The best time of year: the quest for the Cup

[nolemmings]

The Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, and so my favorite sports tournament (by far) has begun. Got a nice dose of all five games over the weekend and am looking forward to more. I am really disappointed that none of the U.S. original six (i.e. four) made the playoffs, and wonder if that's ever happened before.

My preferred Finals would have Toronto playing Minnesota, but I would never put my money on that happening.

Anyway, let the games begin! Who's your favorite to hoist the Cup?

[CardPadre]

Yeah, good stuff. I subscribe to ESPN+ for two months just for the hockey playoffs. Love to see it go to a Canadian team this year, not too particular as to which...just love the intense hockey.

[Balticfox]

I'd like to see the Winnipeg Jets face the Ottawa Senators in the Final. The Jets have never won a Stanley Cup and the drought of the Senators goes back to 1927. Despite being the hottest team in the NHL since the All-Star break, it's going to be tough for the Senators to make the Final.

[butchie_t]

Rock the red!!!!

Go Caps

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

The Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, and so my favorite sports tournament (by far) has begun.

AGREE

Hoping for Washington vs Edmonton, but love watching Florida as well.

Toronto & Winnipeg should be right there too.

But......I remember just a couple years ago (1) Boston I believe set the regular season best record they got booted by (8) Florida in their first series in 7 games. So you never know who will advance.

The one sport where an 8 beating a 1 is almost not an upset, because it happens.

[mortimer brewster]

I am pulling for a Canadian team to win. A 32 year drought is too long.

The Maple Leafs have to win a cup by 2030-31. That is the year the band with the champions from 1965-66 thru 1977-78 will be removed from the Cup and retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame and a new band added for the new and future champs.

The team that Harold Ballard drove into the ground should always have a place on the Stanley Cup.

[nolemmings]

Last night was incredible-- all four games decided by one goal, two in overtime and another in the final minute of regulation. The Cup chase never disappoints!

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by mortimer brewster

The team that Harold Ballard drove into the ground should always have a place on the Stanley Cup.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

(In late 1961) Ballard was named executive vice president of Maple Leaf Gardens, alternate governor of the Maple Leafs and chairman of the team's hockey committee. He played a key role in the Leaf dynasty of the 1960s, winning Stanley Cups in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967.

The Maple Leafs have done dick since.

[stlcardsfan]

I'm a Blues fan. We're down 2-0 after two pretty competitive games. The Jets are really good (obviously being the President's Cup winners). Their defense is stifling. The Blues have had trouble generating scoring chances as the games have worn on. I'm going tomorrow night for Game 3. Let's Go Blues!

[stlcardsfan]

If you guys are on X (Twitter) check out Jon Gruden. His post today is fantastic!! Especially if you're a Blues fan.

[stlcardsfan]

What a game last night! Blues win 7-2. The place was off the hook. I have never seen more energy out of a team, the first 6 or so minutes were unbelievable. Buchy with the hat trick! Now it's a series! Let's Go Blues!

[nolemmings]

Will the Maple Leafs, Jets and Wild ever fail to disappoint? Winnipeg wins the President's Trophy by more than a little then forgets how to score against a very mediocre Blues team (sorry Dan). Toronto continues to be saddled with the great weight of 57 years of failure and never seems to remember that four wins are required, not three-- actually they know it damn well but shrink at the thought once they get to three. Minnesota-- geez 7 straight first-round knockouts serve to remind me that you are just the Minnesota Twins on skates being forced to play the Yankees. Of course, the common denominator here is that these are the teams that I pull for, meaning they are perennially doomed.
PLEASE-- at least one of you win a series!!!!

[stlcardsfan]

Blues fans licking our wounds this morning. Has to be the most painful loss in Blues history. Still an incredible and entertaining series. Will definitely be watching the rest of the tournament.

[nolemmings]

Originally Posted by stlcardsfan

Blues fans licking our wounds this morning. Has to be the most painful loss in Blues history. Still an incredible and entertaining series. Will definitely be watching the rest of the tournament.

I can't even imagine how excruciating that must feel, and I'm a Vikings fan. Hold them to one goal for 58 minutes and then yield a pair in the final two-- the last with three seconds left? Then they make you watch another near two periods before they stick the dagger? Wow, I am sorry. I wouldn't even be hungover yet.

[jingram058]

I have to admit the Stanley Cup is more interesting than the over-inflated, over-$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MLB, NBA or NFL. I don't pay attention to any of that anymore. Just the old cards before these sports were ruined.

Edit: Maybe the NHL is ruined too, but to a lesser degree.

[Balticfox]

I believe that the Ottawa Senators and the St. Louis Blues were the two best teams post All Star break. Now they've both been eliminated and I feel sorry for both fan bases because their teams put up great fights.

I'm all in the Winnipeg Jets now! The Oilers are my distant second alternate choice.