I’m excited to share my thoughts on the 2016 NHL playoffs on Raw Charge. A thrilling season led to intense action on the ice as teams fought to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. There were plenty of upsets and surprises along the way, as well as some unforgettable moments. As a hockey fan, I can’t wait to relive the excitement and drama of the 2016 playoffs. So let’s dive in and talk about the highlights and lowlights of this unforgettable season!
The 2016 NHL Playoffs: A Lookback
The 2016 NHL playoffs will be remembered for many things – from historic comebacks to heartbreaking losses. It had its share of controversies, surprises, and moments of brilliance. As we gear up for yet another thrilling edition of the playoffs, let’s take a look back at the 2016 playoffs.
Controversy and Surprises
One of the biggest controversies of the 2016 playoffs was the NHL’s decision to suspend Washington Capitals’ star forward, Alexander Ovechkin, for a game after he missed the All-Star Game. Ovechkin, who was nursing a minor injury, chose to sit out the All-Star Game, which meant he was automatically suspended for the Capitals’ next game. The decision was met with widespread criticism, with some players and fans arguing that it was unfair to punish Ovechkin for a decision made due to health concerns.
Another major controversy of the 2016 playoffs was the NHL’s decision to deny the Columbus Blue Jackets’ petition to wear their alternate third jersey in the playoffs. The Blue Jackets had petitioned the league to wear their popular third jersey, which features a cannon on the front, in the playoffs. However, the NHL denied their request, citing a rule that prohibits teams from wearing alternate jerseys in the postseason.
The playoffs also had its share of surprises, with several underdogs making deep runs in the playoffs. The San Jose Sharks, who were seeded third in the Western Conference, made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. The Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues in the playoffs before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final.
The New York Islanders, who were seeded eight in the Eastern Conference, also made a surprising run in the playoffs. The Islanders defeated the Florida Panthers in the first round before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round.
Memorable Moments
The 2016 playoffs will be remembered for several memorable moments, from miraculous comebacks to historic performances. One of the most memorable moments of the playoffs was the Pittsburgh Penguins’ comeback win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final. The Penguins were down 3-2 in the series but managed to win the final two games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
The San Jose Sharks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final was also filled with memorable moments. In Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the St. Louis Blues, Sharks’ defenseman Brent Burns scored a highlight-reel goal that will be remembered for years to come. Burns took the puck from his own blue line, weaved his way through the Blues’ defense, and scored a beautiful goal that ignited the Shark Tank.
Legacy of the 2016 Playoffs
The 2016 playoffs will go down in history as one of the most unpredictable playoffs in NHL history. From the controversies to the surprises to the memorable moments, the 2016 playoffs had it all. However, its legacy goes beyond the on-ice action.
The 2016 playoffs were a reminder of the importance of mental toughness and resilience. Teams that were able to overcome adversity, such as the Penguins and Sharks, were rewarded with deep playoff runs. The playoffs also highlighted the importance of depth and team defense, as teams that were able to shut down their opponents’ top players were more successful in the playoffs.
The 2016 playoffs also showed the importance of coaching. The Penguins’ Mike Sullivan and the Sharks’ Peter DeBoer made crucial adjustments throughout the playoffs that helped their teams succeed. The ability to adjust on the fly and make the right decisions at the right time can be the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs.
The Road Ahead
As we gear up for yet another exciting edition of the NHL playoffs, the 2016 playoffs serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of playoff hockey. With 16 teams battling it out for the Stanley Cup, anything can happen. We can expect controversy, surprises, and memorable moments. But one thing is certain – the 2021 NHL playoffs will be a showcase of the best hockey in the world.
