Playoff Perspective

Here are what I think were some of the more memorable/interesting moments of this years playoffs, not in any particular order.

- The play of Sidney Crosby, even in a losing effort shows he is ready to lead a very talented and determined young team. He was just named captain, and I say look for Pittsburgh to make a run next year.
- Ranger goalie Henrik Lundquvist: This guy is perhaps the best goalie his country (Sweden) ever produced, and his play against Atlanta - not that they did much in the way of offence - and especially Buffalo proved that.
- Martin who? - Martin Brodeur was certainly not himself in these playoffs, almost blowing a series against a sub-par Tampa team, and letting Ottawa walk right over him.
- The Fantastic Four - Tampa Bay almost upset New Jersey with four players. Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavallier, Martin St. Louis and Dan Boyle almost took out the devils themselves, and though Holmquvist was good in net, the rest of the team was no where to be found. These guys are good. All Canadian too...
- Atlanta Thrashed - The Thrashers made some poor decisions leading up to the playoffs just to get a spot, trading their future away for Keith Tkachuk and Alexi Zhitnik, and then coming up so lame against New York, that if they were a horse they'd be luck to get shot. They played musical goaltenders too, which doesn't help the confidence of a talented young goalie like Keri Lehtonen.
- Ottawa's emergence - The Sens may have lost the final, but winning the East and looking good doing it made them seem for real and helped shake off past failures.
- Roberto Luongo vs. Marty Turco - This may have been one of the finest displays of goal tending the playoffs have ever seen, and the epic battle went to Luongo in 7, the only game 7 of these playoffs. Turco's poor luck continued, as he shook off past playoff failures only to run into a wall called Roberto. Luongo saved Vancouver this year, they need more offence because with him in net they can be a real threat at any time.
- Flames fizzle - Detroit was made to look good by Calgary and San Jose, Anaheim finally knocked off this over achieving and over the hill team. Calgary underachieved again except for Mika Kipprusoff who was his usual stellar self.
- San Jose vs. Nashville - This was the only rematch from last year, and may have been the most entertaining series. It had something for everyone and though a shorter series than most expected, it was very entertaining.
- Teemu's ring - Selanne finally got his ring, and as one of the most respected nice guys in the game, fans couldn't be happier for him.
- Pronger Shmonger - Pulling some of his typical goon tactics and subsequently suspended for two games which the Ducks won both, proves the over rated nature of Chris Pronger. He plays a lot, and has a good shot, but lacks other fundamental skills like speed, which lead to his cheap shot on Dean Mcammond. He is good, but no Scott Niedermayer or Nick Lidstrom.
- USA?? - Being in Ottawa and having a chance to see the fans and the love for this game, not only in the playoffs but during the drive to make it in for the Leafs and Habs, shows that the game belongs here. New Jersey and Detroit didn't even sell out some games, and most people in Anaheim couldn't tell you what the Stanley Cup was if you held a gun to their head, which could happen in LA...

What was your favorite playoff moment??...