Watch out Pittsburgh, we're coming.

It's not like they've like beaten a couple of slouches in NJ and Boston. I'll be rooting for them in the next round, and in the Finals unless it's Chicago (sorry, a Hawks fan, too).

It's funny. Earlier today I was trying to think of a playoff series where two teams each rattled off a three game winning streak. It's probably happened, but the fact that I couldn't think of any didn't bode well for the B's. :)

Bummer of an ending, but what a great series. Congrats! :toast:

and were clearly the best this year. All we had going for us was our playoff experience (which I'm not minimizing). Boston has Major League Baseball, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the Pats nearby. All we have is hockey in Raleigh. Everyone at the Carolina Ale House had their hearts on their sleeves tonight while I was there watching. Whew, you would think my heart would be getting used to game 7's by now but it's always in my throat during these things. Anyway, Boston is great.

:toast:

Here's to you.

I tell ya, it's feast or famine around these parts. :)

I think the Canes experience was crucial. The B's lack of it hurt them when the Canes bounced back from game 1 the way they did, and the B's looked lost for a couple games because of it, whereas the Canes took the last two losses in stride and had the experience to deal with the B's momentum going into this game tonight. It also doesn't hurt that Ward has never lost a playoff series (if I'm correct). The guy is turning into one of the premier money goaltenders.

I also think Maurice did a great job coaching this team (supposedly he had some choice words for the team after game 6). I've always liked him because he's a steady eddie behind the bench, and he's one of those guys that demands respect and accountability but also gives it back to the players. Julien is very similar. Both good hockey guys.

My only real disappointment is that I would love to see Thomas get a Cup. He's one of the most humble, hard working good guys I've ever seen, and after toiling in the minors (IHL and AHL), and Sweden and Europe for years and years before finally getting a shot in the big leagues, I can't think of too many guys who deserve it more.

the recognition he has gotten this year. There really isn't anyone more deserving of recognition out there. Ward is a young goalie as you know. He got the call in '06 when Gerber collapsed in the first two games of our series with Montreal and never relinguished his spot. Barrasso is our goalies coach and has been working with him to get his game better. But it seems in the playoffs, he gets in enough of a zone that we can rely on him. I remember following him in our system and knew he would be good when he came up. I think the staff wished they could have brought him up more slowly but it has worked out.

I know I'm biased, but it truly seems as though the NHL has the largest percentage of people that are just good, down to earth, no nonsense type of guys.

Good luck to your team.

Here's to a solid, exciting, and injury free 4 game sweep by the Penguins. ;)

Two teams that had to become the hottest teams down the stretch in order to get in the playoffs this year after slow starts and changes.

I predict that game 1 will be insanely fast paced.

They ruined my dream match up of an all Original Six final. The Western conference did its part!