Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Seven in a row, and counting

DAVID SHOALTS

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:43 AM EST 01/05/08

Plucky Penguins extend playoff winning streak to seven games, putting Rangers on verge of elimination ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Shanahan is invisible in this series...

    Lots of penalties against the Pens in the second period... Consecutive 5 on 3 s and even then, the two teams seemed to be at even strength...

    Time to stick a fork in them?

    Go Pens.
  2. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: This one is over..... and the Rangers probably played their best game.... at least Jagr did.

    Cheers
  3. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Watching this series, I am less concerned that my team was defeated in the first round.

    A well coached juggernaut in the East - is it enough to carry Sid to display Stanley in NS.

    I hope not, 3M Rob will be insufferable.
  4. John Stanton from Canada writes: Another great game. Penguins have grit and heart to go with tons of skill.

    Mariposa, you should be worried. The Sens didnt even have a heart beat.
  5. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: 3M Mariposa:

    What do you mean "will be" insufferable?

    This Pens team looks strong and play desperate hockey even when they are ahead...

    Also loved the Pens shot blocking...

    Cheers.
  6. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: To give the Rangers some credit, they were making a great comeback and had the Pens running around at the end of the second period.

    It was a shame that Ryan Hollweg took that stupid penalty. That really killed their chances.

    Cheers.
  7. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: John - steamrollered is steamrollered. Pens did that to the Sens - they seem capable of doing the same to the Rangers. I do agree that a heart transplant is required, but it is only one part.

    Pens are unstoppable at this point. And they play good hockey. NYR may have thrown lots of pucks at the net, but I did not see a lot of inside shots or seconds from NYR - making it managable for Fleury.

    3M Robert - I must apologise - you are insufferable.
  8. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Wow. What a great entertaining team to watch. Even Big George is scoring, you know you're in trouble when that happens.

    The Rangers downfall: there were too cocky after easily disposing of the Devils. They basked in the Manhattan media for a whole week and believed the hype. Jagr, a veteran player, had to open his big mouth about Crosby and Malkin.
  9. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada:

    Thanks. Apology accepted.

    Lundqvist had a terrible save percentage tonight. Kelly Hrudey was saying that he is playing too far back in his crease on the HNIC broadcast.

    Any thoughts on that?
  10. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: 3Miller - Lundqvist may have been too far back, but goalies have their comfort zone where they play better.

    I am not convinced that Lundqvist playing further out would have made the difference.

    Pens are the better team - I would say the Flyers are a better team than the Habs individuals.

    The better team should win.
  11. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada:

    Yes, the Habs' individuals need to play as a team...

    I don't even know how Price versus Halak became the issue...

    The fact is that the Habs T-E-A-M are not playing desperate hockey yet when compared to a team like the Pens.

    Biron is seeing everything, the Habs forwards are not driving the net, bodies aren't falling in front of everything coming towards the Habs net and the Habs D should be clearing the Philly forwards away from Price's crease.

    Game #4 is an important one for the Habs to win. In my opinion, it's not do or die, but pretty close.

    Agree that the better team should win, but will always hate the Flyers from their Broad Street Bullies days.

    Cheers.
  12. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: It won't matter whose in goal for the Habs unless they step up their game. Fact is they've been outplayed by the Flyers. When they've had their chances they haven't capitalized.
  13. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: This should have been much closer, but Malkin is the difference in this series. He is MASSIVE. Fleury is surprising everybody. Michel Therrien has outcoached Tom Renney. And Hal Gill has made Sean Avery a non-factor. Pens are getting stronger with each game.
  14. Matt O from Canada writes: I suspected at the start of the playoffs that the Pens might have the magic this year, despite all the San Jose predictions and my own wish to see my Habs do well.

    The Pens are flying, and have luck on their side as well. The only team looking as good as them are the Wings, but they're having trouble hanging onto leads...that would spell death if they have to face the Pens in the final.

    Still hoping Montreal can get their act together, but I'd be thrilled to see Crosby get the cup as a consolation prize...the way the media has turned on the kid is shameful, and it'd be great if he could show them all up.
  15. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Matt O from Canada:

    Why do you think that the media has turned on Crosby?

    I can only think of a couple of media members who have, and in those cases, it is probably largely because their egos are such that they think that I watch hockey to hear them comment or write about it.

    Cheers.
  16. Matt O from Canada writes: R Miller,

    I think its a combination of media and players, actually, that have tried to make Crosby sound like a whiner and diver. Witness Alfredsson's little "lecture" a couple of years back.

    I don't think that there's an all-out assault on Crosby's character, but, if you remember, while they guy was still a junior he was a media darling. Now you hear just as much negative news about him as you do positive.

    A lot of fans as well seem to think Ovechkin is the "true" young superstar of the league, and similarly badmouth Crosby as a complainer, faker, etc.

    From my own perspective, I have to admit that I was getting a little sick of hearing about him when he was in the juniors, if only because so many "next ones" have been annointed since the Gretzky/Lemieux years (Daniel Cleary was once thought of as the next Gretzky, if you remember). But then when he turned pro and turned about to be as good as advertised, I was very happy for him...yet at the same time, it seemed as if all the overly-positive press I was bristling at disappeared.
  17. Matt O from Canada writes: Oh yeah, in case you're wondering why I leave my location a mystery (Matt O from Canada), it's because I'll be moving from Ottawa to Toronto (gasp!) soon, so I feel as if I'm already in limbo between the two places.

    Cheers.
  18. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Matt O from Canada:

    Funny that you say that because Crosby is actually the face of hockey in the United States... There were 72,000 hockey fans watching hockey in an outdoor football stadium in Buffalo this season because Crosby was playing...

    I would guess that certain people within Canada's sports media generally just don't seem to like certain success stories... It's similar to some of these G&M posters who cannot stand to see the Habs doing well this year if you know what I mean.

    Cheers.
  19. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: There is a certain Canadian mindset that seems to enjoy watching a person rise to success while it's all skittles and beer. When the person reaches a certain level, the long knives come out. It appears to be a Canadian tradition.
  20. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: The "face" of hockey in the good 'ol USA is the Hanson brothers.
  21. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: There were 72,000 people in Buffalo because beer and chicken wings were being sold, and it was an excuse to take your shirt off and yell at a TV camera. WHOOO HOOOO!!!
  22. Matt O from Canada writes: Paul I, I think you have a good outsider perspective on our national dysfunctions. We have a great country, but too often the establishment is all too willing to embrace mediocrity. By the same token, they'll jump right on the bandwagon if someone achieves huge success...you can bet Crosby will become a media darling should the Pens indeed win the Cup.

    And the "skittles and beer" line is a classic...Skittlebrau, anyone?
  23. Chris Eaton from Fredericton, writes: The media turned on Crosby because the reporters got sick of their own hype and needed a new story. Most media these days is little better then sensationalist vultures.

    Gotta say, I'm happy to see this series going how it is. Jagr needs to learn to shut his yap, and the less of Avery we get in prime time, the better. That guy is an embarassment to hockey.
  24. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Paul I: Your killing me because your comments are bang on.
  25. bob miller from Canada writes: Didn't that block-head Avery get a achance to try and break Crosby's wrist like he tried to do on Sunday?????
    PLEASE let Laraque at him!!!!!
  26. Trilly B from Canada writes: I wonder, if you're in the Penguins shoes, if you don't want just a little bit of adversity at some point. Ottawa and New York have pretty much laid down in the face of the Pittsburgh attack. That's fine if no one else is going to stand in your way on the road to the cup.

    I guess we'll see what they're made of if they face stiffer opposition in the semi and/or the final. I'm sure for the moment they're loving where they've put themselves!
  27. Howard Young from Canada writes: I'm surprised by how soft the Rangers have been playing the Penguins. I don't follow the NYR closely, but they are not really playing a physical game. I don't know if it's a part of their game. It's likely already too late but if they don't do that, they are going to get swept.

    I recognize NYR has to respect the weapons on that team, but there is such a thing as too much respect. Watch how Pitts kills penalties and compare that to the NYR. Pitts defenders go after the shooters and pressure them to make bad shots or passes. NYR maintains a tight trapezoid and gives the Penguins all the freedom to move the puck around without interference.

    I'm being 100% serious when I say that Pitts is having an easier time scoring even strength and power play goals on NY than it did on Ottawa. Other than the 2nd game, Lundqvist has let in many goals on not that many shots. I thought the NYR had a better defence.
  28. Frank Smith from Canada writes: The Pens look strong for sure ... it may be their year ... good luck to Sid the Kid in his dive ... oops, I meant to say "drive" to the Cup. Too bad this whole series turned after the powerplay goal on a weak call that decided game one ... but the Pens likely would have prevailed at any rate, it just would have taken longer. They are younger and noticeably quicker than the Rangers. Rangers aren't getting the breaks they did in the Devils series and the Pens are. Lundqvist has been average.
  29. Howard Young from Canada writes: Frank, I think the Rangers were able to beat NJ because the Devils are not an offensive oriented team. Rangers being more offensive minded were able to outscore them (I know that's the object of the game).

    Unfortunately for the NYR, they're now playing a team with a more potent offence. NY can't win games by getting into a shooting match with the Penguins snipers, but other than game 2, that's all they've been trying to do so far.
  30. Nick Wilson from Toronto, Canada writes: What's amazing about this Penguins team is not only their offensive firepower but their collective defensive play. The Pens finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference in goals against. That's remarkable with such a young team. I wonder if coach Therrien will finally get some credit as I think he's not even among the nominees for the Adams trophy. It's also worth noting that Carbo in Montreal learned the ropes as an assistant to Therrien too and Carbo's getting much more credit. It certainly has a bit to do with the tough guy image Therrien is projecting.
  31. Frank Smith from Canada writes: Agreed Howard. My point about getting the breaks (remember Callahan's goal, game 1 of the Devils series, if memory serves me correctly) is that they set the tone for the series. The Penguins are very strong but they have scored several goals off of deflections, bounces off skates, etc., etc., and that's deflated the Rangers. For example, the 5th goal in last night's game ... which was a killer for the Blueshirts. Give the Pens credit ... good things happen when you shoot the puck!!
  32. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: 3Miller - Lundqvist may have been too far back, but goalies have their comfort zone where they play better.

    I am not convinced that Lundqvist playing further out would have made the difference.

    ===================================================

    It's a little late,but I'm gonna disagree. On the 4th goal, Malkin's doesn't see any net low stick side if Lundqvist is out at the top of his crease. I've refused to watch the intermissions on HNIC since the first time Cherry called Kovalev, Korvorlev, so I don't know what Hrudey had to say, but if it's about Lundvist playing too deep-I'll agree.
  33. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: Basically, Lundqvist has looked a little "intimidated" by the Pens shooters.

    That and I'm just not sure if anyone can keep up with the Pens this year. At this point, either Philly or MTL looks to be no match in the semi's.

    No Avery for the next game it seems. Could be a rally point for NYR. Most likely an excuse for a loss.
  34. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester, NY, United States:

    Your 3:51 AM comment is spot on and should be enshrined in our Canadian constitution...

    Buy your 3:53 and 3:57 AM comments.... c'mon.... Surely, there is some other intelligent hockey fans south of the border other than yourself.

    I mean... It's not like you guys are all Philly fans, is it?

    If so, this seems to be a conspiracy that the Habs are facing "America's team."

    No fair! I call bias!
  35. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: R.Miller from Halifax- Thanks. I'm not sure if I qualify as an "intelligent hockey fan" I have been a Leaf fan since 1961 and I intend to be put into the ground in a blue and white box stuffed with Tim Horton's and Joe Louis snacks. Who said you can take it with you! I'm just a Canadian wannabe. Love your country. Should have beat feet to the True North during the draft-dodging days. Ah well.
  36. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes:

    Like every country in the world, Canada has its good sides and bad sides.

    Our national tendency to tear each other regions down gets a bit annoying -- somewhat like a dysfunctional family, I guess. As you have also noted, we also hate celebrating our national heroes that achieve success (particularly if that is done in the good old USA) and we don't think that Canadian history is worthy of study... BTW It's quite interesting stuff really.

    I am over-generalizing, of course, but it does drive me nuts when the sports media in Canada try to tear down Crosby because by all accounts locally in Nova Scotia, this kid is the most down to earth, modest and hard working kid:

    This is a local story about Crosby:

    "It takes a village to raise a phenom"

    http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Pittsburgh/2007/01/17/3394408-sun.html

    Shame about Avery. Karma? Hope that he will be OK.

    Cheers.
  37. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: R.Miller- When ever I visit Canada I often wonder how anyone can find anything to complain about. Seems like an allright place to me. When I was a kid living in Buffalo, we would rent a cottage in Crescent Beach, Ontario every summer. I remember my Mom crying when we would leave, she loved it so much. (Maybe she was upset about having to go back to Buffalo. I never asked her)

    Avery- karma squared. The G&M is wise to not open that story to comment. That would be very ugly.
  38. Matt O from Canada writes: Paul I: Boy, you're making me feel a bit guilty for not being more patriotic. Actually, I often feel as if the problems and politics we get so worked up about here (I'm including myself in this) are just a tempest in a teapot compared to what so much of the rest of the world has to face. E.g. we get so divided over having a couple of thousand troops in Afghanistan when you folks have so much more to deal with in terms of what's going on in Iraq. Anyway, good to be reminded once in a while about how good we have it.

    R Miller: As a history student (having gone back to school, and about to go to grad school), Canadian history is interesting, but it's taught all wrong in school at all levels, from university to primary school. Too much of a desperate search for a Canadian "identity", rather than fitting ourselves in properly with the grander narrative of Western history. That's why I stick to Europe.

    Okay, I should say something about hockey in this post now...go Habs!
  39. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Game On!
  40. Frank Smith from Canada writes: Agreed about the Avery story Paul I ... it would have been ugly ... witness previous threads. The weekend Sun Media article on him was eye-opening ... his parents had some interesting comments re: Don Cherry. Avery's actions can NOT be defended but, to the best of my knowledge, he's never pulled a "Dale Hunter" or "Chris Simon" and wacked an opponent upside his head with his stick ... but Mr. Cherry loves those guys. The recent stick waving of Ruutu in Rosival's face was far more dangerous than Avery's silly dance in front of Brodeur.
  41. John Stanton from Canada writes: Avery got what he deserved - what a putz. He will be back to make himself look like a fool I am sure. Hopefully Shanahan can get back to playing hockey. He has been invisible as he cant keep up to the Penguins.
  42. John Stanton from Canada writes: No matter what you say about Crosby. He is the captain of the team that is undefeated in the playoffs and playing like an amazing team. He is blending in with the rest of his team and that is true leadership. Every shift he kicks butt.
  43. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Paul I, Canada is a great country. Nothing wrong with it at all. Oh maybe the winter's are too long but otherwise, its a great place. As far as Avery is concerned, he has no sympathy from me. Penguins playing well, I wish I could see more games, but for the next 2 seasons, have to take what I can get. Cant nock Crosby, he is a great player, as is Malkin, Staal, and others on that team. I hope they get to the finals, but that other team south of the border seems to have their stuff together. Wont mention the team and wont mention what I really think of them.
  44. Shawna Morris from Canada writes: Love how the Globe shut down the thread in the "Avery gets injured" story...cowards. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy...now if karma can only take care of Steve Downie.
  45. Frank Smith from Canada writes: "Got what he deserved" ... nice. Love hearing from all the sudden Pens fans.

Comments are closed

Thanks for your interest in commenting on this article, however we are no longer accepting submissions. If you would like, you may send a letter to the editor.

Report an abusive comment to our editorial staff

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.

Back to top