2018-19 Hockey Megathread: Lightning-Proof Jackets

[Idzequitch]

Oof, looks like I'm cheering for the blues in this SC.

It certainly doesn't look good when you get thrashed like that at home. Then to go on the road with Pavelski, Karlsson, and Hertl all banged up and questionable...

Well. It's been a good season.

[Elejamie]

So Team GB beat France 4-3 in OT, which means that despite them losing all of their other games they get to stay in the top flight for another year. Here's hoping we get put into an easier group. Meanwhile, Austria vs Italy's 3-3 at the minute and the winner also gets to stay on for another year, since they also lost all of their other games EDIT: Italy won the shoot-out 3-2 after the match ended 3-3 after OT, so they're staying up while the unlucky loser is going down.

Oof, looks like I'm cheering for the blues in this SC.

Who isn't? After all, it's the classic underdog story, even though we all know the Bostonian Empire will get another ring.

Oof, looks like I'm cheering for the blues in this SC.

It certainly doesn't look good when you get thrashed like that at home. Then to go on the road with Pavelski, Karlsson, and Hertl all banged up and questionable...

Well. It's been a good season.

On the upside, at least you're massively clear at the top of the table and, should you be right about the Blues, then you've pretty much won Shof's playoff thing. Granted, Polska also pegged the Blues to win but unless he picks a different side which goes on to win then it's fair to say you're winner.

[Idzequitch]

So Team GB beat France 4-3 in OT, which means that despite them losing all of their other games they get to stay in the top flight for another year. Here's hoping we get put into an easier group. Meanwhile, Austria vs Italy's 3-3 at the minute and the winner also gets to stay on for another year, since they also lost all of their other games EDIT: Italy won the shoot-out 3-2 after the match ended 3-3 after OT, so they're staying up while the unlucky loser is going down.

Oof, looks like I'm cheering for the blues in this SC.

Who isn't? After all, it's the classic underdog story, even though we all know the Bostonian Empire will get another ring.

It certainly doesn't look good when you get thrashed like that at home. Then to go on the road with Pavelski, Karlsson, and Hertl all banged up and questionable...

Well. It's been a good season.

On the upside, at least you're massively clear at the top of the table and, should you be right about the Blues, then you've pretty much won Shof's playoff thing. Granted, Polska also pegged the Blues to win but unless he picks a different side which goes on to win then it's fair to say you're winner.

Assuming the Blues get that last win, I think Naz can still catch me too if we go for different teams in the Final.

[Impaled Nazarene]

Boston in 5

[Elejamie]

So I got nul points that round. Disappointing but oh well, I never really had a lot of expectations going into this anyway. Anyway, I'll wait for Shof to tally the scores before I give my pick for Stanley Cup winner, even though we all know who it's going to be.

Assuming the Blues get that last win, I think Naz can still catch me too if we go for different teams in the Final.

And they do, as they beat the Sharks 5-1 to win the series 4-2. Granted San Jose were missing a number of players due to injury but still, well done St. Louis. Let's be on the lookout for Congrats, Sharks! sometime soon.

[Tarsonis]

St. Louis in 4

[Impaled Nazarene]

St. Louis in 4

I am so sure of Boston in 5 that I might actually put money on it.

[Tarsonis]

St. Louis in 4

I am so sure of Boston in 5 that I might actually put money on it.

Niet, the cycle must be complete.

[HUElavia]

While St. Louis has the opportunity to get rid of its Legacy of Failure, they do have a mountain to climb against the Bruins, which of course is a talented team, like it's Football and Baseball brothers, the Patriots and Red Sox, in the city of Boston.

While St. Louis would be a feel-good story for if they win, I think the memes will continue.

Boston in 5.

[Dresderstan]

What I want: St. Louis in 4

What will happen: Boston in 6

[Pope Joan]

The team colors are appropriate; take the black for Boston and the Blue for St Louis and you have the Black and Blue championship

Which is exactly the way both teams play the game.

St Louis was last competing for the championship half a century ago. Their opponents? The Bruins.

[Dresderstan]

The team colors are appropriate; take the black for Boston and the Blue for St Louis and you have the Black and Blue championship

Which is exactly the way both teams play the game.

St Louis was last competing for the championship half a century ago. Their opponents? The Bruins.

And let me guess, Boston won?

[Elejamie]

The team colors are appropriate; take the black for Boston and the Blue for St Louis and you have the Black and Blue championship

Which is exactly the way both teams play the game.

St Louis was last competing for the championship half a century ago. Their opponents? The Bruins.

And let me guess, Boston won?

Not just that but the Bruins swept the Blues. In fact, the Blues have NEVER won a Stanley Cup Final game in their entire history, so they have the potential to make history this season.

While St. Louis has the opportunity to get rid of its Legacy of Failure, they do have a mountain to climb against the Bruins, which of course is a talented team, like it's Football and Baseball brothers, the Patriots and Red Sox, in the city of Boston.

While St. Louis would be a feel-good story for if they win, I think the memes will continue.

Boston in 5.

That's exactly what I think will happen as well. Yes, this counts as me jumping on board the "Boston in 5" train for Shof's challenge. Yes, I want the Blues to win as well, even though it's not going to happen.

St. Louis in 4

I am so sure of Boston in 5 that I might actually put money on it.

I would suggest putting your money where your mouth is and going to a bookies just to place that bet but I can't remember if that's actually legal in the US of A. Either way, if you do go through with it, please keep us updated.

[Shofercia]

Since almost everyone I pick seems to lose - I'm picking Boston. I'll be cheering for St. Louis!

[Shofercia]

The tally:
Idzeq - 18 (Islanders, Blues, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Canes, Sharks, Blues, Blues, Bruins)
Naz - 13 (Bruins, Sharks, Bruins Blues, Bruins)
Polska - 11 (Islanders, Bruins, Sharks, Blues, Bruins, Blues)
Elejamie - 6 (Bruins, Sharks, Sharks, Blues)
Tarsonis - 5 (Avalanche, Sharks, Canes)
Shof - 5 (Bruins, Sharks, Blues)
Viridus - 4 (No picks first round, Sharks, Canes)

Hopefully I didn't miss anything, like I missed my picks!

[Shofercia]

Can we not have Boston/New England sweep the three most important sports championships in the span of less than a year? I really don't want the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup, I still haven't gotten over the Capitals winning last year, nor the fact that my hate for New England grows ever stronger.

We here in Old England like to apologise for New England and their success. It wasn't our intent but these things just happen.

But in all seriousness there's still the possibility of them either getting overconfident and/or choking, either in the ECF or in the SCF themselves. While I doubt that'll happen, it'll be something to keep an eye out for. Just be glad the Celtics went out in the first round this season.

You don't understand our pain, so let me explain it to you in English terms. Let's say that Millwall got a good soccer team, and that said team went on to win the regular season, making their last game extraordinarily boring while acting like dicks, went on to win the Barclay Cup against their rival, and are now in the Champions League Final. This is how we feel about Boston. St. Louis all the way! Fuck, I might even consider rooting for a Canadian Team. Blech.

[Impaled Nazarene]

The tally:
Idzeq - 18 (Islanders, Blues, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Canes, Sharks, Blues, Blues, Bruins)
Naz - 13 (Bruins, Sharks, Bruins Blues, Bruins)
Polska - 11 (Islanders, Bruins, Sharks, Blues, Bruins, Blues)
Elejamie - 6 (Bruins, Sharks, Sharks, Blues)
Tarsonis - 5 (Avalanche, Sharks, Canes)
Shof - 5 (Bruins, Sharks, Blues)
Viridus - 4 (No picks first round, Sharks, Canes)

Hopefully I didn't miss anything, like I missed my picks!

Out of everyone who has been here since the first round I cannot believe I came from 2nd to last place to second place.
I'd like to thank Mario Lemieux.

[Idzequitch]

As much as I hope I'm wrong, I gotta choose the Bruins over the Blues in 6.

[Impaled Nazarene]

As much as I hope I'm wrong, I gotta choose the Bruins over the Blues in 6.

Congrats on winning the bracket Idz!

[Elejamie]

We here in Old England like to apologise for New England and their success. It wasn't our intent but these things just happen.

But in all seriousness there's still the possibility of them either getting overconfident and/or choking, either in the ECF or in the SCF themselves. While I doubt that'll happen, it'll be something to keep an eye out for. Just be glad the Celtics went out in the first round this season.

You don't understand our pain, so let me explain it to you in English terms. Let's say that Millwall got a good soccer team, and that said team went on to win the regular season, making their last game extraordinarily boring while acting like dicks, went on to win the Barclay Cup against their rival, and are now in the Champions League Final. This is how we feel about Boston. St. Louis all the way! Fuck, I might even consider rooting for a Canadian Team. Blech.

Technically speaking it's the FA Cup (which is sponsored by Emirates) and, as is tradition with English soccer teams, they've got more than one rival (so here I'll be saying they'll be up against West Ham since they seem to be the biggest rival) but other than that that makes complete sense. Indeed, I completely feel the same way as everyone else, wanting St. Louis to win even though I picked Boston to win the SCF.

The tally:
Idzeq - 18 (Islanders, Blues, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Canes, Sharks, Blues, Blues, Bruins)
Naz - 13 (Bruins, Sharks, Bruins Blues, Bruins)
Polska - 11 (Islanders, Bruins, Sharks, Blues, Bruins, Blues)
Elejamie - 6 (Bruins, Sharks, Sharks, Blues)
Tarsonis - 5 (Avalanche, Sharks, Canes)
Shof - 5 (Bruins, Sharks, Blues)
Viridus - 4 (No picks first round, Sharks, Canes)

Hopefully I didn't miss anything, like I missed my picks!

Out of everyone who has been here since the first round I cannot believe I came from 2nd to last place to second place.
I'd like to thank Mario Lemieux.

Either that or you've suddenly gained the power to see into the future, in which case can you help me with next week's lottery numbers?

But in all seriousness, congratulations on the turnaround. While it's a shame that you and Idzeq picked the same team to win, be proud of yourself. Besides, maybe next bracket will be your bracket.

[Impaled Nazarene]

You don't understand our pain, so let me explain it to you in English terms. Let's say that Millwall got a good soccer team, and that said team went on to win the regular season, making their last game extraordinarily boring while acting like dicks, went on to win the Barclay Cup against their rival, and are now in the Champions League Final. This is how we feel about Boston. St. Louis all the way! Fuck, I might even consider rooting for a Canadian Team. Blech.

Technically speaking it's the FA Cup (which is sponsored by Emirates) and, as is tradition with English soccer teams, they've got more than one rival (so here I'll be saying they'll be up against West Ham since they seem to be the biggest rival) but other than that that makes complete sense. Indeed, I completely feel the same way as everyone else, wanting St. Louis to win even though I picked Boston to win the SCF.

Out of everyone who has been here since the first round I cannot believe I came from 2nd to last place to second place.
I'd like to thank Mario Lemieux.

Either that or you've suddenly gained the power to see into the future, in which case can you help me with next week's lottery numbers?

But in all seriousness, congratulations on the turnaround. While it's a shame that you and Idzeq picked the same team to win, be proud of yourself. Besides, maybe next bracket will be your bracket.

Considering I don't play lotto (powerball and gift scratch-offs excluded) you might want to look elsewhere.
That being said: 6, 10, 13, 22, 28, 32, 34. Don't pick any of those numbers.

[Tarsonis]

House Islander Swept House Penguins in the battle of the Iron Works.
House Hurricane Swept Over House Islander in the battle of the Stormy Seas
House Bruin Swept House Hurricane, in the hibernation station.
Now: House Blues will sweep House Bruin off the giant Arch.

[Idzequitch]

House Islander Swept House Penguins in the battle of the Iron Works.
House Hurricane Swept Over House Islander in the battle of the Stormy Seas
House Bruin Swept House Hurricane, in the hibernation station.
Now: House Blues will sweep House Bruin off the giant Arch.

I sure hope so. I hate all Boston sports teams, and while my hatred for the Bruins pales in comparison to my hatred for the Patriots or Red Sox, I do still very much dislike them.

[United Kingdom of Poland]

As much as it hurts to say, I'm picking the bruins.

[Dresderstan]

House Islander Swept House Penguins in the battle of the Iron Works.
House Hurricane Swept Over House Islander in the battle of the Stormy Seas
House Bruin Swept House Hurricane, in the hibernation station.
Now: House Blues will sweep House Bruin off the giant Arch.

I sure hope so. I hate all Boston sports teams, and while my hatred for the Bruins pales in comparison to my hatred for the Patriots or Red Sox, I do still very much dislike them.

Join the Anti-New England club, we've got cookies and pizza.