NHL is back on Saturday Aug 1.

[stratguy]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

My penguins are out! That was probably the laziest series I’ve ever seen them play. If I wasn’t a fan I would’ve switched to another game. There have been some wildly exciting games.

I expect the pens to clean house after that disappointment. They played their way out of the bubble

Perhaps they are going after the top draft spot to land Alexis Lafreniere??

[Blansky]

Back in the 80s when the first round of the playoffs was best of 5 instead of 7 there were always a lot of upsets as well.

Hockey teams play their way into the playoffs normally, and try to gain momentum the weeks before they start. It's tough to just start up like this year, and get anything going.
Lose the first two in best of 7 and you can overcome it. In best of 5 you are usually done.

Not sure I'd blow up the Penguins yet. Still a lot of talent and depth.

Edmonton and Toronto were predictable. Too much soft young offense, not enough team D or depth. They'll both be contenders in a few years.

Unfortunately due to the lockdown, the cap is going to be pretty much frozen which will hurt some teams progress. Too many teams have too much payroll locked into too few guys. Toronto is a prime example. It's so difficult with the cap to be a contender with stars locked in, bottom 6 secondary scoring, good D and a good goalie all hitting on all 8 cylinders at exactly the same time.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by stratguy

Perhaps they are going after the top draft spot to land Alexis Lafreniere??

Anything’s possible. Just can’t fathom professional athletes throwing a game/series