Rite of Spring 2013 (NHL Playoffs): "You have no fear of the underdog, that's why you will not survive."

[habsfan1]

Seems like Pittsburgh bought themselves the Stanley Cup this year. I hate to say this, but I don't see anyone taking them down.

who buys a championship in a salary cap league

Okay, I should of said rented. They have an All-Star roster, every line has a 2nd line value at the very least, and a very good backup goalie just in case. Unlike other teams who flunked by attempting to roll on this method, this team seems to be very smart about everything they're doing.

[charger77]

Brad Richards and his 9 year 58 million dollar contract is a healthy scratch for tonights game.

[NEW.ERA]

You know that killed Torts.

Welp, he'll be a buyout. I'd definitely take him in Calgary at like 3 years, 9 million or so. Cap Space is nice!

[Kramerica Industries]

I'm going to be a blinded dumbass here. Brad Richards simply hasn't performed at all this season, except for that one game against Buffalo. Marian Gaborik being a sieve didn't help him for the longest time, but with him gone, he has no more excuses, and he still hasn't been able to raise his game.

I'll sincerely hope this is a one season malaise and that he returns to form next season, wherever he is. It's never fun seeing a favourite player absolutely crash and burn.

[OMMF]

Wow, felt bad for Rask there but how did he miss it with the paddle?

[ninersdd]

Rangers get a stay of execution

[zpqmaowl]

And the Canucks remain the only team to be swept.

[CS85]

Be sure to stay tuned for Toews' epic post-game meltdown interview. Fine should be in the 5-digit range.

[Kramerica Industries]

So in' Tortsy. So in' awesome.

(Ok, I suppose obligatory NSFW warning, but the title should make that obvious enough).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbR8mlhX6k

[Kramerica Industries]

I absolutely did not expect Detroit to hold a 3-1 series lead over Chicago.

This is pretty stunning.

[ninersdd]

Chicago is officially on the brink, didn't expect that after 4 games.

[CS85]

Blackhawks are a shell. Bumslayers, all.

[dbadefense1990]

Blackhawks are strapped into a harness with a spike pillar hanging over their head. Red Wings are one game away from pulling the switch and beheading them.

Wow.

[The_Admiral]

Blackhawks are a shell. Bumslayers, all.

The Red Wings were bums pretty much all year.

The blueprint on the Hawks has been out for years: just beat them up, because they won't fight back and can't score on their power play. Detroit is executing it well. Being able to clutch and grab without penalties has helped, too.

[CS85]

Blackhawks are a shell. Bumslayers, all.

The Red Wings were bums pretty much all year.

The blueprint on the Hawks has been out for years: just beat them up, because they won't fight back and can't score on their power play. Detroit is executing it well. Being able to clutch and grab without penalties has helped, too.

[/irrational postgame meltdown]

---

Also Lee and I had an amusing exchange on twitter that I felt was worth posting. If you've ever played Magic The Gathering, you'll appreciate it.

[monkeypower]

Just saw while watching the Sharks/Kings game that Niemi has the old RBK logo on the yoke instead of the "Reebok" wordmark.

I thought Reebok started using the wordmark on jerseys last year.

[rmackman]

So in' Tortsy. So in' awesome.

(Ok, I suppose obligatory NSFW warning, but the title should make that obvious enough).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbR8mlhX6k

I've never seen him talk and NOT curse. I wouldn't be surprised if the voicemail message on his phone was:

"This is :censored:in' John Mother:censored:in' Tortorella. You :censored:in' leave me a message, and I'll call your :censored:tard ass back when I feel like giving a . Go yourself. BEEP!"

I'd love to see him be a special guest on Sesame Street. =)

[zpqmaowl]

Believe it or not, John isn't home.

Please leave a ing message at the beep.

I must be out, or I'd pick up the ing phone.

Where the could I be?

Believe it or not, I'm not ing home!

[The_Admiral]

He's not really some loose cannon. He talks in the same low grumble as every NHL coach, he just uses obscenities to the press.

[Cujo]

The 'Hawks on the brink of elimination, once again, proves that the NHL regular season means aaaaabsolutely nothing.