Don't count your chickens before they hatch, kiddo.To Break The Tie: Let's Go with the Blue Jackets and here's the Logo!
AH Timeline: The NHL-WHA merger: A different story
I'll vote Blue Jackets simply because Monarchs is too close to the Kings.
It's interesting though that Cincinnati is rebranding despite being the older and more established of the two teams.
It's interesting though that Cincinnati is rebranding despite being the older and more established of the two teams.
Cincinnati new name update
This is a rushed transcript
ESPN - August 28, 2005
Hello and welcome to SportsCenter everyone, John Saunders here. Some breaking news out of Cincinnati, where earlier today, the Cincinnati Stingers are now the Cincinnati Blue Jackets. This comes after the franchise was asked to rebrand after facing pressure from the league due the Pittsburgh Killer Bees joining the league in 2000 and both identies looking similar.
"This is a very exciting day for this franchise." Said team owner Bob Castellani. "We are a proud franchise with great tradition and this new era should be very exciting for the players, coaches and you fans."
Reaction to the rebrand has been mixed. Some fans liked the new logo and colors, while others were hoping the name Cincinnati Monarchs would win out. In the end, ownership felt that Monarchs would be to close to the Los Angeles Kings. Ohio Blue Jackets was the original name, but ownership agreed to compromise and make it Cincinnati Blue Jackets to sastify fans who wanted Monarchs.
Blue Jackets leaked logo.
ESPN - August 28, 2005
Hello and welcome to SportsCenter everyone, John Saunders here. Some breaking news out of Cincinnati, where earlier today, the Cincinnati Stingers are now the Cincinnati Blue Jackets. This comes after the franchise was asked to rebrand after facing pressure from the league due the Pittsburgh Killer Bees joining the league in 2000 and both identies looking similar.
"This is a very exciting day for this franchise." Said team owner Bob Castellani. "We are a proud franchise with great tradition and this new era should be very exciting for the players, coaches and you fans."
Reaction to the rebrand has been mixed. Some fans liked the new logo and colors, while others were hoping the name Cincinnati Monarchs would win out. In the end, ownership felt that Monarchs would be to close to the Los Angeles Kings. Ohio Blue Jackets was the original name, but ownership agreed to compromise and make it Cincinnati Blue Jackets to sastify fans who wanted Monarchs.
Blue Jackets leaked logo.
Of course, the irony of that is that they were trying to avoid the “stinging insect” thing that the Killer Bees have going on, but for the OTL Jackets’ early run, they had a mascot named - you guessed it - Stinger, said to be an “insect with an attitude.”
I know that story, but here, they’re probably do something else. Maybe an Eagle or something along those lines.
2005-06 NHL Season
Final Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
New York Islanders 110 points
Tennessee Raccoons 104 points
Tampa Bay Crocs 103 points
Atlanta Flames 88 points
Mighty Ducks of Orlando 81 points
New York Rangers 74 points
Washington Capitals 73 points
Philadelphia Flyers 67 points
Northeast Division
Ottawa Senators 100 points
Hartford Whalers 98 points
Pittsburgh Killer Bees 93 points
Buffalo Sabres 88 points
Quebec Nordiques 83 points
Montreal Canadiens 76 points
Toronto Maple Leafs 71 points
Boston Bruins 68 points
Western Conference
Central Division
Detroit Red Wings 109 points
Milwaukee Admirals 106 points
Houston Aeros 100 points
Minnesota Moose 97 points
Chicago Blackhawks 94 points
St. Louis Blues 79 points
Cincinnati Blue Jackets 79 points
Dallas Texans 60 points
Pacific Division
Vancouver Canucks 102 points
San Jose Seals 96 points
Colorado Rockies 86 points
Winnipeg Jets 85 points
Seattle Thunderbirds 83 points
San Diego Penguins 78 points
Calgary Wranglers 75 points
Los Angeles Kings 71 points
The National Hockey League would have a good showing in it's first full season in two years. Despite some areas like Dallas proving to be a hindrance due to low fan attendance, The NHL would continue onward. The season would be one of the more entertaining to date. Despite some issues like a strong Central Division, the league would see many heartbreaking eliminations before the playoffs begin.
First up is the aforementioned Central Division where Detroit and Milwaukee would battle to see who will grab the first place in the division, with Houston being in the race for most of the season before losing a bit near the end of the season. Despite finishing fifth, Alexander Ovechkin would tear it up again for Chicago, leading them to their best finish in 8 years. Minnesota would also return to the playoffs on the backs of Vincent Lecavlier winning league MVP in somewhat of a surprise. The Pacific Division would be, once again, the Vancouver Canucks show guest staring everyone else. Not even Mats Sundin returning from Europe could give San Jose a division title. Before the season, Joe Sakic, possibly in his final NHL season, promised to give Vancouver one more Stanley Cup and he wasn’t going to give up on that promise.
Colorado would surprise a lot of skeptics this season and clinch the last playoff spot of the West on the last day of the season, edging out Winnipeg and Seattle in what was a disappointing end to a promising season for Sidney Crosby and the Jets. "I had a lot of fun this year, let's hope we take the next step next year." Said Crosby after the season.
The Atlantic Division was once again dominated by the Islanders. With Steve Yzerman coming back for one last run, this season was the best record-wise for the Islanders since their 1980s run. The new kids of the NHL, the Jarome Iginla lead Tennessee Raccoons, would also return to the playoffs. Tampa Bay would once again make the playoffs despite a very rocky start, but the Crocs would rebound. Atlanta would snag the last playoff spot out of the Atlantic.
The Northeast Division would also be entertaining, with the Senators and Whalers going back and forth for the Division and Ottawa winning out though with Henrik Lundqvist proving his 2005 campaign was no fluke, capturing the Vezina trophy for the second year in a row. Pittsburgh would also make the playoffs for the first time in their history, despite no true superstars on their team and Buffalo would return to the dance in possibly Peter Forsberg's last season as a Sabre.
With the season winding down, the NHL was hit by an Earthquake. Dr. Pepper Corp, the team owner of the Dallas Texans, would announce to the league that they would like to sell the team. The NHL wasn’t really caught off guard as Dr. Pepper was looking to do other things and the wanted to sell the team since 2003. In a moved that is shocking to the NHL, and to the sports scene, as Daryl Katz, owner of the Katz group of Compaines, would buy the Texans from Dr. Pepper for 10 million dollars.
This moved shocked the hockey world. Everyone thought the announcement was going to be made and that the Texans would be moving back to Edmonton, where they played from 1972-1995. However, Gary Bettman would stay silent about this, saying that the transaction won't be approved until a later date. Either way, this could be the last season of the Texans and the NHL in Dallas.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
New York Islanders 110 points
Tennessee Raccoons 104 points
Tampa Bay Crocs 103 points
Atlanta Flames 88 points
Mighty Ducks of Orlando 81 points
New York Rangers 74 points
Washington Capitals 73 points
Philadelphia Flyers 67 points
Northeast Division
Ottawa Senators 100 points
Hartford Whalers 98 points
Pittsburgh Killer Bees 93 points
Buffalo Sabres 88 points
Quebec Nordiques 83 points
Montreal Canadiens 76 points
Toronto Maple Leafs 71 points
Boston Bruins 68 points
Western Conference
Central Division
Detroit Red Wings 109 points
Milwaukee Admirals 106 points
Houston Aeros 100 points
Minnesota Moose 97 points
Chicago Blackhawks 94 points
St. Louis Blues 79 points
Cincinnati Blue Jackets 79 points
Dallas Texans 60 points
Pacific Division
Vancouver Canucks 102 points
San Jose Seals 96 points
Colorado Rockies 86 points
Winnipeg Jets 85 points
Seattle Thunderbirds 83 points
San Diego Penguins 78 points
Calgary Wranglers 75 points
Los Angeles Kings 71 points
The National Hockey League would have a good showing in it's first full season in two years. Despite some areas like Dallas proving to be a hindrance due to low fan attendance, The NHL would continue onward. The season would be one of the more entertaining to date. Despite some issues like a strong Central Division, the league would see many heartbreaking eliminations before the playoffs begin.
First up is the aforementioned Central Division where Detroit and Milwaukee would battle to see who will grab the first place in the division, with Houston being in the race for most of the season before losing a bit near the end of the season. Despite finishing fifth, Alexander Ovechkin would tear it up again for Chicago, leading them to their best finish in 8 years. Minnesota would also return to the playoffs on the backs of Vincent Lecavlier winning league MVP in somewhat of a surprise. The Pacific Division would be, once again, the Vancouver Canucks show guest staring everyone else. Not even Mats Sundin returning from Europe could give San Jose a division title. Before the season, Joe Sakic, possibly in his final NHL season, promised to give Vancouver one more Stanley Cup and he wasn’t going to give up on that promise.
Colorado would surprise a lot of skeptics this season and clinch the last playoff spot of the West on the last day of the season, edging out Winnipeg and Seattle in what was a disappointing end to a promising season for Sidney Crosby and the Jets. "I had a lot of fun this year, let's hope we take the next step next year." Said Crosby after the season.
The Atlantic Division was once again dominated by the Islanders. With Steve Yzerman coming back for one last run, this season was the best record-wise for the Islanders since their 1980s run. The new kids of the NHL, the Jarome Iginla lead Tennessee Raccoons, would also return to the playoffs. Tampa Bay would once again make the playoffs despite a very rocky start, but the Crocs would rebound. Atlanta would snag the last playoff spot out of the Atlantic.
The Northeast Division would also be entertaining, with the Senators and Whalers going back and forth for the Division and Ottawa winning out though with Henrik Lundqvist proving his 2005 campaign was no fluke, capturing the Vezina trophy for the second year in a row. Pittsburgh would also make the playoffs for the first time in their history, despite no true superstars on their team and Buffalo would return to the dance in possibly Peter Forsberg's last season as a Sabre.
With the season winding down, the NHL was hit by an Earthquake. Dr. Pepper Corp, the team owner of the Dallas Texans, would announce to the league that they would like to sell the team. The NHL wasn’t really caught off guard as Dr. Pepper was looking to do other things and the wanted to sell the team since 2003. In a moved that is shocking to the NHL, and to the sports scene, as Daryl Katz, owner of the Katz group of Compaines, would buy the Texans from Dr. Pepper for 10 million dollars.
This moved shocked the hockey world. Everyone thought the announcement was going to be made and that the Texans would be moving back to Edmonton, where they played from 1972-1995. However, Gary Bettman would stay silent about this, saying that the transaction won't be approved until a later date. Either way, this could be the last season of the Texans and the NHL in Dallas.
Looks Like Dallas is going to the Minor League Hockey because Edmonton is Back in the NHL!
Sorry dude. Jersey did have an NAHO team back in the day, but they failed big time. Maybe NJ has an AHL team ITTL.
Deleted member 147978
@WB18, here you go. Feel free to suggest me anything that you desire.
The 2005 – 2006 National Hockey League Season
LEGEND:
P – President's Trophy
Z – Clinch Conference
Y – Clinch Division
X – Clinch Playoff Spot
E – Eliminated from Playoff Contention
The 2005 – 2006 National Hockey League Season
LEGEND:
P – President's Trophy
Z – Clinch Conference
Y – Clinch Division
X – Clinch Playoff Spot
E – Eliminated from Playoff Contention
Last edited by a moderator:
Deleted member 147978
I used Excel to do the standings. If you desire for any suggestions, feel free to ask me in our private conversation.
2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs
First Round
Eastern Conference
(1) NY Islanders vs (8) Buffalo
The aging Buffalo Sabres gave the defending champion New York Islanders all they could handle early in their first round series. After New York won game one in a 5-0 blowout, The Sabres took a 2-1 series lead after back-to-back overtime victories. The Isles managed to turn the series around after a big 4-1 road win before hanging on for a 4-2 series victory with a 3-0 win in game 6.
(2) Ottawa vs (7) Atlanta
This series would end up being the Sedin Twins coming out party, with Henrik scoring the overtime winner in game 1 and Daniel putting up three points in game 2 as the Flames take a surprising 2-0 series lead. Things got worse for Ottawa when Henrik Lundqvist got knocked out of game 3 and the series by hurting his ankle in practice. Without him, the Sens never stood a chance in the next two games, losing them by identical 4-1 scores as Atlanta completes the sweep and advances, albeit Henrik Sedin would get hurt near the end of game 4.
(3) Tennessee vs (6) Pittsburgh
After clinching their first-ever playoff spot, the Killer Bees were full of confidence entering their series with Tennessee. However the Raccoons put a damper on Pittsburgh right away with a 3-0 win in game one. The Raccoons then won the next two to lead the series 3-0, but the Killer Bees salvaged the series with a big 4-2 victory, the first post-season win in franchise history, thanks to a 51 save effort from Al Montoya before the Killer Bees won game 5 in overtime. But in Pittsburgh two nights later, the Killer Bees run finally came to an end, but the Pittsburgh crowd gave their team a standing ovation as they left the ice.
(4) Tampa Bay vs (5) Hartford
Tampa Bay shuts the Whalers down in the first two games, taking a 2-0 series lead. But in Hartford, the Whalers treated their fans to two overtime thrillers where Daniel Alfredsson scored the winner in both games. The Whalers woes on the road continued back in Tampa Bay, as the Crocs took the series lead again. After forcing game seven, Hartford broke out their third jerseys for game seven, hoping to change their luck on the road. It wouldn’t work, as Marian Hossa’s hat-trick gave Tampa a 5-1 win to advance.
Western Conference
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
After barely making the playoffs, the young Rockies proved to be no match for the powerful Redshirts. Roman Turek allowed only six goals in five games as Detroit advanced. But the win would come at a cost for the Red Wings, as Jaromir Jagr suffered a broken wrist in game four.
(2) Vancouver vs (7) Chicago
In a rematch from last years playoffs, the Canucks were hungry to get revenge. But Alexander Ovechkin had other ideas, putting up some great numbers in the first four games of the series as the teams split the first two games. But in game 5, the Canucks would start to frustrate Ovechkin, constantly checking him. The strategy seemed to work, as Vancouver took game 5 6-2, than took game 6 3-1 to advance.
(3) Milwaukee vs (6) San Jose
the Admirals and the Seals played the only seven-game series of the West playoffs as the lead in the series shifted back and forth all the way to game seven in Milwaukee. Teemau Selanne’s two-goal night in game seven gave Milwaukee a 2-1 lead through most of the game while Dominik Hasek turned away a barrage of San Jose shots in the final minutes before Petr Sykora finally sealed the victory for the Ads with an empty netter.
(4) Houston vs (5) Minnesota
The defending conference champion Houston Aeros appeared to be in control of their series with the Minnesota Moose after taking a 2-0 series lead. However back-to-back overtime victories for the Moose at home tied the series 2-2. In game five, Minnesota superstar Vincent Lecavlier was the hero with a big two-goal night as Minnesota moved ahead three games to two with a 4-2 win. Game six would go to overtime again this time with Johan Franzen proving to be the hero for Minnesota as the Moose completed the upset and moved on to the second round.
Second Round
Eastern Conference
NY Islanders vs Atlanta
Henrik Sedin misses the first two games of the series with a dislocated shoulder as Atlanta is forced to settle for the split heading home. In game three, Henrik attempts to play but leaves after two shifts as the Islanders win 4-1. Henrik Sedin is out for game four and Alexander Mogilny scores two points in a 2-0 Islanders win. With his team in trouble, Henrik Sedin returns once again to the Flames lineup and scores twice in a 3-1 win. Game six in Atlanta would be one of the best performances of Chris Osgood’s career, as Osgood stops 51 shots in a 3-0 win to send the Islanders back to the Eastern Conference Final.
Tennessee vs Tampa Bay
Powered by Marian Hossa's two goals, the Crocs stunned the Raccoons in game one with a 3-2 victory. The Raccoons bounced back, however, taking games two and three before the Crocs tied the series with a 4-3 overtime win in game four. The Raccoons suffered a devastating loss in game four, as Jarome Iginla suffered a knee injury on a hit from Craig Conroy. Though it was a clean hit, Tennessee still hinted that they would go after Conroy. Game five went into overtime once again, with Owen Nolan proving to be the hero for Tampa Bay, giving them a 3-2 series lead and a chance to wrap it up at home in game six. With his team facing elimination in game six, Iginla attempted to return to the lineup, but only played seven minutes before having to call it a night. Hossa, Conroy, Zdeno Chara, and Peter Schaefer all scored while Tommy Salo made 49 saves in a 4-1 Tampa Bay win to send the Crocs to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in team history.
Western Conference
Detroit vs Minnesota
The Red Wings faced an uphill battle in their second-round series with Minnesota. The Moose took 1-0 and 2-1 series leads and forced Detroit to play from behind throughout most of the first four games. The Red Wings finally caught a break in game four, trailing 3-2. Keith Tkachuk was hooked on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. Tkachuk made good on the rare opportunity and tied the game. Just two minutes into overtime, Tkachuk scored his second of the game as Detroit tied the series. The penalty shot proved to be a turning point as the Red Wings never looked back, winning game five 5-3 and taking game six 3-2 to win the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth time in five years.
Vancouver vs Milwaukee
In a showdown of two of the best teams in the West since 2000, the series between the Canucks and Admirals was tied 2-2 with each team having won both its home games heading into a pivotal game five. The Canucks made good use of home ice once again in game five, winning 3-1 to give themselves a chance to take the series in game six. The Admirals put up a valiant effort in game six, playing with the lead twice before the game went into overtime. It would take two extra periods but Joe Sakic finally found the back of the net late in the second OT to send Vancouver to the Western Conference Finals.
Conference Finals
NY Islanders vs Tampa Bay
Tommy Salo’s solid play in the Tampa Bay net continued in game one against the Islanders with a shutout performance as the Crocs took a 1-0 series lead. In game two, The Crocs came back to tie the game after going down 2-0. Early in the first overtime, Alexander Mogliny beat Salo to tie the series. After winning two games in Tampa, the Islanders found themselves one win away from returing to the Finals. Game five back on Long Island was a close one. Marian Hossa and Jed Ortmeyer each scored for Tampa while J.P. Dumont and Ales Hemsky each scored for New York as the teams went into OT once again. The Isles peppered Salo with shots throughout a lopsided first overtime, but the Swede made some huge saves to send the game to a second extra frame. Five minutes into the second overtime, Mogilny was the hero again, beating Salo to clinch the series and send the Islanders back to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Detroit vs Vancouver
The Western Conference Finals would pit the Detroit Red Wings against the Vancouver Canucks for the second time in three years. The Canucks would manage to steal home ice advantage with a 3-1 win in game two, but they were unable to get back into the series after that. Detroit won the next two at GM Place, before decisively ending the series with a 7-0 victory in game five. Jaromir Jagr, back in action after an injury in round 1, finished the series with an incredible 9 points, nearly two points per game, while Roman Turek never game Vancouver a chance in net.
Eastern Conference
(1) NY Islanders vs (8) Buffalo
The aging Buffalo Sabres gave the defending champion New York Islanders all they could handle early in their first round series. After New York won game one in a 5-0 blowout, The Sabres took a 2-1 series lead after back-to-back overtime victories. The Isles managed to turn the series around after a big 4-1 road win before hanging on for a 4-2 series victory with a 3-0 win in game 6.
(2) Ottawa vs (7) Atlanta
This series would end up being the Sedin Twins coming out party, with Henrik scoring the overtime winner in game 1 and Daniel putting up three points in game 2 as the Flames take a surprising 2-0 series lead. Things got worse for Ottawa when Henrik Lundqvist got knocked out of game 3 and the series by hurting his ankle in practice. Without him, the Sens never stood a chance in the next two games, losing them by identical 4-1 scores as Atlanta completes the sweep and advances, albeit Henrik Sedin would get hurt near the end of game 4.
(3) Tennessee vs (6) Pittsburgh
After clinching their first-ever playoff spot, the Killer Bees were full of confidence entering their series with Tennessee. However the Raccoons put a damper on Pittsburgh right away with a 3-0 win in game one. The Raccoons then won the next two to lead the series 3-0, but the Killer Bees salvaged the series with a big 4-2 victory, the first post-season win in franchise history, thanks to a 51 save effort from Al Montoya before the Killer Bees won game 5 in overtime. But in Pittsburgh two nights later, the Killer Bees run finally came to an end, but the Pittsburgh crowd gave their team a standing ovation as they left the ice.
(4) Tampa Bay vs (5) Hartford
Tampa Bay shuts the Whalers down in the first two games, taking a 2-0 series lead. But in Hartford, the Whalers treated their fans to two overtime thrillers where Daniel Alfredsson scored the winner in both games. The Whalers woes on the road continued back in Tampa Bay, as the Crocs took the series lead again. After forcing game seven, Hartford broke out their third jerseys for game seven, hoping to change their luck on the road. It wouldn’t work, as Marian Hossa’s hat-trick gave Tampa a 5-1 win to advance.
Western Conference
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
After barely making the playoffs, the young Rockies proved to be no match for the powerful Redshirts. Roman Turek allowed only six goals in five games as Detroit advanced. But the win would come at a cost for the Red Wings, as Jaromir Jagr suffered a broken wrist in game four.
(2) Vancouver vs (7) Chicago
In a rematch from last years playoffs, the Canucks were hungry to get revenge. But Alexander Ovechkin had other ideas, putting up some great numbers in the first four games of the series as the teams split the first two games. But in game 5, the Canucks would start to frustrate Ovechkin, constantly checking him. The strategy seemed to work, as Vancouver took game 5 6-2, than took game 6 3-1 to advance.
(3) Milwaukee vs (6) San Jose
the Admirals and the Seals played the only seven-game series of the West playoffs as the lead in the series shifted back and forth all the way to game seven in Milwaukee. Teemau Selanne’s two-goal night in game seven gave Milwaukee a 2-1 lead through most of the game while Dominik Hasek turned away a barrage of San Jose shots in the final minutes before Petr Sykora finally sealed the victory for the Ads with an empty netter.
(4) Houston vs (5) Minnesota
The defending conference champion Houston Aeros appeared to be in control of their series with the Minnesota Moose after taking a 2-0 series lead. However back-to-back overtime victories for the Moose at home tied the series 2-2. In game five, Minnesota superstar Vincent Lecavlier was the hero with a big two-goal night as Minnesota moved ahead three games to two with a 4-2 win. Game six would go to overtime again this time with Johan Franzen proving to be the hero for Minnesota as the Moose completed the upset and moved on to the second round.
Second Round
Eastern Conference
NY Islanders vs Atlanta
Henrik Sedin misses the first two games of the series with a dislocated shoulder as Atlanta is forced to settle for the split heading home. In game three, Henrik attempts to play but leaves after two shifts as the Islanders win 4-1. Henrik Sedin is out for game four and Alexander Mogilny scores two points in a 2-0 Islanders win. With his team in trouble, Henrik Sedin returns once again to the Flames lineup and scores twice in a 3-1 win. Game six in Atlanta would be one of the best performances of Chris Osgood’s career, as Osgood stops 51 shots in a 3-0 win to send the Islanders back to the Eastern Conference Final.
Tennessee vs Tampa Bay
Powered by Marian Hossa's two goals, the Crocs stunned the Raccoons in game one with a 3-2 victory. The Raccoons bounced back, however, taking games two and three before the Crocs tied the series with a 4-3 overtime win in game four. The Raccoons suffered a devastating loss in game four, as Jarome Iginla suffered a knee injury on a hit from Craig Conroy. Though it was a clean hit, Tennessee still hinted that they would go after Conroy. Game five went into overtime once again, with Owen Nolan proving to be the hero for Tampa Bay, giving them a 3-2 series lead and a chance to wrap it up at home in game six. With his team facing elimination in game six, Iginla attempted to return to the lineup, but only played seven minutes before having to call it a night. Hossa, Conroy, Zdeno Chara, and Peter Schaefer all scored while Tommy Salo made 49 saves in a 4-1 Tampa Bay win to send the Crocs to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in team history.
Western Conference
Detroit vs Minnesota
The Red Wings faced an uphill battle in their second-round series with Minnesota. The Moose took 1-0 and 2-1 series leads and forced Detroit to play from behind throughout most of the first four games. The Red Wings finally caught a break in game four, trailing 3-2. Keith Tkachuk was hooked on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. Tkachuk made good on the rare opportunity and tied the game. Just two minutes into overtime, Tkachuk scored his second of the game as Detroit tied the series. The penalty shot proved to be a turning point as the Red Wings never looked back, winning game five 5-3 and taking game six 3-2 to win the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth time in five years.
Vancouver vs Milwaukee
In a showdown of two of the best teams in the West since 2000, the series between the Canucks and Admirals was tied 2-2 with each team having won both its home games heading into a pivotal game five. The Canucks made good use of home ice once again in game five, winning 3-1 to give themselves a chance to take the series in game six. The Admirals put up a valiant effort in game six, playing with the lead twice before the game went into overtime. It would take two extra periods but Joe Sakic finally found the back of the net late in the second OT to send Vancouver to the Western Conference Finals.
Conference Finals
NY Islanders vs Tampa Bay
Tommy Salo’s solid play in the Tampa Bay net continued in game one against the Islanders with a shutout performance as the Crocs took a 1-0 series lead. In game two, The Crocs came back to tie the game after going down 2-0. Early in the first overtime, Alexander Mogliny beat Salo to tie the series. After winning two games in Tampa, the Islanders found themselves one win away from returing to the Finals. Game five back on Long Island was a close one. Marian Hossa and Jed Ortmeyer each scored for Tampa while J.P. Dumont and Ales Hemsky each scored for New York as the teams went into OT once again. The Isles peppered Salo with shots throughout a lopsided first overtime, but the Swede made some huge saves to send the game to a second extra frame. Five minutes into the second overtime, Mogilny was the hero again, beating Salo to clinch the series and send the Islanders back to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Detroit vs Vancouver
The Western Conference Finals would pit the Detroit Red Wings against the Vancouver Canucks for the second time in three years. The Canucks would manage to steal home ice advantage with a 3-1 win in game two, but they were unable to get back into the series after that. Detroit won the next two at GM Place, before decisively ending the series with a 7-0 victory in game five. Jaromir Jagr, back in action after an injury in round 1, finished the series with an incredible 9 points, nearly two points per game, while Roman Turek never game Vancouver a chance in net.
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