Forgot Matvichuk. Not sure how I managed that. It is a good thing that kind of player no longer has any place in today’s NHL.

My loathing of Pete Deboer is basically equal to my hatred for VGK. Call it a toss up, matchup wise, Dallas young forwards scare me more than Vegas.
I recently read an article that VGK claims make their LTIR abuse on the up and up. First I will say, if the rest of league says ok then we just have to live with it. Anyhoo, they say the NHL Dr’s are involved and what not and that is why it’s all good. Here is where I cry BS! It started with Kucherov in Tampa. Yes these players are legit injured. Problem is, timing of return. If they return for say the final game of regular season, the team would be way outside of cap compliance and have major issues. But by whatever miracle, Kuch and Stone/Pietrangelo always get healthy for game 1 of playoffs. I wager my life that these guys were good to go at least a couple weeks, if not months, before season ended.

Oof yeah do not miss the days of constant chopping from Richard “Mat the Hack” Matvichuk, Hatcher, Ludwig & his comically oversized shin guards which were the same width as modern day goalie pads

Plus should have the extra home game against Vegas.

Have to get past the first round first, but I also have a difficult time deciding which team I prefer. I dislike Vegas’ misuse of LTIR, but I am also old enough to remember the days of Derian Hatcher and Ed Belfour and still hold a grudge against Dallas for the way they would hack and slash against Forsberg and other Avs players. (I know Avs had Lemieux who was probably just as bad, but we hockey fans are not the most objective people…)

As far as goalies go, Thompson has outplayed Oettinger so far in that series, so I would not count on the Avs having an easy time scoring against Vegas. Having said that, the Stars had difficulty elevating the puck, so they made it easier for Thompson. When Johnston scored the winner he roofed the puck and Johnston had no chance. So if the Avs play Vegas – aim high!