Monday, May 23, 2011

When is it time to give up on a team in the playoffs?

Before the 2010 NHL Playoffs, there were few who believed that their team could overcome a 3-0 series deficit and win the series.  The Philadelphia Flyers did just that, coming back and beating the Bruins last season.  This playoff season, Chicago and Detroit have both overcome 3-0 series deficits, only to each lose their respective Game 7s against Vancouver and San Jose.  Now, the Sharks are down 3-1 to Vancouver, while the Bruins and Lightning are tied in their series, 2-2.  Here's a guide on when to give up on your team.


YOU KNOW YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE WHEN:

  • Joe Thornton cancels his annual Caribbean getaway for the last week in April.
  • Two men dressed in green bodysuits are seen in your arena...assuming it's not Nashville.
  • Gary Bettman owns your team and insists that he won't let it relocate despite a devistating financial crisis.
  • Your goalie is getting AARP papers in the mail.
  • Pavel Datsyuk is on the ice.
  • Barry Trotz still has a hair on his head.
  • Chelsea Dagger isn't constantly playing in the background.
  • Your GM tells the team to keep trying to win and not tank (unless the GM is Brian Burke, in which case, it's because he traded his first round pick...).
  • Your team trades AWAY Jamie Langenbrunner.


YOU KNOW YOUR TEAM IS DONE WHEN:

  • Chris Pronger's elbow is bothering him, making him completely ineffective.
  • They hire John MacLean as the team's head coach.
  • Alexander Ovechkin is constantly on the phone with Team Russia's head coach at the World Championships.
  • Alex Kovalev is your best defensive forward.
  • They go up 3 games to none against the Philadelphia Flyers.
  • Mark Recchi decides that your player embellishes hits into stanchions.
  • Marian Gaborik starts to play defense...and gives pucks to Jason Chimera in the process.
  • Carrie Underwood is seen crying.
  • Your players are packing for a very cold Canadian city after spending time in Atlanta.
  • Your team's goalie puts on a Flyers jersey.
  • They are planning their annual 1st Overall Draft Pick Party in December...again.
  • Teammates are watching the NBA.
  • Your team trades FOR Jamie Langenbrunner.