Franchise history regarding post-season play
Howe Conference
Avalanche:
Play-off appearances: 1
2005 – beat the Ducks 4 games – two, lost in the quarterfinals 4 games – two vs. the Yotes.
2005 playoffs appeared to be stepping stone towards greater things. The Avs, in their first CPHL play-off appearance in 2005, got a taste. But with the loss of a few key players, the Avs are forced to watch from the sidelines this year.
Blues:
Play-off appearances: 1
2003 play-offs saw the Blues dominate loosing to the Sharks in the Howe conference finals.
Since the glory days of 2003, the Blues franchise has fallen, although not many clubs have the young talent the league thrives for such as the Blues. It would be a major disappointment to miss the play-offs this year. The Blues still have hope, but are on the wrong end of the chain having to jump the Jackets, Kings and Wings to do it. But with Staal and the kid, there is a good chance the glory days will return to the blues very soon.
Canucks:
Play-off appearances: 1
2004 – defeated the Wings in a thrilling game seven. Lost to the Hawks in 6 games in the quarterfinals.
The Canucks made some noise in 2004 falling to the eventual cup champs. Missed the play-offs in 2005, which was a disappointment as the Canucks only managed sixty points in the regular season. Now in 2006 the Canucks look strong as only one point separates them from a home game to open the play-offs. And about 5 points separates them from the play-offs completely. The fans in Vancouver are expecting big things this year.
Coyotes:
Play-off appearances: 3
2003 – defeated the Wings in six games, lost to the Sharks 4 game to none (sweep)
2004 – lost first round to the Hawks in seven games.
2005 – defeated the Flames in six games, Defeated the Avs in six games. Only to lose the OILERS in the semi finals.
Big things are expected from this team, as they are playoff veterans never missing the show. Until now where the Yotes sit twelfth in the conference The Yotes who do still have an outside chance would need a small miracle.
Ducks:
Play-off appearances: 2
2003 – Lost first round to the Hawks in four games
2005 - Lost first round to the Avs in six games
The Ducks have themselves nestled into a playoff spot right now, but have six teams fighting for four spots. The Ducks are in the middle of that pack and do control their destiny. The Duck fans would like to experience a playoff victory as they have exited the previous two dances in the first round. This could be the year as the Ducks boast a strong team.
Flames:
Play-off appearances: 3
2003 – Lost in the first round to the Blues in seven games.
2004 – Defeated the Preds in the first round, Oil in the second round. Lost to the Hawks in five games.
2005 – Lost in the first round to the Yotes in six games.
Flames are looking for big things in this year’s version, as the Flames are hot. They will be a force to contend with, and have to be one of the favorites to come out of the Howe. Love to see the BOA get it going… Flames won in 2004….. can they do it again? Can they make it to that game? Whoooooo….. Lets get it on!!
Hawks:
Play-off appearances: 2
2003 – Defeated the Ducks in the first round. Lost to the Blues in the second round
2004 –
Stanley Cup Champions
Sense the Stanley Cup was raised in Hawkland, the team has never played a play off series again. Missing the dance last year and in jeopardy of loosing out again. They are still in the hunt although it does not look good. I am sure the players will feel
notoepik’s wrath if they do indeed fall short.
Jackets:
Play-off appearances: 1
2005 – Lost in the first round to the OILERS in six games
Jackets making it to the show for the first time last year, don’t want it to end there. Rather to build on last year’s experiences. Although sitting just out of the play offs, they have their work cut out for them. If they can get into the dance, they could make some noise.
Jets:
Play-off appearances: 0
In the first year in operation the Jets seem to have found a way to hold a play off spot. Can they hold that spot? Can they do some damage in the play offs as well? Anything from here on in is just gravy for the young franchise …… Great job Mike!
Kings:
Play-off appearances: 0
Wow, the Kings have never made the playoffs before. And are finding a way to back out of this years event. The fans in LA are getting restless. Will the Kings find a way, with over ten games left …. There is lots of time. If they do make the show, they have the talent to gain some wins with.
OILERS:
Play-off appearances: 2
2004 – Defeated the Wild in the first round. Lost the BOA in six games
2005 – Stanley Cup Finals ,,, lost in the seventh game
Oil entered the play off picture in 2004. Lost in thedecond round and left wanting more….. made it to the Stanley Cup finals last year…… lost in seven games leaving us still wanting more…….. LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Predators:
Play-off appearances: 2
2004 – Lost in the first round to the Hawks in seven games
2005 - Lost in the first round to the Wild in seven games
With the Preds holding down a home game in the first round and their perseverance to take teams to seven games. This may the year the Preds make their noise.
Sharks:
Play-off appearances: 1
2003 – Stanley Cup Finals
Sense they Stanley Cup finals in 2003, the sharks have failed to qualify for post-season play. And this year will be no different. The Sharks will watch the show for the third year.
Stars:
Play-off appearances: 1
2003 – Lost in the first round to the Sharks in five games.
After making the cut in the first CPHL season, the stars have found a difficult time getting back. And will miss the play offs for the third year.
Wild:
Play-off appearances: 2
2004 – Lost in the first round to the OIL in five games
2005 – Defeated the Preds in the first round in game seven. Lost to the OIL in five games again.
Do the Wild wish to face the Oil or is there some bad blood there? The Wild in my opinion are one of the favorites to bring home the cup this year. A solid team from top to bottom.
Wings:
Play-off appearances: 2
2003 – Lost in the first round to the Yotes in six games
2004 - Lost in the first round to the Canucks in seven games
Currently sitting tied for the last play off spot the Wings have a great chance to make it. After missing last year you know the fans in Hockeytown USA demand an appearance this year. Where the wings can do very well with some solid pick-ups down the stretch.
So there you have it a little reading material for the forum.
With the play offs just around the corner, still lots to be decided. Some franchises will be left to rebuild, others will be dreaming of hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Post season history - Howe
