We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)

https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio

Group: rss
Password: rss

And there's also the Bracket Challenge:

https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692

Group: rss2023
Password: rss2023

Ciao,
Werner

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:31:04 a.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
>
> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
>
> Group: rss
> Password: rss
>
>
> And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
>
> https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
>
> Group: rss2023
> Password: rss2023
>
>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

So from what i understand this season, Boston is sure to win the Cup and Ottawa will never make another playoff again. I also think they now have a team from Seattle? But I am in, I think the due date to pick is April 17.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:31:04 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
>
> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
>
> Group: rss
> Password: rss

Joined, with my usually completely uninformed team

>
> And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
>
> https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
>
> Group: rss2023
> Password: rss2023
>
>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

On 2023-04-11 12:51, Binder Dundat wrote:
> On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:31:04 a.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
>> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
>> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
>>
>> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
>>
>> Group: rss
>> Password: rss
>>
>>
>> And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
>>
>> https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
>>
>> Group: rss2023
>> Password: rss2023
>>
>>
>>
>> Ciao,
>> Werner
>
>
> So from what i understand this season, Boston is sure to win the Cup and Ottawa will never make another playoff again. I also think they now have a team from Seattle? But I am in, I think the due date to pick is April 17.

I am in !

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 8:51:54 PM UTC+2, Binder Dundat wrote:
>
> So from what i understand this season, Boston is sure to win the Cup and Ottawa will never make another playoff again. I
> also think they now have a team from Seattle? But I am in, I think the due date to pick is April 17.

I'm convinced Ottawa are actually looking good for the next couple of seasons, especially if they
really should get hipster Hollywood ownership.

Ciao,
Werner

MH wrote:

> On 2023-04-11 12:51, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:31:04 a.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler
> > wrote:
> > > We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in
> > > a week, so I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no
> > > longer a pick-up truck though)
> > >
> > > https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
> > >
> > > Group: rss
> > > Password: rss
> > >
> > >
> > > And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
> > >
> > > https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
> > >
> > > Group: rss2023
> > > Password: rss2023
> >
> >
> > So from what i understand this season, Boston is sure to win the
> > Cup and Ottawa will never make another playoff again. I also think
> > they now have a team from Seattle? But I am in, I think the due
> > date to pick is April 17.
>
> I am in !

Are the New York Rangers in with a chance this season?

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 12:28:49 PM UTC+2, Blueshirt wrote:
> MH wrote:
>
> > On 2023-04-11 12:51, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:31:04 a.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler
> > > wrote:
> > > > We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in
> > > > a week, so I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no
> > > > longer a pick-up truck though)
> > > >
> > > > https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
> > > >
> > > > Group: rss
> > > > Password: rss
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
> > > >
> > > > https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
> > > >
> > > > Group: rss2023
> > > > Password: rss2023
> > >
> > >
> > > So from what i understand this season, Boston is sure to win the
> > > Cup and Ottawa will never make another playoff again. I also think
> > > they now have a team from Seattle? But I am in, I think the due
> > > date to pick is April 17.
> >
> > I am in !
>
> Are the New York Rangers in with a chance this season?

They (and their fans) most certainly think they are, and they did add the most
notable names at the deadline (Tarasenko, Kane), but the Eastern playoffs are
going to be a bloodbath, and the eye test doesn't convince me.

Ciao,
Werner

Futbolmetrix wrote:

> On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:47:03 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler
> wrote:
> >
> > They (and their fans) most certainly think they are, and they did
> > add the most notable names at the deadline (Tarasenko, Kane), but
> > the Eastern playoffs are going to be a bloodbath, and the eye test
> > doesn't convince me.
> >
>
> 6% chance of winning it according to 538, making them the 5th
> favorites. Boston's 39% chance to win it all seems way too high (my
> view of hockey is that it's close to purely random)
>
> https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nhl-predictions

Let's Go Rangers!!!

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:47:03 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:

> > Are the New York Rangers in with a chance this season?
> They (and their fans) most certainly think they are, and they did add the most
> notable names at the deadline (Tarasenko, Kane), but the Eastern playoffs are
> going to be a bloodbath, and the eye test doesn't convince me.
>

6% chance of winning it according to 538, making them the 5th favorites. Boston's 39% chance to win it all seems way too high (my view of hockey is that it's close to purely random)

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nhl-predictions

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 9:35:23 PM UTC+2, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:47:03 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> > > Are the New York Rangers in with a chance this season?
> > They (and their fans) most certainly think they are, and they did add the most
> > notable names at the deadline (Tarasenko, Kane), but the Eastern playoffs are
> > going to be a bloodbath, and the eye test doesn't convince me.
> >
> 6% chance of winning it according to 538, making them the 5th favorites. Boston's 39% chance to win it all seems way too
> high (my view of hockey is that it's close to purely random)

Boston's season has been exceptional though. They've broken several long-standing records,
some from the powerhouses of the 70's.
> https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nhl-predictions

No Sid and no Ovie. End of an era.

Ciao,
Werner

On 2023-04-13 02:52, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 9:35:23 PM UTC+2, Futbolmetrix wrote:
>> On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:47:03 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
>>
>>>> Are the New York Rangers in with a chance this season?
>>> They (and their fans) most certainly think they are, and they did add the most
>>> notable names at the deadline (Tarasenko, Kane), but the Eastern playoffs are
>>> going to be a bloodbath, and the eye test doesn't convince me.
>>>
>> 6% chance of winning it according to 538, making them the 5th favorites. Boston's 39% chance to win it all seems way too
>> high (my view of hockey is that it's close to purely random)
>
> Boston's season has been exceptional though. They've broken several long-standing records,
> some from the powerhouses of the 70's.

Nominally they have broken records, but adjusting for numbers of games,
and overtimes and shootouts, the picture is a bit different

Boston this year (using old system) 53 wins 16 ties, 12 losses so far.
122 points in 81 games

Montreal 1976-77 60 wins, 12 ties, 8 losses. 132 points in 80 games.
(they were 58-11-11 the year before, and 59, 11, 10 the year after)

Still the league is more balanced now, and Boston's achievement is
pretty remarkable, given that the overtime era is pretty well
established now

1983- overtime. No shootouts so ties still happened
1999 - overtime with losing team getting a point
2005 - shootouts, so no ties at all.
A quick search did not reveal to me when they went from 5 skaters to 4
and then 3 for the overtime games during the regular season.
>
>> https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nhl-predictions
>
> No Sid and no Ovie. End of an era.
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:31:04 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
>
> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
>
> Group: rss
> Password: rss
>
>
> And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
>
> https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
>
> Group: rss2023
> Password: rss2023

I've watched quite a lot of NHL this season, much more than usual, so I'll jot down my
thoughts here, too, because I'm kind of curious how the impressions that I've formed
so far will hold up in the play-offs.

I fully expect >50% of these predictions to blow up in my face.

Bruins (A1) vs Panthers (WC2)

Out of the possible first-round match-ups, probably the hardest one the Bruins could have had.
Tkachuk the Elder has had a brilliant season (the only winner in that ill-fated merry-go-round
between Florida, Calgary, and Coumbus) and can give Marchand a run for his money. I also really
enjoy it when journeymen goaltenders like Alex Lyon are able to prove their worth (see also Copley
below). Still, the Bruins this year are a machine. Pastrňák is a machine. Bergeron is a machine.
Ullmark is a machine. They don't even need someone like Taylor Hall, and they still got him.

Boston in 5.

Maple Leafs (A2) vs Lightning (A3)

In theory, the Leafs have done everything right, especially at the deadline.. They brought in grit with
O'Reilly, improved the bottom 6 with Acciari, Lafferty etc., strengthened the defence with Gustafsson
and Schenn... Still, they're the Leafs. And since Matt Murray went down, they are only one injury to
Samsonov away from a big problem in goal. Tampa meanwhile have been really bad in stretches, and then
they have been really good in stretches, and then they have been really bad again. Still, Vasilevsky can
always, always steal a series. And it's the Leafs.

Tampa Bay in 7.

Hurricanes (M1) vs Islanders (WC1)

The Canes have been pretty amazing almost throughout the season, and Brind'Amour is a great coach,
but ever since Svechnikov got injured they've only limped into the play-offs. Goaltending has also been so-so.
On the other hand, the Islanders are absolutely pedestrian (kudos though to Lamoriello for believing in
his team and buying instead of selling at the deadline - a gutsy move, if nothing else), but have an incredible
goalie tandem in Sorokin and Varlamov. I could see the upset.

New York Islanders in 6.

Devils (M2) vs Rangers (M3)

As I've written before, the Rangers don't convince me. It's a cheesy cliché how big names alone don't make
a good team, but it's still true. Kane and Tarasenko have been decent, but hardly earth-shattering. Shesterkin
is worse than last season. The defence is worse than last season. Lately, the 'Kid Line' of Kakko, Chytil, and
Lafrenière has done some surprisingly heavy lifting, but since Lafrenière isn't posting McJesus numbers, the
New York press and fanbase are still infuriatingly quick to label him a bust.
On the other hand, New Jersey are almost the polar opposite of the annoying Neutral Zone trap merchants they
were when they were last relevant - now they're a team with a great young core playing very pretty hockey (with
the caveat that they might be quite susceptible to the Rangers' roughness - Trouba alone...) Our Alpine neighbours
have adopted them, too, since trading for Timo Meier has increased Jersey's Swiss contingent to an unprecedented
four (Hischier, Siegenthaler, Schmid). And I've always kinda liked Lindy Ruff.

New Jersey in 6.

Avalanche (C1) vs Kraken (WC1)

The Kraken have been one of the best stories this season. This is a team without a superstar and with
sub-.900 goaltending, which nevertheless was so well-built - and coached - as to manage to bring about
one of the biggest improvements from one season to the next in the history of the league. Lots of people
crapped on Seattle because of how they handled the expansion draft, and it's fun to see how lots of people
are now eating crow. Still, Colorado, much like Boston, are a machine, just one that breaks down a bit more often.
MacKinnon is a machine that has broken down for a while and still scored 100+ points. Makar is a machine
that is still breaking down from time to time. Still, they've already been through much worse this season, and
persevered.

Colorado in 5.

Stars (C2) vs Wild (C3)

I have a conflicted relationship with Minnesota, because they've been a graveyard for Austrian players - first
Vanek, and now Marco Rossi, who unfortunately still has a long way to go to fulfill even just some of the hopes
everyone, including the Wild, had put in him. More seriously, Joel Eriksson Ek's injury has also been a huge blow to
them - if there was one irreplaceable player on Minnesota's roster, it was him. Not even Kaprizov missing would
have had that much of an impact. But this series will be a goaltender battle, anyway - Gustavsson against Oettinger,
and while Gustavsson has been absolutely brilliant when nobody expected much from him, I think Oettinger's
experience will prevail in the end. Also, Jason Robertson is a great, great player.

Dallas in 6.

Golden Knights (P1) v Jets (WC2)

Vegas are one team I can't quite figure out. Picking up Jonathan Quick at the deadline looked like a good move,
but then LA ruthlessly offloaded Quick because he's been flat out terrible. Mark Stone's coming back from injury
just in time for the playoffs though, and it should be enough anyway for a Winnipeg team that had a bright start
and then faded just as badly. They made the playoffs thanks to Hellebuyck and not much else.

Vegas in 5.

Oilers (P2) v Kings (P3)

For the first time in forever it appears as if the Oilers have made the right moves at the deadline. Pretty much every
Top 6 forward has had a career season, McDavid (as boring a personality as he is) has been absolutely stellar, just like
the powerplay... And still, the doubts linger. Skinner has been good in goal, but he's a rookie. Campbell has not been good.
At the other side, I really like this Kings team. Kopitar, one of my favourite players, is still in great form, poor misspelled
journeyman netminder Pheonix Copley almost single-handedly saved their season when it looked as if their goaltending
issues would sink them, and there are a lot of good players everywhere through the rest of the line-up (Fiala, Kempe,
Arvidsson...) that can chip in with some offense at any time.
Last season, the Kings gave the Oilers a run for their money in the first round, and I can see a similar scenario
playing out this year. Still, so much offensive power should be too much to contain...

Edmonton in 6.

Ciao,
Werner

On Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 6:10:30 PM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:31:04 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> > I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
> >
> > https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
> >
> > Group: rss
> > Password: rss

Standings after the first day:

1 T9475 futbolmetrix 22 22
2 T16216 bindero 18 18
3 T35687 divis 6 6
4 T37881 michaelhynes 4 4

Hockey knowledge is overrated...

On 2023-04-18 04:45, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 6:10:30 PM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
>> On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:31:04 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>>> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
>>> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
>>>
>>> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
>>>
>>> Group: rss
>>> Password: rss
>
> Standings after the first day:
>
> 1 T9475 futbolmetrix 22 22
> 2 T16216 bindero 18 18
> 3 T35687 divis 6 6
> 4 T37881 michaelhynes 4 4
>
> Hockey knowledge is overrated...

For sure.

But 8 teams have not even played yet, so let's not get carried away.
Only four of my players have actually played.

On Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:05:48 PM UTC+2, MH wrote:
> On 2023-04-18 04:45, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> > On Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 6:10:30 PM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >> On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:31:04 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >>> We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> >>> I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
> >>>
> >>> https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
> >>>
> >>> Group: rss
> >>> Password: rss
> >
> > Standings after the first day:
> >
> > 1 T9475 futbolmetrix 22 22
> > 2 T16216 bindero 18 18
> > 3 T35687 divis 6 6
> > 4 T37881 michaelhynes 4 4
> >
> > Hockey knowledge is overrated...
>
> For sure.
>
> But 8 teams have not even played yet, so let's not get carried away.

Yeah exactly! Hockey knowledge will come through!

1 T7139 bindero 39 39
2 T21145 michaelhynes 29 29
3 T24605 futbolmetrix 27 27
4 T31216 divis 23 23

....oh.

Ciao,
Werner

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:53:23 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> 1 T7139 bindero 39 39
> 2 T21145 michaelhynes 29 29
> 3 T24605 futbolmetrix 27 27
> 4 T31216 divis 23 23
>
>
> ...oh.

Living in Canada > blindly picking most popular players > actually knowing something about hockey

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 8:33:08 a.m. UTC-4, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:53:23 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> > 1 T7139 bindero 39 39
> > 2 T21145 michaelhynes 29 29
> > 3 T24605 futbolmetrix 27 27
> > 4 T31216 divis 23 23
> >
> >
> > ...oh.
> Living in Canada > blindly picking most popular players > actually knowing something about hockey

I have to admit, I actually went to a real live NHL hockey game this year, just one though and I rarely or ever watch the ice hockey on tv, so i am blind guessing. I picked Boston and Colorado goalies, cus I thought they would win, the rest I just picked hoping for 7 game series, so I actually like that Toronto and Edmonton lost their first games, means it is going to 7 games. WE all know Boston and Colorado will win in 4 games.

OK, so midway through the first round of playoffs and every match up is 2 games to 1, so no clean sweeps, seems a lot are going to OT as well. Maple leafs actually leading there series! Toronto has not won a playoff series in over 50 years, which begs the question, why did I pick so many Toronto players??? Even more puzzling, why are two of them not even playing? What convinced me to pick these TO players when I could have picked Mitchell Marner?

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:09:07 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 8:33:08 a.m. UTC-4, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> > On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:53:23 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >
> > > 1 T7139 bindero 39 39
> > > 2 T21145 michaelhynes 29 29
> > > 3 T24605 futbolmetrix 27 27
> > > 4 T31216 divis 23 23
> > >
> > >
> > > ...oh.
> > Living in Canada > blindly picking most popular players > actually knowing something about hockey
> I have to admit, I actually went to a real live NHL hockey game this year, just one though and I rarely or ever watch the ice hockey on tv, so i am blind guessing. I picked Boston and Colorado goalies, cus I thought they would win, the rest I just picked hoping for 7 game series, so I actually like that Toronto and Edmonton lost their first games, means it is going to 7 games. WE all know Boston and Colorado will win in 4 games.

On Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:33:03 PM UTC+2, Binder Dundat wrote:
> OK, so midway through the first round of playoffs and every match up is 2 games to 1, so no clean sweeps, seems a lot are going to OT as well. Maple leafs actually leading there series! Toronto has not won a
> playoff series in over 50 years, which begs the question, why did I pick so many Toronto players??? Even more puzzling, why are two of them not even playing? What convinced me to pick these TO players when I
> could have picked Mitchell Marner?

Close series all around, but in the Playoff Pool we see a clear division between two groups of players,
let's call them - oh I don't know, the Happy-Go-Luckies and the Overthinkers.

1 T8564 bindero 117 117
2 T10183 futbolmetrix 115 115
3 T35425 michaelhynes 86 86
4 T38486 divis 78 78

Ciao,
Werner

On 2023-04-23 10:38, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:33:03 PM UTC+2, Binder Dundat wrote:
>> OK, so midway through the first round of playoffs and every match up is 2 games to 1, so no clean sweeps, seems a lot are going to OT as well. Maple leafs actually leading there series! Toronto has not won a
>> playoff series in over 50 years, which begs the question, why did I pick so many Toronto players??? Even more puzzling, why are two of them not even playing? What convinced me to pick these TO players when I
>> could have picked Mitchell Marner?
>
>
> Close series all around, but in the Playoff Pool we see a clear division between two groups of players,
> let's call them - oh I don't know, the Happy-Go-Luckies and the Overthinkers.
>
> 1 T8564 bindero 117 117
> 2 T10183 futbolmetrix 115 115
> 3 T35425 michaelhynes 86 86
> 4 T38486 divis 78 78

Did not help that I picked the injured Bergeron. I could have sworn he
did not have a little injury icon beside him when I picked, but I could
be wrong.

>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

On Monday, April 24, 2023 at 9:05:26 PM UTC+2, MH wrote:
> On 2023-04-23 10:38, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > On Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:33:03 PM UTC+2, Binder Dundat wrote:
> >> OK, so midway through the first round of playoffs and every match up is 2 games to 1, so no clean sweeps, seems a lot are going to OT as well. Maple leafs actually leading there series! Toronto has not won a
> >> playoff series in over 50 years, which begs the question, why did I pick so many Toronto players??? Even more puzzling, why are two of them not even playing? What convinced me to pick these TO players when I
> >> could have picked Mitchell Marner?
> >
> >
> > Close series all around, but in the Playoff Pool we see a clear division between two groups of players,
> > let's call them - oh I don't know, the Happy-Go-Luckies and the Overthinkers.
> >
> > 1 T8564 bindero 117 117
> > 2 T10183 futbolmetrix 115 115
> > 3 T35425 michaelhynes 86 86
> > 4 T38486 divis 78 78
>
> Did not help that I picked the injured Bergeron. I could have sworn he
> did not have a little injury icon beside him when I picked, but I could
> be wrong.

No there wasn't, because Bergeron did actually take the ice in Boston's last match
of the regular season in Montréal. Turns out, the only reason he played through injury
in a meaningless game was that his dad, who's suffering from cancer, was in attendance.

But at least Bergeron should be back tomorrow for Game 6.

1 T11444 futbolmetrix 173 173
2 T15301 bindero 167 167
3 T35264 divis 133 133
4 T39943 michaelhynes 108 108

Looking at my picks, the only one that came through was Roope Hintz,
while Josh Morrissey's injury kills me.

Ciao,
Werner

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 3:31:55 a.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Monday, April 24, 2023 at 9:05:26 PM UTC+2, MH wrote:
> > On 2023-04-23 10:38, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > > On Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:33:03 PM UTC+2, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > >> OK, so midway through the first round of playoffs and every match up is 2 games to 1, so no clean sweeps, seems a lot are going to OT as well. Maple leafs actually leading there series! Toronto has not won a
> > >> playoff series in over 50 years, which begs the question, why did I pick so many Toronto players??? Even more puzzling, why are two of them not even playing? What convinced me to pick these TO players when I
> > >> could have picked Mitchell Marner?
> > >
> > >
> > > Close series all around, but in the Playoff Pool we see a clear division between two groups of players,
> > > let's call them - oh I don't know, the Happy-Go-Luckies and the Overthinkers.
> > >
> > > 1 T8564 bindero 117 117
> > > 2 T10183 futbolmetrix 115 115
> > > 3 T35425 michaelhynes 86 86
> > > 4 T38486 divis 78 78
> >
> > Did not help that I picked the injured Bergeron. I could have sworn he
> > did not have a little injury icon beside him when I picked, but I could
> > be wrong.
> No there wasn't, because Bergeron did actually take the ice in Boston's last match
> of the regular season in Montréal. Turns out, the only reason he played through injury
> in a meaningless game was that his dad, who's suffering from cancer, was in attendance.
>
> But at least Bergeron should be back tomorrow for Game 6.
>
>
> 1 T11444 futbolmetrix 173 173
> 2 T15301 bindero 167 167
> 3 T35264 divis 133 133
> 4 T39943 michaelhynes 108 108
>
> Looking at my picks, the only one that came through was Roope Hintz,
> while Josh Morrissey's injury kills me.
>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

Every series is going 7 gamees

On Monday, April 17, 2023 at 12:10:30 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>
> Golden Knights (P1) v Jets (WC2)
>
> Vegas are one team I can't quite figure out.

Figures this would be the first series I got right.

> Picking up Jonathan Quick at the deadline looked like a good move,
> but then LA ruthlessly offloaded Quick because he's been flat out terrible. Mark Stone's coming back from injury
> just in time for the playoffs though, and it should be enough anyway for a Winnipeg team that had a bright start
> and then faded just as badly. They made the playoffs thanks to Hellebuyck and not much else.
>
> Vegas in 5.

Ciao,
Werner

On Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 6:10:30 p.m. UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:31:04 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > We haven't played this in a while, but the NHL play-offs start in a week, so
> > I'd say let's give it a try again (main prize is no longer a pick-up truck though)
> >
> > https://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet/hkplayoff23/portfolio
> >
> > Group: rss
> > Password: rss
> >
> >
> > And there's also the Bracket Challenge:
> >
> > https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/league/13692
> >
> > Group: rss2023
> > Password: rss2023
> I've watched quite a lot of NHL this season, much more than usual, so I'll jot down my
> thoughts here, too, because I'm kind of curious how the impressions that I've formed
> so far will hold up in the play-offs.
>
> I fully expect >50% of these predictions to blow up in my face.

Well lets see...

>
>
>
> Bruins (A1) vs Panthers (WC2)
>
> Out of the possible first-round match-ups, probably the hardest one the Bruins could have had.
> Tkachuk the Elder has had a brilliant season (the only winner in that ill-fated merry-go-round
> between Florida, Calgary, and Coumbus) and can give Marchand a run for his money. I also really
> enjoy it when journeymen goaltenders like Alex Lyon are able to prove their worth (see also Copley
> below). Still, the Bruins this year are a machine. Pastrňák is a machine. Bergeron is a machine.
> Ullmark is a machine. They don't even need someone like Taylor Hall, and they still got him.
>
> Boston in 5.

I trusted you on this one, well I trusted you and Trusted the Greatest Bruins team of all time would easily beat a team from Florida, they dont even have ice in or snow in Florida!

Instead this is going to a game 7

>
>
> Maple Leafs (A2) vs Lightning (A3)
>
> In theory, the Leafs have done everything right, especially at the deadline. They brought in grit with
> O'Reilly, improved the bottom 6 with Acciari, Lafferty etc., strengthened the defence with Gustafsson
> and Schenn... Still, they're the Leafs. And since Matt Murray went down, they are only one injury to
> Samsonov away from a big problem in goal. Tampa meanwhile have been really bad in stretches, and then
> they have been really good in stretches, and then they have been really bad again. Still, Vasilevsky can
> always, always steal a series. And it's the Leafs.
>
> Tampa Bay in 7.

Maple Leafs are gonna be Maple Leaves. Rules is Rules. Leafs could win this tonight or it goes to 7 games as well and they lose.

>
>
> Hurricanes (M1) vs Islanders (WC1)
>
> The Canes have been pretty amazing almost throughout the season, and Brind'Amour is a great coach,
> but ever since Svechnikov got injured they've only limped into the play-offs. Goaltending has also been so-so.
> On the other hand, the Islanders are absolutely pedestrian (kudos though to Lamoriello for believing in
> his team and buying instead of selling at the deadline - a gutsy move, if nothing else), but have an incredible
> goalie tandem in Sorokin and Varlamov. I could see the upset.
>
> New York Islanders in 6.
I should have listened to you on this one.

>
>
> Devils (M2) vs Rangers (M3)
>
> As I've written before, the Rangers don't convince me. It's a cheesy cliché how big names alone don't make
> a good team, but it's still true. Kane and Tarasenko have been decent, but hardly earth-shattering. Shesterkin
> is worse than last season. The defence is worse than last season. Lately, the 'Kid Line' of Kakko, Chytil, and
> Lafrenière has done some surprisingly heavy lifting, but since Lafrenière isn't posting McJesus numbers, the
> New York press and fanbase are still infuriatingly quick to label him a bust.
> On the other hand, New Jersey are almost the polar opposite of the annoying Neutral Zone trap merchants they
> were when they were last relevant - now they're a team with a great young core playing very pretty hockey (with
> the caveat that they might be quite susceptible to the Rangers' roughness - Trouba alone...) Our Alpine neighbours
> have adopted them, too, since trading for Timo Meier has increased Jersey's Swiss contingent to an unprecedented
> four (Hischier, Siegenthaler, Schmid). And I've always kinda liked Lindy Ruff.
>
> New Jersey in 6.

You could get this one right as well.

>
>
>
> Avalanche (C1) vs Kraken (WC1)
>
> The Kraken have been one of the best stories this season. This is a team without a superstar and with
> sub-.900 goaltending, which nevertheless was so well-built - and coached - as to manage to bring about
> one of the biggest improvements from one season to the next in the history of the league. Lots of people
> crapped on Seattle because of how they handled the expansion draft, and it's fun to see how lots of people
> are now eating crow. Still, Colorado, much like Boston, are a machine, just one that breaks down a bit more often.
> MacKinnon is a machine that has broken down for a while and still scored 100+ points. Makar is a machine
> that is still breaking down from time to time. Still, they've already been through much worse this season, and
> persevered.
>
> Colorado in 5.

Yeah I thought this would be a quick 4 or 5 game series, but it is going 7

>
>
> Stars (C2) vs Wild (C3)
>
> I have a conflicted relationship with Minnesota, because they've been a graveyard for Austrian players - first
> Vanek, and now Marco Rossi, who unfortunately still has a long way to go to fulfill even just some of the hopes
> everyone, including the Wild, had put in him. More seriously, Joel Eriksson Ek's injury has also been a huge blow to
> them - if there was one irreplaceable player on Minnesota's roster, it was him. Not even Kaprizov missing would
> have had that much of an impact. But this series will be a goaltender battle, anyway - Gustavsson against Oettinger,
> and while Gustavsson has been absolutely brilliant when nobody expected much from him, I think Oettinger's
> experience will prevail in the end. Also, Jason Robertson is a great, great player.
>
> Dallas in 6.

You got this one too.

>
>
> Golden Knights (P1) v Jets (WC2)
>
> Vegas are one team I can't quite figure out. Picking up Jonathan Quick at the deadline looked like a good move,
> but then LA ruthlessly offloaded Quick because he's been flat out terrible. Mark Stone's coming back from injury
> just in time for the playoffs though, and it should be enough anyway for a Winnipeg team that had a bright start
> and then faded just as badly. They made the playoffs thanks to Hellebuyck and not much else.
>
> Vegas in 5.

And this one

>
>
> Oilers (P2) v Kings (P3)
>
> For the first time in forever it appears as if the Oilers have made the right moves at the deadline. Pretty much every
> Top 6 forward has had a career season, McDavid (as boring a personality as he is) has been absolutely stellar, just like
> the powerplay... And still, the doubts linger. Skinner has been good in goal, but he's a rookie. Campbell has not been good.
> At the other side, I really like this Kings team. Kopitar, one of my favourite players, is still in great form, poor misspelled
> journeyman netminder Pheonix Copley almost single-handedly saved their season when it looked as if their goaltending
> issues would sink them, and there are a lot of good players everywhere through the rest of the line-up (Fiala, Kempe,
> Arvidsson...) that can chip in with some offense at any time.
> Last season, the Kings gave the Oilers a run for their money in the first round, and I can see a similar scenario
> playing out this year. Still, so much offensive power should be too much to contain...
>
> Edmonton in 6.
Lets hope this happens so at least one Canadian team makes the QFs.

>
>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 7:47:02 AM UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > Bruins (A1) vs Panthers (WC2)
> > Boston in 5.

Currently 3-3. 0 for 1

> Instead this is going to a game 7
> >
> >
> > Maple Leafs (A2) vs Lightning (A3)
> > Tampa Bay in 7.
Currently 3-2. This could still be correct. Still 0/1

> > Hurricanes (M1) vs Islanders (WC1)
> > New York Islanders in 6.
4-2. 0/2

> > Devils (M2) vs Rangers (M3)
> > New Jersey in 6.
3-2, you could still get this one right. 0/2

> > Avalanche (C1) vs Kraken (WC1)
> > Colorado in 5.
3-3. 0/3

> > Stars (C2) vs Wild (C3)
> > Dallas in 6.
4-2, bang on. 1/4

> > Golden Knights (P1) v Jets (WC2)
> > Vegas in 5.
4-1, bang on. 2/5

> > Oilers (P2) v Kings (P3)
> > Edmonton in 6.

3-2, you could still get this one right. 2/5

2 of 5, which could become 5 of 8, and you're still on track for picking 7 out of 8 correct winners. Given the randomness of hockey, I'm impressed.