[SCF] New York Rangers vs LA Kings (OP updated with times)

[Schraderbrau]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Think this is a closer series then many are making it out to be.

This Rangers team is better than the Devils team that the Kings had to beat two years ago, and even then that series went 6 games.

This Kings team is also better than that Kings team in 2012 with more scoring depth. I think the only concern LA has to contend with is the fast Ranger forwards getting by the slower Kings defense. If the Rangers can find a way to take advantage of the stretch pass and take advantage of the slower LA defense they can make this a series. If not LA will grind them into the ground.

I also think Kopitar is going to have his way with the Rangers. The big centermans ability to control the puck is going to give the Rangers all sorts of trouble.

[Flamenspiel]

^^I wonder if Quick is mentally exhausted, even the best goalies have a breaking point. A lot is being made of the Rangers speed, Chicago and Anaheim were not slow teams.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by Bouw N Arrow

MSG is MSG, New Yorkers know how to cheer for their teams bankers or not.

Then they must've forgot how to do it these playoffs, because - the Wales Trophy-clinching game aside - I'd put their arena energy and noise level on par with Tampa's these playoffs. Baffling for an original 6 team in America's largest city. During the '94 run it was arguably the loudest arena, I'm just really surprised at how much more subdued it seems these days.

Sucks some of the fun out of it for me when the crowd's not overly into it, I love listening to a stadium going bonkers during a tight playoff game. Gets me fired up.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

Then they must've forgot how to do it these playoffs, because - the Wales Trophy-clinching game aside - I'd put their arena energy and noise level on par with Tampa's these playoffs. Baffling for an original 6 team in America's largest city. During the '94 run it was arguably the loudest arena, I'm just really surprised at how much more subdued it seems these days.

Sucks some of the fun out of it for me when the crowd's not overly into it, I love listening to a stadium going bonkers during a tight playoff game. Gets me fired up.

Yeah, they've been terrible these playoffs. It starts when the players come out. About half the seats are empty at the start and the people that are there cheer for 10 seconds while the players come out.

Everyone stops cheering and just stands there before the last Ranger player even hits the ice. It's so awkward.

[dammage79]

Don't worry, Rangers fans will be there in full force for the finals. They always show up for the big show.

[Knut]

http://www.thewire.com/entertainment...-to-la/372046/

It could be cheaper to fly to LA, stay in a hotel and buy tickets at the Staples Center than watch the series @ MSG.

[MissTeeks]

Carcillo's suspension was reduced from 10 games to 6 games, he can be back in the line up for Game 4.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=453850

Bettman determined that a suspension of six games was the proper penalty for the re-classified infraction.
"The National Hockey League does not and will not, under any circumstances, tolerate or condone the abuse, physical or otherwise, of our on-ice officials," Bettman said in a statement. "The strict and proper enforcement of Rule 40, therefore, plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the game by maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for our officials."

[codynw]

The Rangers don't even want Carcillo back. Him being in the lineup is a bad thing.

[MissTeeks]

“@drosennhl: Robyn Regehr says he is ready to go in Game 1 if Darryl Sutter calls his number. He hasn't played since Game 1 vs. Anaheim.”

[nik-]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Carcillo's suspension was reduced from 10 games to 6 games, he can be back in the line up for Game 4.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=453850

The NHL are such cowards.

[t0rrent98]

I didn't make this but I'm guessing whoever did has the Kings to win.

[hwy19man]

This link compares the two starting goaltenders for the Stanley Cup finals.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=7...d=nhl:topheads

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by hwy19man

This link compares the two starting goaltenders for the Stanley Cup finals.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=7...d=nhl:topheads

Quick is playing against better teams...all season long and in the playoffs so I think its hard to compare based on stats alone

[Textcritic]

^
No question. Every team that Quick has beaten in the playoffs was in the NHL top-six scoring over the regular season. The last two teams, Anaheim and Chicago, were ranked #1 and #2. LA is presently ranked as the top scoring team in the playoffs, but #2 and #3 on that list are Chicago and SJ. In order to be successful against LA, teams need to be able to score, and I am not remotely confident that NYR can outscore the Kings over the course of 4–7 games.

[Tsawwassen]

Alyssa Milano was on Jimmy Kimmel Tues. night. She is pumped for the SC finals and for the Kings to win!

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by nik-

The NHL are such cowards.

Maybe. I think it should have been ten games myself, but if the Rangers successfully convinced Bettman that this was actually a rule 40.4 violation rather than 40.3, the league had the option to reduce the suspension to three games, which would have amounted to time served. Six games is still double that minimum.

Also, It is doubtful that Carcillo's return improves the Rangers on the ice. They were probably better off without him.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/03...ayer-in-hockey

On the largest stage, with the world watching, the best hockey player in the Olympic tournament was Drew Doughty.

And through three rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs — if the Conn Smythe Trophy was given out today — the most deserving player in the post-season has been Doughty.

Which raises a question never really contemplated before, a matter being discussed informally as the Stanley Cup final is about to begin: Is Drew Doughty now the best player in hockey?

An interesting question. If he plays well in the Finals (and especially if he managed to win the Conn Smythe), you'd have to consider it. He's had a great year.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/03...ayer-in-hockey




An interesting question. If he plays well in the Finals (and especially if he managed to win the Conn Smythe), you'd have to consider it. He's had a great year.

Certainly the best defenceman in the league right now. The best player? Yeah, he could very well be, it hard to compare forward vs defenceman in terms of quality, but I think he's absolutely the best player at his position.

[codynw]

Doughty is only 24 too. He's still like 3-4 years away from hitting his "prime".

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/03...ayer-in-hockey




An interesting question. If he plays well in the Finals (and especially if he managed to win the Conn Smythe), you'd have to consider it. He's had a great year.

Every so often Steve Simmons will write a great article.