First round sweep vs SCF game 7 loss

What would you feel worse about

1. Your Team making it to the playoffs only to be swept in the first round

2. Your Team making it to game 7 of the finals but loses.

Depends on what your seed is and the manner of the 7 game series, would suck to lose a 3-0 lead in the finals....

As a Wings fan, I've seen both.

Both instances came after a Stanley Cup winning season, so if you took that out of the picture, I'd say the first round sweep.

There is no thrill greater than seeing your team make a run to the Final.

Initially: Game 7 loss. You're stuck with that feeling of being so, so close to winning it all. As a Canucks fan, I was replaying what if's in my head all off-season.

As time passes: First round sweep. At least with the other option you'll have a memorable run to look back at once you get over losing (I actually rewatched all the big highlights from last spring last night). Despite not winning, you still accomplished much more. A 1st round sweep isn't memorable at all and just plain sad.

having experienced the game 7 loss twice and having people destroy parts of our city each time i'd still take the game 7 scf loss. the atmosphere that engulfs the city is unreal. The cityfolk often have a stick up their ass but when the team makes a run everyone is friendlier.

Short term: Game 7 Loss.

Long term: Game 7 Loss.

2006 Forever:cry: Also as an Oiler fan I don't know what playoffs are, so reaching them would be neat.

For me, the ups and downs of the emotional rollercoaster get steeper as the team advances. The closer they get to the Cup, the worse it feels when they don't win it.

When you're swept, you can accept the fact that your team was simply not good enough. But when you go to game 7, it was so close to winning it all that it hurts more.

Can't believe this is even mildly close. Fans are so invested in a team who has made it to the 7th game of the SCF only to lose. If you get sweeped in four in the first round, well at least the regular season went on a week longer than usual.

SCF loss in Game 7 would hurt so much more. You were so ****ing close but not close enough. One little thing that could have changed compared to a lot of potential things would just eat away at me.

I can't even imagine the pain of losing a Game 7 of the SCF.

As a Coyotes fan who has never been out of the 1st round, I feel like losing in Game 7 of the SCF is nothing to be ashamed of. Somebody has to lose.

easily first round sweep is worse. Long playoff runs are great and tbh as much as it pains me to say this, people on this forum give Canucks fans too much grief about last year's playoff loss. Only 1 out of 30 teams can win the cup.

Initially: Game 7 loss. You're stuck with that feeling of being so, so close to winning it all. As a Canucks fan, I was replaying what if's in my head all off-season.

As time passes: First round sweep. At least with the other option you'll have a memorable run to look back at once you get over losing (I actually rewatched all the big highlights from last spring last night). Despite not winning, you still accomplished much more. A 1st round sweep isn't memorable at all and just plain sad.

This. I voted game 7 loss because I thought the poll was asking which one I'd prefer.

The Wings have been through both recently. Losing to the Pens in '09 hurt so much more than anything sports related I've ever experienced.

At least you have a great run to look back on if you make it to the SCF. I'd rather finish last in the league then get swept in the first round. At least I know my teams going to be better next year

I remember the pain of the Pens game 6 loss to the Wings. It as unbearable. At the same time though, losing in the SCF is better in the long run. It makes your team better and more experienced.

Meant to vote swept feels worse, when you lose in game 7, you can applaud your team's effort for making it that far and know a coin flip away and you would have won it. A sweep in the first round is humiliating and says you team either sucks and it was a miracle they made it into the playoffs, or they just didn't care.

The game 7 loss would feel so much worse. It does feel so much worse. 2004 :(

The Wings have been through both recently. Losing to the Pens in '09 hurt so much more than anything sports related I've ever experienced.
Because winning the year before wasn't quite enough. I tell ya, you Red Wings fans are so spoiled!

Game 7 and it's not even close....I would rather be 2nd than an also ran.

It hurts to lose, but seriously guys, being swept does not in any way feel superior to making it to the SCF....that's an accomplishment in its own. For the oilers, it sucks that we lost, but we still beat Detroit, San Jose and Anaheim on the way there. I wasn't happy with the ending, but that was a great run. Some of us are still bitter because we think we were the better team (had Bergeron not run over Roloson), but whatever, it was still more enjoyable than the past three years we have had.

Initially a Game 7 loss.

I mean, a four game sweep sucks, but when you're down 3-0 already, that fourth loss isn't going to sting too bad. A game 7 SCF? That's like hyping yourself up that you're one win away from it, only to lose it all because of a single game.

Over time, I'd be a helluva lot more proud of a SCF 7th Game loss than a 4 game 1st round sweep.

Initially I immediately said 4 game sweep, but thinking about it I might feel worse about that game 7 loss, but i would prefer it to happen than a first round sweep where there is nothing to look back upon.

Meant to vote swept feels worse, when you lose in game 7, you can applaud your team's effort for making it that far and know a coin flip away and you would have won it. A sweep in the first round is humiliating and says you team either sucks and it was a miracle they made it into the playoffs, or they just didn't care.

You wouldn't feel this way if your team choked a 3-0 lead in the SCFs. That series loss would live with you for the rest of your life, and you wouldn't be able to applaud your team's effort.

First round sweep sucks, but losing game 7 of the SCF would be a lot more heartbreaking.

Game 7 in the Finals loss.

As a Canucks fan, losing game 7 last year was a terrible feeling. But after the initial heartbreak had passed, you come to realize what an achievement it is to get within one game of winning it all. It's definitely something to be proud of and would take it over a first round sweep anyday.

The riots on the other hand.... :shakehead. That probably contributed to the pain as well lol

Yeah that game 7 loss in the finals STUNG hard. I'm a MASSIVE hockey fan and I had to take almost a month break. It still stays with you, that hurt of defeat.

But man, the journey was unreal. Maybe it was because this was the first ever deep run I've actually been out of the crib for but wow so many good memories. Even going to my Summer class at UBC and passing buy all the Canucks cars at Thunderbird as they practiced. The many house parties, and one particular BBQ.

Seen both.

The game 7 SCF loss hurts a lot more.

Being swept in the first round means you were down 3-0 and you've already braced yourself to get eliminated. Watching the other teams play can help you take your mind off the loss somewhat.

But losing in game 7 of the finals means that's all you have to think about until next season (and you're going to hear about it all season from other team's fans, especially the team you lost to)

Game 7 of the 2001 Finals still hurts, more than a decade and a Cup later.

And I clicked on the wrong one.:facepalm:

Kind of a trick question. The SCF game 7 loss would undoubtedly feel worse - yet you'd much rather that happen than a first round sweep.

This poll is meaningless because people who only read the thread title are going to think it's which would you prefer.

I remember the pain of the Pens game 6 loss to the Wings. It as unbearable. At the same time though, losing in the SCF is better in the long run. It makes your team better and more experienced.

Came to post something along these lines. I'll take a Cup run over simply making the playoffs any day, I'd rather gain invaluable experience at the cost of ultimate disappointment over lesser experience, etc every time.

Thank god I'm not Jim Kelly.

Game 7 loss is easily more heartbreaking. I think a first round sweep, depending on your standing and such, would just be infuriating.

The sharks managed to almost get swept as a one seed in the first round in 2009 (not to be confused from when they got swept in the third round as a one seed the following year). That sucked.

Being swept in the finals would be the worst.

Losing in the SCF would hurt more knowing that you're so close to the cup. Losing in a sweep in the first round would just tell you that you're not quite as good as you make yourselfs to be.

Because winning the year before wasn't quite enough. I tell ya, you Red Wings fans are so spoiled!

Coming from a fanbase that just experienced what we did in 09, you should know the feeling quite well. Being the favorites, starting out strong in the series, have it carry on to a 7th game. Then you watch your team give a half-*** effort and see the team you despise carry the cup around on your home ice. I take it you're a casual fan.

Kind of a trick question. The SCF game 7 loss would undoubtedly feel worse - yet you'd much rather that happen than a first round sweep.
Exactly this.

Game 7 loss, you get so involved with the team and have such high hopes only to fall just short. 2003 still hurts even with winning in 2007.

As a fan of the defending cup winner for me it would hurt more to get swept in the 1st round. I already know if I take off my homer glasses that repeating is a longshot, but to defend the cup well with a return to the finals would make me content.

It's painful to have your team get close and then lose... but you hold your head high. They made it deep that year. By any measure, that's a successful year.

Losing quickly in the first round sucks. Losing quickly and also having expectations? Brutal. You'll be hearing about that one for the next year.

Its never fun being swept, no matter what round it is. A Game 7 loss at least tells you that the series was a toss up and could have gone either way. A sweep is flat out embarrassing.


Both hurt, but the sweep hurts way more.

Game 7 loss stings more because there's so many "what ifs" that might go through your head... and knowing your team was 60 minutes (maybe even less) from winning the cup.

How is this even close? Getting swept in the first round is such a major let down with no upside at all. Losing in game 7 of the SCF's is probably more upsetting, but you got to watch your team for an extra 2 months and know that they had a legitimate chance at the cup..

I would take the stress and duress of watching the Red Wings make it all the way to the finals and lose in game 7 (again) over being swept in the first round in a heartbeat.

Hell, watching the Wings comeback from 3-0 against the Sharks last year was amazing. In retrospect, even though they lost in game 7, watching them win those 3 games (game 6 in particular) was some of the most stressful and amazing hockey I've watched.

7th game loss. The last five minutes of the Pens/Wings was the most exhausting, exhilarating, and intense sequence I've ever had as a sports fan or maybe human being. If the Pens lost, I probably wouldn't have spoken to anyone for a week.

I think I'd feel worse about the first round sweep - I've experienced it first-hand three times in the last eleven seasons (twice as a #2 seed, no less), and just the notion of all the excitement and anticipation of a playoff run faceplanting onto itself is awful. At least with a seventh-game SCF loss you get one hell of a ride along the way.

Losing in Game 7 hurts more, but I'd still rather have that then lose in a first round sweep.

I would be disappointed if my team got swept in the 1st round but I would be heartbroken and devastated if they lost game 7 of the finals.

Losing game 7 is worse then getting swept in the 1st round

Surprised there are significant votes for a sweep. The journey to the finals is absolutely amazing where the entire city gets behind your team as other teams are eliminated, even to lose it in the finals. Would take an OT loss in game 7 easily.

Reading the OP now I see why there are more votes : ).

Sweep gives you a feeling your team was just bad, it just makes you a bit sad.
Losing a hard fought series is just heart breaking.

I'll take losing game 7 in the finals any day. The 2001 Playoffs in which the Devils lost game 7 blowing a 3-2 lead was a lot better than getting beaten 4-1 in the first round by the Flyers and Rangers. Yeah it's tough but at least you know you made it that far and you can be proud of that.

mis-read the question I thought it was "what would you rather have"

Everything is better about a SCF game 7 loss, last summer are still some of the best memories of my life and it's making me look forward to this summer even more. if we'd been swept by chicago it would have been another ****** post-season and I'd have no confidence going into this year.

My experience doesn't exactly match up with this scenario, but my experience as a Flyers fan can provide some very close situations. In 2010 the Flyers lost in Overtime in game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals. In 2002 the Flyers lost in 5 games in the first round (scoring only 2 goals in the series).

The run to the finals in 2010 was certainly a bigger fall down emotionally where hopes were so high and the prize was with in sight where as the 2002 playoffs pissed my off by the end it seemed and inevitable out come. 2010 is painful still for the 'what if' scenarios, but I have lots of great memories from the 2010 run, and it was the most enjoyable playoff run that I got to enjoy as a fan. Where as there is nothing worth remembering of the 2002 playoff run.

Game 7 loss.


Went through both...and the ride accompanied with the SCF's is awesome. I'd take that any day over being out in mid april

I'll take losing game 7 in the finals any day. The 2001 Playoffs in which the Devils lost game 7 blowing a 3-2 lead was a lot better than getting beaten 4-1 in the first round by the Flyers and Rangers. Yeah it's tough but at least you know you made it that far and you can be proud of that.

I'm sure it's a lot easier taking that as a Devils fan with 3 Stanley Cups to dry your tears.

How is this close? You would feel better if your team gets embarrassed and skated off the ice in four games then if your team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and lost in game 7?!?! How sad.

Losing in the 1st round in 7 games is the worst.

A Game 7 loss would of course hurt more, yet I would rather take it over being swept in four games. I mean, say your team wins the Presidents' Trophy, what would you prefer? Being swept in the first round and not getting to experience that playoff run you have fantasised about the entire season, or at least getting to see your team become elite and make it to the big stage?

Immediately after the loss you'd wish your team had been eliminated in the first round instead, but in time I think you'd be happy with the fact that they at least made it far. But I guess it depends on the expectations.

Last season I got to watch the team I cheer for play hockey for an extra 2 months, the two months were full of moments of elation... game 7 overtime win, overtime win to make to the finals, certain players taking the team on their back in different series', actually every single win made my day a little bit better.

They lost in game 7 of the finals, but I would never ever trade that for a first round sweep. I made sure I relished every great moment of that playoff run and I have several fantastic memories from it.

For me, this is actually quite a silly question.

Finals sweep. =/ =/

The sweep would yield a higher draft pick. So losing in game 7.

Wings losing 2-1 in game 7 in 09 was one of the hardest things for me. I still can't watch any highlights from that series. Having said that, I would for sure take that over a 1st round sweep. I can't believe this poll is so close.

******* max talbot.

I remember when the Ducks were swept by the wings in the 1st round in 99. It sucked but it was quick and painless. I got over it in a few days and enjoyed the rest of the playoffs. However, the day the Ducks lost game 7 in the finals was one of the worst days of my life. Took a few weeks before I got over it. I'm going with the sweep in this one.

Pens fan, and definitely losing in the SCF is worse. You invest more and more of yourself in a team as the run continues. And you start thinking the win is real, and then it suddenly isn't.

Although, I will say losing the year before winning made the '09 Cup one that I don't think I'll ever enjoy nearly so much.

A first round exit makes you think the season was wasted, but if you look at it and you lost that badly, it's one of those things where you realize it wasn't meant to be.

First round sweeps are embarrassing but I'd get over it fairly quickly. A game 7 loss would be heartbreaking because you came so ****ing close but still have nothing to show for it.

I'm still shattered. Also if Oilers got swept in 06 we wouldn't have had to sign ridiculous contracts. The death of a team who plays above their heads in the playoffs is high fan expectations and bad contracts.

game 7 FEELS SO MUCH WORSE! how is this up for debate.. a sweep is just meh... you aren't nearly as invested as you are.. i would know.. stupid new jersey

Well seeing as how us canuck fans are about to do both in 2 years. I can answer this question for everyone.

Short term. SCF game 7 loss is the worst. It is absolutley crushing.. All that time invested with your team over that 2 month period for nothing. Long term though you can look back at all the good things, the memories of the run and it is something you will never forget.

First round sweep sucks both short and long term. Not getting to go through a deep run, etc. It keeps you wondering "what if?" your team got past the first round opponent (especially if they go on a deep run)

SCF Game 7 by a mile. Just too many things have to go right for you to even make it to the dance. Then to lose it by one game... ouch.

If you lose in the first round you can always use the ol', "It's not like we we're going to win the Cup this year anyway" line.

Canucks fan who may have to feel the pain of both soon.

SCF game 7 loss, AINEC.

SCF Game 7 by a mile. Just too many things have to go right for you to even make it to the dance. Then to lose it by one game... ouch.

If you lose in the first round you can always use the ol', "It's not like we we're going to win the Cup this year anyway" line.

Cant really use that line when you're the #1 seed though can you? :laugh: and at the same time :cry::cry:

I'd never want a first round sweep.

2003 sucked. It's all a freaking haze.....prefer 2009.

SCF game 7 loss is far worse, not even close. This first round sweep of the Canucks angers me about as much as a frustrating loss to the Blue Jackets in the regular season where the team doesnt show up. Nothing invested in this "run" yet, and I also bet my friend $50 that the Canucks would lose in the first round like a month ago.

Nothing can ever feel worse than a SCF loss.

Losing in game 7... at least with a sweep you have been getting disappointed the entire time, so you are ready for it... game 7 is such a roller coaster of emotion.... then it all just comes crashing down.

I'd rather take the 4 game Sweep..

Seriously just thinking about (if this bounce went that way) would be BRUTAL...

A 4 game sweep just means it wasn't meant to happen.

How about a game 7 finals loss followed by a first round sweep :cry:

I'm surprised that so many people are saying lose in Game 7. Maybe it's because I'm a fan of a team that hasn't been in the final since 1967, but I would personally MUCH MUCH rather see a long cup run only to lose in a SCF Game 7 then a first round sweep.

I'm surprised that so many people are saying lose in Game 7. Maybe it's because I'm a fan of a team that hasn't been in the final since 1967, but I would personally MUCH MUCH rather see a long cup run only to lose in a SCF Game 7 then a first round sweep.

This is true in the long term. But trust me, couple minutes / hours after losing game 7 of the SCF you are so depressed. It really is a feeling only people have experienced can relate to.

I can't even imagine the pain of losing a Game 7 of the SCF.

its not nice

Cant really use that line when you're the #1 seed though can you? :laugh: and at the same time :cry::cry:

Man, I don't even know what it's like to be a favorite in a playoff series. It could always be worse. :laugh:

As a Wings fan, I've seen both.

Both instances came after a Stanley Cup winning season, so if you took that out of the picture, I'd say the first round sweep.

There is no thrill greater than seeing your team make a run to the Final.

This^

It really is no contest.

You get to see your team win three rounds, stick it to some teams you probably dont like along the way, or not even win one game, making the whole season seem like a colossal waste. Not even a good draft pick to look forward to.

As a Kings fan, I would rather see a first round sweep than losing game 7 in the finals. People typically expect us to fold into the recesses of mediocrity, but I am unsure I can take getting to the finals and watching it slip away again. It is a loved and lost question, but waiting 40+ years for something, and letting it slip away at the last second with unlikely guarantees of getting right back there again shortly would just be a heartbreaker versus never really believing you had a chance anyway.

First round sweeps suck, there are no memories, they provide trolls with lots of ammunition, but the pain of losing game 7 in the finals is so much worse.

I would rather have the finals run though, once every few decades (ala Canucks), it's great for memories, I would never want be the Buffalo Bills of the NHL though.

I'd prefer the first round sweep. Losing in game 7 last year was so bad. I thought that I was going to watch history unfold, watch a SC go to a Vancouver team for the first time in 100 years... and then it didn't happen

Seeing a Game 7 loss in the Finals twice in my lifetime is too much. Give me a sweep if I have to take it. It's not even up for debate.

To add another angle to it, with the imminent 1st round exit, I get a $700+ credit (I'm just estimating) from unplayed playoff games toward my next year's tickets. So, I don't have to pay much next year. Last year, only one of the eight playoff games I had tickets for didn't get played, but still there was no Stanley Cup to show for it. Sure, I got to see a couple of Finals games, and that's awesome, but no championship. I'm just glad I didn't have Game 7 tickets. That series hurt.

No contest.

As mentiod, I rathe see my team go almost all the way than getting swept, but still a games 7 SCF loss does hurt more, at least in the short term.

Short term: Game 7 Loss.

Long term: Game 7 Loss.

2006 Forever:cry: Also as an Oiler fan I don't know what playoffs are, so reaching them would be neat.

That loss was excruciating. Looked like the entire team was in quicksand all game :(
Game 7 loss

Winning 3 rounds but losing in the end >>>>> getting pwned in the first round

Yeah the game 7 SCF loss would really suck at first, but in hindsight you"d still have the memories of an epic cup run.

Ottawa got obliterated in the 2007 but I still have very fond memories of the run. Getting swept by the Leafs or the Pens? Yeah I don"t think about those a whole lot.

The way I see it is considering the drinking investment...

Sweep = 4 nights of sad drinking, hardly even, probably don't make a big deal out of the first 2Ls.

SCF Game 7 loss = Loads of happy drinking for many weeks and then BOOM – one massively depressing bender... but drinking doesn't help kids, it doesn't help... Unlike the 4 game sweep, you always remember that fateful game... But I'd trade in any sweep for a SCF game 7 loss... Pretty much like an abusive relationship...

Basically, SCF game 7 loss is the best and the worst. Sweep is just meh.

Winning 3 rounds but losing in the end >>>>> getting pwned in the first round

Yeah the game 7 SCF loss would really suck at first, but in hindsight you"d still have the memories of an epic cup run.

Ottawa got obliterated in the 2007 but I still have very fond memories of the run. Getting swept by the Leafs or the Pens? Yeah I don"t think about those a whole lot.

This. If you're getting swept in the first round, chances are it's to a rival, which makes it much worse. In the finals, chances are it's not against a rival. Getting swept by the Leafs was 100x worse than losing in the finals.

Better to go on an epic ride to the finals and to have had the chance and lose, than to get 4 more games than the non playoff teams and the shame of being unable to win even once in the post season.

I'll take losing in Game 7 (Oilers) or Game 6 (Hawks) or Game 5 (Oilers) to being swept in any round. (Flyers have been swept only twice in the Quarters-2nd & 3rd seasons in the league)

When the Flyers get swept, I take off the orange coloured glasses and accept the fact or finally acknowledge that season's gorilla in the room whether it be bad goaltending, lack of depth, one dimensional etc.

Being swept is an abrupt and stark reminder that your organization has failed miserably somewhere, that it's not good enough to compete on an elite level and that it's still missing a key component to win the Stanley Cup.

It's all relative though. If you're a young team and you get swept in the first round, it's pretty easy to look at the glass half full: your team is one year older, a little more experienced and probably in a good position to fix that glaring weakness by adding key players. Conversely if you're an older team and lose in Game 7 of the finals, the hardship is much greater. You probably can't afford to add anyone and in fact will probably lose a couple of key free agents because of the deep run. The window has closed that much more on your corps and veterans.

I was 12 when the Flyers lost to the Oil in 7, I was 35 when we lost to the Hawks in 6. Heartbreaking? absolutely. Will it make the 3rd that much sweeter? You're ******* right it will.

Initially: Game 7 loss. You're stuck with that feeling of being so, so close to winning it all. As a Canucks fan, I was replaying what if's in my head all off-season.

As time passes: First round sweep. At least with the other option you'll have a memorable run to look back at once you get over losing (I actually rewatched all the big highlights from last spring last night). Despite not winning, you still accomplished much more. A 1st round sweep isn't memorable at all and just plain sad.


Absolutely agree. This first round series (if indeed we do get swept) somehow feels SO MUCH more painful than the Game 7 loss. I guess it's just that the entire year we've been waiting for "the real season". Now it's here, and we're possibly out in 4 games? Unthinkable. :help:

I'd feel worse about the Game 7 loss. After 2 months of an emotional roller coaster and then coming up short in the last game. Plus the fact there's no guarantee to make it back the next season.

You take game 7 in finals every time. That means you got to watch 15 wins, 3 great series wins, partying at the bars, with family, with friends, you have to enjoy the RIDE. Yes it is going to sting, but your team must have played amazing. Even if the Bruins lost last year I still got to enjoy all those nights out and all those games - highs and lows. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

Plus - game 7... SCF... your gonna drink and party win or lose - the attitude is all that changes haha.

id feel way worse about a first round sweep

This is true in the long term. But trust me, couple minutes / hours after losing game 7 of the SCF you are so depressed. It really is a feeling only people have experienced can relate to.

Probably worse and I can certainly tell by the poll, from fans of teams that don't have any recent Championships.

Where are the Duck fans in here?

As a Wings fan 09 sucked hard but the 2003 sweep was an embarrassment. I was the only outspoken Wings fan in my High School, on the PA the morning after Game 4, the principle actually pointed out the Wings had gotten swept and then proceeded to say " Sorry Detroit fans, or rather I know we only have the one ".

True story. That flew because the principle knew my mother and it was a small school.

Worse? I got mocked for a week straight.

Sucks living in Leafs country. Course that was when the Leafs were making the playoffs. I'd have more ammo today.


I'd like some feedback from the following fanbases on this issue:

Blue Jackets
Thrashers
Jets
Yotes
Preds
Islanders
Sharks

Initially: Game 7 loss. You're stuck with that feeling of being so, so close to winning it all. As a Canucks fan, I was replaying what if's in my head all off-season.

As time passes: First round sweep. At least with the other option you'll have a memorable run to look back at once you get over losing (I actually rewatched all the big highlights from last spring last night). Despite not winning, you still accomplished much more. A 1st round sweep isn't memorable at all and just plain sad.

We'll try to help you out so you can compare. -- Helpful Kings fan

How is this even close????

The Hawks were down 3-0 to to the Canucks of all teams last year. We had to face the probability that we might get swept by the team we hate the most. It would have been pathetically embarassing.

If you had a a choice, knowing both outcomes, more than half of you would turn down 2 months of amazing PLAYOFF HOCKEY, the greatest thing in all of sports? No freakin' way would i do that.

If the Hawks lost game 6 to the Flyers and then lost game 7 it would be terrible. So close yet so far. But i'd EASILY rather watch that playoff run which led to a great Stanley Cup Finals series than see my team get swept in the 1st round by Nashville.

Take a second and realize everything a 1st round exit means.A first round sweep means that your team was outplayed and outcoached against (arguably) their easiest opponent. It means your team played so poorly they couldn't manage a single win in the 1st round.

I havn't read all of this thread yet but i'd be surprised to see Vancouver fans say that the game 7 loss hurts more than the potential LA sweep. They got to see an amazing team roll through the playoffs for 2 months. They got to see their favorite players with that "Stanley Cup Finals" badge on their jersey. They got to be a part of a group of fans cheering for their team to win the championship. How do you say no to that?

Even if they lost, it meant they were the 2nd best team in the world that year and were so close to being THE best. It means you have something to be proud of your team over. Winning is everything in sports, but there's something to be said about the experience of being in the Championship series.

I'll take a 29th Overall pick and a Stanley Cup Game 7 appearance 10 times out of 10 over a 16th Overall pick and th

Even though they haven't won a Stanley Cup in my lifetime, my greatest memories of the Flyers come from their runs to the Stanley Cup Final (or even to the Eastern Final).

I feel like crap when they lose but, over time, I remember the great ride.

When they lose early, it just sucks.

Game 7 loss.

Lol is this thread made for the canucks?


anyways i would always choose game 7 loss. Its not just winning that matters (but its a large part) but the journey getting there that also creates memories.

I'm still sticking with the first round sweep. Right now the Pens performance is more laughable than depressing.

A quick out is painless, but there really isn't anything good about it either.

A game 7 loss, scf, hurts lots but the journay itself is memorable. And you know that if your team made it that far, they gave their all.

And if it wasn't them losing, it'd be some other team and fanbase hurting bad.

With the Canucks already coming off a Game 7 loss id rather see them join the Flames at the driving range sooner than later. This team is just a mess right now and a longer off season would help.

You guys are crazy. There's a lot more bragging rights in losing in the final than getting swept in the first round.

I've experienced a swell of first round losses (Not sure a sweep) as well as a game seven loss here in Edmonton over the years. I'd RATHER not get swept in the first round obviously, but the game 7 loss in the finals is infinitely more devastating.

There was nothing more embarrassing to me as a Rangers fan since the lockout than getting swept in the first round by the Devils. Not even missing the playoffs in 2010. Losing in game 7 of the finals stings at first but you can at least be proud of your team being so good for most of the playoffs.

I'd rather the Blues go to the finals even if they lose, because they haven't even been there since 1970 I think. They need to go farther than a first round sweep, show they are a serious contender. I'd hate to see a good season just crapped away in a first round sweep. I'd feel like making it to the finals at least shows they have it in them and could do it again - another first round sweep would make me feel like it's the same song and dance, over and over. Plus, I get to see them play more games for a longer amount of time.

first team i thought of when clicking this thread was the canucks

You guys are crazy. There's a lot more bragging rights in losing in the final than getting swept in the first round.

Bragging rights dont mean much down the road, I dont dwell on any of the Flames first round losses, but it still pains me to think of how close the Flames were in 04 (8(!!!!) years ago). The cup run was amazing but it all means nothing now