caveman27

Well, that was it. NBC didn't even broadcast the first two games, and had it on NBCSN. Now, they are done. Not sure what the deal is with American TV networks, they all are sub-par when it comes to covering NHL games compared to CBC/Hockey Night in Canada. MSG Network is not too bad though. Turner Sports and ESPN will be covering the NHL games for the future. I don't have cable so I guess I won't be watching any hockey anymore.

Games 1, 2 and 3 were all kind of sad. The Habs might get swept.

I agree. The steel used with Step Steel is nice. It allowed me to sharpen less often than Bauer or CCM blades.

Like some have said, I think it's either your ROH and/or profile that are making your blades feel like there is more friction. If you can remove your Step Steel Black blades and stack it next to one of your LS2 or CCM hyper glide blades (if you still have them around), you may be able to see the Step Steel have a smaller profile radius, which would give you more resistance. A smaller ROH would also give you more resistance, especially on softer ice. The cheaper thing to start with is get a larger ROH. If you feel like you aren't getting enough grip with a larger ROH, you can alter the profile with a larger radius and then go back to your usual ROH.

The neoprene sleeves aren't really doing the kind of knee support like from a heavy-duty, prescription-type of knee brace like a Breg brace, which I got after an ACL reconstruction surgery. To me, it's like extra useless weight, as I've had them. They are providing knee warmth to the ligaments and muscles in that area and the compression helps to give a supportive feel, kind of like athletic tape but with more give. Not too long before I gave up hockey, I was putting hockey tape around my knee below the knee cap over thermal underwear. On top of that, I would wear a neoprene knee support, and then of course, my shin guard over that.

Montreal Canadiens versus Tampa Bay Lightning. Never imagined this would be the match up. Not surprised Tampa made it all the way though. I think Tampa is going to win this series in 6.

Without

I prefer neoprene braces with patella cutout. Bike, Futuro or McDavid. Nothing expensive crazy, like around $20-$40.

I thought the automated machines are only meant for re-sharpenings. Even manual sharpening new blades (hockey, goalie, or figure skating) uses up more grinding wheel material and labor time. Some shops will give you a discount on a first time sharpening (which you should take advantage of) when you buy the skates or replacement blades from them.

If the internals of the blade are wearing out, you can test that by practicing passes with a teammate during pre-game. If you can't handle the pass easily in a non-game situation, just throw it away. Have you checked out sticks from www.prostockhockey.com They got some low flex intermediate sticks in your price range.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Vegas Golden Knights. Not sure if this is an even match up. Vegas is seemly the better team, but Montreal has been beating the odds. I'm predicting Vegas will win in 6. New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. This seems like an even match up. As for prediction, I'll go with Tampa Bay in 7.

That turned out nice.

Looking at those Softec skates, my ego would definitely get damaged.

If you get customized Bauer goalie skates, the blade holder comes with it even if you don't want it. There's this youtuber who I follow who ordered a custom pair and he got the holders replaced by a shop with the old-fashioned cowling blade holder.

Good for you. After rehabbing an injury, when it came to chasing down a puck in the corner, I would just let the other guy get the puck with no pressure. I would just hang out near the crease to prevent a pass play.

You might be able to hire someone through fiverr.com

Hmm, not sure if custom-molded skates will help. What did they do to help with the fit? Punch out spots? If you order custom goalie skates, the tendon guard will already not be there, and the latest goalie skates don't have a cowl, but you would have to get the blades reprofiled to something for forwards.

Tampa Bay just won their series 4-1. Carolina Hurricane had a good team, but were up against a better team. Islanders vs. Boston, I don't know. they are kind of evenly matched up. I thought Colorado was going to sail through but now they are down 3-2

The 4-0 Leafs win felt like the second to the last nail in the coffin; but they pulled out an upset.

I had a pair of Micron Air 90s. Not sure if the Power Clip did anything.

I guess it's something they tested in a lab. Or it's a gimmick like the Micron Power Clip.

Already into the second round. I was surprised my fav team made it through, Montreal Canadiens. I'm a bit upset but not too surprised by other fav team didn't make it, Pittsburgh Penguins. I'm looking forward to this year's Stanley Cup. I have a feeling Colorado is going to win it all.

The multi-piece sole for the skates was interesting, or strange, depending on what you think. I kind of assumed you wanted a stiff sole to your skate boot, but Bauer has developed a sole where the middle and back have some flex. I'm a little bit skeptical of the reliability of the carbon fiber/stainless steel runners, what if the carbon fiber and steel separate? I'm sure it can handle the weight of my body skating on it, but what it you slam your skates into the boards or goal posts, or step on a stick (all of which has happened to me by accident)? Is it going to crack, come loose or break off? This guy's video covers it.

Ribcor Team is for the guy who is a play maker, making passes, forechecking, backchecking, screens the goalie and tries to tip in the puck and plays defense. Ribcor Maxx is for the player who hogs the puck when he gets it, never passes it to anyone and hot dogs around the neutral zone for what seems like a minute even when 2 other guys are open for a pass, doesn't play defense for the most part, and wants the ref to call slashing on light taps. Just kidding. I don't know the difference.

Yeah, this usually works. Before things were getting out of hand in one game I was playing, this one ref started even making questionable calls on interference and slashing calls just to get players to back off. It kind of worked as players on both sides were going to the bench in a steady stream.