NHL 2014-15

[Rob]

We went through the Toronto rumors when Stamkos' rookie contract was over too.  I doubt he goes anywhere.  He's on a Stanley Cup caliber team and he knows it, and the Bolts are going to be willing to pay him an awful lot.

As far as the series... I've been following the Lightning for a lot longer than Chicago, so I suppose I sort of want them to win, but it's a weird feeling having two teams you root for squaring off for a championship.  It's left me mostly just wanting a good, long, competitive series.

[GrandMoffNick]

And the prevent defense costs another team a victory in yet another sport.

[I Am Sith]

After the first 5-10 minutes of the first period I thought the Blackhawks were going to be in trouble.  Couldn't believe that crazy goal; nothing Crawford could do about that one.  Extremely happy they were able to steal the first game.  I just hope they don't come out flat again like that.

[Rob]

Watching the game I found that a lot of the fun is kind of gone.  Being perfectly happy with either team winning isn't terribly enjoyable.  I'm just kind of sitting there hoping for a good game, not hating the opponent, feeling bad for each goalie when they let one slip by. 

I'm leaning Chicago because the city goes insane when they win, and I live a few blocks away from where thousands of people flood the streets near Wrigley, so that's always fun - but I just wish there was a team I consider more of a villain for them to beat.

[Morgbug]

I just picture Stamkos and his Agent, rolling into Steve Yzerman's office with the Stanley Cup, copies of Toews/Kane's 8 yr, $84mil contracts, and saying "your move" while Toronto sits with Babcock behind the wheel of a Brinks truck parked outside Stamkos' house. 

Hawks better win this year because that pair of contracts is likely to cripple them for some time.  Players are likely to vote for the escalator but you have to think the Hawks thought the salary cap would be higher than $71 million when they went ahead and signed those deals. 

I don't even know what to suggest the right amount for Stamkos would be, but I'll guess less than Toews/Kane got.  I'll also guess Tampa will hold onto him somehow. 

Oh, Hawks in six. 

[Jeff]

I want to see a 6-7 game series, not interested in seeing a Cup Final sweep.

Thank you Tampa and Chicago for making things interesting so far.  Bishop drama, Toews finally waking up, The triplets tripleting, etc.  Been a good run so far.


Meanwhile, on the "ugh, not this again" channel - Glendale sucks.  It's way past time for the Coyotes to go.  Maybe they only have to go as far as Scottsdale, maybe as far as Quebec.  But, it's obvious it's more than past the time they need to leave Glendale once and for all.

[P-Siddy]

That could have easily been the Bolts' game.  There were a couple times when Crawford left a nice opening only for Tampa and they somehow shot wide of the net.

[Rob]

That could have easily been the Bolts' game.  There were a couple times when Crawford left a nice opening only for Tampa and they somehow shot wide of the net.

And Chicago hit 3 posts.  It could have just as easily been 5-1.

[P-Siddy]

That could have easily been the Bolts' game.  There were a couple times when Crawford left a nice opening only for Tampa and they somehow shot wide of the net.

And Chicago hit 3 posts.  It could have just as easily been 5-1.

I probably missed those.  I had the game on in the background, doing other things, but whenever I walked to check the score someone would score... though saying that makes it sound like I was in the room 3 or 4 times.

I guess my post makes it sound like I'm rooting for the Bolts, but I'm just enjoying it the games.  My brother and his son are Hawk fans, so I'm happy for them.  I wonder if the Rangers GM is having trade regret since their former captain been performing while St. Louis hasn't when it counts.

[Rob]

Right around the third period of game 2 I decided I was just rooting for the Blackhawks.  That's the team I've followed closely since I moved here, and if they win it's lots of fun in town.

Though I suppose having Tampa win will be a nice consolation prize if it comes to that...

[Jeff]

Forgot to check back in here, but congrats to the Blackhawks and 'better luck next time' to the Bolts. It was a good series and that's all you can ask, I guess.  No multi-goal leads until Game 6?  Nice.

If Tampa can keep that core together, they look like they'll be going good places the next few years... 

[Rob]

I ditched out of work for a few hours and went to the rally today at Soldier Field... good times.

[P-Siddy]

The only good times at Soldier Field seem to be offered by the Blackhawks. 

[GrandMoffNick]

Stay classy 'Merika.   

Watching the Blue Jays game. I'm just smart enough not to actually say anything, but just dumb enough to re-post this and antagonize you. 

[Morgbug]

Stay classy 'Merika.   

Watching the Blue Jays game. I'm just smart enough not to actually say anything, but just dumb enough to re-post this and antagonize you. 

I love you too sweetie.