Stanley Cup Finals
 

The only powerhouse left in the playoffs is the New Jersey Devils, obviously a favorite. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks have been carried by J.S. Giguere into the finals. Both teams have great goaltending, so simply put who do you think wins the Cup?

I hate both teams.. but I will watch..and if I had to put money on it, I'd go with New Jersey..there's alot of experience on that team. Can Giguere hold up? It will be interesting to watch but unfourtunately I think the devils will be skating with the cup this year.

Brodeur is the guy to match Giguère. Ney Jersey in 6.

I guess I'll be the first to say the Ducks in 6. Although if it does go 7 then the Devils.

Both teams have a similar style of game play. NJ is bigger but Anahiem is faster. It will definetly come down to goaltending and lucky bounces.
I expect 1-0/2-1 games and a few OTs.

Go Giggy!!

Oh and Giggy will be on Leno tonite :D

Going out on a limb here....

Anahiem in 5. Two shutouts for Giguere.

Choosing The Ducks and Giguere is the popular choice right now, especially being well rested. I really have to go with experiance and home ice on this one though. Brodeur really stood on his head when they needed him too, and if Newendike(sp) gets healthy then I can't see the Ducks having an answer for all their weapons. Giguere is definately the key to the puzzle though. New jersey in six.

If you think about it, the New Jersey Devils just beat the best hockey team during the regular season, which I think will give them more confidence going into the Stanley Cup Finals.

Go Devils Go! Thanks for beating those Senators.

gotta go ducks, even though i dont want them to, i think they will just come out a head

Ducks in six. Hottest goaltender beats hottest lineup every time.

Being well rested doesn't necessarily help in hockey. It's been awhile since Jiggy has seen a game shot or had a game type situation. I think the ducks will come out flat. Also they are going up against the most physical team they've had to play so far. If jiggy plays as well as he has been it will go to the ducks but if he slips up at all.. the devils will own.

East hockey will dominate the west style,

http://images.sportsline.com/u/photo...img6388642.jpg

Just insert Lord Stanley's cup here.

Devils in 5

from the little hockey i watch, i'll go w/ anaheim cuz of their goal keeper

I would have to say that unfortunatly Anheim has a great chance of winning jsut becuase they went through Detroit like it was nothing and Dallas fell to them also.

I'll be at both games in Anaheim :D I say Ducks in 6

<b>crfpilot:</b> You lucky dog!
I also say Ducks in 6, if only cuz I was going for Ottawa, so I'm pissed off at the Devils now.

Ok, nothing against your math skills at ALL, but if you're saying ducks in 6, there will be 3 games in Anaheim.

Game 1 In NJ
Game 2 In NJ
Game 3 In ANA
Game 4 In ANA
Game 5 In NJ (If needed)
Game 6 In ANA (if needed)
Game 7 In NJ (If needed)


In any case Broduer is one of the BEST goalies ALL TIME in the playoffs, I think he has more shutouts then any other goalie. He's atleast in the tops for Game win percentage, GAA, and Save Percentage. If you had the same goalie in net for both teams, the advantage would goto NJ. Basically what I'm saying, these goalies are so much alike as far as stats that you have to look at the rest of the team. I'd like to see the Ducks win, but logic should have NJ winning the series.

New Jersey in 5.

Yet logic should've had Anahiem losing to Detroit, Dallas and Minn.... but they beat all of those teams with relative ease.

Doh, I knew that, what I meant to say is the first 2 home games. I'm gonna be in Vegas for the 6th.

I guess I just got used to the Ducks only being home for 2 games a series.:D ;)

NJ in 6
One solid goaltender and one on a hot streak

NJ easy.

I don't care how rested they are. I don't care how much confidence they have after beating Dallas and Detroit.

The DUCKS will not beat the DEVILS. (Though they will probably give them a run for their money)

NJ in 6

Ducks in 6. Quaaccck!!! However, the long rest they had kind of scares me.

Experience is a wonderful thing. Devils in 4

Bwah ha ha ha ha ha. Ok seriously......5

Who'd a thunk. Ducks give up 2 goals While Giguere is in net (A third when he was pulled) and the NJ Devils open up with a shut out. All on the same day that Roy decides he's going to annouce what he's going to do. The worse thing about the entire Series though, both teams are playing a trapping defense. This series sets back Hockey a few years because ultimately it's going to be BORING!

Goddamit if I hear one more person say this is boring I'm going to explode.
<rant>
In case you hadn't noticed, hockey, REAL hockey, is about grit, determination, and the very fine edge between hard earned wins and hard fought defeats. What, it's boring just because there aren't as many points put on the board as there are in baseball? These two teams are comprised of GALDIATORS, plain and simple. If you can't appreciate the trension and drama of the Niedermeyer brothers going at it, or of Freisen and Sykora playing against thier old teams and trading checks with each other, CHANGE THE FUCKING CHANNEL. This series isn't going to set hockey back... it is going to be one of the greatest, most dramatic finishes in recent memory.
</rant>

Giguere = Flash in the pan. Latest new thing....

The Devils have a HOF goalie. THAT is the story in goal.

I hate to say it but the Devils will win. I don't want them to win but they will.

Duck dreams are over. The devils play a tight defence and that will kill the ducks. They made out well against talent layden wide open offences but the Devils are quite a bit different.

OMFUG-

Ok, I'm a pure hockey fan I'll watch the series no matter who's playing. These teams have no history, it's no Dallas/Sabres Wings/Avs or Rangers/Islanders. The rest of the nation, both US and Canada will probably turn the channel because nothing is going on. I don't blame the goalies, they're both excellent, I blame the coaches. The NHL needs to do something about traps, I say get rid of the two-line pass rule. Not only will it speed up hockey...it'll also get rid of the traps.

Who cares about trapping hockey? Big deal..both teams played a trap last night and look at the energy. Both teams had great energy and speed. NJ killed the ducks with odd man rushes despite the ducks playing a trap defense. The ducks are screwed. Broduer is the best goalie in the game (now that Roy is gone) Giguere is good..but he can't match up with Broduer.. add to the fact that NJ collapses in front of the net better than any other team and you have your winner. NJ. I hate the devils but they will win because they are just better. You can say oh the ducks beat the red wings. I've been a red wings fan forever but we sucked this year ... really we did. The stars ppfft.. big deal.. they weren't that good of a team. The ducks are good but I just can't see them beating a team like NJ. Have you seen Broduer's GAA at home??!! .99... heh.. doesn't sound good for the ducks.

Right on, man.... now THERE is a fan.

Me, I'm going for the Ducks just cause I'd like to see Kariya win it for his father (who passed away earlier in the year). I also would love a west coast team to win for a change...its been quite a while!

Unfortunately, I'm not sure they can do it. NJ is quite a stifling team and they have tons of playoff experience (not that it helped Detroit or Dallas but..)

Wow, bet that was tough for a wings fan to say Roy was the best goalie in hockey.

nah, I hated when we got cujo.. what a choke artist. I look at the game like it should be..objectively. ;) The red wings are gonna be doing some major roster changes .. sergei is a free agent.. we've already let go of Luke Robataiie (sp?) and Larionov..but we have Jason Williams..the kid is good. I hope we keep federov because the man is a work horse.. and hopefully the greatest captain ever Stevie Y will be healthy all year .. we'll kick some ass then :D

Well...trying to get back on Topic. The ducks won one tonight. Anyone think they can honestly pull this sucker out? (Honestly.)

Yes, I think if we win Monday, NJ will be shocked and not have alot of confidence going into game 5.

Oh BTW the game tonight shouldn't have gone to ovwertime either. The Devils were offside before their second goal and it wasn't called.

If you wanna go that route.. then the ducks shouldn't have won at all. The ducks played their best game and the devils played one of the worst games I've seen them play in this playoff run. Brodeur obviously didn't have his head in the game.. he gave up 1 soft goal, and one ridiculous goal.. the one in OT was bad positioning on his part. Don't look for that to happen again. The Devils played like crap and it still went into overtime. Stevens had a bad game and madden and friesen didn't do much either. Did you see that shot by Elias? Man that was a great goal. Giggy didn't even move it fooled him so bad.

Gotta agree with guccilvr.... Giggy didn't even flinch when that goal went in. And don't pull out the offsides stuff... that's somethign that could get called constantly but doesn't because it would kill tha game... like holding in football, you know? Still, Brodeur needs to turn it back up... he looked slow. I have to say I'm glad the ducks won one, it makes things interesting, but tonight will eblong to the the red and black.

/me comes out of hiding

Oh...my...god!! I can't belive it 2-2!!

A fucking amazing. I never thought we'd be in this position now. What a great game.
Martin almost let in another soft goal with that save he made on himself. But now the pressure is on the Devils to win the next game. I don't think they wanna go back to Anahiem down 3-2.

They're not going to lose the next game. On home ice, after dropping two straight? Never happen. Last night's game was great though... except the last period was really lagging energy-wise for quite a bit. I see this one going to 7, and unfortunatly for Anaheim they only have one more home ice advantage for game 6. I'm still saying Devils will win.

Anaheim owns overtime I'll give em that. It just seems like the Devils aren't doing the little things. I think they got a little cocky. Besides during the regular season they were playing one game under .500 away from home. If those stats stay true then The devils will win the series at home in game 7. Giggy did look better in goal and Broduer wasn't his best but he was good enough in regulation. The only thing keeping him from being the best is winning in OT. The devils will own the next game. They won't lose 3 straight much less lose at home. If something does happen and they do lose at home..they are in big trouble. But I'm sticking with my pick. Devils in 7

Well now the Devils are in a must win situation.

Yeah Broduers record in OT is terrible. 8-15 I belive it is. It's interesting how the Ducks change their game in overtime. They crash the net sooner and quicker. Just wish they did that in regulation more often. They seem to not play for the rebound during regulation. I always see them out of position for the fat rebounds.

Ack! How did I double post?:hmm:

I stand by my prediction. Ducks in 6.

Ha, I was going for Ottawa too, but I'm picking Jersey to win it all because I'd rather have lost to the team that won the cup than lose to the team that went to get beaten by the Ducks.

Yeah it smarts, I'm an Avs fan, they got beat by the wild, the wild got beat by the ducks...so who do I go for? The Devils? The Ducks? My heart says it'd be cool to see Giguere win it, but my mind says the Devils will. (Still going with the entire devils in 6 thing)

Though one thing I do want to point out...every time Giguere has had a bad game...he's had one of his best the following game...so there is a good chance this series will goto 7

Wow - Six Friggen Goals. Bet Giggy's ass is mighty sore today.

Maybe he responds in Anaheim- or maybe he will just lay down and take it in game six and get it over with.

Things have a way of evening themselves out in hockey. The Ducks caught some lucky breaks in game 3 and the Devils got some in game 5. I like the Devils approach.. they played their game last night and the ducks couldn't handle it. The Devils have been trying to be perfect and make great plays instead of doing what they do best the whole series. Looks like they finally remembered what they do best and it worked for them. If they play with the same intensity in game 6, they will be flying back to Jersey with the cup.

If new Jersey Doesnt win it in Anahiem on Saturday then they will win it in New Jersey on Monday

Here is a list of the number of times, Cities have won Championships, Lost in the finals finals and made it to the final four since 1990
- NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB

got this from MetroStats Webpage

http://www.geocities.com/whacapachu/Metrostatmain.htm


New York
Championships: 6 Runners up: 4 Final four losers:3
- Knicks
- Rangers
- Islanders
- Jets
- Giants
- Yankees
- Mets

Chicago
Championships: 6 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:4
- Bulls
- WhiteSox
- Cubs
- Blackhawks
- Bears

Detroit
Championships: 4 Runners up: 2 Final four losers:3
- Red Wings
- Pistons
- Lions
- Tigers

Los Angeles
Championships: 3 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:2
- Lakers
- Clippers
- Kings
- Dodgers


Dallas
Championships: 4 Runners up: 2* Final four losers:2
- Stars
- Cowboys
- Rangers
- Mavericks


Denver
Championships: 4 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:5
- Avalanche
- Broncos
- Rockies
- Nuggets



New Jersey
Championships: 2 Runners up:4** Final four losers:1
- Nets
- Devils

Bay Area
Championships: 2 Runners up: 3 Final four losers:5
- Giants
- Athletics
- Warriors
- Sharks
- 49ers
- Raiders

Pittsburgh
Championships: 2 Runners up: 1 Final four losers: 8
- Penguins
- Pirates
- Steelers

DC Area
Championships: 2 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:3
- Redskins
- Capitals
- Wizards
- Ravens
- Orioles

Toronto
Championships: 2 Runners up: 0 Final four losers: 5
- Blue Jays
- Maple Leafs
- Raptors

Atlanta
Championships: 1 Runners up: 4 Final four losers:4
- Braves
- Falcons
- Thrashers
- Hawks

St Louis
Championships: 1 Runners up: 2 Final four losers:4
- Rams
- Cardinals
- Blues

Boston
Championships: 1 Runners up: 2 Final four losers:4
- Celtics
- Bruins
- Patriots
- Red Sox

San Antonio
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1* Final four losers:3
- Spurs

Miami
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:2
- Dolphins
- Heat
- Panthers
- Marlins

Green Bay
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Packers

Houston
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Rockets
- Astros
- Texans

Pheonix
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Diamondbacks
- Suns
- Cardinals
- Coyotes

Anaheim
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1* Final four losers: 0
- Mighty Ducks
- Angels

Edmonton
Championships: 1 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:4
- Oilers

Cincinati
Championships: 1 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:1
- Reds
- Bengals

Tampa Bay
Championships: 1 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:1
- Buccanneers
- Lightning
- Devil Rays


Montreal
Championships: 1 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:0
- Expos
- Canadiens



Buffalo
Championships: 0 Runners up: 5 Final four losers:1
- Bills
- Sabres

Philadelphia
Championships: 0 Runners up: 3 Final four losers: 4
- Eagles
- Flyers
- Phillies
- 76's

Salt Lake
Championships: 0 Runners up: 2 Final four losers:4
- Jazz

Portland
Championships: 0 Runners up: 2 Final four losers:3
- Trail Blazers


Minnesota:
Championships: 1 Runners up: 1 Final four losers: 4
- Twins
- Vikings
- North Stars
- Timberwolves
- Wild

Cleveland
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:2
- browns
- Indians
- Cavaliers

Carolina
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Hurricanes
- Panthers

Nashville
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Titans
- Predators

Vancouver
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:0
- Canucks

San Diego
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:0
- Chargers
- Padres


Seattle
Championships: 0 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:4
- Mariners
- Seahawks
- Sonics

Indianapolis
Championships: 0 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:4
- Pacers
- Colts


Jacksonville
Championships: 0 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:2
- Jaguars

Kansas City
Championships: 0 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:1
- Royals
- Cheifs

Orlando
Championships: 0 Runners up: 1 Final four losers:1
- Magic

Sacremento
Championships: 0 Runners up: 0 Final four losers:2




*a Club is currently in the finals

I don't get it.

helloooooo game 7

Wow, after a double shutout who'd a thunk this. (seriously) To bad who ever hosts game 7's for the stanley cup finals actually matters. Sorry Ducks you had one helluva run. Now the Devils get to hoist it in Jersey. Though should be intresting to see who gets the Con Smythe.

John Madden or
Martin Broduer or
Jean Sebastion Giguere

That was one of the best games I've seen in a long long time. The ducks didn't play their best hockey. They didn't have to, because the devils looked like they were in Jr. League. They had what 9 odd man rushes?? They acted like they were scared of the puck. They didn't protect it, they didn't communicate, they didn't finish hits, they gave up STUPID penalties and Brodeur just didn't act like the netminder that he really is. I will say that if Brodeur picked a time to suck last night was a good night. He's 5-0 in playoff games after allowing 5 or more goals, plus they'll be in Jersey for the next game. That hit by Stevens was WOW. Yes it was a legal hit. I thought Kariya was gone for sure. I've always been a Kariya fan and I was hoping he'd be ok but did he ever make a statement. He showed he's a marquee player. I just hope he gets to go to a team where he really matters again. Sergei is probably leaving Detroit hmm maybe Kariya could fit in there somewhere :D As for game 7 I have to go with the devils because they are awesome at home. I don't like either team so if the devils win I'll like that Brodeur got to skate it again, if the ducks win it I'll be happy that Oates and Kariya got it. ...other than that next year it'll be back in Detroit ;)

All i gotta say about last nights game is wow...about Stevens killing Kariya. I seriously thought Kariya died...I mean Stevens isn't that big but Kariya is pretty small as far as NHL Stature goes...wow.

Huh?! Stevens is one of the hardest hitters in the NHL, though yeah it was like an Escalade hitting a mini-cooper.

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!

DEVILS WIN!


bah, i wanted the ducks to win, but damn, i'm not much into hockey.

i watch it into half way into the 3rd period, but it looked like the ducks werent gettin anything going, so i turned it off.

anyway, congrats to all u devils fans.



one championship in one year for one city, dont get greedy and want the nets to win, cuz it wont happen!

I find it kind of bizarre that the poll (though yes still in effect) went from a majority lead of 80% down to it's curren't 52% approval to wint he cup.

Devils got the offense, something that the ducks dont