2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Rnd 3

[PerreaultForever]

5 hours ago, Jorcus said:

I agree that the NHL is not a parity league and NMC clauses have something to do with it. I would also add that because players are drafted at age 18 there is a much greater risk that the pick you make in the front of the draft will not turn out to be a very good player. You also have to wait 3 to 5 years to find out what they are. Another issue is that high end players can last a long time in the NHL. Most very good players can remain effective in their 30's. It takes awhile for father time to catch up to these teams for the next group to cycle though and take over. 

I wanted to discuss Washington. Things went well in the regular season for  them but once again they flamed out in the playoffs. They seem to exist in this place of high mediocrity. It was mentioned on the radio the other day that only once since Ovi has been on the team that they have made it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. Of course they Won the cup 2018 but that was the only time they made it to the conference finals. Had they not gotten over that hump in 2018 what would have happened to Ovi? I would guess a free agency walk to another contender. It's interesting to look back at that when Toronto parts ways with Marner. 

Washington had a lot of things go well this year. The had one of the best second lines in hockey with the McMichael and Protas who came through for them in the draft. Dylan Strom finally is living up to his high draft pick status after the Blackhawks let him go for nothing and Chychrun is healthy enough to show what he can do. I just wonder if Washington goes back to being a Pumpkin. Ovi can still shoot but he is getting very slow. Will the goaltending hold up like it did last year. A lot of players had a career years but I think they would have to regress. On the plus side they have been good at managing the cap space so they won't lose anyone. I think they are too good regress out of the playoffs but I would not be surprised to see them fall back in the standings. 

I think Washington has more prospects coming. They have a solid veteran young mix and they did leap the development curve. Getting next level will be harder and some of the vets will age out eventually. 

Carolina's another team that can never get past this round. Meanwhile Florida, who was supposed to have a weakened D this year actually seems to have a better D and they even have a Carolina waiver guy. They are such a disciplined and well structured team they get the most out of everybody they have. The GM built a good team, but they are also an example of why coaching and leadership really does matter. Everybody on that roster plays bigger and everybody knows they all have each other's back. 

[PerreaultForever]

1 hour ago, jahnyc said:

If by some miracle the Sabres make the playoffs next season, I can't see this roster as currently configured as having the ability to play a physical style or match the physical style of a playoff opponent.  This team is not built for playoff hockey (or even regular season success).

This has been my position for years. I hate the 15 years and want the playoffs for sure but I keep seeing a strategy and plan that will fail if it gets there and I don't want to end 15 years of no playoffs with 10 years of first round exits. Sure, it might be better than not getting in, but after a few years it'll be just as frustrating. 

[Pimlach]

Edmonton came to play. 

[...]

Man, I just can not get into this Oilers/Stars series. Especially tonight with the Stars clearly thinking about other things. I could never stand to watch the Oilers, generally, regardless of McDavid and Draisaitl on that team.

I think we already had the best series of these playoffs with Florida vs. Toronto.

[Pimlach]

3 minutes ago, ... said:

Man, I just can not get into this Oilers/Stars series. Especially tonight with the Stars clearly thinking about other things. I could never stand to watch the Oilers, generally, regardless of McDavid and Draisaitl on that team.

I think we already had the best series of these playoffs with Florida vs. Toronto.

Florida v Oilers will be fun. 

[PerreaultForever]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

Florida v Oilers will be fun. 

Probably heading to that. Goaltending the x factor for Edmonton so I wouldn't count Dallas out just yet though. They don't really care if it's home or road the way they play. 

[Thorny]

1-1 “series over” lol 

Connor McMouthguard still has a ways to go 

Edited 1 hour ago by Thorny