NHL Playoff Fan Signs

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 7, 2010

NHL Playoff Fan Signs

At NHL playoff time, fan passion runs high and this year is no exception. The wit and, um, wisdom has been flowing in the form of notable handmade signs such as this invitation/love note to Chicago Blackhawks pot-stirrer Adam Burish.

As this Flyers fan demonstrates, the ladies cotton to rugged types like Philadelphia's Daniel Carcillo, whose two front teeth are missing.

A Colorado Avalanche fan displayed her feelings for the team's rookie sensation, Matt Duchene.

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton has been working for some time to dispel his reputation for disappearing in big games.

Naturally, on-ice officials have not been exempt from fan wrath or criticism.

Persecution complexes and conspiracy theories sprout like mad dandelions.

A fan in Buffalo had a helpful suggestion for the Boston Bruins during their first-round series, but alas it was the Sabres who ended up with an early tee time.

canucks-fan-sign%282%29.jpg — Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images

This Canucks fan was, indeed, correct as his team dispatched Los Angeles' finest to the links in six first-round games.

Few cities have fans as passionate as Montreal's. Hockey is a religion there and goaltenders can be hailed as saints (see: Patrick Roy) or saviors -- sometimes prematurely (see: Carey Price, who has been supplanted by Jaroslav Halak).

coyotes-fan-sign%284%29.jpg — Doug James/Icon SMI

There are no atheists in the playoff trenches, not even in Phoenix where the Coyotes put up an admirable first-round fight before succumbing to Detroit's Red Wings in seven games.

Even little children in Chicago have gotten religion.

However, some children should clearly mind their manners...

coyotes-fan-sign%283%29.jpg — Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images

There is an admirable sense of community among hockey fans.

coyotes-fan-sign%282%29.jpg — Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images

Rumors of the Red Wings' demise were greatly exaggerated, at least during their series against the Coyotes. However, that sign may well apply to their semifinal matchup with the Sharks. The Wings were in an 0-3 hole as of this writing.

Vancouver's Sedin twins inspired some clever wordplay.

Fine poetry has also been seen in Buffalo.

An infiltrator was spotted at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.

A Sabres fan offered a frank opinion of the Bruins captain's headgear.

Alas, belief is often not enough, nor was evoking broadcaster Don Cherry, as the Senators went down in six first-round games to the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.