2009 Playoff Pick Em: Stanley Cup Finals

by Mr. Plank on May 27, 2009 9:13 PM PDT in 2009 Playoffs

Pic_wonder_stanley_cup_sm_medium

The last time two teams had a rematch in the Stanley Cup Finals was 1984, when the Edmonton Oilers knocked off the New York Islanders. The Isles were the toast of the league, winning four Cups in a row beforehand.

In 1983, Edmonton was young but skilled. Rolling through their respective Conference in the playoffs, the Oil swept their first series against the Jets, dropped one game to the Flames, and proceeded to sweep the Blackhawks to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. However, they were overmatched by one of the best teams in their era, a team filled with veteran superstars such as Mike Bossy and Bob Nystrom.

In 1984, Edmonton was hungry for redemption. They had two players go 1-2 in the point race, as well as having two great young centermen in Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, both of whom were in their young twenties.

In 2008, Pittsburgh was young but skilled. Rolling through their respective Conference, the Pens swept their first series against the Senators, dropped one game to the Rangers, and proceeded to knock the Flyers out in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. However, they were overmatched by one of the best teams in their era, a team filled with veteran superstars such as Nik Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk.

In 2009, Pittsburgh was hungry for redemption. They had two players go 1-2 in the point race, as well as having two great young centermen in Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, both of whom were in their young twenties.

At times like these, you go with your gut. Pittsburgh in six.

Go Pens.

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Comments

Burgh in 6 as well.

I know, I’m super creative.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 27, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions

Let go Pens!

In 6!

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on May 27, 2009 9:19 PM PDT reply actions

Pens in 7.

I’ll be different. Fuck Detroit.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K

by Lurker Shark on May 27, 2009 9:20 PM PDT reply actions

Is it fair to say...

SJ in 4?

If not I’ll buy a Pen in 4

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on May 27, 2009 9:21 PM PDT reply actions

I was talking about this with my buddy beforehand (and slightly mentioned it in the WCF thread), but as long as the Pens defense plays the way they have thus far I think they’ve got a good shot at this thing.

It’s definitely an upset pick, but not a huge one (and might have a bit to do with my fascination of Marian Hossa coming out on the losing end two years in a row, but I digress).

Hockey Gods make it so!

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 27, 2009 9:24 PM PDT reply actions

I think I’ve been wrong in every prediction I’ve had, cept for Wings over Ducks (yes!!!!), so I’m not even going to hope, wish, pray, whatever that this prediction could be close to right …

Wings in 6 (or in the usual format DET 4 PEN 2)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 27, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions

But, but, but...

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K

by Lurker Shark on May 27, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

what???

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 27, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Detroit?

Really?

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K

by Lurker Shark on May 27, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Ya gotta go with what you believe. Can’t fault a woman for that.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 27, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

thank ya :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 27, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Does no one listen to me?? Western Conf unless that team happens to be the Ducks. :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 27, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Detroit's on my list of teams I'll only root for when playing the Ducks,

but whatever floats your boat.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K

by Lurker Shark on May 27, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

well I’ve been saying all along that I would like the Cup to remain in the West, unless it’s the Ducks … Wings aren’t high on my list … but … it is what it is … :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 27, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions

what can i do to convert you?

maybe it will take the red wings winning another cup and not the sharks, but wait doesn’t that just fuel the fire i’m confused

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions

How does that fuel any fire? It would just mean any team won the Cup and not the Sharks. It’s funny, we spend all season(s) bitching bout East Coast bias (and Canada bias, but that doesn’t apply here), and yet most here will go for an Eastern Conf team. I’m sticking to the West.

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions

thats a pispoor attitude

the red wings have won like 50 stanley cups i don’t want them to get the 51st are you also rooting for the yankees to win their 50 world series

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

You're accusing someone...

of having a pisspoor attitude? LOL.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 28, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

what are you talking about

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

if a team works hard enough, why the hell shouldn’t they get the glory??

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions

because...uh...maybe

the other team works just as hard and luck picks a team at random

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on May 28, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

and you are left with having to choose a team to root on .. shitting on someone cause they disagree with your choice is hilarious … :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions

never said the winner won't deserve it

just that you shouldn’t root for that team

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

well … funny thing bout me is that I listen to myself … not what others think I should or shouldn’t do … :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions

yes

by Brian5517209 on May 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions

But, but, but

But Detroit is really close to the East!

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on May 27, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I remember

and I support your decision, even if I prefer the Pens myself.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on May 27, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions

My two least favorite teams...

(sigh)… again.

Is it too late to pray for a lockout that cancels the rest of the season?

by jwizzle241 on May 27, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions

Pens in 6

Just so that the exact opposite of what happened last year happens this year. And because the Pens have been an absolute machine for the last few weeks, while the Wings have been less so. And because I hate Detroit.

And because, yes, I do want Hossa to look like a complete idiot.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on May 27, 2009 10:10 PM PDT reply actions

And because, yes, I do want Hossa to look like a complete idiot.

Seconded!

"I watch the Wings a lot," says Thornton. "They're the NHL's second-best team."

by Swift Kick in the Goc on May 28, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Pens in Seven

Pittsburgh is so much better this year than last year, I can really see them. I really do not like Cindy Crybaby that much and I do not want to see Bill “I Will Try For Piitsburgh, not San Jose” Guerin win a cup, but they are the lesser of two evils.

Go Pens.

by SharksFanEst.1994 on May 27, 2009 10:11 PM PDT reply actions

Ugh...

This was the finals matchup I least wanted! Um, lets go with Pens in 6.

PIT 4, DET 2

Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!

by ZeroIndulgence on May 27, 2009 10:16 PM PDT reply actions

Yawn.

I know I picked this final after the Sharks fell apart, but I still don’t like it. I’m going with Penguins in 5, but only because I think the Red Wings aren’t healthy enough to make it more interesting. However, if they had waited until June 5 to start like Buttman suggested, I would have said Wings in 6.

So to recap, I’m covering my butt, but Pitt in 5.

by stufflife on May 27, 2009 10:27 PM PDT reply actions

Pens in 7.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.

by marcello on May 27, 2009 10:32 PM PDT reply actions

Oh the irony, Marian Hossa.
Pens in 7.

by PHiSTER on May 27, 2009 11:28 PM PDT reply actions

Pens in 5.

by Shiromori on May 28, 2009 1:14 AM PDT reply actions

Pens in 7.

I has good practice. Mike Grier keep shooting puck at me, and my confidence boosted very more. - "Evgeni Nabokov"

by Nael M. on May 28, 2009 2:32 AM PDT reply actions

I find it difficult to muster much enthusiasm here…but Wings in 6. Not that it’s what I want, just what I think will happen

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 28, 2009 4:19 AM PDT reply actions

huh … so it’s us old timers against the young … :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 6:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Does 22 count as young?

Either way, I say Detroit…I was gunna say in 6 but I haven’t seen a 7, so Detroit in 7.

by Juicebag on May 28, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Hasn’t that been the theme of the entire season?

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 28, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

i thought the theme was

FTF: Where Crazy Wierd Shit Happens

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on May 28, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

We’re wild and cuhrazy guys!

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 28, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

ha ha! true :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Pens in 7

Fuckin do it!!!!

"..." - unknown

by SetoThorMarChooSki on May 28, 2009 6:08 AM PDT reply actions

GO PENGUINS!

Malkin, Fleury, and Crosby are a year wiser and a year more experienced
Datsuck and Lindstrom are injured
and i want to see Hossa’s face after he chose the wrong team!
DO IT PIT!!!!!!
but above all…GO SHARKS!

by Brian5517209 on May 28, 2009 8:06 AM PDT reply actions

A vote for Pens is vote for Bettman

Let’s not be so quick to make him happy.

As for the predictions, moving the schedule up a week and then playing 4 games in 6 days give the pens a huge boost. If they can jump on detroit before wings heal up, they can win the series. If series drags out 6-7 games, go with detroit.

by DetroiterInNorCal on May 28, 2009 8:25 AM PDT reply actions

does anybody really want to watch this again?

certainly not I. Wings in 6, but I hope the Pens win because I’d like to see Marian Hossa go cry to his mommy.

by a10dency2ask on May 28, 2009 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

yes! It’s still hockey !! :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Good hockey

last year’s finals were very entertaining and good for NHL for all the right reasons. Played at a fast pace with great passing and showcased the type of game that NHL tries to promote. No reason to expect this year to any different.

Lots of people just resent Detroit’s success (i.e., everyone else in western conference), or are bummed out by the lack of individual marketing opportunities because the players are focused solely on team issues and come across as boring (i.e., league management)

by DetroiterInNorCal on May 28, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Pittsburgh in 7

Anyone but Detroit!

Oh, so that's where you edit your signature

by Teas on May 28, 2009 10:20 AM PDT reply actions

I’ll take the Red Wings in seven games.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on May 28, 2009 11:02 AM PDT reply actions

off-topic … I know we were all very upset over the Sharks bowing out so early … but damn some sports fans are crazy!!!! ‘Angry’ Man Utd fan kills four in bus attack

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 1:51 PM PDT reply actions

And people bitch about how Americans don’t like soccer… BECAUSE WE VALUE OUR SANITY.

Fear The Fin = We're not as think as you drunk we are.

by Mr. K. on May 28, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions

and lives … :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 28, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Ole, ole, ole, ole!

by Juicebag on May 28, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

My grandpa was a big Manchester United fan but that’s cuz he was from England.

Though he wouldn’t have run anyone over with a bus…. at least I don’t think so. Crazy Euros! ha.

by Juicebag on May 28, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

I love soccer. I grew up playing it and Man. Utd. is my favorite English team, and yes I was upset they lost, but I didn’t kill anyone lol. Hockey’s the best though.

But back to the Finals…
I’m split. I want the Pens to win so Hossa can cry like a sissy for switching teams, but I want the Red Wings to win it so we have another storyline in next season’s rivalry with the Red Wings…

I’m going to say Detroit in 7 if Datsyuk and Lidstrom are out for the first few games. If they’re healthy, I say Detroit in 6.

by c.perez on May 28, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha! Can you do that?

If so, I pick Pittsburgh in 7, unless Detroit wins the series – in that case, Detroit in 7, unless Pittsburgh doesn’t win 3 games – in that case, Detroit in 6, unless Crosby and Malkin continue to play really well – in that case…

by WillR on May 28, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions

jesus christ

soccer (or futbol) = a game. games are supposed to be ~~bloodbaths~~ fun.

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on May 28, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Us Europeans are savages of European proprotions!

Wait the guy was from Nigeria?

Never mind.

"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009

by Morti on May 28, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha!

Fear The Fin = We're not as think as you drunk we are.

by Mr. K. on May 28, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions

are you being racist again?!? haha

by AfroPuff on May 28, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Morti isn’t TCY. He doesn’t do what he can to support minorities. ;)

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on May 28, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Every day I’m hustlin… er… supportin’ the minorities.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 28, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I support minorities!

I sat all the way through Minority Report.

"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009

by Morti on May 28, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Speaing of minorities

(since Morti brought it up…)

Do we have any brown peeps playing in the Finals? Laracque is with the Canadiens now and I can’t remember seeing a person of color on the Red Wings since….ummm…

And Guerin (who is half-Nicaraguan doesn’t count)

by AfroPuff on May 28, 2009 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Why wouldn’t a half-nicaraguan count?

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on May 29, 2009 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions

you're right

I’ll count him. Anyone else? I mean, I know it’s hockey and all but…

by AfroPuff on May 29, 2009 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Does Russian count?

"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009

by Morti on May 29, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions

i hate both teams

but i guess i have to choose. despite my pick, i’ll still be rooting for pittsburg.
DET 4 PIT 3

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on May 28, 2009 3:36 PM PDT reply actions

pens in 6

Hate the Wings, Despise Hossa.
Go Pens.

(first comment here, wooo)

by ohmymarleau on May 28, 2009 4:24 PM PDT reply actions

Welcome!

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 28, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

sweet name dude

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

welcome!

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on May 28, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Always good to see the FTF staff give a hearty welcome. ;)

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 28, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Welcome aboard.

Always good to see another Patty fan.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K

by Lurker Shark on May 28, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Help yourself to the fridge, but don’t take any beer lest you learn the hard way.

Welcome aboard.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 28, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Welcome!

And, like others have said before me, awesome screen name.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on May 28, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Hi...

welcome!

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on May 28, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

im taking the penguins in 6

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 28, 2009 5:30 PM PDT reply actions

Pit in 7

PIT 4 DET 3

What’s the eta on updating the standings Plank? I made a killing this last round…You didn’t do so bad yourself though. Carolina broke a lot of people’s heart and/or position in standings.

by WillR on May 28, 2009 5:49 PM PDT reply actions