Whose your playoff team for 2023 (since the Blues are out)

[theohall]

I've been following the Lightning since 2010 when I moved to Florida, but I kind of want to see the Devils make some hay. Yes, a popular Blues choice might be Boston to see if Montgomery can get them to a Cup win.

For me, Devils, Lightning, Bruins in that order. While I've heard NHL Radio talking heads praise the Avalanche, they continually fail to mention goaltending when talking about the Avs - and their current goaltenders aren't Cup caliber goalies. I don't see the West winning crap this season.

Yes, I know Tarasenko is on the Rangers... but I can't root for any team with Patrick Kane on it...

And with all of the moves Toronto made, they still don't have what I would consider a Cup caliber defensive corps. Sure, they have a ton of forwards, but defensively - all adding Luke Schenn did is provide them a " 7th" defenseman to play physical when the rest of the crew isn't getting it done.

Reilly, Brodie, McCabe, Giordano, Gustaffson are the top 5... then it's - Holl, Liljegern, Timmins, and Schenn as the 6th defenseman. Yes, depth matters for the playoffs which is where Schenn comes in, but he's not supplanting any of the top 5 and isn't necessarily better than the 3 he's competing with for a spot to play. Only 3 defenseman are under the age of 30... Reilly (28), McCabe (29), and Liljegren (23). That's an old defensive corps and when it comes to playoffs, older players are more injury prone. It's just a thing. So while Canadian based press might be touting the Leafs, that old defense makes me think they won't get out of the first round when they lose again to Tampa.

[glen a richter]

Anyone but the Rangers, and I mean anyone.

[cprice12]

Anyone but Boston... and I'm anti-Rangers now since Kane is there.
But I'm really just looking forward to watching what's going to be a bloodbath in the East. There's going to be some REALLY pissed off (and very good) teams that spent a lot to bolster their rosters, not even make it out of the first round... and I'm here for it.

[glen a richter]

I recently re-connected with a cousin I haven't seen in ages who, as it turns out, is a Devils fan. Her ex-husband and my ex-wife are both huge Rangers fans so I'd be fine with NJ going all the way to spite both of them.

[gaijin]

If not for Brent Burns, I could go for the Canes I guess.

Funny how no one is pulling for a Western Conference team.

[glen a richter]

Don't sleep on the Panthers, they looked good against Boston yesterday and Boston looked mortal.

[theohall]

Considering Boston lost a whopping 4 games in regulation at home this season, that was a big win for the Panthers.

[flyingnote38]

I'd like to see Seattle Knock out the Aves.

probably rooting for Carolina

[WaukeeBlues]

Loosely cheering for Seattle and Toronto. That fan base has suffered enough.

[flyingnote38]

I'd be ok with all the remaining first round series ending in their next game
that would be Krak-a-lackin

[theohall]

Certainly didn't see Boston losing to Florida....

[Portland Blues]

Certainly didn't see Boston losing to Florida....

I certainly enjoyed watching it though.

[Portland Blues]

See ya later Colorado.

[glen a richter]

Let's fuggin' go Florida! Been my eastern conference team since their inaugeral.

[flyingnote38]

See ya later Colorado.

release the Kraken!

[theohall]

Looks like Gord Dwyer wants the Rangers to win with the way he's refusing to call penalties against them, even if Hughes is showing him up in the process for not calling them. There have been 3 clear ones Dwyer just wouldn't call, while the Rangers got 3 power plays on unintentional things...

[Portland Blues]

In the "Awesome news for Glen" department - Rangers lose game 7.

[glen a richter]

It's a glorious day to hate the Rangers! What a game, the shutout was just icing on the cake.

[Portland Blues]

Seattle & Florida keep the train rolling in game 1 of the 2nd round.

[glen a richter]

With all due respect to Ryan O'Reilly, lets go Panthers!