Random musings on the WC Finals
- Quick Trivia question (answer posted in comments section): Name the current Mighty Duck who is the only NHLer to get to the Conference Finals in each of the past two postseasons (2003 and 2004).
- People talk about this “2006 Western Upset” like it is something new, but consider that this is the third consecutive playoffs where the Western Conference Final involved a 6-seed. And 2 of the 3 times, the 6-seed had home ice.
- Also, it is the third consecutive playoffs where the Western Conference Final involved two teams that had spent the previous spring watching playoffs on TV. It appears that the best way to make the WC Finals is to finish 12th in the West the year before, and then 6th the next year. Note: this year, Phoenix finished 12th in the West.
- Sorry, Central. Also the third consecutive playoffs where the Northwest and Pacific divisions battled out the WC Finals.
- How does a 6-seed get home ice advantage in Rounds 2 and 3 of the playoffs? It pretty much has to happen exactly the way it did. I’m not even going to research this; it’s never happened before. Personal gripe #1: It is difficult coordinating a Game 1 at home when the NHL gives you one frickin’ day to digest the next-round schedule.
- Personal gripe #2: Of the four remaining teams, I think Edmonton is the only city that I know what to call its residents: Edmontonians (I think). The best I can come up with for the other cities are Anaheimers, Buffaloans, and Raleighites, and those are all made up. Also, San Joser?
- The first Oiler goal of the series will be the second goal allowed in the Ducks’ WC Finals history. That’s saying something.
5 comments:
Name the current Mighty Duck who is the only NHLer to get to the Conference Finals in each of the past two postseasons (2003 and 2004).
Ducks spare defenseman Jason Marshall was the only NHLer to make the conference finals both years (2003 with the Minnesota Wild and 2004 with the San Jose Sharks).
Based on the postseason thus far, it is unlikely he will make an appearance in these WC Finals, which might not be a bad thing since he lost both previous times.
Wait a second. Did you just answer your own trivia question in the comments to your own post -- only 7 minutes after you posted it?
I know there aren't that many Ducks fans around, but I'm not sure you need to talk to yourself . . .
I wonder if we can get earl to turn on himself. Hey earl, leave earl and come cheer for the Oilers.
Did you just answer your own trivia question in the comments to your own post -- only 7 minutes after you posted it?
Um, does it help if I meant to do that? I clarified it a bit in the original thread.
Hey earl, leave earl and come cheer for the Oilers.
You need four more wins before that even gets considered.
A lot of weird recent history with the Western Conference Finals. It's like this conference just breeds wacky playoff results.
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