears returned to play. Another older study reported a 78.9% RTP rate. Performance Impact: While the RTP rate is high, the impact on performance is where the nuance lies. Some recent research suggests no significant change in offensive, defensive, or overall performance-based metrics when comparing pre-injury performance to performance in the first and second years post-injury for those who returned. However, other studies on professional athletes across multiple sports (including NHL) have sometimes shown a decrease in games played, play time, and performance metrics in the first year or two after return, although performance might normalize closer to pre-injury levels by the second year post-injury for those who successfully return long-term. There's also evidence suggesting a bimodal distribution – some players don't return to their prior level, while others can perform comparably to uninjured players after two years. Comparison to Other Sports: NHL players appear to have a higher RTP rate after Achilles rupture compared to players in sports like the NBA and NFL, where rates of failure to return to play have been reported to be significantly higher (e.g., 20-30% or more). Timeframe for Recovery: Recovery is consistently described as a long and arduous process, typically taking several months (at least three to five months, sometimes longer) before returning to on-ice activities, even with surgical repair and rigorous rehabilitation. In conclusion: While the statement that "players with Achilles injuries don’t have a good record of fully recovering" holds true in a general sense across professional sports, recent data specifically on the NHL suggests a high likelihood of players returning to play. The question of whether they fully recover to their exact pre-injury performance level is where studies show varying results, with some suggesting performance returns to baseline after a couple of years, while others indicate potential long-term impacts or a portion of players never quite getting back to their previous form. Therefore, while many NHL players do successfully return, the concern raised in the paragraph about a player being a "question mark" regarding their same level of performance as before the injury is a valid one, despite the relatively high return-to-play rate in hockey compared to some other sports.

Yes, that's my impression. Their ability to defend has caught up enough with their offensive skill that they are definitely dangerous.

That's so stupid. It's like Monster: how can a common word be trademarked like that? We live in the time of morons.

The blondes behind Maurice look so Toronto.

Once again, the third period doesn't disappoint. TO seems to have developed some of that "it" factor.

No Yeti because of the thermos company?

The third has been all Florida so far. Maybe I shouldn't post pro-Florida thoughts? Geez.

...and Dudley would be LaFontaine'd.

Yup, if they don't fall apart next period it may bode well for the rest of the series. I was struck by how Florida looked panicked the last several minutes of the second.

HELLO, FELLOW GMs!

This is Staal using the Sabres to build his GM creds.

This is a heroic attempt at gaslighting. 😕 He was the first pick in his draft. He has a 7x$8.35 contract. And our expectations are too high?.