Round 3: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders

[Significantly Insignificant]

Basketball also gets a little dicey in the playoffs.  Probably not to the extent of the NHL, but they do start letting more stuff go in the NBA playoffs.

Standards change in all leagues. It's more that it's drastic in the NHL than in others, whereas, in the other leagues, it's more around the edges. I don't follow the NBA, so I can't really speak to it, but I get the impression that it's mostly the borderline stuff that starts to go uncalled.

Here is a blog that I found about NBA refs and the calls they make during playoffss.  Take it with a grain of salt, but if you look at the comments they are similar to those of NHL fans:

https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2020/09/should-nba-referees-call-fouls-objectively-in-playoff-games.html

Just to explain, the blog outlines that the refs actually are more strict in the playoffs, so it is a differing view that what is usually thrown out there, and actually an argument to go lighter.   

I'm no expert on basketball, but the general sense that I get when I view games or listen to commentary in the playoffs is similar to that which is felt by NHL fans in that the rules seem to change.

[Guilt Trip]

The NHL is the only frigging league that cares more about garbage players than it’s stars.

Yup and they penalize their stars. This "playoff" hockey crap has got to stop. The crosschecking that goes on is absolutely ridiculous. Lets not talk about the interference and the rest of the garbage. Call the penalties. The players will adjust.
And get rid of the trapezoid. Let's penalize goalies who can handle a puck. Who came up with that bright idea?

[L K]

The NHL is the only frigging league that cares more about garbage players than it’s stars.

Yup and they penalize their stars. This "playoff" hockey crap has got to stop. The crosschecking that goes on is absolutely ridiculous. Lets not talk about the interference and the rest of the garbage. Call the penalties. The players will adjust.
And get rid of the trapezoid. Let's penalize goalies who can handle a puck. Who came up with that bright idea?

I mean it was basically the Martin Brodeur rule.  The NHL let the neutral zone interference get out of hand with the Devils and instead of calling interference penalties decided to ban Brodeur from going into the corners.

[CarltonTheBear]

I mean it was basically the Martin Brodeur rule.  The NHL let the neutral zone interference get out of hand with the Devils and instead of calling interference penalties decided to ban Brodeur from going into the corners.

I mentioned this last month or something but this is just another reason it's insane that GMs, many of whom aren't even competent in running their own teams, have so much say in how the league operates.

[bustaheims]

Here is a blog that I found about NBA refs and the calls they make during playoffss.  Take it with a grain of salt, but if you look at the comments they are similar to those of NHL fans:

https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2020/09/should-nba-referees-call-fouls-objectively-in-playoff-games.html

Just to explain, the blog outlines that the refs actually are more strict in the playoffs, so it is a differing view that what is usually thrown out there, and actually an argument to go lighter.   

I'm no expert on basketball, but the general sense that I get when I view games or listen to commentary in the playoffs is similar to that which is felt by NHL fans in that the rules seem to change.

If the NHL swung that, I'm sure there would also be complaints, but, at the very least, they'd be looking out for the safety of the players and giving the stars more opportunity to shine. Eventually, the players and refs would hopefully find a middle ground, like they eventually did with the obstruction stuff coming out of the lockout (though, that has creeped closer and closer to pre-lockout).

I'd definitely be happier with stronger enforcement in the playoffs than weaker. It at least would put the emphasis on skill rather than which team can bog down the game the most.

[L K]

Tampa outshooting the Islanders 27-11 through 2 periods.   Score is 1-0 Lightning. 

[louisstamos]

That was a hell of a game, but the right team won.  I've got a soft spot in my heart for Tampa, so I'm a happy camper!

[WAYNEINIONA]

That was a hell of a game, but the right team won.  I've got a soft spot in my heart for Tampa, so I'm a happy camper!

  Agreed. Now I will watch the finals.

[Nik]

I'm glad the Lightning won but holy god these playoffs have just been miserably bad.

[TheMightyOdin]

I feel like Montreal had a better shot to beat the islanders.

[lamajama]

Hockey has been halfway saved

[Guilt Trip]

I'm glad the Lightning won but holy god these playoffs have just been miserably bad.

Yup. Worst playoffs in a long time. Hard to watch.

[Highlander]

That was a hell of a game, but the right team won.  I've got a soft spot in my heart for Tampa, so I'm a happy camper!

  Agreed. Now I will watch the finals.

Spent a few winters in the Tampa area, real nice town, lots of fun, Ana Maria Island, Sarasota...saw the Leafs play Tampa there a few times.  Love the Lightning bolt when it zaps up in the rafters.

[OldTimeHockey]

I'm glad the Lightning won but holy god these playoffs have just been miserably bad.

Yup. Worst playoffs in a long time. Hard to watch.

I'm not sure I share that view. I've enjoyed a good chunk of the hockey I've watched(other than games 5,6, and 7 of the Leafs series).

[Guilt Trip]

I'm glad the Lightning won but holy god these playoffs have just been miserably bad.

Yup. Worst playoffs in a long time. Hard to watch.

I'm not sure I share that view. I've enjoyed a good chunk of the hockey I've watched(other than games 5,6, and 7 of the Leafs series).

There have been some great games but overall, they can take this"playoff" hockey and stuff it. Tired of watching the 90's all over again.