Yep, they are. They've been in the playoffs every other year for a few years now (making it one year, not making it the next, then making it again). It's crazy. They have 4 strong lines this year (and of course a fabulous goalie, one the league loading goalies infact: Huet), so I hope they can keep up their wonderful strength in the playoffs.

PEACE, Mike.

Let's go Red Wings!

Let's go Red Wings!

Let's go Red Wings!

Kick some Canadian Ass!

Oh... and quick question concerning Canada... Isn't a Canuck a slang term for a Canadian? And if so... why are there two teams named the Canadians?

"The name "Canuck" has nothing to do with the current logo of the Canucks. Canuck is a slang word for a Canadian person in the way "Yankee" is for an American. However, the team name is actually derived from Johnny Canuck, a 19th century Canadian Cartoon that has had several reincarnations during the 20th century. Johnny Canuck was also on the very first Vancouver Canucks logo, back in their Pacific Coast Hockey League days."

PEACE, Mike.

It's even more ironic considering the term "Canuck" refers to French Canadians in particular. But I think it's perceived as an ethnic slur if you use it that way, so I suppose it's best if the name sticks with Vancouver.

Well, both teams scored a lot of goals, but Ottawa trounced Tampa Bay 8-4.

PEACE, Mike.

I'm not doubting Tampa Bay, because they did win the Stanley Cup two years ago. But that sort of loss has to be disappointing and embarassing.

I really hate it when players mouth-off at the referees when they get a penalty. I've never once seen a referee reverse his decision because of what a player or a coach says. It's just pointless and makes you look like a fool.

Doesn't seem as embarrassing when the day before Philadelphia lost in a game where Buffalo smoked them 8-2. That's a real embarrassment. And also, Tampa Bay is the #8 seed playing Ottawa, the #1 seed, so I guess it should be expected. Not that I want to stick up for Tampa Bay any, because I hope Ottawa smokes them. I've never been a fan of Tampa Bay at all. I don't really like their coach.

PEACE, Mike.

Oilers are beating my Wings 3-1

I HATE OLN... the canadian announcers in Edmonton are the MOST biased I have ever heard in my history of watching hockey...

Oh... and don't get me started about the bad calls against the Wings... BAAAAAD

3rd period here we come

Sure, blame it on the refs. Edmonton's just outplaying you guys, face it.

PEACE, Mike.

And just like that, Detroit ties it up 3-3. I spoke too soon.

PEACE, Mike.

Fuckin' Oilers...

And the Oilers win!!!!!!!!! Go Edmonton!! Down those Red Wings!!

This Edmonton/Detroit game has officially become the longest game so far in the playoffs.

PEACE, Mike.

The Edmonton and Detroit series is shaping up to be a pretty heated battle. It'll probably go to seven games.

The whole series is looking really nice in terms of even playing and long series.

Currently, in 4 of the 8 conference quarterfinal games, the underdog is winning (Edmonton beating Detroit, San Jose beating Nashville, Colorado beating Dallas, and Montreal beating Carolina). All 4 teams managed to win one of their first 2 away games, or in Colorado and Montreal's cases, BOTH of their first 2 away games.

Ottawa is leading the series against Tampa Bay, but Tampa Bay it certainly still within grasp, and they showed they could win in Ottawa. And Calgary is leading Anaheim, but both of those teams are battling hard, and Anaheim also won one away.

New Jersey and Buffalo are the only two who seem to be really dominating their respective series, based on the scores of the first 2 games. But who knows.

Looking interesting, definately.

PEACE, Mike.

I guess it shows the regular season as not being a reliable predictor in the play-offs. Still, I highly doubt that any of the underdogs will make it all the way to the cup. The NHL play-offs are a long and arduous journey and only the most consistent of teams will make it to the finals.

I was SOOO upset last night

What is the ruling on a thing like that? Couldn't they have called a penalty on Roloson for delay of game or something? Idk... lol

No worries though. The Wings just need to start playing the first 2 periods and they'll be great

I was so upset when I thought the Wings had won. I knew that if the Oilers had lost last night after being up 3-1 with eight minutes to go, then the series would be over. Edmonton would not be able to recover. But they won, so all is good. I think this series will go to seven, eh, Chip?

It's no delay of game - it's not like he stopped a goal. If he hadn't lifted the net, it just would have hit the side, nothing of it. Don't be bitter.

Right now, the Habs are up 1-0, New Jersey's up 3-0, and Philly's up 3-1. The Carolina/Montreal game is quite close though.

They cut up our captain (just below the eye!) and the refs called no penalty! I'm angry. The Habs are going to win this now for their captain. It's no coincidence they got that goal right after Koivu was hurt and had to leave the game. GO HABS GO!

PEACE, Mike.

Mike, that link in your sig is hilarious. That hit was fantastic. Tucker's a wimp and deserved it completely, and Kovalev completely pwned him. Pwned him.

I TOTALLY AGREE!! My thoughts exactly.

PEACE, Mike.

We've got the worst fuckin' refs on the ice right now. Absolutely horrid. I hope they are all fired.

PEACE, Mike.

The ones in the first Edmonton/Detroit game were pretty bad. They obviously put their whistles away during the overtime, as there should have been numerous penalties and they didn't call any of them. At least last night, there were penalties called in OT.

But yeah, those refs are pretty bad. The one in the Buffalo/Philly game actually called a guy for diving, which is very rare, but should be called more.

I can't handle another OT tonight! Come on Habs, win it.

The referees are ridiculous. Komi gets 4 minutes for highsticking on our team, when earlier Koivu is asking for help off the ice with blood running down his face without a call against Carolina! It's complete bullshit. Koivu was brought to the hospital too. I'm so angry.

If Carolina wins, it is a bullshit win with all we've had to put up with. The Canadiens just killed a great penalty at the end of the third; wonderful job. Huet is doing amazing too.

This is the Habs second OT now in a row... I think we're playing out like '93, eh, anyone? Hehe.

PEACE, Mike.

Staal scores to win it in OT on a powerplay. Carolina wins 2-1, Habs still lead the series. Sorry Mike.