Round 3: Bunch of Jerks - The Return of the Dougie

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SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
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The Hurricanes (nee Whalers) were the 11th best team in the NHL this year, with a 46-29-7 record. They had a +22 goal differential, and were the 1st Wildcard team in the east.

Known mostly this season for their post game celebrations, and for Don Cherry calling them a "bunch of jerks."

Carolina eliminated the Capitals, and the Islanders en route to the ECF, with the latter being a 4 game sweep.

What Carolina lacks in explosive scoring talent (having only 1 forward break the 25g mark this season in Sebastian Aho), they make up with in having one of the best defensive units in the league. Jaccob Slavin is quickly becoming one of the best all-around defensemen in the league.

Carolina is dealing with some pretty significant injury issues, however.

#1 goalie Petr Mrazek is day to day with a lower body (rumor is groin) injury, which is challenging to come back from as a goalie.

F Saku Maenalanen is possibly out for the remainer of the season with a hand injury.

D Trevor van Riemsdyk is out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

F Micheal Ferland is expected to return game 1.
 
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MiracleOfO2704

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I'm hoping today since we know when the other 2 series will end and neither of those series is some east coast-west coast thing.
No, but there's a lot of uncertainty. I'm pretty sure they don't want to try juggling arena availability for four different potential WCF (SJ-STL, SJ-DAL, DAL-COL, STL-COL), even if they know exactly what they're doing in the ECF.
 

joe dokes

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I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, and I didn't want to tack it on to the last game thread. But considering the discussion of various let's-call-them-counterintuitive NHL rules (the net bounce not reviewable unless the first guy scores, McAvoy could get 2 or tossed, but not a 5 major), and in light of the Kerry Frasier tweet someone copied, I wonder why NBC hasn't yet used a retired referee or similar expert the way NFL broadcasts have.
 

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SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
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I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, and I didn't want to tack it on to the last game thread. But considering the discussion of various let's-call-them-counterintuitive NHL rules (the net bounce not reviewable unless the first guy scores, McAvoy could get 2 or tossed, but not a 5 major), and in light of the Kerry Frasier tweet someone copied, I wonder why NBC hasn't yet used a retired referee or similar expert the way NFL broadcasts have.
Because the NHL doesn't want any form of accountability when it comes to the officiating?
 

joe dokes

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Because the NHL doesn't want any form of accountability when it comes to the officiating?
I'm not even talking about "did he get it right." Just explaining the options and applicable rules. The ultimate call of the puck-off-the-net was the right one; and NHL Blandino would have corrected the announcers and pointed out that a 5-minute major on McAvoy was not an option; or whether the goalie is in the blue paint is not really a consideration on interference calls.
 

TFP

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Wow, did not think that would happen!
I'd be shocked if he doesn't get a game. Jumbo Joe had a similar hit on Nosek in round 1, Nosek wasn't hurt, Jumbo got 2 mins...and a 1 game suspension. I'd expect the same here.
 

BaseballJones

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Should be a pretty evenly-matched series. Carolina has proven to be pretty tough. Boston went 2-1 against them this year:

W, 3-2 in Carolina
L, 5-3 in Carolina
W, 4-3 (OT) in Boston

So total aggregate goals in H2H meetings: 10-10. Pretty even-steven.
 

The Napkin

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right here
Pretty much the only reason I could see him getting nothing is it's a new series. The Thornton one was the same series and obviously the Kadri thing set the "we don't want this to go into the next series" precedent.
 

lexrageorge

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Kadri's hit was in a different category altogether, plus there's a history there. I think they'll rule that McAvoy's play was more reckless than malicious, but still dangerous enough to warrant a game.
 

cshea

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Carolina is analytics darlings. They typically control a high volume of attempts, shots and chances. I think they have a quantity over quality approach. They arguably have the best defense group in the league. Fun to crap on him, but Dougie is Norris caliber good, and then guys like Slavin and Pesce are unheralded but still really good. They won’t have Trevor van Riemsdyk for the series, but their bottom group of defenders includes guys like de Haan, Justin Faulk and Hayden Fleury. That is the strength of their team.

Their forward group is a bit underwhelming and part of the reason they struggle turning outstanding possession stats into goals and wins. Aho is a stud. Teravainen has turned into a real good player for them. They heisted Nino Niederrieter from Minnesota and he gave them some more scoring touch. Warren Foegele has turned into a playoff hero for them, with 5 goals and 4 assists in 9 games after posting 10 goals and 5 assists during the regular season. Justin Williams is old, but still carries the Mr. Game 7 moniker. Ferland is their power forward who should be back for this series. Most notable around here for the hit that knocked out Johansson and then the fight with Backes that subsequently put Ferland on the shelf for a while. Jordan Staal has battled injury but still is a good two-way forward. Svechnikov is their high end rookie who was KO’d by Ovechkin in round 1 and missed several games. He has game breaking talent. The grinders are Wallmark, McGinn, Martinook. Good group of forwards but I think the Bruins have the edge here. As good as he is, their top guy Aho is probably the 4th or 5th best F the Bruins have seen so far this postseason (Marner, Matthews, Panarin, maybe Tavares). Don’t see any huge matchup issues. I think Bruce will use more of the “3rd and 4th linezgets Dzone draws, top 2 in the offensive end” strategy more than line matching.

Goalies, we’ll see. That’s been another bugaboo for Carolina the past few years. Mrazek and McElhinney stabilized things just enough for them to get into the playoffs. Mrazek has a .913 playoff save percentage, coming off a .914 regular season so he seems to be about the same. McElhinney has a .947 in the 2.5 games he played with Mrazek hurt. The Bruins have seen both, Mrazek spent the bulk of his career in Detroit and McElhinney was Toronto’s backup for 2 seasons.
 

cshea

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How close is Moore to being able to play?
At last check, I believe he was skating with contact. He may be able to go in. Otherwise, Kampfer.

Chara - Carlo
Krug - Moore
Grzelyck - Clifton

That’s my guess for how they handle the McAvoy suspension.
 

TFP

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At last check, I believe he was skating with contact. He may be able to go in. Otherwise, Kampfer.

Chara - Carlo
Krug - Moore
Grzelyck - Clifton

That’s my guess for how they handle the McAvoy suspension.
You're probably right, but in my eyes based on recent play, I'd probably do this:

Krug - Carlo
Grzelyck - Moore
Chara - Clifton

I don't think they would, though.
 

lexrageorge

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And Chara is never going to be dropped to the bottom pairing. He was actually better in Game 6, and it's possible he will revert back to his in-season form.
 

Carmine Hose

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From a Canes website, here's their guess

"The schedule for the series is not official yet, but based on arena availability around the league, we believe Game 3 will be next Tuesday and Game 4 next Thursday at PNC Arena. That sets up the following schedule for the first four games:

  • Game 1: at Boston, Thursday, May 9, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
  • Game 2: at Boston, Sunday, May 12, 3:00 p.m., NBC
  • Game 3: at Carolina, Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
  • Game 4: at Carolina, Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
The remainder of the schedule will be released by the NHL on Tuesday, and this article will be updated at that time."

https://www.canescountry.com/2019/5/6/18534895/carolina-hurricanes-boston-bruins-2019-eastern-conference-final-schedule-nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs
 

TFP

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A 3pm game on Mother's Day is not ideal. Although my mom will be the first one in front of the TV so it won't be bad for me.
 

phrenile

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A 3pm game on Mother's Day is not ideal. Although my mom will be the first one in front of the TV so it won't be bad for me.
Evening would slot them against Game of Thrones, so there aren't too many options if they want to get a Sunday game in.
 

RedOctober3829

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From a Canes website, here's their guess

"The schedule for the series is not official yet, but based on arena availability around the league, we believe Game 3 will be next Tuesday and Game 4 next Thursday at PNC Arena. That sets up the following schedule for the first four games:

  • Game 1: at Boston, Thursday, May 9, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
  • Game 2: at Boston, Sunday, May 12, 3:00 p.m., NBC
  • Game 3: at Carolina, Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
  • Game 4: at Carolina, Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
The remainder of the schedule will be released by the NHL on Tuesday, and this article will be updated at that time."

https://www.canescountry.com/2019/5/6/18534895/carolina-hurricanes-boston-bruins-2019-eastern-conference-final-schedule-nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs
NBC's TV schedule has hockey for Saturday at 8:00 and Sunday at 3:00. Would that mean the Western Conference Finals does not start until Saturday?
 

TFP

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How close is Moore to being able to play?
At last check, I believe he was skating with contact. He may be able to go in. Otherwise, Kampfer.

Chara - Carlo
Krug - Moore
Grzelyck - Clifton

That’s my guess for how they handle the McAvoy suspension.
Sweeney said today he's available to play.


Edit: Dammit cshea. Too slow.
 

Carmine Hose

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NBC's TV schedule has hockey for Saturday at 8:00 and Sunday at 3:00. Would that mean the Western Conference Finals does not start until Saturday?
Sharks-Avs finishes Wednesday so that would give them 2 days, same as the Bruins.

If they start the East Thursday, then go Sunday, that's another 2 days off at that start. Would be huge for the Bs vs a rested/rusty Canes
 

cshea

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Can’t do that because of the Celtics, right?

It’ll be Thursday and then either Sat night or Sunday afternoon.
 

TFP

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Maybe if they're targeting Bruins for Sunday that they'll just start the series on Friday.
Celtics are scheduled at home on Friday so they'd need to wait until Wed night's game to happen to make this decision.
 

Dropkick Izzy

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Maybe if they're targeting Bruins for Sunday that they'll just start the series on Friday.
They won’t know about Garden availability on Friday until the conclusion of tomorrow night’s Celtics game. That could put them in the position of either announcing a Thursday start with less than 24 hrs till puck drop or waiting till Saturday for game 1.

Edit: TFP beat me to it
 

FL4WL3SS

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You're probably right, but in my eyes based on recent play, I'd probably do this:

Krug - Carlo
Grzelyck - Moore
Chara - Clifton

I don't think they would, though.
I'd nitpick a bit and put Gryz with Carlo, but otherwise would agree here.

I think Moore is quietly having a really good playoffs.
 

TFP

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I'd nitpick a bit and put Gryz with Carlo, but otherwise would agree here.

I think Moore is quietly having a really good playoffs.
Moore has played in 4 total games, so yes he's been very quiet for the other 9. ;)
 

Dummy Hoy

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Why not Thursday/Sat
Carolina is analytics darlings. They typically control a high volume of attempts, shots and chances. I think they have a quantity over quality approach. They arguably have the best defense group in the league. Fun to crap on him, but Dougie is Norris caliber good, and then guys like Slavin and Pesce are unheralded but still really good. They won’t have Trevor van Riemsdyk for the series, but their bottom group of defenders includes guys like de Haan, Justin Faulk and Hayden Fleury. That is the strength of their team.

Their forward group is a bit underwhelming and part of the reason they struggle turning outstanding possession stats into goals and wins. Aho is a stud. Teravainen has turned into a real good player for them. They heisted Nino Niederrieter from Minnesota and he gave them some more scoring touch. Warren Foegele has turned into a playoff hero for them, with 5 goals and 4 assists in 9 games after posting 10 goals and 5 assists during the regular season. Justin Williams is old, but still carries the Mr. Game 7 moniker. Ferland is their power forward who should be back for this series. Most notable around here for the hit that knocked out Johansson and then the fight with Backes that subsequently put Ferland on the shelf for a while. Jordan Staal has battled injury but still is a good two-way forward. Svechnikov is their high end rookie who was KO’d by Ovechkin in round 1 and missed several games. He has game breaking talent. The grinders are Wallmark, McGinn, Martinook. Good group of forwards but I think the Bruins have the edge here. As good as he is, their top guy Aho is probably the 4th or 5th best F the Bruins have seen so far this postseason (Marner, Matthews, Panarin, maybe Tavares). Don’t see any huge matchup issues. I think Bruce will use more of the “3rd and 4th linezgets Dzone draws, top 2 in the offensive end” strategy more than line matching.

Goalies, we’ll see. That’s been another bugaboo for Carolina the past few years. Mrazek and McElhinney stabilized things just enough for them to get into the playoffs. Mrazek has a .913 playoff save percentage, coming off a .914 regular season so he seems to be about the same. McElhinney has a .947 in the 2.5 games he played with Mrazek hurt. The Bruins have seen both, Mrazek spent the bulk of his career in Detroit and McElhinney was Toronto’s backup for 2 seasons.
Just wanted to say this is a great summary of the Canes. Really matches up with what I've seen.

Edit: I would add that it certainly appears Brindamour knows what he is doing.
 

j44thor

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Why not Thursday/Sat


Just wanted to say this is a great summary of the Canes. Really matches up with what I've seen.

Edit: I would add that it certainly appears Brindamour knows what he is doing.
Fun fact, my buddies son played against Brindamour's team last year, when Rod was coaching the 8 and under team his son played on. Was at one of his games when Rod walked by.
 

tonyandpals

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Fun fact, my buddies son played against Brindamour's team last year, when Rod was coaching the 8 and under team his son played on. Was at one of his games when Rod walked by.
Fun fact, my cousins kid is on that 8u team!
 

tonyandpals

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Just heard from someone who works for the MSG club at Boston Garden offering tickets for HG1 Thursday.
 

TFP

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Just heard from someone who works for the MSG club at Boston Garden offering tickets for HG1 Thursday.
If the game is already decided for Thursday how the F haven't they announced it yet?
 

tonyandpals

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If the game is already decided for Thursday how the F haven't they announced it yet?
Said still unofficially official, that they aren't going to wait for Celtics outcome tomorrow to determine...so maybe not so helpful after all. Just passing it on.
 

TFP

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Said still unofficially official, that they aren't going to wait for Celtics outcome tomorrow to determine...so maybe not so helpful after all. Just passing it on.
Thanks - any and all frustration on my part is directed at the league, appreciate you passing it along.
 

RedOctober3829

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Apparently the hold up in the Conference Finals schedule announcement is because St. Louis' arena is booked on Friday night for Cher(where have we heard that before?). So if STL wins tonight they'd host Game 1 and the WCF will start on Saturday night. If anybody else hosts, the thought is that it would start Friday night. Then, Bruins Game 2 would be Saturday night instead of Sunday afternoon.