Buzzmaster

  (2:31 PM)

We're getting Barry Melrose right now!

Buzzmaster

  (2:41 PM)

Hey folks, looks like Barry might have gotten tied up. No worries. We'll start at 3 p.m. ET with Scott Burnside for our NHL playoffs chat.

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:47 PM)

Hello cool cats ! The place is buzzing here at Verizon Center. Let's get it going !

Dan (British Columbia)

As a die hard Canucks fan still waiting for the first cup to come to Vancouver, I am curious how you do think the off season will pan out? I agree that luongo is one of the best goalies in the NHL, however if Gillis can't re-sign him this summer should the canucks trade him while they can still get a lot in return? Schneider is starting to look like he is ready to come up. They would create a lot of cap space to go out and chase some free agents and they would get younger.

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:51 PM)

Great points Dan... I just came from Chicago where the 'Nucks were knocked out. Indeed a very interesting off-season leading with the UFA Sedins.... plus UFA Ohlund and Sundin... and yes, Luongo has one year left. Either Gillis signs him to an extension or he deals him _ there's no other option in my opinion because you can't let Luongo walk away July 2010 and get nothing in return. When Gillis gave Luongo the captaincy at the start of the year, that was a strong signal that Gillis wanted to build around the guy. But the seven-goal knockout game has to make you think. Can you win as a team if the Sedins and Luongo take up $21 to $23 million a year of your payroll moving forward? I think Gillis will sign Luongo to an extension if the goalie is receptive to it. But the Sedins will be the first priority _ to get them signed before July 1

Jeremy- Tucson, Arizona [via mobile]

Do you think a vetran guy like federov could be the difference maker in game 7 tonight? And wanted to say loved ending to ducks wings last night.

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:52 PM)

Well, he was certainly a difference maker in Game 7 against the Rangers. The thing about veterans like Fedorov, especially guys like him that have won championships, is that they won't wilt under this kind of pressure. He's past his prime and he's lost a stride, but look for him to make a play tonight that will make you remember it

Adam Detroit,MI [via mobile]

I think since the Wings always have been able to play really well at home they will be able to win game 7. Which team do you think will be standing tall after 60 mins on Thursday?

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:54 PM)

I'm with you Adam. Juding from what I witnessed in person at Joe Louis on Sunday in Game 5, I'm stunned there even is a Game 7. Credit to the Ducks to find a second gear because they looked tired and worn down on Sunday. But I think the Wings take it Thursday night. Hawks-Wings in the conference finals _ how can you beat that???

Connor (Chicago IL) [via mobile]

do you think that the blackhawks have a shot at the cup?

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:57 PM)

Well, they've gone a long way convincing me their age and inexperience no longer matters. On the other hand, if they do end up playing Detroit, I don't like that matchup for them. The home-and-home sweep by Detroit over Chicago before and during the Winter Classic earlier this season was a strong message by the veteran Wings: ''You're not ready yet kids." The Hawks have grown since then, but that's a memory I just can't shake

Will (Rockville, MD)

Why is it that Detroit and Anaheim are getting national tv coverage on the East Coast, instead of the Bruins. They have had only 4 games on national tv thus far in the playoffs.

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:58 PM)

Probably because Anaheim-Detroit is a matchup of the past two Stanley Cup champions while Boston is playing the least desirable TV market in terms of Carolina. I love the Hurricanes franchise, enjoy the way they play the game, but their a TV network's nightmare because they don't draw at all nationally

Reuben, England [via mobile]

I know Barry & Pierre picked the Canes at the start of the series, do u still believe in them or have they missed their chance now?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:00 PM)

Since I'm in here first today I'll answer this. I think carolina missed their chance. They needed to win last night. I know I said carolina in 7 but the waythey've been beaten in the last two games doesn't bode well. I think the Bruins have momentum now that won't be stopped

rob boston [via mobile]

This has to be the best bruins team ive seen in the last few years. do you think this is their year or we got to hope 4 next year. i think they can do it if they play smart.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:01 PM)

I think the winner comes out of the West, Rob. Just better teams right now in the West.

Cranberry Twp PA

what can the penguins do to win tonight if the caps goaltending is playing as good as it has been through out the series?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:02 PM)

They need to drive the net, create traffic and fight for rebounds. They need ugly goals, greasy goals. Make life miserable on Varlamov.

Matt Arizona

Are you up for the coyotes staying in Glendale?? Mark my words The coyotes will win the stanley cup next season Guarenteed.. Yes I really just said that wait till reinsdorf takes over

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:03 PM)

Matt, please put the bottle down and take a nap.

Mr. Genius

I have a great idea. Lets wait only a couple hours before game 7 of a great pens/caps series, and then talk at length about the canes, wings, and boston!

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:03 PM)

ok

Hank (MD)

Do you see the winner of the Caps/Pens series representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:04 PM)

Yes I do. The Bruins, as Carolina has shown in pushing them to seven, are beatable. Boston also struggled at times in this series with speed. I think the Pens/Caps winner will create a lot of problems for the Bruins on the back end as well

john phila pa [via mobile]

Will gonchar play tonite, and what are the penguins chances? Thanks

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:05 PM)

Gonchar is a game-time decision John. Check our ESPN.com NHL blog around 7 p.m. and hopefully I'll have something posted by then on it. But the way he skated this morning, I have a hunch he's playing

jason (cleveland)

Pierre, what's your prediction for tonight?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:06 PM)

Caps in quadruple overtime. Ovechkin and Crosby four goals each.

Dennis (Santa Clarita, CA)

Regardless of Bettman's "vision" do you think that the current Coyote owner is going to just take $80 or so million less for his team that what Baisille is offering just because the NHL wants him to? Eventually it's going to go to court and I don't see how that's going to fly.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:08 PM)

Dennis, it's a long and complicated answer... One fact that seems to still get underplayed is the following: NHL owners don't actually ''own" their teams. They simply own the right to put NHL hockey in their specific market. So with that in mind, according to NHL rules, Moyes did not have the right to sell his NHL market to Southern Ontario. But like you said, perhaps a court will see it differently. We'll see May 19

Brody (Cleveland)

Hey Pierre...forget home ice, if you had to choose 1 for tonight's game who would it be, Fleury or Varlamov?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:10 PM)

Simply because of the way Fleury played in helping his team to a Cup final last year _ I would take him. He's been there, done that. But I do love that kid Varlamov. Cool as a cucumber!

Dan (Boston)

Best Goalie in the playoffs so far?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:10 PM)

Jonas Hiller

Louie (Cyphertown)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the heading of this chat was: NHL PLAYOFFS not let's talk about the floundering Coyote franchinse?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:10 PM)

I'll second that motion

Aaron (DC)

Which player do you want on the ice when you need a goal?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:11 PM)

Donald Brashear

Nate

hey pierre, dont know if youve payed any attention to this but who of the AHL teams has the best chance of winning the Calder cup?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:13 PM)

I like the Manitoba Moose

Joe (Fairfax)

Will Varlamov be considered a rookie next year?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:15 PM)

yes. As a point of reference, Ken Dryden won the Conn Smythe trophy in '71 after coming up for the playoffs as a rookie and then won the Calder the following regular season. Things that make you go hmmm... By the way, NHL ice guru Dan Craig is at the Verizon Center, he just popped by to say hi. So we'll have good ice tonight

Dave (dahn-tahn pittsburgh)

if this game goes to 4 OTs I am just going to snap. no question, just wanted to let you know.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:16 PM)

hahaha... well you've have me to blame Dave

Steve jersey [via mobile]

Please!!! Do you think that espn will ever pick the NHL back up

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:17 PM)

I can tell you ESPN and the NHL and NHLPA have held talk this year but at this point I can't report much more than that. Let's cross our fingers !

Scott (Rockville, MD)

Rate the four eastern conference rinks in terms of atmosphere.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:18 PM)

1. Carolina 2. Washington 3. Pittsburgh 4. Boston

Alexander S. (Washington D.C.)

Pierre, where have I been for the last 6 games?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:19 PM)

Obviously not scoring goals big boy. And you thought Sid was overrated? Better look in the mirror Mr. Semin

Andrew (Philly)

Who is the unsung hero tonight in the Caps-Pens game? And by unsung, I mean no Crosby, Malkin, AO, or the goalies. Have you tried to grow a Melrose Mullet? You should try! Thanks!

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:20 PM)

I'll give you one from each team: Pitt: Max Talbot Wash: Matt Bradley

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:21 PM)

By the way guys, Scott Burnside is coming up next in 10 minutes. Get some good questions in the fiery red head from Atlanta. He also happens to be sitting beside me right now

Riko (Riga, Latvia)

Im sure Ducks will win tomorrow! Theres no better duo on offence than Getzlaf and Perry. Together with Hiller in goal they'll get the job done!

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:22 PM)

Riko, I love your country man. Great hockey fans in Latvia. When I used to cover the IIHF world championships they were the best fans in the arena. L-A-T-V-I-A !!!

Cory Perry

Am I a coward for going after Rafalski last night? Yes or yes?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:22 PM)

I think you're the dirtiest player in the league and I would have smacked you around in my day ... but damn I'd love you on my team

Jeff (Wings fan in Boston)

Rate the four western conference rinks in terms of atmosphere.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:23 PM)

1. Chicago (no contest) 2. Vancouver 3. Detroit 4. Anaheim

Henry NY

How is your playoff beard coming?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:24 PM)

Just the goatee man, just the goatee :)

Jeremy (Pittsburgh)

Best second round ever?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:25 PM)

Definitely since I started covering the NHL in 1995. No question. The three star-filled young teams in the league (Chi/Pit-Wash) plus Original Six Detroit and Boston... great stuff

Patrick, Oviedo

There is NO WAY Detroit is 3rd in atomosphere. Joe Lewis is a library. Silent, and hardly ever full.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:26 PM)

Well I've covered about 50 games there in the past 15 years and it's pretty loud in the playoffs. I ranked Anaheim last because they've got more to prove

Pat (Toronto)

Hey Pierre, I know this about the play-offs but you didn't think you could avoid a leafs question did you? After all the ridiculous trade talk regarding the leafs and lightning do you think this is reasonable - Lecavalier and that beast of a contract and the second overall for the 7th overall kaberle and a prospect not named Luke schenn. (I know Burkey already commented on this today - interview was a riot) Thanks.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:28 PM)

It's actually not that ridiculous Pat. I reported on Hot Stove three weeks ago tha tthe Lightning wanted Schenn and Kabrerle for a package including their No. 2 pick. That's a fact. Can't tell you my source obviously but considered pretty good :) Ok guys, now I pass off to Mr. Burnside.

Scott Burnside

  (4:29 PM)

Talk about seamless. And with such a glowing preview from Mr. LeBrun I just hope I can live up to the hype. Like this series.

Ed Fernandez (Falls Church VA)

Do you think Mike Green will have a good game today if he uses his old stick

Scott Burnside

  (4:30 PM)

Ed, I don't know if Mike Green will use his old stick but we're told by the Caps' PR staff - among the best in the business by the way - that fans who've had sticks signed by Green during the regular season are calling asking if he wants them back. Green hasn't had the most noteworthy of series so the Caps are hoping he rights the ship tonight.

Bryan (Pittsburgh)

What are the chances that the Pens/Caps game ends up 1-0?

Scott Burnside

  (4:30 PM)

Slim.

#66 (Arlington, VA)

True or false: If Mario Lemieux strapped on skates tonight, he would still be the best player on the ice.

Henry NY

Who do you have going to and winning the Cup, and why?

Scott Burnside

  (4:31 PM)

False.

DW (Wooster,OH)

Lucky Burnside gets to be at one of the greatest game 7s in our time. Any chance that Bylsma sees the game 7 experienced veteran Sykora and puts him in tonight?

Scott Burnside

  (4:33 PM)

DW; Don't think so. Miroslav Satan has had a couple of moments earlier in this series (two nice assists) and Sykora just seemed to have lost his way. Now, if the Pens advance who knows but not tonight.

William (Alexandria, VA)

Is it safe to say that Jose Theodore has played his last game with the Caps?

Scott Burnside

  (4:34 PM)

Well, I'm not sure that's a given as there's not much market for a back-up netminder making $4.5 million. A buy-out is always an option but teams in this economy are loathe to give money away to make a player disappear. I think it's possible the Caps go back to a Varlamov/Theodore tandem with Varlamov learning to shoulder a heavier workload during the regular season.

Bob(Pittsburgh)

Pens go with 7 D again tonight? Gonchar spot pp duty?

Scott Burnside

  (4:35 PM)

Bob, that would be my guess with perhaps Alex Goligoski taking a seat and Philippe Boucher asked to play some more defensive minutes.

TC (Chicago)

Keith and Seabrook aren't getting the press that Toews and Kane are getting, but these guys really carry the mail for the Hawks. I honestly wouldn't trade them for any other pair in the NHL. Thoughts?

Scott Burnside

  (4:37 PM)

TC; Funny, Seabrook's name came up at dinner last night as we discussed players who might have played their way onto Olympic radars (or off) this spring. Duncan Keith I think was a known quantity and definitely on the bubble for the Canadian Olympic team. Now both are making a strong case for their inclusion in Vancouver. A Stanley Cup ring (or at leats a berth in the final) won't hurt their chances at all.

Eugene LA, CA

Where is Datsyuk, what do you think will be the outcome of tomorrows game?

Scott Burnside

  (4:39 PM)

Eugene; Datsyuk's play this spring has been a big surprise. He was so good last spring and was a top candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP last spring (not to mention his appearance on this year's Hart Trophy ballot) and now one goal and three assists in 10 games. Yikes.

Bob(Pittsburgh)

How about some unsung heros for tonight?

Scott Burnside

  (4:40 PM)

Bob, I guess David Steckel doesn't count as unsung but he's a guy who has the karma to be a hero. Max Talbot, of course. Brooks Laich or Boyd Gordon for the Caps. How about Jordan Staal who has had a very difficult series? Or Mark Eaton, scoring machine?

Doug, FL

Out of the three road teams, who do you think has the best chance of winning their Game 7?

Scott Burnside

  (4:42 PM)

Doug, given the way the three series have unfolded I think the Pens have the best chance of winning Game 7 on the road. You have to figure both Boston and Detroit are big favorites to win out at home.

Damir Golac (Reston, VA)

The Caps are 2-1 at home against the Pens in the series, have the momentum, and are at home. Wouldnt this make it seem like Washington had the advantage this game? I undersatnd why its a close one but why do so many people say the Pens are gonna win it?

Scott Burnside

  (4:44 PM)

I don't know that there's a consensus pick in this game because the series has been so unpredictable. And so close. Sure it's an advantage playing at home although head coach Bruce Boudreau said this morning he thinks there's more pressure playing at home and that home teams are often too tight (like the Caps early on in Game 7 against the Rangers). And the Pens have the kind of firepower to take advantage of that if the Caps don't press the issue early on.

grant (madison, WI)

SHould Fed (the 19year vet) be moved back to D. and then brash gets inserted into the line up?

Scott Burnside

  (4:45 PM)

Grant; Don't think so. This series is too fast for Brashear. Especially now that he's sat out seven straight games. And I think there's little benefit to having Fedorov on defense for any length of time except if the Caps are trailing and need to jump-start their offense. Fedorov was on defense when Evgeni Malkin jumped around him to score the overtime winner in Game 5.

Jon, Los Angeles

As far as I understand the instigator rule, if you instigate a fight in the last five minutes of a game or in overtime you get an automatic one game suspension. Does this mean Correy Perry won't play in game 7?

Scott Burnside

  (4:46 PM)

Jon; generally that rule is enforced in a game that isn't close. It's why Scott Walker should have been suspended for his sucker punch on Aaron Ward. But the NHL has never quite got its discipline act right. As for Corey Perry no doubt in my mind he'll be in the line-up tomorrow night.

Chad Ocho Cinco [via mobile]

What are the odds of Crosby changing his name to Ocho-Siete?? Let's Go Pens!!

Scott Burnside

  (4:48 PM)

Zero. But he might call himself 'Quatre-Vingt Huit'

Patrice Bergeron (Boston, MA)

Am I back or am I back?

Scott Burnside

  (4:49 PM)

You are back. And don't be making any plans for the next couple of weeks either.

Mike, Boston

Scott, if Walker had punched AO or Sid in the same situation, don't you think the reprecussions would have been much different.

Scott Burnside

  (4:49 PM)

Sadly, yes.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Any updates on Marc Savard?

Scott Burnside

  (4:49 PM)

You can expect Marc Savard in Game 7.

Ryan (Pittsburgh, PA)

From my understanding you are not allowed to purposely leave your feet while checking someone. Is it just me or does OV do it all the time?

Scott Burnside

  (4:51 PM)

I think you're confusing Ovechkin's goal celebrations with his checks. Seriously though, he does walk a fine line between legal and not. Officials, though, have a pretty keen eye for guys leaving their feet. It's generally a red flag.

Ben (Pittsburgh)

what line do you think will come up bigger in the pens/caps game, Staal's or Steckel's?

Scott Burnside

  (4:51 PM)

Ben. Good question and I think the outcome of the game may well hinge on that answer. I think Staal's line is due.

Jeff (Wings fan in Boston)

Everyon seems to be gushing over Chicago's great series against the Canucks. Sure they scored 7 goals in the final game, but they also gave up 5. No way they score that many against Detroit or Anaheim. The Wings and Ducks are far better defensively then Vancouver. Chicago is going to have their hands full.

Scott Burnside

  (4:52 PM)

Jeff; Agreed that the 'Hawks aren't going to have an easy time of it no matter who they face in the conference final but wasn't it Vancouver's vaunted defense and goaltending that had so many experts picking the Canucks last round?

Randy (White Bear Lake, MN)

what are the odds we say the gloves drop multiple times in game 7 tomorrow in Detroit

Scott Burnside

  (4:53 PM)

Pretty good especially when the Wings get up three or four.

Jack (Toronto)

Why would Crosby change his name to 88? Time to talk to Pierre about those French lessons Scott.

Scott Burnside

  (4:55 PM)

Jack, good point. Pierre wasn't help on that one. 'Quatre-Vingt Sept' I feel great shame.

Henry NY

Is Ovechkins stick legal?

Scott Burnside

  (4:55 PM)

Henry; If it hasn't been you can count on it being legal tonight. No Marty McSorely for Mr. Ovechkin.

Russ (New York, NY)

Wow, Scott Burnside picking the Pens...I'm shocked I tell you, shocked!

Scott Burnside

  (4:56 PM)

Russ; You wouldn't want me to start waffling now, would you? Picked them then might as well pick them now.

Patrick(Jersey)

If the Pens win tonight(Fingers crossed) will you retract your column on the Caps being the best young team. Also don't get smart with me and say anything about the Blackhawks!

Paul (Va Beach, VA)

Are more than just hockey fans interested in this game? Does it have any appeal to the masess?

Scott Burnside

  (4:59 PM)

Paul; Great question and it's hard to quantify. I think so. My friend and colleague Craig Custance from the Sporting News was on radio in Atlanta today talking about the series. The media attention rivals that of a Stanley Cup final series. There are comparisons to Magic Johnson/Larry Bird playoff match-ups of the past. My feeling is that this is the kind of series that makes the sport as sexy as it's been since Mark Messier and the Rangers made hockey relevant again for Americans in 1994.

zack ny [via mobile]

Can hiller deal with the pressure of a game 7 or will they put giggy in if they go down a few.

Scott Burnside

  (5:00 PM)

Zack; If you see J.S. Giguere in Game 7 that's bad news for the Ducks. I doubt if head coach Randy Carlyle will yank Jonas Hiller unless he's hurt or it gets real, real ugly.

Patrick(Jersey)

I have asked you about a 100 times the same question the last two weeks and you never answer....why doesn't Ovechkin ever get penalties for taking runs on guys?

Scott Burnside

  (5:01 PM)

Patrick; Kudos for persistence. I think it's obvious the officials don't see the charging that you do.

Marc (Malden, MA)

When will game 1 of the ECF be?

Scott Burnside

  (5:01 PM)

Guessing Monday.

Paul (Denver)

Pierre said he was worried/skeptical about the Hawks facing the Wings because of their home and home in early Jan, but didn't they beat them the last two meetings of the regular season?

Scott Burnside

  (5:02 PM)

Paul; You are correct. Pierre has a lot on his mind these days. He is still the king, however.

FrankG (middle of nowhere)

Could you comment on the melee at the end of the Ducks/Wings game? Messages preluding to Gm. 7 or just frustrations boiling over?

Scott Burnside

  (5:04 PM)

Frank (and others who've asked about the Scott Niedermayer/Pavel Datsyuk fight); didn't get a chance to see it live and then have been too busy today to catch an update so don't have a real frame of reference for it. Hard to imagine the Ducks would love their minds having won a huge game but the Ducks have their own way don't they?

Mike - MI

Scott and Paul in Denver... Wings lost last 2 in Chicago when neither game meant anything in the standinds and the Wings didn't want to risk injury. Those games mean nothing.

Scott Burnside

  (5:05 PM)

Mike; Agreed. Don't think anything that happens in the regular season has any - any - bearing on anything that happens in the post-season. But the fact was the 'Hawks did close out the season with twin wins against the Wings.

Dean (Las Vegas, NV)

Rob Scuderi was majorly impressive in containing Ovechkin the last game or two. Think he can maintain that?

Scott Burnside

  (5:06 PM)

Dean; I think Rob Scuderi/Hal Gill versus Alexander Ovechkin will be a huge part of tonight's game. You know Ovechkin is so pumped for this it wouldn't be surprising if he produced one of his four-point nights. Up to Scuderi and Gill to keep him at least partially in check.

Pete (Vienna VA)

Whose productivity is more important to their team's success: Alexander Semin or Evgeni Malkin?

Scott Burnside

  (5:08 PM)

Pete; Semin had his best game of the series in Game 6. Malkin has been pretty good since Game 3. Assume Crosby and Ovechkin both get their looks tonight and the outcome of the game may be the production of those two 'secondary' stars. I like Malkin's chances of producing more than Semin's.

Brandon - Mich

Is there a better nickname in the NHL than "The Mule?!"

Scott Burnside

  (5:08 PM)

Brandon; Nope.

Rob

Which player does Carolina need to perform the most: Staal, Ward, or...Jokinen.

Scott Burnside

  (5:10 PM)

Rob; All of the above. The Bruins are back to assaulting the 'Canes in waves. If Carolina doesn't get production from up and down the line-up they are cooked.

Anthony (Pittsburgh, PA)

Will a less than hundred percent Sergei Gonchar returning to the lineup help or hurt the Pens' chances?

Scott Burnside

  (5:11 PM)

Good question Anthony. Without knowing exactly what his situation is vis a vis mobility and pain you know the Caps will try and pressure him as much as possible. Of course one power play goal may mean the difference in this game. High risk, high reward proposition for the Pens.

RT (DC)

When was the last time you were this excited for a game? Any game?

Scott Burnside

  (5:12 PM)

RT: I was pretty excited a year ago for Game 7 Washington/Philly in the hopes we were going to see this very match-up. The Caps lost a heartbreaker but this is pretty much top of the heap.

joaquin, arizona

What will the blackhawks do with Khabibulin next year? do they let him go after already signing Huet? They already complained early on about his contract and put him on waivers but no one claimed him, which is crazy in itself. also how do you think the hawks would be doing with out the bulin wall?

Scott Burnside

  (5:14 PM)

Joaquin; Great story, no? GM Dale Tallon couldn't find a taker for Khabibulin and it looked like he was headed for Russia now he's headed to a conference final and the world is his oyster. Go figure. Hard to imagine he'll be back but all bets may be off with this playoff run. Still, Cristobal Huet's monster contract will pretty much force Tallon to let Khabibulin walk away July 1.

Mike (Cleveland)

Bigger playoff choke artist, Luongo or Big Joe?

Scott Burnside

  (5:15 PM)

Wow. That's harsh. But fair. Historically I think Thornton is the bigger disappointment. A few more outings like Game 6, though, and Luongo will be on his way too.

Paul

Aside from this Pittsburgh/Washington series, which series thusfar in the playoffs has been the most enjoyable for you?

Scott Burnside

  (5:16 PM)

Paul; I think the Vancouver Chicago series was pretty compelling. Not necessarily for the style of hockey but the wild swings in momentum and the absolutely wacky ending.

Scott Burnside

  (5:17 PM)

Okay folks. Headed for the press box to get my game face on. Thanks for weighing in and hang onto your seats tonight.