Quote:
Originally Posted by ila
The NHL paid only slightly more than lip service to the problems of concussions until Crosbie got hurt. Now it's all the talk with Lemieux doing a public whine about it. The problem of concussions should have been dealt with long ago. I think it's interesting that concussions became more common after hockey introduced all the safety equipment such as helmets and thicker padding all over. I think all this equipment gave players a false sense of security that has resulted in more dirty hits; or perhaps it's the bonus that goons receive not for playing hockey but for eliminating good players on the opposing teams.
You realize, shadows, that if Toronto makes the playoffs this year that they will be eliminated in the first round, unless they meet Montreal in which case it becomes completely unpredictable.  |
The playoffs being the way they are, you never can tell who will make it onto the second round. All it takes is a super-hot goalie and all bets are off(like Halak last year). Washington are notorious playoff chokers, and who knows if Crosby will ever be like he was before the concussion so Pittsburgh is a crapshoot.
Philly would be a challenge, as would Boston(Toronto has struggled against them). Tampa Bay has good offense, but their goaltending is suspect(which is why I think they will get bounced fairly early). The Rangers? 50-50 chance.
Montreal I would not want to face just so two Canadian teams would have a chance to move onto the second round than just the one.
At least Montreal did the Leafs a favour tonight and won in regulation. Unfortunately the Leafs played a sloppy game and only got 1 point. Buffalo lost in the shootout, so at least they did not gain any more ground either.
If Toronto gets back to playing a good defensive game, then they
should beat Atlanta tomorrow. I think they have a good chance to do so(Atlanta is freefalling!).