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

[rmackman]

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.

I've spoken to him twice. Wasn't nice either time, and had a few curse words to throw in as well. As far as I know, that's just how he is every day.

[Midway]

If this thread title had a thumbnail, the Blackhawks would certainly be gracing it.

[sportstar1212]

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

Yup. Just because you can win the marathon (this year not so much), doesn't mean you'll win the sprint.

[Kramerica Industries]

Even if Torts wasn't a Stanley Cup winning coach and Jack Adams recipient, he would still be, in all likelihood, my favourite coach in the league.

I have great admiration for that kind of personality. He never fails to amuse me.

[Unocal]

Seeding means nothing after last year- a 6 seed had home ice in the Cup Finals. A SIX SEED!

Detroit fans who were all gloom and doom after losing 3 times to Calgary are now suddenly booking flights for California.

[drdougfresh]

I'm just as shocked as a Chicago fans are right now, to be honest. Never would have thought the Wings would be in this spot the way they played all year...

[Cujo]

Much like the Kings were in Game 4, the Sharks have no business being down just one goal down -- but they are. That's playoff hockey for ya!

[ninersdd]

Easily the worst Sharks effort of the playoffs this year.

[FiddySicks]

Yeah, we needed this one and came out flat. For once though, I'm not ready to count them out just yet.

[NEW.ERA]

I think the Kings and Sharks are probably headed to a Game 7 OT Marathon.

[oddball]

The Sharks did not come out flat, the Kings finally put out a full 60 minute effort of their game. When the Kings play their game, it makes the opposing team look like crap. But I think a big reason the Kings played the way they did, was Matt Greene. Greener allows the full defense to slot into regular positions and play their game. It also allows the forwards and Quick to know where everyone is, so that the transition game works well. Knowing where people are is key to a good transition game and with Greene back on defense, everyone knows where everyone is. It's the most relaxed I've seen the defense since Game 6 of the Finals last year.

[Cujo]

When the Kings play physical, they win. This was a total 180 from Game 4 in San Jose, where LA played soft and careless throughout. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see San Jose pull out a win in Game 6. The Sharks will to this to their fans, drag them back in, only to drop Game 7 at Staples in blowout fashion.

[DaRadniz29]

Didn't see the whole game, had other engagements but was able to catch the third period. Sharks played well, Kings just played better.

Now Game 6 back in San Jose on Sunday. Either Sharks win and send it back to Los Angeles or Kings win, takes series and sends the Sharks home with their first home loss of the playoffs. I'm hoping the former happens obviously. Whatever happens, it's been a good season, but a game 7 Sharks win on Tuesday would be a nice day early birthday present

Bracket updated.

GO SHARKS!!

[Unocal]

Easily the worst Sharks effort of the playoffs this year.

Worse than game 1 of this series, where they were also shutout?

Ryan Miller should not even bother making the trip to Sochi. Between Quick, Craig Anderson, and Jimmy Howard, the US is set in goal.

[rams80]

*saved for future use after some (presumed to be pending) Indiana football/Rams debacle this fall*

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I don't have cable/TV in general, so I have been wondering, has the media coverage been playing up how this is supposed to be the last playoff meeting between Chicago and Detroit for the foreseeable future barring a Stanley Cup Finals meeting? I'd be suspicious about a Phoenix to Quebec move if they aren't.

[The_Admiral]

They've touched, but not dwelled. There was more talk about it in their last regular season, but I don't want to get into Quebec tea leaves right now because I'll just be disappointed when they don't get a team and I kinda have enough on my disappointment plate atm

[Funky Bunky]

As a Ducks fan, I thought last year's postseason was terrible, but this year's is looking even worse.

Wings-Kings WCF?

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Since it looks like Richards will be bought out, I'd like to see Bob Murray make a run at him.

Getzlaf

Richards

Bonino

Steckel

That would be a really, really solid group (barring Richards declining even more so).

[dbadefense1990]

Most complete game the Kings have played all postseason, further cementing the power they have at Staples Center against visitors, now winning 13 in a row. There's a relaxed but focused attitude now, as the series shifts to Silicon Valley on Sunday night. Though it's an insurance asset, I really do not want to see a Game 7 because of the closeness of these two teams, so here's to a competitive, and challenging, Game 6. Here's to seeing the Kings conquer HP Pavilion and return to Los Angeles with a brand new series at hand, the Western Conference Finals. Can't wait.

And my God, who would have thought that a team is up 3-1 in the Detroit/Chcago series...and it's the Red Wings?*

*the answer is serious hockey fans who paid attention to their regular season matchups and saw how close these two teams really were

[Sport]

There's no way this doesn't end in a nightmare scenario for me.

Either a bad Detroit team gets curbstomped by the Penguins in the finals or I'm reduced to rooting for Jeff Carter and the most obnoxious twitter account in sports against the Penguins. This is looking bad. Very bad.

I hate sports. Sports are never fun.

[BLUELANDbeliever]

Or, ya know, you could make the better choice and root for an exciting team to watch..

edit: Conference, got it.