NHL Playoffs are here!

travisg · 2018-05-21T00:10:03.051Z

The Golden Knights became the 2nd expansion team in the 4 major sports league (NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA) to reach the championship in their first year of existence since the 1967-68 St. Louis Blues.

One have to wonder if it’s better, in the long run, for the Knights to struggle early and built the team with draft picks or win now and possibly struggle afterwards.

Whatever, I hope they don’t face the same problems like the Coyotes in Arizona.

NotoriousNik · 2018-05-21T01:13:24.147Z

I’ve been back and forth on that same issue. Will quick success jade the fanbase so that when the lean years come, many will bail? Or does contending right out of the gate build excitement in what may have otherwise been a unenthusiastic hockey market?

Me? I’m a Blackhawks fan since childhood who found his peacful hockey life torn apart when his spiritual hometown was awarded a team of their own. Point is, I’m used to waiting a long time for a Cup. So I say win it when you can, and let history sort out the rest. I know I’ll still be a Knights fan when they hit hard times.

Blackwolf · 2018-05-24T02:55:34.418Z

Nice to see the Washington reach the final round at last. I’ve got nothing invested in either team, just hoping for a good series between the Caps and the Knights.

bluedogdem · 2018-05-24T11:29:54.282Z

this may sound crazy but im rooting for both teams… I want Ovi to get it of course but the Vegas story is monumental

TheDoctorIsIn · 2018-06-03T04:00:00.334Z

5, 6 or 7?

That Is the question.

NotoriousNik · 2018-06-03T05:42:56.593Z

As badly as I want Vegas to take home the Cup, I won’t be broken-hearted if Ovechkin ends up winning it. The man deserves to be a champion.

I just really, really would rather he win it next year.

NotoriousNik · 2018-06-03T05:44:39.442Z

Unless Vegas gets their game back, this one may be over in five. The Caps are damn good right now.

Blackwolf · 2018-06-03T06:46:38.048Z

I would love to see Washington take this. They are overdue.

Blackwolf · 2018-06-05T01:06:15.987Z

Caps look like they have no intention of letting up.

Blackwolf · 2018-06-05T01:06:31.498Z

3-0 end of first period, Game 4.

NotoriousNik · 2018-06-05T03:10:14.800Z

Jaysus. I love Vegas, and I will always love Vegas. But the cheap-assed way they closed this game out really makes it hard to defend them. Way, way too many stupid penalties and way too much ■■■■■■■■ trying to instigate things. They need to clean up their act to have any hope of winning game five.

Damn, this one hurts. On to the next one.

bluedogdem · 2018-06-05T12:54:28.631Z

the Caps came out on fire last night… i think Vegas wins the next one then the Caps close it out at home

NotoriousNik · 2018-06-08T01:01:56.699Z

I might die tonight.

(Funny how context changes a sentence. I type those same words over in Safe Haven, it’s cause for worry. Over here, we know it’s hyperbole. Mostly. )

travisg · 2018-06-08T03:55:54.370Z

Congrats on Ovi and the Washington Capitals on winning the Stanley Cup. I had no dog in this fight, but I’m so happy for them and their long-suffering fans.

What a run and 1st season for the Vegas Golden Knights. They will have tough act to follow next year with a target on their backs now and no longer sneak up on teams. They might struggle to make the playoffs next year. I hope I’m wrong.

Who else will have a tougher act to follow besides the Golden Knights? The Seattle expansion team.

Hate that this season had ended.

Blackwolf · 2018-06-08T04:33:29.147Z

Congrats, DC

NotoriousNik · 2018-06-08T04:46:18.831Z

I’m still alive. Sad, but alive. Although seeing Ovechkin hoist the Cup definitely eased some of the pain. The man earned it, so despite my Vegas fandom I’ll gladly celebrate Ovi getting his due.

Now then, is it hockey season yet?

Blackwolf · 2018-06-08T05:01:38.023Z

Ray Bourque’s win is still tops, even 17 years later.

TheDoctorIsIn · 2018-06-08T05:08:59.456Z

The Caps deserved it.

The Knights, nevertheless, earned a seat at the table.

Blackwolf · 2018-06-08T05:14:14.335Z

NotoriousNik:

Unless Vegas gets their game back, this one may be over in five. The Caps are damn good right now.

You called it.

TriggerWarning · 2018-06-08T06:30:16.946Z

Other than postgame highlights haven’t watched even a second of hockey in years. Can’t name a player on either team except Ovechin and Fleury and couldn’t pick either out of a lineup. That said, disappointed that Vegas didn’t complete the storybook ending of a championship for both an expansion team and a city devastated by tragedy.