Subject: 2016 NHL Playoff Predictions

Well, that will also depend on whether the Stars can trade off either Niemi or Lehtonan in the off season. They both have contracts through 2018, and they aren't cheap.

Well as most of you know. There is now 1 series set in stone. Some are calling it the best series in the Cup and the Cup decider winner.

One things for sure. If its anything like 09 PensvsCaps its gonna be a great series!

I also have a question and I want your guys opinions on it.

Lets say Fleury is ready for game 1 against the Caps? Do you start him or keep Murray in the net? I mean, Murray is rolling so I'm not so sure...

Dallas eeked out a win to close their series. They after blowing a 4 goal lead by not playing the same attack hockey they did in periods 1 & 2. Echoing back to our conversation about St. Louis not having that killer instinct...Dallas is so screwed against either St. Louis or Chicago they way those teams are playing.

Sad to say I did not get to see much of the Flyers-Caps game. Busted water heater issues. What I did see was awesome hockey. I was so hoping that game would go to OT.

You're lucky Directv doesn't even offer me NBC

I've heard there are companies that don't offer the local/national networks. I think you mentioned it here once. I'm so sorry. That royally sucks. On the other hand, I do not pay ( not in the budget) for any TV service, so the NBC games are the only ones i get to see.

I'd start the hot goalie. I wouldn't start a goalie that is just coming back from injury (and not necessarily fully healed) after missing a lot of time (Neuvirth was fine, but that doesn't mean that anyone would be). It also depends on what the doctors say and what he looks like in practice. You could always fall back on him if necessary or if Murray starts to get fatigued.

With that said, I don't generally have a high opinion of Fleury's ability to carry a team in the playoffs. If Murray could take over and the Penguins could trade Fleury, they could save a lot of cap space in the next few seasons.

If you guys don't have the games you can always go on Google and look up their radio. Ex."Pens radio." And they broadcast the game live. So you can still listen to the games.

That's what I was thinking also. Fleury will probably not be 100%. We really cant get 1-0 down and if we get 2-0 down were done for.

With that said I agree with your assessment about Fluery. He hasn't exactly been the most consistent goalie in the playoffs to say the least.

Currently a Pitt Poll says:

20%-It's Murray's job now.
21%-Automatically MAF's job.
59%-Play the hot hand
thehockeywriters.com/pitt...

I would tend to agree with the hot hand.

I play the goalie who is playing right now. I like MAF but he is most likely going to be rusty and needs some practice time to get into game shape first then playoff game shape.

So the East is set with Lighting vs Islanders and Capitals vs Penguins which is not a bad coupld of semi-final matchups.

Do you guys think the Blackhawks steal game 7. Or the blues move on?

I think it is the Blues to lose. But it's even money what will happen.

I just have that feeling the Hawks will win....Not sure though.

I also picked the Hawks in 7 so its also selfish reasons.