NHL Thread

[B14ck N1nj4]

Post anything NHL/Hockey related here.

[afashionzombie]

go Blue Jackets!!

[Riley]

Rangers are cruseing this year. 12-7 I think.

[AmpleSteak]

Leafs suck so i don't bother watching hockey. Plus everyone thinks i'm a bandwagon jumper if i talk about the leafs and don't play hockey.

[OILFAN 79]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z94/ERIC_79/idiotlinesman.jpg

[beta angel]

I'm a die hard Red Wing fan.

It's good to see that this board has some more hockey fans.

btw: oilfan? That is f'ing priceless! :D

[Wings OfForever]

Rangers are cruseing this year. 12-7 I think.

That's amazing. I love the Rangers. Always have since I was little. Great to see they're doing well.

I haven't really been following hockey much, lately. Which is sad. I used to play it, alot.

I should get back in the game.

[XxxHITMAN15xxX]

Go Wild!! 10-7, They have had a lot of injuries.

[Riley]

That's amazing. I love the Rangers. Always have since I was little. Great to see they're doing well.

I haven't really been following hockey much, lately. Which is sad. I used to play it, alot.

I should get back in the game.It never hurts to go to their website and check out whats new.

[Illidaan]

When Gags comes back, Philly will climb back to #1 in the Atlantic and stay there.

Kapanen, Hatcher, Gagne.. so many injuries, so early.

[Wings OfForever]

It never hurts to go to their website and check out whats new.

That's true. I should always do that, once in a while. :-X

[jedi420j]

I'm a huge Canucks fan, which basically means I always have to deal with disappointment come playoff time:(

[ShadowXPhantom]

Canucks All the Waaaaay! I think they have found there groove. Last 2 games they have out scored opponents 10-3

[OILFAN 79]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z94/ERIC_79/TIDE.jpg
GO OILERS!!!!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z94/ERIC_79/ewwww.jpg

[Illidaan]

Canucks All the Waaaaay! I think they have found there groove. Last 2 games they have out scored opponents 10-3

no, you're golfing in FL come playoff time. just accept it now.

[B14ck N1nj4]

Lightning were off to good start, then started sucking, now they're back on track.

[beta angel]

Are TB actually rolling more than one line or is it just the Lecavlier/St. Louis show all the time?

[OILFAN 79]

Mathew Garon is on fire for Edmonton. He should take Roloson's job.

[B14ck N1nj4]

Are TB actually rolling more than one line or is it just the Lecavlier/St. Louis show all the time?
It still sorta is them, but Prospal has gotten a lot better. He's already past his halfway mark for goals last season. (Lol he only scored 14 goals last season)

[beta angel]

Gotcha, Gotcha. Who do you guys have backstoppin?

[B14ck N1nj4]

Gotcha, Gotcha. Who do you guys have backstoppin?
Holmqvist It's weird though because some nights he'll play well and other nights he'll play like shi*. I wish we would get a good goalie :mad:

[beta angel]

Holmqvist It's weird though because some nights he'll play well and other nights he'll play like shi*. I wish we would get a good goalie :mad:

Heh, i'm in the same boat. Unfortunately, it's Hasek (who was stellar last year) that's playing like crap completely while Osgood (thankfully) is playing like the Stanley Cup winning goalie he once was. I just want to dump Hasek already, he's done.

[Illidaan]

Heh, i'm in the same boat. Unfortunately, it's Hasek (who was stellar last year) that's playing like crap completely while Osgood (thankfully) is playing like the Stanley Cup winning goalie he once was. I just want to dump Hasek already, he's done.

Hasek's been done for a quite a while.

[beta angel]

Since the start of this season, he's been toast.

He was absolutely stellar all of last year.

[B14ck N1nj4]

He's too old to still be playing goalie.

[beta angel]

Age or not, he's lost it this year. As I said, last year he was shockingly good. If he can ramp his game back up to where he was last year, that'll just make us better.

Right now, I don't expect that to happen. He has not had a good, solid game, since last year and i'm thankful that we still have an amazing "backup" in Osgood.

[Illidaan]

TB would have been better off with a traffic cone in net vs. Chicago last night.

Hawks are really gonna' start picking it up now that Havlat's back.

[Pedle Zelnip]

I'm a huge Canucks fan, which basically means I always have to deal with disappointment come playoff time:(

Living in BC I feel your pain.... (and have for many many years now...) :)

Was nice to see Bobby Lou get on such a roll there for awhile (3 shutouts in a row?!!?!?)

[Riley]

Rangers still on top.

[alex 87]

Damn, Leafs win streak is over.

[beta angel]

Everybody is underestimating the B's. They're not as bad as everbody thinks. That's not to say they're a stellar team, but they're better than I think people are expecting.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Damn, Leafs win streak is over.

Good, I was beginning to think pigs were flying and hell had frozen over. :p

[DuckHunt 007]

Go 'Nucks! :D Good God the Western Conference is always brutally hard! What a fuggin' boring game that was to watch against Pittsburgh! UGH!!! I hate it when they lose in s/o's. :(

Ah well, good thing they're playing the Kings tonight! :D

[beta angel]

As soon as the Kings dump that dirty ass coach Crawford (who, like Mike Keenan, is a cancer on any NHL team), I think we'll see them become a much better group. Kopitar and Jack Johnson are going to be superstars. Whether they do it in LA or somewhere else will depend on their coaching staff. Johnson already has a leg up because he's playing with Rob Blake, but Kopitar doesn't have a really great veteran forward to learn from (not one I can think of off the top of my head anyhow).

[DuckHunt 007]

That wasn't a fun game to watch last night, lol. I totally agree about Anze Kopitar though, he's been the King's best shooter for a few seasons now and'll only get better but I think he needs to be on a different team.

I never liked Crawford, even when he coached the Avalanche to their Cup win all those years back. Shame that Luongo was injured too. That Italian's a bloody work horse!!! He'd been playing injured since the game last week against Minny too. Here's hoping he'll be able to play in Anaheim next. <fingers crossed>

[beta angel]

Crawford is a blight on the NHL. The guy turned the Avs into a goon team, he turned the 'Nucks into a Goon team and it worries me that he'll have that affect on the Kings. Hopefully, with guys like Blake we won't see it go down again.

Now, i'm not a 'nucks fan, but if you could have one of your defensemen knock that dumbass face off of Pronger, i'd appreciate it. I megaloathe that guy.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Go 'Nucks! :D Good God the Western Conference is always brutally hard! What a fuggin' boring game that was to watch against Pittsburgh! UGH!!! I hate it when they lose in s/o's. :(

At the risk of reviving old news, I had to comment on the Pens game.

ARE YOU FRICKIN INSANE?!? Seeing the current Hart Trophy holder on a penalty shot IN OVERTIME against the Vezina trophy runner up from last year?!? BORING?!?! :p

Crawford is a blight on the NHL. The guy turned the Avs into a goon team, he turned the 'Nucks into a Goon team and it worries me that he'll have that affect on the Kings. Hopefully, with guys like Blake we won't see it go down again.

Bertuzzi/Moore incident notwithstanding, name another point in Crawford's tenure when the Canucks were a "goon team"? If anything they were often criticized as being soft with so many physically smaller players on the team (Sedin, Sedin, Naslund, even Morrison to a lesser extent, etc). Defence side sure, they were big with the likes of Ohlund, Jovo and such, but their forwards were always less physically imposing than most (with the exception of Bertuzzi).

Don't get me wrong, I was never much of a Crawford fan myself either, but I just don't remember a time when the 'Nucks were a goon team.

[beta angel]

At the risk of reviving old news, I had to comment on the Pens game.

ARE YOU FRICKIN INSANE?!? Seeing the current Hart Trophy holder on a penalty shot IN OVERTIME against the Vezina trophy runner up from last year?!? BORING?!?! :p



Bertuzzi/Moore incident notwithstanding, name another point in Crawford's tenure when the Canucks were a "goon team"? If anything they were often criticized as being soft with so many physically smaller players on the team (Sedin, Sedin, Naslund, even Morrison to a lesser extent, etc). Defence side sure, they were big with the likes of Ohlund, Jovo and such, but their forwards were always less physically imposing than most (with the exception of Bertuzzi).

Don't get me wrong, I was never much of a Crawford fan myself either, but I just don't remember a time when the 'Nucks were a goon team.

The Bertuzzi/Moore incident was definitely the biggest thing in his list. Throughout his tenure in Vancouver, he changed that team from a standard, hard playing team into a group of cheap shot artists. There were plenty of cheap shots, penalties taken and the like throughout. It's difficult to point out specifics, but I can recall numerous games against Detroit when guys that are NOT goons now (and weren't before Crawford showed up), did goonish things (Ohlund and Jovo for sure), giving nasty gloves to the face, high hits, cross checks to the head.

He did the same thing with the Avs. They weren't a goon squad until he got there, and granted, you had guys like Forsberg and Sakic that were perfect gentlemen players, but then he used guys like Claude Lemiuex and Uwe Krupp to up the goon level.

It's not the entire team that i'm saying are/were goons, it's Crawfords influence on certain players. He brought a lot of bad juju and goonery to the teams he's coached and I can't stand the guy.

[Illidaan]

Everybody is underestimating the B's. They're not as bad as everbody thinks. That's not to say they're a stellar team, but they're better than I think people are expecting.

Why didn't you beat NJ last night! I was counting on you guys.

At least the Caps came through and somehow pulled one over on the Rangers.

[xXCR0SSF1R3Xx]

Yea the bruins lost last night but they need bergeron back along with tim thomas and they should try and get another veteran to play with glen murray or some of the new guys.

[beta angel]

Yea the bruins lost last night but they need bergeron back along with tim thomas and they should try and get another veteran to play with glen murray or some of the new guys.

They had won 3 straight since picking up Auld (shocking, since Auld is not what i'd call a "good" goalie). They can't win 'em all, but i'll be pleased if they can snag the 8th seed for the playoffs.

[Pedle Zelnip]

The Bertuzzi/Moore incident was definitely the biggest thing in his list. Throughout his tenure in Vancouver, he changed that team from a standard, hard playing team into a group of cheap shot artists. There were plenty of cheap shots, penalties taken and the like throughout. It's difficult to point out specifics, but I can recall numerous games against Detroit when guys that are NOT goons now (and weren't before Crawford showed up), did goonish things (Ohlund and Jovo for sure), giving nasty gloves to the face, high hits, cross checks to the head.

Did you not just see the suspension a couple weeks ago handed out to Ohlund for his two-handed slash? And Jovo's always been a player who's walked that line between tough and dirty (it's one of the things that makes him so valuable, like Pronger).

They had won 3 straight since picking up Auld (shocking, since Auld is not what i'd call a "good" goalie).

Actually he's a really underrated goalie who didn't deserve the treatment he got from Canucks brass. I understand that if you have the chance to pick up a future Vezina winner in Luongo you have to jump at it, but Auld had a great season his last year in Vancouver. Since then he's just kinda floated from bad team to bad team. Too bad, as while I don't think he's an all-star by any stretch I certainly think he could grow into a number 1 role for a decent club.

[beta angel]

Apparently I missed out on that suspension.

As for Auld, whether or not he could grow into a great #1 remains to be seen. I don't feel he's that great of a goalie. His floating around notwithstanding, I need to see more than one season of decent play to upgrade him. That's just me.

As for Pronger...as far as i'm concerned, he should be removed from the NHL period. I loathe him and his entire repertoire of crap. The fact that he retires a Stanley Cup winner, especially after the disgraceful play he and many of the other Ducks showed throughout the playoffs is a dissapointment. There were very few guys on that team who truly deserved to win and I emphatically believe he was not one of them.

He may be considered valuable by some standards, but i'd never want to see him in a Red Wings jersey.

[Pedle Zelnip]

He may be considered valuable by some standards, but i'd never want to see him in a Red Wings jersey.

Neither would I, because then the Wings might start winning some cups again... :p

[beta angel]

Neither would I, because then the Wings might start winning some cups again... :p

OUCH! That hurts, man. heh. :p

[DuckHunt 007]

Actually he's a really underrated goalie who didn't deserve the treatment he got from Canucks brass. I understand that if you have the chance to pick up a future Vezina winner in Luongo you have to jump at it
You pretty much said it, the Canucks were able to get one of the best (if not the best depending on opinion) goaltenders of this era. I don't think Auld got treated poorly over it though. He got the chance to play more ice time and he wasn't going to get that here in Vancouver, especially with that muppet Cloutier here...then again he was injured so much perhaps Auldie would get more ice time, who knows? LOL. Besides, every player knows it's not just a game that they play for nothing. It's also a business and Vancouver desperately needs that Lord Stanley thing-a-mah-bob. ;)

I liked Auld (remember the April Fools Day game where they misprinted his name on his jersey and he played in that game as 'Alud'? LOL) but c'mon...Luongo? No brainer and ya can't feel bad for anyone in the league. They're fuggin' millionnaires bro! LOL.

[beta angel]

You pretty much said it, the Canucks were able to get one of the best (if not the best depending on opinion) goaltenders of this era. I don't think Auld got treated poorly over it though. He got the chance to play more ice time and he wasn't going to get there here in Vancouver, especially with that muppet Cloutier here...then again he was injured so much perhaps Auldie would get more ice time, who knows? LOL.

I liked Auld (remember the April Fools Day game where they misprinted his name on his jersey and he played in that game as 'Alud'? LOL) but c'mon...Luongo? No brainer and ya can't feel back for anyone in the league. They're fuggin' millionnaires bro! LOL.

Auld has definitely been a help for the B's. I mean, checking the power rankings and they're listed at #6! They're actually becoming an Eastern Conference team that people are going to have to worry about. When Thomas comes back, if Auld keeps playing the way he does we might have either a fantastic tandem or a fight to see who's #1.

[DuckHunt 007]

Yeah, but...it's Boston.

[beta angel]

Yeah, but...it's Boston.

This is true, but if they make it to the playoffs, they might be a thorn in somebody's side. I'm not saying they'll win a round, but they could cause some damage.

[DuckHunt 007]

I wouldn't mind watching Boston/San Jose in the finals...not! LOL. A 'thorn' in Thornton's side you say? Hey-o! Taxi!

[beta angel]

Zing Of The Day!!

[B14ck N1nj4]

Has tampa bay finally found a decent goaltender? Karri Ramo made 31 saves on thursday for his first NHL start. Lets see if he can actually make some saves or if he will be an on off thing like holmqvist and denis.

[lozia]

I have a question for you hockey fans. Now, I'm a red wings fan, but we get very little opportunity to watch any games over here. It's like 1/2 a week, which tbh is lame, and every single time its chicago we watch.

So, how good are my team then? this season.

[beta angel]

I'm a die hard Red Wing fan. Right now, we're the best in the league by far. The same questions remain, can we be tough and not pushed around in the play-offs. Since we have pretty much the same core we had last year, toughness is not a worry.

Right now, we're in fantastic position and look pretty good, even in our losses.

[lozia]

That is awesome stuff then :)

[beta angel]

Uhm, no. Sorry. Please try again. I'd take the Sens, Sharks (although admittedly they are underachieving right now), even our surging 'Nucks over the Wings any day. Yes their record looks great right now, but look at the division they're in. The blues are suprisingly good this year, but every other team in their division is average at best. And in fact every team in their division is currently sitting outside of a playoff position (ironically though the wings have a losing record within their division). Contrast that with the northwest division where every team (with maybe the exception of Edmonton) is a potential cup contender.

And as you said -- the same questions remain about the Wings. I don't think Hasek will be able to carry them in the playoffs, nor do I think they are anywhere near tough enough to go deep. Datsuk, Zetterberg, etc all still haven't yet proven themselves as bonafide playoff performers and until they do, the Wings will remain a regular season team (much like the Sens were a few years ago).

Incorrect. The Wings have dominated everybody they've played with the exception of the Blackhawks. Even in their losses, they're outshooting, and generally outplaying. The problem is, in their mammoth 7 losses, they got a few bad bounces and in some cases, just flat out stank in the first period.

Before Z had his back spasms, and for most of the beginning of the season, he was in the lead for the most points in the league. He and Datsyuk both played extremely well through all 3 rounds of the playoffs (and there is plenty of evidence that without bad bounces and some dirty play by the Ducks, they would have been in the Cup). They have THE best net crasher in the league in Holmstrom, the only other person who comes close is Smyth.

Keep in mind, the only division this Red Wing team has had trouble with is their OWN. Every other team they have had great success against.

The ONLY curio currently working against us right now is the fact that Hasek is not nearly where he was last year, but instead we'll just take the best goalie in the league right now in Osgood.

I will take the Wings over every other team and the stats certainly show it. Right now, we've got everything going for us and nearly nothing working against us. Until they're ousted in the standings, they're the best TEAM in the league, with the best goalie in Osgood, some of the very best forwards in the league, One of, if not the best defensive core (which I will take over Anaheim because Schneider is a severe liability and Beauchmin is still not an Elite player) and we have more grit now with a wily veteran in Dallas Drake and the youngin' Aaron Downey, plus the always ****ed off Chris Chelios.


So, i'm sorry, until there is proof otherwise, the Red Wings are the best in the NHL and the only way that's going to change is if they go on one hell of a losing streak or get knocked out in the playoffs. You can take the Sens, the Canucks or any other team, but right now...nobody is firing on all cylinders the way the Wings have.


GO WINGS GO!!

[DuckHunt 007]

Leave the 'Nucks outta of this!!! LOL.

[beta angel]

I Will Leave Them In!

[Illidaan]

This Detroit club isn't an established playoff team. Enjoy dominating the regular season. Isn't gonna' last forever. Just like the two fossils you have in net.

[beta angel]

Those two fossils have the some of the best records in the league.

As for the playoffs, since the cap nobody is an "established" playoff team. Look at the Stanley Cup winners. Random winners throughout the last 4 years, including the year prior to the cap. At least one of those teams couldn't even follow up the next year with a playoff seed.

In this era, established playoff teams will be few and far between because of this.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Those two fossils have the some of the best records in the league.

Of course they do, they're playing on the team that is at the top of the standings. Doesn't change the point that this team isn't playoff proven yet and until it is it's like the Sens, Canucks, and countless other teams of old (great regular seasons, horrible playoffs).

As for the playoffs, since the cap nobody is an "established" playoff team. Look at the Stanley Cup winners. Random winners throughout the last 4 years, including the year prior to the cap. At least one of those teams couldn't even follow up the next year with a playoff seed.

In this era, established playoff teams will be few and far between because of this.

That's a fair point. The age of the dynasty does seem to be over (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

[beta angel]

Of course they do, they're playing on the team that is at the top of the standings. Doesn't change the point that this team isn't playoff proven yet and until it is it's like the Sens, Canucks, and countless other teams of old (great regular seasons, horrible playoffs).



That's a fair point. The age of the dynasty does seem to be over (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).


The Sens I can concede as being 'playoff proven', but I cannot agree with the Canucks. If you're going to say the Canucks are playoff proven, you have to concede so are the Wings.

[GR Jonaninho11]

Go for the Stanley Atlanta.
They are in top shape now.
5-1 over Detroit:o

[Illidaan]

Go for the Stanley Atlanta.
They are in top shape now.
5-1 over Detroit:o

10-1 loss to Buffalo? Come on now..

*And chalk up a 4-2 loss to the worst team in hockey today. No, the Thrashers arent in good shape.

The southeast is a crap shoot. Hell, the Capitals could make 3rd seed in the playoffs. It's either stay first in the divison, or don't make the playoffs at all.

[alex 87]

Leafs finally got rid of Ferguson Jr.
Also, firerichardpeddie.ca has over 10,000 signatures lol

[beta angel]

Leafs finally got rid of Ferguson Jr.
Also, firerichardpeddie.ca has over 10,000 signatures lol

Yeah, it's about time they did. The question is, will Sundin wave his no-trade clause and ditch Toronto in an effort to actually get a Stanley Cup?

[alex 87]

Yeah, it's about time they did. The question is, will Sundin wave his no-trade clause and ditch Toronto in an effort to actually get a Stanley Cup?

Hopefully they trade him to get some draft picks and then re-sign him in the off season. (Like what K. Tkachuk did with Atlanta)

[Pedle Zelnip]

I don't know, unless it's a *really* good chance at a cup, I don't see Sundin leaving T.O.

[beta angel]

I don't know, unless it's a *really* good chance at a cup, I don't see Sundin leaving T.O.

Even if it IS a good chance, Sundin's not gonna go anywhere. He has a severe loyalty to Toronto, he loves it there. In fact, this morning, he stated once again that he will invoke his no-trade clause.

Sundin only leaves by some act of <insert favorite deity here>.

[B14ck N1nj4]

The Southeast division right now is F***ED UP! Hell even the bolts aren't out of the playoffs yet. I mean only 54 points Carolina has? That is just pathetic.

[beta angel]

If the Bolts don't get a goaltender soon, I have a feeling they'll drop their possible playoff spot along with some big names (St. Louis or Lecavlier will be gone by the end of the season).

[DuckHunt 007]

Well they beat the Canucks last night damnit. I give up. :(

[beta angel]

Well they beat the Canucks last night damnit. I give up. :(

Watch for the 'nucks to get a jolt at the Trade deadline too. I have a feeling they're going to pick up some offense, so that the only player on the team that's worth their weight in salt isn't Luongo anymore.

[Illidaan]

If the Bolts don't get a goaltender soon, I have a feeling they'll drop their possible playoff spot along with some big names (St. Louis or Lecavlier will be gone by the end of the season).

Let's be honest with ourselves here..

The Bolts never had a playoff spot this year.

[beta angel]

Let's be honest with ourselves here..

The Bolts never had a playoff spot this year.

You're probably right about this, but with all this "parity", you just never know. Look at Montreal. Who the hell thought they were gonna be...I dunno....good?

[B14ck N1nj4]

Tampa Bay lost again what's new? This is just pathetic now.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Watch for the 'nucks to get a jolt at the Trade deadline too. I have a feeling they're going to pick up some offense, so that the only player on the team that's worth their weight in salt isn't Luongo anymore.

Think so? I'm not so sure (although I agree that they could use the boost on offense). Traditionally Vancouver has never been a "go and get that big name player at the deadline" team (although they have pulled off a few deadline steals in the past).

I don't think it's entirely fair to say that there isn't anyone else on the team other than Luongo either. They're going through a skid right now, but look at the injuries they're having on defence. I can't remember the last time we had our core defensemen (Ohlund, Mitchell, Salo, Bieksa, and that other guy who's name I can't spell, LOL) all healthy at the same time.

[beta angel]

Think so? I'm not so sure (although I agree that they could use the boost on offense). Traditionally Vancouver has never been a "go and get that big name player at the deadline" team (although they have pulled off a few deadline steals in the past).

I don't think it's entirely fair to say that there isn't anyone else on the team other than Luongo either. They're going through a skid right now, but look at the injuries they're having on defence. I can't remember the last time we had our core defensemen (Ohlund, Mitchell, Salo, Bieksa, and that other guy who's name I can't spell, LOL) all healthy at the same time.

I do think Vancouver is going to make something happen by the deadline...I don't know if it'll be Sundin, but I could see them POSSIBLY luring Hossa. I mean, putting him a team with a pretty stingy defense and a goalie that wins them games, Hossa might fit in real well there.

For this season, I do think that Vancouver has been a mid-range team most of the year. Barring injuries, I still think they're mid-range right NOW because they have no offense and they haven't been able to generate much for the last 2 seasons...this is what hurt them in the playoffs, imo. Right now, Luongo is the one that's winning the games for them, not their offense.

[brandiesel1]

I'm so glad the Flyers are back on track after last years miseries. I'm Flyered up baby.

[Illidaan]

I'm so glad the Flyers are back on track after last years miseries. I'm Flyered up baby.

They still need to find their chemistry. Gagne's turned into a bum and is afraid to take a hit or handle the puck. He's paid the big bucks to score goals, and he can't do that anymore.

So this problem with Gagne leaves no big gunner to take the feeds from Briere.

These new lines today should be interesting to see with Lupul returning to the lineup. I feel they will work much better now that Gags and Briere are split up.

Richards centering Gagne and Lupul. - Richards and Lupul are their two most productive fowards when it comes to Offense AND Defense. So they'll pick up Gagne's slack.

Briere centering Hartnell and Downie. - 2 net crashers and board diggers to win the battles for Briere (God knows he can't win them) and let him feed the slot/crease.

I still think they should move Kapanen to a scoring line. He's not the scorer he was in years past, and doesn't have the wheels he used to, but he's still got the veteran expirience. It seems everytime someone gets hurt in the middle of a game and Kapanen fills in on that 1st or 2nd line; he scores.

[beta angel]

Illidaan, I know you're a Flyers fan (BOO!) ;)

Just wondering what you think of the possibility of getting Foppa back. It's between Philly and Colorado and since Philly has a FAR better chance that the Avs, the only way he goes to Colorado is if Sakic can pull some force-like power on him.

So, I see him heading back to Philly.

Good? Bad? Indifferent?


Personally, I don't think he's going to be more than a mid-range player. He's just not able to be the Foppa that was a winner. Of course, he can't HURT...unless he gets injured, which is more than likely.

So, thoughts?

[Illidaan]

beta:

Philly sports writers and reporters are over hyping Foppa in this city and putting false hope in the fan's minds. Our GM has come out time and time again and said that the Flyers haven't even talked to him yet and more importantly: he hasn't even said he's ready to come back yet.

So it's silly to start putting all your eggs in a player's basket that may never even end up coming back to the NHL. And if he's not at 100%, I doubt the Flyers will want him. The Flyers have a few gaps to fill all over their team. They have to choose which one they want to fill in the playoffs.. and a half broken Foppa won't fill any of them, it'll just make them worse.

On Sportsrise this morning they said that he tried on 7 different skates or something at his last Modo practice. If you're trying on 7 different skates at the time when you were 'supposed' to have announced who you were coming back to, you obviously have problems and are second guessing how you'll perform.

He said he'll only come back if he's at 100%. I hope he sticks to that, cause if he's not, I (personally) don't want him. There's plenty of other talent out there that can fill holes. Blake and Sundin are the first to come to mind. Unfortunatly all I'm hearing is that Blake is going to Detroit. Which is just unfair.. c'mon now, Detroit.. share some defensive talent with the rest of us.

[beta angel]

beta:

Philly sports writers and reporters are over hyping Foppa in this city and putting false hope in the fan's minds. Our GM has come out time and time again and said that the Flyers haven't even talked to him yet and more importantly: he hasn't even said he's ready to come back yet.

So it's silly to start putting all your eggs in a player's basket that may never even end up coming back to the NHL. And if he's not at 100%, I doubt the Flyers will want him. The Flyers have a few gaps to fill all over their team. They have to choose which one they want to fill in the playoffs.. and a half broken Foppa won't fill any of them, it'll just make them worse.

On Sportsrise this morning they said that he tried on 7 different skates or something at his last Modo practice. If you're trying on 7 different skates at the time when you were 'supposed' to have announced who you were coming back to, you obviously have problems and are second guessing how you'll perform.

He said he'll only come back if he's at 100%. I hope he sticks to that, cause if he's not, I (personally) don't want him. There's plenty of other talent out there that can fill holes. Blake and Sundin are the first to come to mind. Unfortunatly all I'm hearing is that Blake is going to Detroit. Which is just unfair.. c'mon now, Detroit.. share some defensive talent with the rest of us.

Hehe, as much as I liked Blake...I don't really want to see him in Detroit. Honestly, there are other players. I'd rather see Sundin go (forward, obviously). Defensively, i'm actually kind of hoping Jackman ends up in Motown, that guy would be a monster for our D.

If Blake can play healthy and to the same level he has in the past, he's welcome...I just don't think he can.


I just want to say THANK YOU for being intelligent enough to not assume having a version of Foppa is a good thing. The guy is a shadow of his former self and even at 100%, I don't think he's at the same level he was...he's been out so much, I think he's just done.

[B14ck N1nj4]

Richard Zednik got his neck cut last night when the panthers were playing the sabres. Man, I was watching that on TV, but it is said that he is in stable condition now.

[beta angel]

I just saw the clip on that this morning. It was completely insane how that happened. Talk about freak accident.

I'm glad he's ok. You never like seeing guys get hurt like that....ok, well, if it was Chris Pronger i'd be fine with it.

[DuckHunt 007]

I just saw the clip on that this morning.
No pun intended, hey? ;)

Yeah, that was awful as I too saw only the highlights from that game. Instant gush of blood onto the ice...blech.

Reminded me of that game back in '89 when then-goaltender Clint Malarchuk (Sabres) got sliced in the jugular. THAT was truly sickening.

[Illidaan]

I just saw the clip on that this morning. It was completely insane how that happened. Talk about freak accident.

I'm glad he's ok. You never like seeing guys get hurt like that....ok, well, if it was Chris Pronger i'd be fine with it.

or Sean Avery.

[beta angel]

No pun intended, hey?

Yeah, that was awful as I too saw only the highlights from that game. Instant gush of blood onto the ice...blech.

Reminded me of that game back in '89 when then-goaltender Clint Malarchuk (Sabres) got sliced in the jugular. THAT was truly sickening.



*zing of the day!!*

Yeah, I was regaling my girlfriend with that story this morning after she mentioned the Zednick thing to me. She hadn't seen either and she was pretty damn grossed out by the goalie.

Again, thankfully, they're both ok.

or Sean Avery.

Even though we disagree on our teams in the NHL, let's never fight again. :D

[III SPARTA III]

Florida Neck-Cutter!

[Pedle Zelnip]

I do think Vancouver is going to make something happen by the deadline...I don't know if it'll be Sundin, but I could see them POSSIBLY luring Hossa. I mean, putting him a team with a pretty stingy defense and a goalie that wins them games, Hossa might fit in real well there.

For this season, I do think that Vancouver has been a mid-range team most of the year. Barring injuries, I still think they're mid-range right NOW because they have no offense and they haven't been able to generate much for the last 2 seasons...this is what hurt them in the playoffs, imo. Right now, Luongo is the one that's winning the games for them, not their offense.

That's true, but that's because that's how the team was built. When you have one of the best goalies in the game (arguably THE best) and a solid defensive core you play to that strength. Do they need more production from players other than the twins? Absolutely, but if you trade for a big name scorer like a Sundin or a Forsberg, or whatever, you'll have to give up something pretty significant in return which means now you (likely) don't have that solid defensive core to play in front of Luongo, not to mention the fact that you've upset the team chemistry.

That's why I can see them adding a 2nd line type forward (if he hadn't gone to Ottawa I could've seen Stillman fitting in nicely here) that can contribute, but not the big marquee scorer.


Just wondering what you think of the possibility of getting Foppa back.
.....
Personally, I don't think he's going to be more than a mid-range player. He's just not able to be the Foppa that was a winner. Of course, he can't HURT...unless he gets injured, which is more than likely.

Absolutely. He's no spring chicken anymore and hasn't played a single NHL game all season. Tack on the history of injuries and I don't see him being the impact player that a lot of people think he could be. He certainly didn't do much for Nashville last season.


He said he'll only come back if he's at 100%. I hope he sticks to that, cause if he's not, I (personally) don't want him.

I agree, I wouldn't want him either unless he's 100%. Having said that it seems to me he's holding out for the highest bidder so rather than being interested in a cup run, he's more interested in the quick buck IMHO. I think if he does come back, whichever team he goes to will fail to get past the 2nd round.

[Illidaan]

Is anyone here from Florida and can shed some light on wether or not Jokinen will be relocating before the deadline?

[beta angel]

Is anyone here from Florida and can shed some light on wether or not Jokinen will be relocating before the deadline?

That's a very interesting question and i'm wondering the exact same thing. It's no secret he and the Coach don't get along...I can't see him sticking around.

[PINK NASTY LOVE]

go Blue Jackets!!
Yeah GO JACKETS!

[beta angel]

Yeah GO JACKETS!

Heh, rough one last night, eh boys?

Chicago crushed 'em. Not a pretty sight. I also think Fedorov is going to be traded out of there along with one or two other players.

I'll be surprised if Rick Nash keeps wanting to play for the BJ's (heh), or if he demands a trade/takes the free agency course.

[Illidaan]

Heh, rough one last night, eh boys?

Chicago crushed 'em. Not a pretty sight. I also think Fedorov is going to be traded out of there along with one or two other players.

I'll be surprised if Rick Nash keeps wanting to play for the BJ's (heh), or if he demands a trade/takes the free agency course.

I wanted Rick Nash. Flyers tried everything in their power to trade up for him. =[

How's my man Sergei doing? Isn't he hurt? Wasn't having too hot of a season last time I checked.. I'm pertty sure his contracts up soon. I'd love to see him back in a Detroit uniform his last years. Favorite player of all time, ever since he kicked our asses all over the cup finals :)

*Read in the paper today Modin's off IR. That should help their offensive some.

[beta angel]

I wanted Rick Nash. Flyers tried everything in their power to trade up for him. =[

How's my man Sergei doing? Isn't he hurt? Wasn't having too hot of a season last time I checked.. I'm pertty sure his contracts up soon. I'd love to see him back in a Detroit uniform his last years. Favorite player of all time, ever since he kicked our asses all over the cup finals :)

*Read in the paper today Modin's off IR. That should help their offensive some.

Yeah, Feds has a concussion. He's one of the rumoured for the Wings.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing him come back either, he's still a solid two way player...I don't know that he can be the game changer he was at one point, but he's still got some skills.

I'm, personally, hoping McCarty can prove he's NHL ready again (it's a stretch) and can come back as a 4th liner. It's a little bit of living in the past, but if McCarty's dumped his personal issues and is refocused, he'd be a great help on our 4th line.

[Grugg]

*makes a small and subtle supporting gesture for his Bolts*

[beta angel]

Ugh. Another disappointing loss by the Wings.

Bab**** needs to seriously look at his lines, they're not gelling. I think i'm the only person who sees Franzen/Filpulla/Kopecky as a bangup line that could do some damage if put together.


Of course, i'm probably the only one here who knows those guys. :)

[jackx289]

The injury to Zednik in the Sabres Panthers game was horrific. Hope to see him up and playing again, not from the USA but like to watch NHl every now and then but you never want to see an injury like that, he's lucky to have survived

[B14ck N1nj4]

The southeast division is way too fu**ed up. I mean all teams within 8 points of each other and the teams are all around .500. I guess anything can go in the Southeast. :-|

Congrats to the next person who gets the 100th post! This is the second longest thread in the Sports section! We need 1,000 more to catch up to Soccer!

[beta angel]

The southeast is such a bizarro division to begin with.

You've got 2 of the last what...4(?) Stanley Cup winners and after each win, those teams have fallen apart.

All the teams in that division are pretty much lost in the tussle in the Atlantic. The Northeast is...middle of the road, couple good, couple bad (poor, poor Toronto).

For this season anyway, any Southeast team that makes the playoffs is really going to be a nuisance more than anything for the first rounders.


On a slightly different note: Apparently Detroit decided to play tonight. The downside is, it looks like Lidstrom got injured. We just cannot have that. Lidstrom is the most important player on our team.

[Pedle Zelnip]

So looks like Forsberg has decided that he's not returning. Good riddance I say. :p

Always felt he was a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong, he's a very good player, but not the A-class superstar gamebreaker that many make him out to be. His best years were in Colorado, and he had a pretty awesome supporting cast back then (Sakic of course, Roy in the net, Blake/Bouque/Foote/etc on defence, etc, etc).

[beta angel]

So looks like Forsberg has decided that he's not returning. Good riddance I say. :p

Always felt he was a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong, he's a very good player, but not the A-class superstar gamebreaker that many make him out to be. His best years were in Colorado, and he had a pretty awesome supporting cast back then (Sakic of course, Roy in the net, Blake/Bouque/Foote/etc on defence, etc, etc).

Agreed on all counts.

[Illidaan]

Foppa said he never said he isn't returning for sure. He just wants more time.. again (the last remaining week).

But most teams that were interested in him have probably moved on now or aren't interested anymore. If he didn't come back this week, he's not gonna magically heal up and be at NHL playing capacity next week. He should cut the drama and just say he's done.

On a side note: How about those Rangers? Blowing a 5-0 lead.. just wow. If I were a Rags fan I would have zero confidence in Lundqvist right now.

[beta angel]

Foppa said he never said he isn't returning for sure. He just wants more time.. again (the last remaining week).

But most teams that were interested in him have probably moved on now or aren't interested anymore. If he didn't come back this week, he's not gonna magically heal up and be at NHL playing capacity next week. He should cut the drama and just say he's done.

On a side note: How about those Rangers? Blowing a 5-0 lead.. just wow. If I were a Rags fan I would have zero confidence in Lundqvist right now.

That was a MASSIVE dump on their record. Not only did they blow it, they blew it in a spectacular fashion. Good on Montreal for that win.

[Illidaan]

Lol.. poor Calgary. Flyers just dumped the plague known as Jim Vandermeer on them. I couldn't be happier.. finally got rid of that worthless excuse for a D-man.. but the Flames better put his ass in the minors ASAP. He's good for about 10 turnovers a game in the defensive zone.

[beta angel]

Lol.. poor Calgary. Flyers just dumped the plague known as Jim Vandermeer on them. I couldn't be happier.. finally got rid of that worthless excuse for a D-man.. but the Flames better put his ass in the minors ASAP. He's good for about 10 turnovers a game in the defensive zone.

I can't stand Calgoonery, so i'm fine with them failing. Iginla may be good, but he is such a whiner and a little punk.

[Wings OfForever]

Foppa said he never said he isn't returning for sure. He just wants more time.. again (the last remaining week).

But most teams that were interested in him have probably moved on now or aren't interested anymore. If he didn't come back this week, he's not gonna magically heal up and be at NHL playing capacity next week. He should cut the drama and just say he's done.

On a side note: How about those Rangers? Blowing a 5-0 lead.. just wow. If I were a Rags fan I would have zero confidence in Lundqvist right now.

Yea, that hurt me. Lundqvist f**ked up, big time. :(

[Illidaan]

THE FLYERS SUCK I WANT A NEW GOALIE, BRIERE GONE, AND OLLI JOKINEN IN A FLYERS JERSEY RIGHT NOW! NOW! NOW! NOW!

ok im done venting.. fxcking Biron.

[beta angel]

THE FLYERS SUCK I WANT A NEW GOALIE, BRIERE GONE, AND OLLI JOKINEN IN A FLYERS JERSEY RIGHT NOW! NOW! NOW! NOW!

ok im done venting.. fxcking Biron.

9 game streak, damn. They're certainly having a rough go of it and what in the holy hell is going on with Briere? I love that he signs a bazillion dollar contract had hasn't shown jack for it. Same with the Rangers and Gomez.

Nuttin'.

Tomorrow I get to see one of Detroits most coveted prospects finally get into a game. If you have the opportunity, take a look for Jonathan Ericsson. 6'5", 230lbs, 101 MPH Slapshot and *MEAN*. There are a few youtube videos of him fighting...the kid is going to be a monster. Something we need in Hockeytown.

[Illidaan]

9 game streak, damn. They're certainly having a rough go of it and what in the holy hell is going on with Briere? I love that he signs a bazillion dollar contract had hasn't shown jack for it. Same with the Rangers and Gomez.

Nuttin'.

Tomorrow I get to see one of Detroits most coveted prospects finally get into a game. If you have the opportunity, take a look for Jonathan Ericsson. 6'5", 230lbs, 101 MPH Slapshot and *MEAN*. There are a few youtube videos of him fighting...the kid is going to be a monster. Something we need in Hockeytown.

Briere's quickly learning that you can't get paid 52 million and play like you don't care in this town. He's getting boo'd everytime he touches the puck. He plays absolutely zero defense, never digs for the puck or even attempts to make plays happen. He just glides around and waits for other players to get him the puck. And whenever he does touch the puck, he just dumps it or gets rubbed off with ease. It's obsurd the ammount of money we're paying him and he's done nothing.

Not to mention he's -22.. and at least -23 after tonight's loss, possibly -24. I'm just praying for Hossa or Jokinen in these next 5 days. We need someone to rally the team in these tight games.. that's what Briere was paid to do, and he fails.

[beta angel]

Briere's quickly learning that you can't get paid 52 million and play like you don't care in this town. He's getting boo'd everytime he touches the puck. He plays absolutely zero defense, never digs for the puck or even attempts to make plays happen. He just glides around and waits for other players to get him the puck. And whenever he does touch the puck, he just dumps it or gets rubbed off with ease. It's obsurd the ammount of money we're paying him and he's done nothing.

Not to mention he's -22.. and at least -23 after tonight's loss, possibly -24. I'm just praying for Hossa or Jokinen in these next 5 days. We need someone to rally the team in these tight games.. that's what Briere was paid to do, and he fails.

I think there's something to be said though about the coaching. Your coach has GOT to make him pay for that kind of lax play by benching him for a game, wake him up and get his a$$ in gear.

It's totally unacceptable that he's not putting forth that effort. Sickening, honestly. He was so damn good in Buffalo, and now he's got a bigger, stronger supporting cast and he suddenly can't play? Sounds like that money went straight to his head.

I'm just not on the Hossa bandwagon yet...Although I know Detroit is going for him, i'm just not convinced he's going to be the player everybody assumes he will be. Sure, he's got a great shot, he's a sniper...but his playoff record is dismal at best and he seems to evaporate at the end of the season. Jokinen on the other hand...He's gonna be a great pickup for whoever gets him.

I really don't want him to going to Anaheim. Actually, I don't want anybody going to Anaheim. To be truthful, i'd prefer Anaheim just be removed from the map altogether.

[Illidaan]

I think there's something to be said though about the coaching. Your coach has GOT to make him pay for that kind of lax play by benching him for a game, wake him up and get his a$$ in gear.

After this 9th straight loss, the finger finally his being pointed at the coaching as well. John Stevens is the youngest, most inexpirienced coach in the league. This is only his 2nd year as an NHL coach.. I feel that most of the players on the team don't respect him. Vets like Smith, Hatcher, Timonen, Knuble, Kapanen, probably even Briere.

Last year he coached the worst team in the NHL (us again), and now this is really his first 'proving' year with a whole new squad and he's failing atm. Hasn't been chewing Briere's ass to get him to produce. His lack of coaching expirience is really showing now.. he's an AHL coach, nothing more. It's showed a lot all year, but now it's just blinding. The only reason he was assigned head coach of the Flyers is so young players like Richards and Carter could 'relate' to his coaching style (Because they won a Calder Cup with him). Stupid.

If Ken Hitch**** was never fired (now coaching Columbus) the Flyers wouldn't be having these problems. I believe they'd be a comfortable 4th or 5th seed, if not the 2nd still. The fans loved Hitch****. An old school, hard-nosed coach that accepts nothing more than exellence and hard working 2-way players. He'd straighten Briere out. Hitch****'s the reason Comrie was traded after only 20 games.. he won't have players on his team that don't play defense.

On a sidenote.. I concur.. Anaheim deserves no one else going into the playoffs. They got Selanne back up front and Niedermayer at the blueline. That's enough as it is.. no more.

[beta angel]

After this 9th straight loss, the finger finally his being pointed at the coaching as well. John Stevens is the youngest, most inexpirienced coach in the league. This is only his 2nd year as an NHL coach.. I feel that most of the players on the team don't respect him. Vets like Smith, Hatcher, Timonen, Knuble, Kapanen, probably even Briere.

Last year he coached the worst team in the NHL (us again), and now this is really his first 'proving' year with a whole new squad and he's failing atm. Hasn't been chewing Briere's ass to get him to produce. His lack of coaching expirience is really showing now.. he's an AHL coach, nothing more. It's showed a lot all year, but now it's just blinding. The only reason he was assigned head coach of the Flyers is so young players like Richards and Carter could 'relate' to his coaching style (Because they won a Calder Cup with him). Stupid.

If Ken Hitch**** was never fired (now coaching Columbus) the Flyers wouldn't be having these problems. I believe they'd be a comfortable 4th or 5th seed, if not the 2nd still. The fans loved Hitch****. An old school, hard-nosed coach that accepts nothing more than exellence and hard working 2-way players. He'd straighten Briere out. Hitch****'s the reason Comrie was traded after only 20 games.. he won't have players on his team that don't play defense.

On a sidenote.. I concur.. Anaheim deserves no one else going into the playoffs. They got Selanne back up front and Niedermayer at the blueline. That's enough as it is.. no more.


I fully agree with you about Hitch (I think it's funny the rest of his name is *'d out on the site). Would have been a different team and I REALLY don't think you would have seen any of the suspensions you guys saw earlier in the year. He wouldn't have stood for it. It's a shame that he's going to work with the Blue Jerk-its. I'll be interested to see if they get somewhere next year...like really make a good run for top of the pack. Again, it's that division though...so bizarro.

I don't know about you, but this whole Selanne and Niedes taking half a year off and deciding to play again is bs. If you're going to play, play the full year. You need time off, talk to the coach. It's completely unnecessary and unfair to the rest of the players, especially when you have known impact guys like them, taking off half a year. Everybody else has worked hard to get where they're at, they've taken hits, gotten injured, played and are tired...now you get to have two huge names come in, completely rested, with a majority of last years team intact and knowing they'll mesh perfectly fine?

Some people call Brian Burke a genius. I call him a cheat (even though there are no rules around it..it's unwritten imo) and a swindler. I loved seeing Lowe pi$$ him off to no end by stealing a player.

[Illidaan]

1-0... Panthers score with 3.7 seconds left on the clock to tie it up.. Jokinen (as I called it as soon as they went on the PP in OT to my buddy next to me) wins it with a cannon from the point.. 10th straight loss.. and Richards is hurt now too.. I can't take this **** anymore.

If they don't fire Stevens or snag Hossa/Jokinen/Sundin/Anyone.. I'm selling out to Dallas for the remainder of the season.

[beta angel]

1-0... Panthers score with 3.7 seconds left on the clock to tie it up.. Jokinen (as I called it as soon as they went on the PP in OT to my buddy next to me) wins it with a cannon from the point.. 10th straight loss.. and Richards is hurt now too.. I can't take this **** anymore.

If they don't fire Stevens or snag Hossa/Jokinen/Sundin/Anyone.. I'm selling out to Dallas for the remainder of the season.

I saw that. Ugh.

I'm feeling you're pain right now. Detroit looks about as good as Tampa Bay, which we all know is beyond terrible. Massive amounts of injuries, plus the fact that we have 3/4 of our team is our AHL team in Grand Rapids...just a nightmare.

[Illidaan]

I saw that. Ugh.

I'm feeling you're pain right now. Detroit looks about as good as Tampa Bay, which we all know is beyond terrible. Massive amounts of injuries, plus the fact that we have 3/4 of our team is our AHL team in Grand Rapids...just a nightmare.

Wow, I just checked your injury report.. I didn't realize how bad your defence is banged up. Is your entire blueline AHL callups now? Lidstrom, Rafalski, Chelios, Kronwall, Hasek.. ouch.. that's bad. It makes sense to me now why you hit a skid.

On the lighter side, you have the comfort of sitting with the best record in the West by 16 points (minus the Stars).. so you'll be all healed up in time for the playoffs.

[beta angel]

Wow, I just checked your injury report.. I didn't realize how bad your defence is banged up. Is your entire blueline AHL callups now? Lidstrom, Rafalski, Chelios, Kronwall, Hasek.. ouch.. that's bad. It makes sense to me now why you hit a skid.

On the lighter side, you have the comfort of sitting with the best record in the West by 16 points (minus the Stars).. so you'll be all healed up in time for the playoffs.

Basically, yes. Right now, Lilja and Lebda are our most "veteran" defensemen. Which, although they're (ok, Lebda) is good with his respective partner, they're not much of a core. Ericsson, our big rookie has played some good minutes the last 2 nights and if he had a real veteran to work off of, he'd be great. He had 2 solid games for us, though, which is a good sign.

I do think we'll end up being second in the west if we don't get anything moving for us soon. We will make some changes at the deadline, but thankfully it sounds like Sundin is OUT of the picture. From what I heard last night, he stated he doesn't want to (i.e. won't) waive his trade clause.

I think that Detroit and (randomly) Boston have the best chances to land Hossa (which, to be honest, doesn't thrill me). I'd prefer to see Brad Richards or some other big d-man jump ship to the Wings.

[Illidaan]

Flyers Carnival was today. I went to see the guy thats worked his ass off every game he's ever played in the NHL. 110% every time he steps on the ice, nothing less; Sami Kapanen.

His little section was barren the whole Carnival, I kinda' felt bad. But it worked out because you could stay and talk to him since no one was there. All the other players you had to wait like an hour in line, then get rushed along as soon as they sign your stuff.

He signed my Finland '06 jersey and a few glossy 8x10's I made of him from Salt Lake in '98. He was impressed with my Paul Coffey jersey (Flyers) and brought up playing with him in Hartford which was really cool. I asked him about Nationals and if he was going to play this year. He said it's been 6 years since he played Nationals, so he's not quite sure, but there's a chance.

I was a little star-struck meeting him. I got around to meeting Lupul and Richards, but didn't really think much of it. I grew up admiring Sami ever since he came on the map in Carolina, so meeting a former idol has a bigger impact. I hope he gets to a Cup team in the next couple years.. he deserves one before retiring.

[beta angel]

Flyers Carnival was today. I went to see the guy thats worked his ass off every game he's ever played in the NHL. 110% every time he steps on the ice, nothing less; Sami Kapanen.

His little section was barren the whole Carnival, I kinda' felt bad. But it worked out because you could stay and talk to him since no one was there. All the other players you had to wait like an hour in line, then get rushed along as soon as they sign your stuff.

He signed my Finland '06 jersey and a few glossy 8x10's I made of him from Salt Lake in '98. He was impressed with my Paul Coffey jersey (Flyers) and brought up playing with him in Hartford which was really cool. I asked him about Nationals and if he was going to play this year. He said it's been 6 years since he played Nationals, so he's not quite sure, but there's a chance.

I was a little star-struck meeting him. I got around to meeting Lupul and Richards, but didn't really think much of it. I grew up admiring Sami ever since he came on the map in Carolina, so meeting a former idol has a bigger impact. I hope he gets to a Cup team in the next couple years.. he deserves one before retiring.

That's super cool. I love meeting guys like that and finding out that they're down to earth and easy to talk to.

Last year I got to meet one of my favorite defenders of all time (right now I hate him with the unbridled passion of a thousand burning suns and you'll know why once I mention his name) and he so cool. We met a bunch of random Red Wings walking down the streets of Vancouver when we went to the game last year, but the coolest was meeting Chris Chelios (awesome) and one of the biggest deals for me, Mathieu Schneider. I've been a fan of Schneiders for years, up until this last season. They were all great guys, even though Chelios was a bit crotchety and wanted to go, they were all very forthcoming and cool.

Later, after the game, we ended up meeting Mike Bab****, who was awesome and signed my jersey. Even later on that night, we ended up bumping into both Dominik Hasek and Dan Cleary, both signed our jerseys and both were exceedingly nice.

Congrats on getting to meet Kapanen. That's awesome and it's good to hear that one of those Flyers (boo! :P) that I can completely respect is an awesome, down to earth guy!

[Illidaan]

That's super cool. I love meeting guys like that and finding out that they're down to earth and easy to talk to.

Last year I got to meet one of my favorite defenders of all time (right now I hate him with the unbridled passion of a thousand burning suns and you'll know why once I mention his name) and he so cool. We met a bunch of random Red Wings walking down the streets of Vancouver when we went to the game last year, but the coolest was meeting Chris Chelios (awesome) and one of the biggest deals for me, Mathieu Schneider. I've been a fan of Schneiders for years, up until this last season. They were all great guys, even though Chelios was a bit crotchety and wanted to go, they were all very forthcoming and cool.

Later, after the game, we ended up meeting Mike Bab****, who was awesome and signed my jersey. Even later on that night, we ended up bumping into both Dominik Hasek and Dan Cleary, both signed our jerseys and both were exceedingly nice.

Congrats on getting to meet Kapanen. That's awesome and it's good to hear that one of those Flyers (boo! :P) that I can completely respect is an awesome, down to earth guy!

I picked up right away remembering your hatred for the Ducks as soon as you said "one of my favorite defenders of all time (right now I hate him with the unbridled passion of a thousand burning suns and you'll know why once I mention his name)".. knew it was gonna be Schneider.

I feel you. Having to watch John LeClair throw on a Pens sweater and Lindros suit up with the Rags. It's brutal.

[beta angel]

I picked up right away remembering your hatred for the Ducks as soon as you said "one of my favorite defenders of all time (right now I hate him with the unbridled passion of a thousand burning suns and you'll know why once I mention his name)".. knew it was gonna be Schneider.

I feel you. Having to watch John LeClair throw on a Pens sweater and Lindros suit up with the Rags. It's brutal.

I can honestly say "ugh" on both of those.

[Illidaan]

What the fxck Boston! Haha..

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Boxscore&gameNumber=995&season=20072008&gameType=2

6-0 at the end of the first, Ovechkin with a hat trick.. Ovechkin could get his 60 goals by the end of the night the way this game's going. What the hell's wrong with Boston.. hope we can do that to them lol.

[beta angel]

What the fxck Boston! Haha..

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Boxscore&gameNumber=995&season=20072008&gameType=2

6-0 at the end of the first, Ovechkin with a hat trick.. Ovechkin could get his 60 goals by the end of the night the way this game's going. What the hell's wrong with Boston.. hope we can do that to them lol.

10 - 2! After a 6 game win streak, to lose like this is just a monumental step back. I truly hope it doesn't affect them too much, because I think they've got a chance to get into the 2nd (with a LOT of luck, 3rd) round of the playoffs. They're going to be a tough team to beat, as long as they don't let things like this happen to them anymore.

Just plain ouch.

[Pedle Zelnip]

This one has me shaking my head:

Todd Bertuzzi suing former coach Crawford

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/03/28/bertuzzi-crawford.html?ref=rss

FTA: "Todd Bertuzzi has filed a lawsuit against former Vancouver Canucks coach Marc Crawford, alleging his negligence contributed to Bertuzzi's infamous sucker punch of ex-Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore in March 2004, according to court documents obtained by CBC News."

I used to be a huge fan of big Bert when he was here in Vancouver. I was even one of those die-hards who thought he didn't get a fair shake from the fans nor the media. But I gotta say, suing your ex-coach for negligence because you broke somebody's neck? That's pretty $$$$ing low. Take responsibility for your own actions.

[beta angel]

Bertuzzi is a joke, he ruined his career on his own. Crawford may have said "get him", but that doesn't mean end another players career.

I have no doubts in my mind that Crawford ordered it, he's a dirty coach. Every team he's touched has ended up having something horrendous happening, i'm waiting for it in LA and I have a horrid feeling it's going to involve Jack Johnson because he's so young.

Bertuzzi should be taking responsibility. Stop looking to place blame and attempt to recoup your career. You f'd it up, you deal with it.

Also, F the Ducks and Brian Burke.

[Illidaan]

Bertuzzi is a joke, he ruined his career on his own. Crawford may have said "get him", but that doesn't mean end another players career.

I have no doubts in my mind that Crawford ordered it, he's a dirty coach. Every team he's touched has ended up having something horrendous happening, i'm waiting for it in LA and I have a horrid feeling it's going to involve Jack Johnson because he's so young.

Bertuzzi should be taking responsibility. Stop looking to place blame and attempt to recoup your career. You f'd it up, you deal with it.

Also, F the Ducks and Brian Burke.

Isn't Cloutier back for LA? I bet he could be coaxed into taking off his skate and Zedniking someone with it..

[beta angel]

Isn't Cloutier back for LA? I bet he could be coaxed into taking off his skate and Zedniking someone with it..

Cloutier could be the next Jamie McLennan. Send out the goalie to be the enforcer.

[Illidaan]

I predict in the East:

Boston is out, Washington is in, Flyers move up to 6th, Sens drop to 7th.

1 Montréal Canadiens
2 Pittsburgh Penguins
3 Carolina Hurricanes
4 New Jersey Devils
5 New York Rangers
6 Philadelphia Flyers
7 Ottawa Senators
8 Washington Capitals

[beta angel]

I predict in the East:

Boston is out, Washington is in, Flyers move up to 6th, Sens drop to 7th.

1 Montréal Canadiens
2 Pittsburgh Penguins
3 Carolina Hurricanes
4 New Jersey Devils
5 New York Rangers
6 Philadelphia Flyers
7 Ottawa Senators
8 Washington Capitals

I really hope the B's don't get knocked out, but with their schedule, it won't surprise me. Who do the Flyers have left to play? Do they have a favorable schedule?

[Illidaan]

I really hope the B's don't get knocked out, but with their schedule, it won't surprise me. Who do the Flyers have left to play? Do they have a favorable schedule?

The Caps couldnt ask for an easier schedule. Thrashers and Tampa, easy stuff.

The Flyers have 3 games left, 2 against the Pens and 1 against the Devils. The Flyers are 1-5-1 against the Devils this year, but over the last 6 games they went 5-0-1. 2 of those wins are against the Rangers who have owned the Flyers all season, the 1 OT loss is against the Devils.

In 3 of those games, they've fallen down by 2 goals late in the game. (Isles, Devils, Rags). Came back and beat the Rags and Isles, and got a shootout loss vs. the Devils. We also actually scored twice on Broduer in that shootout, but Biron sucks 1 on 1 and let up all 3. That's pretty damn good and shows they realize it's do or die time.

We lead the season series 4-2 against the Pens, and those losses come from a very injured Flyers core (not to make excuses, but it's true). We're all healed up, so I think we'll handle them fine tonight. A 100% Flyers squad Vs. 100% Pens (if you count Conklin as at 100% and not Fluery) squad, we won 8-2, 5-2, and 3-1. And with the way we're playing, I think we can pull one over on NJ. Not to mention, if the Pens clinch, I'm positive they'll rest Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, or Gonchar for the last game (vs. us) if it won't matter if they win or lose.

Biron also has the 2nd best divisional record out of all the goalies in the Atlantic. Lundqvuist has the first, but we always seem to own Lundqvuist and get him pulled in the first.. then Vallaquette owns us, but that's another story.

B's have (who I believe are still without Savard) have Devils, Sens, and Buffalo left.

[beta angel]

Yeah, I checked the B's scheduled last night, not very favorable. Savard is out for the rest of the season, I believe (including the possible play-off run).

The Sens and the Sabres are beatable, the Devils on the other hand may be more than they can handle.

Luckily, the Red Wings have a pretty light schedule playing the Blow Jo...Blue Jackets and the Blackhawks. I'm hoping they can clinch the President's Cup here with the next game. Stupid San Jose.

[Illidaan]

Stupid San Jose.

Go J.R.! ;D

[Illidaan]

Now I'm not one to blame a loss on horrendous officiating, but my God.. you couldn't pay for a more poorly called game. Scott Hartnell gets intentionally buttended right in the face by Sergei Gonchar and bleeds about a gallon of blood (litterally) out of his face and nose the entire game. No call. Nothing. That's easily a 5 minute major and game misconduct in any other game (i.e. Spezza).

- Mike Knuble ruffed up Cindy with a clean hit.. after he gets up from trying to milk it for a few seconds, he cries to the ref.. THEN that hit became a roughing minor.

- Cindy's taking whacks at Biron after the whistle.. the crimson-faced Scott Hartnell, still battered and bloody skates over to Cindy to clear the front of the net and actually trips falls on his face.. then Cindy goes to jump on top of him and Coburn holds the ***** back... and somehow Hartnell is called for charging.. charging.. for falling.. and Coburn gets a roughing just for restraining Cindy from jumping on a downed player.

5 on 3 for a full 2 minutes right there. Outrageous.

Every Pens goal was scored on the PP. Flyers completely dominated at even strength. Penguins couldn't keep up, so they fell into the 1-4, even when they were trailing by 1 both times. Just waiting and hoping to whine, cry, and ***** their way into a Power Play. Players like Cindy and the treatment they get from officials truely ruins the game.

[beta angel]

Damn. That's a rough one.

We got killed by Chicago 6 - 2 last night. A couple of bad calls but overall, our defense decided to not play. It was sickening.

[Illidaan]

Damn. That's a rough one.

We got killed by Chicago 6 - 2 last night. A couple of bad calls but overall, our defense decided to not play. It was sickening.

Yea, I saw that score, what the hell happened there? Chicago?!

[beta angel]

Yea, I saw that score, what the hell happened there? Chicago?!

Chelios got into with either Kane or Toews, they called him for Cross Checking. Chelios flipped his lid stating that he was gettin whacked and just playin the damn game, when he hit whoever it was, they dove to the ice and *poof*. Penalty. This occurred as Hudler was already in the box. They got a 5 on 3 and as soon as Hudler left the box they scored.

That was followed by 2 other goals that never should have happened. Our defense stopped trying to keep the neutral area neutral and just extended the Blackhawks zone, essentially. The Hawk's were coming right through the middle, getting absolutely no resistence.

6 - 2. Thankfully, we're already in the playoffs.

[B14ck N1nj4]

Aw man, Keith Tkachuck almost got his 500th goal tonight. He's stuck on 499 until next season. So expect it to come early next season.

Edit: Never mind they have another game. I thought yesterday was their last game. So, he still has a chance at it.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Well, so the matchups are set:

Montreal vs Boston
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
Washington vs Philly
New Jersey vs New York

Detroit vs Nashville
San Jose vs Calgary
Minnesota vs Colorado
Anaheim vs Dallas

What are your predictions? Mine can be found in my blog:

http://pzelnip.blogspot.com/2008/04/and-playoffs-are-here.html

I did pretty good last year as I correctly predicted the winner in 14 of the 15 series from last year's playoffs. This year's defintely much tougher to call though, especially in the east the teams are so close.

[Illidaan]

Well, so the matchups are set:

Montreal vs Boston
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
Washington vs Philly
New Jersey vs New York

I did pretty good last year as I correctly predicted the winner in 14 of the 15 series from last year's playoffs. This year's defintely much tougher to call though, especially in the east the teams are so close.

I'll have to disagree with most of your predictions in the East.

Montreal vs Boston

Montreal sweeps EASILY. Thomas has been having the tendency to completely stink up the joint down the stretch.. he's not looking like he's ready for the playoffs at all. Boston barely got in there and was favored to drop out. Easy sweep for the Habs.

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

People give the Pens too much credit. They're a team with no real playoff expirience up against the defending East champs. The Sens have been a complete trainwreck since Glen Murray took over, but I think they'll find themselves again in the playoffs. This series will definatly go 6 or 7 games and could go either way. I pick Ottawa however, and the Pen's trade for Hossa will officially go down as one of the worst ever.

Washington vs Philly

You said Philly's been up and down this season and you don't really see them as a team. Before hitting their 10 game losing streak, they were 1st or 2nd in the Atlantic the entire season, and gaining ground on Ottawa every night to move into that first spot. Then bad luck strikes and the entire team gets banged up (Gagne, Lupul, Hatcher, Richards, Jones, Coburn, Smith) and they're being forced to call up AHL and Gitineau (sp?) prospects to fill in jerseys. This is when they dropped out. And who could blame them?

- Washington had the easiest scheduel in the NHL their last stretch of games. (couple vs. Thrashers, couple vs. Tampa, Florida) By them going on a 9 game winning streak to get in really isn't impressive at all, considering the weak teams they played in that stretch.

- The Flyers last 6 games of the season were all against tough Atlantic divison opponents (Rangers/Devils/Pens). They went 5-1-1 to get into 6th, Beating the Rangers twice and shutting out the Devils and the Pens in the last 2. That's impressive.

When everyone's Ovechkin-buzz wears off and they're back to reality, the Caps will be out in no time. One-man-teams don't go the distance in the playoffs. Flyers have more scoring depth than any team in the NHL. (7 fowards with 20 or more goals, 5 with 28 or more) If Ovechkin gets shut down (which the Flyers have been great at doing all season down at the Verizon Center, 2W-0L), the Caps will be out in 5, if not 4.


New Jersey vs New York

Rangers have owned the Devils all season (7-0-1). Devils do not have the scoring ability in general to keep up with the Rangers and Broduer has been slipping down the stretch, letting up some very soft goals. Although the Devils squeeked in with home-ice advantage, there's really no such thing in NJ. There's more Rangers fans that show up at the Prudential Center, than there are Devils.

[beta angel]

Just because I like to chime in...



Montreal vs Boston

Montreal sweeps EASILY. Thomas has been having the tendency to completely stink up the joint down the stretch.. he's not looking like he's ready for the playoffs at all. Boston barely got in there and was favored to drop out. Easy sweep for the Habs.

I think the difference here is that this Boston team was never meant to make the playoffs. Nobody expected it and I think they want to prove something. Boston was one of the teams picked to finish absolutely dead last in the league, let alone their division. Although i'm a bit biased (I can admit it), I think the B's are going to give Montreal more than anybody is expecting. If Thomas plays the way he played through to the all-star break, Lucic and Chara continue to play hockey like rampaging bulls...they have a good chance at forcing a 6 or 7 game series. Regardless of how the Habs killed Beantown all season long, it's the second season. Anything can happen and I think this one will surprise people.

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

People give the Pens too much credit. They're a team with no real playoff expirience up against the defending East champs. The Sens have been a complete trainwreck since Glen Murray took over, but I think they'll find themselves again in the playoffs. This series will definatly go 6 or 7 games and could go either way. I pick Ottawa however, and the Pen's trade for Hossa will officially go down as one of the worst ever.

Maybe i'm a pessismist, but in this series...does anybody actually care? Ottawa is decimated, I think the steam of Crosby-mania is starting to wear down in light of that silly russian kid in Washington and neither team can really contend against ANY of the Western teams even if they did make the Cup finals. I think Pitt wins, but in how many games, I don't really care.

Washington vs Philly

You said Philly's been up and down this season and you don't really see them as a team. Before hitting their 10 game losing streak, they were 1st or 2nd in the Atlantic the entire season, and gaining ground on Ottawa every night to move into that first spot. Then bad luck strikes and the entire team gets banged up (Gagne, Lupul, Hatcher, Richards, Jones, Coburn, Smith) and they're being forced to call up AHL and Gitineau (sp?) prospects to fill in jerseys. This is when they dropped out. And who could blame them?

- Washington had the easiest scheduel in the NHL their last stretch of games. (couple vs. Thrashers, couple vs. Tampa, Florida) By them going on a 9 game winning streak to get in really isn't impressive at all, considering the weak teams they played in that stretch.

- The Flyers last 6 games of the season were all against tough Atlantic divison opponents (Rangers/Devils/Pens). They went 5-1-1 to get into 6th, Beating the Rangers twice and shutting out the Devils and the Pens in the last 2. That's impressive.

When everyone's Ovechkin-buzz wears off and they're back to reality, the Caps will be out in no time. One-man-teams don't go the distance in the playoffs. Flyers have more scoring depth than any team in the NHL. (7 fowards with 20 or more goals, 5 with 28 or more) If Ovechkin gets shut down (which the Flyers have been great at doing all season down at the Verizon Center, 2W-0L), the Caps will be out in 5, if not 4.

This one is going to be interesting. We all know that Illidaan is a big Flyers fan and knows every thing about who and how they played this year, so I didn't bother reading the above because i'm sure his points are well thought out and fit in line with what the Flyers are able to do.

I do, however, think, that Washington is at a disadvantage. The Flyers have a few guys who have been here before and on top of that, they're just plain mean. Philly can outhit the Caps and work the puck off the boards better. However...and I realise it may sound stupid, but you have to consider the Ovechkin factor. I understand that a lot of people are on Ovies hobby horse, but he can make a difference all on his own. Especially when you factor in how damn well he's meshed with Fedorov. The thing about Ovechkin, which doesn't hold true for Crosby, is Ovie can be mean. He hits, he scores, he's a good all around player. His leadership will determine the outcome of this series for the Caps and I guarentee you the one thing that's completely blinding a lot of people is how badly he wants to win a Cup.

This is his first playoffs and he wants to prove that he can lead this team to the ends of the earth. It's going to be him getting the team fired up and if he's firing on all cylinders, along with Fedorov and Green and a few others....their forward unit is going to be harder to contain than Phillly might think. Again, it's not the regular season so stakes are higher and energy is up. I expect this to be a hard fought series and I do not think we'll see a sweep here. I think at least one of these games will be a multi-ot game.

I'm gonna go with The Caps in 6 (sorry Ill. ;))


New Jersey vs New York

Rangers have owned the Devils all season (7-0-1). Devils do not have the scoring ability in general to keep up with the Rangers and Broduer has been slipping down the stretch, letting up some very soft goals. Although the Devils squeeked in with home-ice advantage, there's really no such thing in NJ. There's more Rangers fans that show up at the Prudential Center, than there are Devils.

I'll be honest. I hate the Rangers.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Okay now that you guys are done dissecting the east, how about some west coast predicitons? :p

[Baypimpin23]

Sharks win the Stanley Cup, that's all you need to know, they're going to beat everybody.

[beta angel]

Sharks win the Stanley Cup, that's all you need to know, they're going to beat everybody.

The Sharks are going to end up getting hammered by Calgary, if they beat the Flames, they're going to be so battered it's going to be a rough go in the next round.

I think the West is seriously up for grabs. I would prefer to see the Red Wings make it to the Cup finals and they have the ability to do it, but it's a complete grabbag.

[Pedle Zelnip]

The Sharks are going to end up getting hammered by Calgary, if they beat the Flames, they're going to be so battered it's going to be a rough go in the next round.

I think the West is seriously up for grabs. I would prefer to see the Red Wings make it to the Cup finals and they have the ability to do it, but it's a complete grabbag.

I think the east is much more up for grabs than the west, there are 2-3 clear favourites in the west (SJ, Det, and Ana), whereas I think probably 6-7 of the east teams could easily win the east (exception being Boston).

As for SJ being battered up by the flames, sure, but that's playoff hockey. Usually the team left at the end is completely black and blue.

[B14ck N1nj4]

Montreal vs Boston-Montreal
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa-Pittsburgh
Washington vs Philly-Philadelphia
New Jersey vs New York-New York

Detroit vs Nashville-Detroit
San Jose vs Calgary-San Jose
Minnesota vs Colorado-Colorado
Anaheim vs Dallas-Dallas

I don't feel like posting my reasons now, but maybe later. Let's see how I do. I need to change my avatar now since the season is over.

[Illidaan]

Thomas looks like a bag of ass in net. It's only game two, but get your brooms ready.

[beta angel]

Thomas looks like a bag of ass in net. It's only game two, but get your brooms ready.

I'll be shocked if they steal one from Montreal IN Montreal.

[DaPenguinPimP]

I was a huge fan on the Ottawa Senators but the way they have been playing has embarrassed me, so when they came to play at my hometown of Los Angeles and LOST, not just loose but a shut out... to the kings of all teams. I am now all Penguins! Go Pens Go They will win the Stanley cup with Crosby leading the way.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Well so far I gotta say that the NJ/NY and Dal/Ana series are shocking the **** out of me. Losing both games at home? Ouch! Especially for Anaheim who are defending champs, they're just embarrassing themselves.

Anybody see the horrible ref'ing at the end of the 2nd NJ/NY game? Absolutely brutal call to give NY the power play, then a complete no-call on a blatant hold against NY. The bogus icing just was, well, the icing on the cake (bah-dump-bump). Some of the worst refing I've seen in some time.

Ottawa really needs to pick things up, as they're being absolutely demolished by Pittsburgh so far. Sure they came back from 3 down in game #2, but they also gave up 50+ shots. You don't win hockey games when your goalie sees that much rubber. I picked the Pens, but I thought it'd be closer than this has been so far.

Right now Montreal is looking like Canada's best hope for FINALLY bringing the cup back home where it belongs. :p

[beta angel]

Well so far I gotta say that the NJ/NY and Dal/Ana series are shocking the **** out of me. Losing both games at home? Ouch! Especially for Anaheim who are defending champs, they're just embarrassing themselves.

Anybody see the horrible ref'ing at the end of the 2nd NJ/NY game? Absolutely brutal call to give NY the power play, then a complete no-call on a blatant hold against NY. The bogus icing just was, well, the icing on the cake (bah-dump-bump). Some of the worst refing I've seen in some time.

Ottawa really needs to pick things up, as they're being absolutely demolished by Pittsburgh so far. Sure they came back from 3 down in game #2, but they also gave up 50+ shots. You don't win hockey games when your goalie sees that much rubber. I picked the Pens, but I thought it'd be closer than this has been so far.

Right now Montreal is looking like Canada's best hope for FINALLY bringing the cup back home where it belongs. :p

The Anaheim game isn't surprising me, actually. The reason being the refs are calling the game as they're supposed to. Anaheim can't play their bs "hard edged" style of clutch and grab crap and we're all seeing that when they can't play their game (the one that's basically illegal at this point within the rules of the NHL), they're not as powerful as people said.

On top of that, they have absolutely zero offense. Defense may win you games, but when you don't score, you can't win.

[Illidaan]

I was a huge fan on the Ottawa Senators but the way they have been playing has embarrassed me, so when they came to play at my hometown of Los Angeles and LOST, not just loose but a shut out... to the kings of all teams. I am now all Penguins! Go Pens Go They will win the Stanley cup with Crosby leading the way.

Oh wow, a grade-A wagon jumping Pen fan. Fits right in with 99% of the rest of them. How do wagon jumpers like yourself look in the mirror every morning? It'd be so easy to start calling myself a Detroit fan wouldn't it..

[DaPenguinPimP]

I didn't wagon jump, pens have been a team I've watched often and liked but I didn't pay much attention to as in players. Deep down I am still sens... I hope.

and we seem to be arguing in both of the nhl threads lol

[beta angel]

Oh wow, a grade-A wagon jumping Pen fan. Fits right in with 99% of the rest of them. How do wagon jumpers like yourself look in the mirror every morning? It'd be so easy to start calling myself a Detroit fan wouldn't it..

Hey, get off of my bandwagon. :P

[Illidaan]

I didn't wagon jump, pens have been a team I've watched often and liked but I didn't pay much attention to as in players. Deep down I am still sens... I hope.

and we seem to be arguing in both of the nhl threads lol

You call yourself a Sens fan, but are rooting for the Pens just because the Sens are losing.. WHATS THAT CALLED EVERYONE? Oh ya, a wagon jumper. You go with the winning hand, because it's easy to do. Real fans stick by their team - you're not a real fan.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Oh wow, a grade-A wagon jumping Pen fan. Fits right in with 99% of the rest of them.

Well, I've been a fan of the Pens since before Crosby came into the league (something about a guy named Mario....).

The Anaheim game isn't surprising me, actually. The reason being the refs are calling the game as they're supposed to. Anaheim can't play their bs "hard edged" style of clutch and grab crap and we're all seeing that when they can't play their game (the one that's basically illegal at this point within the rules of the NHL), they're not as powerful as people said.

Yes, because the refs were so lenient last season when the same rules were in effect and the Ducks won the Stanley Cup. </sarcasm>

On top of that, they have absolutely zero offense. Defense may win you games, but when you don't score, you can't win.

I see your point, but there certainly have been some pretty stingy teams who've had a lot of playoff success in the last decade or so (Calgary when they went to the finals for example). Like the old saying goes "defense wins championships....".

[beta angel]

Yes, because the refs were so lenient last season when the same rules were in effect and the Ducks won the Stanley Cup. </sarcasm>


I think you and I had this disagreement earlier in the year.

I think in every series the Ducks played, they clutched and grabbed and played cheaply all the way through. From game 1 all the way to the Stanley Cup. The refs were letting them get away with murder in the playoffs.

We don't have to agree on that, as long as we can agree on Anaheim should not win another Stanley Cup. :P

[Illidaan]

Well, I've been a fan of the Pens since before Crosby came into the league (something about a guy named Mario....).

I've liked the Capitals since the days of Joey Juneau, that doesn't mean I'm going to start cheering for them just because they're kicking my team's ass in the playoffs. That would make me a wagon jumper - going with the winning hand just because it's winning. Even when it's winning against "your" team.. that's just bad.

[Pedle Zelnip]

We don't have to agree on that, as long as we can agree on Anaheim should not win another Stanley Cup. :P

They wouldn't be my first choice, but they're a long ways from my last choice. I'd rather see Anaheim win and repeat over say Minnesota, Dallas or (sorry) Detroit.

I've liked the Capitals since the days of Joey Juneau, that doesn't mean I'm going to start cheering for them just because they're kicking my team's ass in the playoffs. That would make me a wagon jumper - going with the winning hand just because it's winning. Even when it's winning against "your" team.. that's just bad.

I think you missed my point, you said that 99% of current pens fans are wagon jumpers, and I was just pointing out that since I liked them before they were successful with the current group, that that's not true for me.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Didn't know where else to post this message, so sorry for reviving an old thread. :p

Not sure how many Canuck fans there are on here, but I had to post something after the official retirement of the greatest Canuck of all time -- Trevor Linden.

Truly a classy guy, he is probably the most beloved athlete to ever play a sport in British Columbia. So many great memories of his career -- the game 6 OT goal vs Calgary in 94, the 2 goals against NY in game 7 in 94, game 7 of round 1 the last time the 'Nucks made the post-season, or pretty well any game 7 he played, etc.

I also have so many great off-ice, or non playing memories. The time he came back to Vancouver and they did the montage up on the overhead, the HUGE reception he got, the standing ovation after his last game.

And of course, he was arguably most known for his charitable work, particularly with Canuck Place (a hospice for sick children in BC). Classic Trevor moment: the day he officially announces his retirement he closes out the press conference by donating $25,000 to Canuck Place.

Even though he wasn't a key player this past season, his leadership will be missed by this team. Like pretty well all Vancouverites (and hockey fans living in BC) I wish him all the best in whatever it is he ends up doing.

[beta angel]

After the dismal season the 'Nucks had, i'm not exactly shocked to see Linden go. I never got the impression that he wanted to play anywhere but in Vancouver.

For as much as I dislike the Canucks he was a good leader and a good player. It's becoming more and more difficult to find those types of guys anymore.

[Pedle Zelnip]

After the dismal season the 'Nucks had, i'm not exactly shocked to see Linden go. I never got the impression that he wanted to play anywhere but in Vancouver.

I don't think it was so much the season the team had, but the fact he was a healthy scratch in (IIRC) 23 games this season, not to mention the fact that he's getting up there in years really made the decision easy.


For as much as I dislike the Canucks he was a good leader and a good player. It's becoming more and more difficult to find those types of guys anymore.

True true....

[Pedle Zelnip]

Sorry for the double-post, but if this thread didn't get bumped, it'd die. :p

Well, looks like the expected is happening -- the Pens are already having problems keeping the group together. Hossa has made it official that he wants to test the free agent waters (and after the playoff he had, that's not exactly surprising), and Malone is rumored to be wanting to do the same.

[beta angel]

Sorry for the double-post, but if this thread didn't get bumped, it'd die. :p

Well, looks like the expected is happening -- the Pens are already having problems keeping the group together. Hossa has made it official that he wants to test the free agent waters (and after the playoff he had, that's not exactly surprising), and Malone is rumored to be wanting to do the same.

On top of that, rumour has it that both Orpik and Stahl are unhappy with Therrien and have been for quite some time. Orpik blatantly stated that he won't re-sign if Therrien is the coach, so expect him gone.

Jokinen was dealt (no shock there) to Phoenix (From one bad team to another...I hope Phoenix can kick it up a notch). The Habs are talking to Sundin (I don't see that deal happening, personally). AND, rumour has it that the 'Nucks are shopping the Mutant Twins. Supposedly Ottawa is talking to them and attempting to bring the Sedins into their fold...again, i'm not sure that I see it happening.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Jokinen was dealt (no shock there) to Phoenix (From one bad team to another...I hope Phoenix can kick it up a notch). The Habs are talking to Sundin (I don't see that deal happening, personally). AND, rumour has it that the 'Nucks are shopping the Mutant Twins. Supposedly Ottawa is talking to them and attempting to bring the Sedins into their fold...again, i'm not sure that I see it happening.

Jokinen surprised me only because he's been rumoured to be on the trading block for the last few seasons and nothing ever happened. :p

If Sundin goes with the habs there will be riots in the streets of Toronto (I think the fans of TO can accept Mats going elsewhere, just not Montreal).

I would be *very* surprised to see the twins get traded given the extreme loyalty the team has shown them thus far (and while they are overrated, they're still the only scoring we have). Who knows though. At any rate, I'm not sure I see Ottawa as a good fit for them. Scoring isn't Ottawa's problem right now with the likes of Heatly, Spezza (sp?), and Alfredsson.

[beta angel]

Like I said, I don't think the Sedins will make it to Ottawa, I just know that they've been rumoured to be on the move.

In other news, the worst kept secret in the NHL is finally a reality. The Mullett will be busy coaching and I don't have to listen to him discuss hockey from a commentator standpoint anymore.

Melrose is the new head coach of the Lightning.

I will also say that Tampa Bay showed a TON of class during this draft by tagging the kid brother of Mark Carle (from San Jose), David Carle, even though he was diagnosed with a condition that ensures he will never play in the NHL.

It was a really classy thing to do by the new owners and I have to give them props on that.

[Illidaan]

If Hossa signs elsewhere...

Malone does the same...

and Malkin returns to Russia..

l-o-l. GG Pens.

[beta angel]

I highly doubt Hossa will be back in Pitt. Malone the same.

[Illidaan]

I highly doubt Hossa will be back in Pitt. Malone the same.

Gary Roberts is gone too.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Yeah that one surprised me a little bit, I still haven't heard his reasons why yet.

[Illidaan]

Yeah that one surprised me a little bit, I still haven't heard his reasons why yet.

Because who wants to play in Pittsburgh? Everyone's trying to get out.. they can't take the raw fish smell that migrates from Crosby's area of the locker room once a month. :P

Good luck with Kyle "softer than the stuff that falls off dandylions when you blow on them" Wellwood. Maybe he just needs a different system.. or maybe he's really just that lazy. When I hear about Wellwood, Pavel Brendl always comes to mind.

Do you think the 'Nucks will claim Bertuzzi?

Carter was resigned. 3 years 15 million. Way too much for 53 inconsistent points IMO. He really needs to show he's worth 5 million a year next season. I try to put it in the perspective that Malone will want the same type of money for his 51 points and he got those playing with the best player(s) in the world. Carter did it playing with a sloppy energy player (Upshall) and an ageing garbage man (Knuble).

[Illidaan]

Apparently the Flyer's GM decided to take a nap this free agency..

Jay Bouwmeester better be looking over a Flyer's offer sheet tomorrow..

Tampa has REALLY impressed me over the last couple days.. they are gonna' be something next year. Now if only they didn't fire Tortorella...

[B14ck N1nj4]

They're just making up for sucking so bad last year. I can't wait to go to the games this season.

[OILFAN 79]

Jay Bouwmeester better be looking over a Flyer's offer sheet tomorrow..


I went to the same elementary school as Jay...
My friends dad is a good friend of his dad and got me an autographed picture of Bouwmeester.
He played on a minor hockey team in Edmonton which i played on this recent year.

[beta angel]

The Shocker of the Offseason, I think...

Hossa to the Red Wings. I never saw it coming, never even thought about it.

2 most dangerous top lines now belong to Detroit.

[Illidaan]

The Shocker of the Offseason, I think...

Hossa to the Red Wings. I never saw it coming, never even thought about it.

2 most dangerous top lines now belong to Detroit.

Who did you not re sign to afford him?

[beta angel]

Who did you not re sign to afford him?

Actually, at the start of free-agency, we had about $15 million in cap space. We only signed him to a one year deal, so we can get some extensions done and then next season we'll have more cap space (as it's hard to not see the cap rising) so we'll give long-terms to Zetterberg (who has stated numerous times that he wants to be a Red Wing for life, which means discount) and Franzen.

The only people not officially signed yet from the entire team last year are Drake, McCarty and Downey. Drake is expected to retire, Mac and Downey will both, most likely, be signed for a miniscule amount so we'll still end up with about $3 million come trade deadline if we need to fill any needs.

So, in answer to your question: We have the entire team from last year returning and have nobody wavering right now. Fillpula is an RFA, but is expected to sign soon.

I'm still completely shocked at how this went down. I'm really interested to see how Hossa works out. Like I said, top 2 lines in the NHL will be in Detroit (but that's only on paper).

[Illidaan]

I'll give you the top line in the NHL with Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom.. but definatly not the top 2. Maybe in the West.. definatly not overall. You're forgetting about a lot of powerhouse lines that have been or may as well be running around the East next season.

Heatley - Spezza - Alfredsson. Injuries really killed both Heatley and Alfie last season, but when they're all healthy they're easily the number 2, if not tied for the top line in the league.

Prospal - Lecavalier - St. Louis. Obviously went very underlooked because of how bad Tampa was last year, but played more minutes than any line in the league during the regular season.

Gagne - Richards - Briere? Briere and Gagne couldn't be touched at the beginning of last season. These guys put on a clinic game after game, then Gagne got a concussion and everything went up ****'s creek. Gagne is right up there with the top snipers and goal scorers in the league. If Richard's melds between these two, lights out.

Malkin - Crosby - Sykora? Names speak for themselves.. if only Malkin could perform with Crosby like he does when he plays on his own line.

Then again, everyone thought Gomez centering Jagr was going to just run right over teams. But they were just plain terrible together.

[beta angel]

I'll give you the top line in the NHL with Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom.. but definatly not the top 2. Maybe in the West.. definatly not overall. You're forgetting about a lot of powerhouse lines that have been or may as well be running around the East next season.

Heatley - Spezza - Alfredsson. Injuries really killed both Heatley and Alfie last season, but when they're all healthy they're easily the number 2, if not tied for the top line in the league.

Prospal - Lecavalier - St. Louis. Obviously went very underlooked because of how bad Tampa was last year, but played more minutes than any line in the league during the regular season.

Gagne - Richards - Briere? Briere and Gagne couldn't be touched at the beginning of last season. These guys put on a clinic game after game, then Gagne got a concussion and everything went up ****'s creek. Gagne is right up there with the top snipers and goal scorers in the league. If Richard's melds between these two, lights out.

Malkin - Crosby - Sykora? Names speak for themselves.. if only Malkin could perform with Crosby like he does when he plays on his own line.

Then again, everyone thought Gomez centering Jagr was going to just run right over teams. But they were just plain terrible together.


It was definitely an arguable claim, but what i'm talking about is that the team as a whole. I didn't mean throughout the league we had two interchangable lines that could be #1. I'm talking lines right now. For all the lines you're mentioning their secondary scoring lines aren't as effective. Some are damn good, but I don't think anybody's second line is going to be as good as Detroits (on paper, anyhow).

Does what i'm saying make sense?

As a team, i'm talking about this:

Line 1 - Scoring
Line 2 - Scoring
Line 3 - Checking
Line 4 - Energy

[Illidaan]

It was definitely an arguable claim, but what i'm talking about is that the team as a whole. I didn't mean throughout the league we had two interchangable lines that could be #1. I'm talking lines right now. For all the lines you're mentioning their secondary scoring lines aren't as effective.

Ya, I get what you're saying. That's definatly true for Pittsburgh and Ottawa now.. and although Tampa is very deep and solid now, all-star scoring doesn't go past their first line.

Philly's secondary scoring is some of the best around. 7 players with 20+ goals last season. 8 if you assume Gagne would've reached 20+ (which is a given). And who knows how this Claude Giroux kid will turn out next year.

[Baypimpin23]

Woohoo! I don't know a ton about hockey, but the Sharks got Rob Blake who I know is a great defender and they also got Dan Boyle. Pretty sick, pretty sick indeed.

[Illidaan]

Woohoo! I don't know a ton about hockey, but the Sharks got Rob Blake who I know is a great defender and they also got Dan Boyle. Pretty sick, pretty sick indeed.

Ehhhhh, Blake is a dinosaur and Boyle is incredibly overpaid. He completely drops all his defensive responsibilies at the first offensive opening he finds. Just like Campbell who played like crap in the playoffs for San Jose.

I know a lot of guys that are Tampa fans, and they're very happy to be rid of him. Both for his salary and his tendency to make terrible plays.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Well, looks like Bert's coming back to Canada as the Flames signed him to a 1 year deal.

Will either be one of their best signings or one of their worst. :confused:

And Hossa going to Detroit didn't surprise me all that much. I think everyone pretty well knew he wasn't going to stay in Pittsburgh, and why wouldn't you go to the defending champs who can also afford to pay you top dollar?

Surprised nobody's mentioned Naslund going to NY. Wasn't surprised at him leaving Vancouver (clearly the team didn't want him anymore), and I think NY will be a really good fit for him (he's had Renney as a coach before, and NY's style is less defensively stifling than Vancouver's). Was surprised that they let Jagr go, as I thought Naslund/Jagr would be an awesome 1-2 punch.

And to comment on the "Detroit has the best 2 scoring lines": c'mon, what about Vancouver, we have:

Line 1: Sedin/Sedin/????
Line 2: Some bum/some bum/some bum

How can you top that? </sarcasm>

It's early yet, but I think it's going to be a very long season in Vancouver next year. With the departure of Naslund we have even less scoring, and with the departure of Naslund & Linden leadership really becomes questionable.

And still can't believe they offered Sundin $10M a year. That's way, way, way, WAY beyond what he's worth. Still a great player, but $10M would put him as one of the top paid players in the league which for a guy in the twilight of his career just doesn't make sense. Scares me a bit, I thought after the Mark Messier debacle in Vancouver that we had learned not to overpay aging free agents in the hopes of turning your team around in a season. Perhaps they felt he could fill the "leader" role, but I could think of better players to fill that role than Sundin.

Maybe they just figured since Naslund was going they needed another Swede to keep the "Swedish Canucks" reputation intact. :p

[Illidaan]

Surprised nobody's mentioned Naslund going to NY. Wasn't surprised at him leaving Vancouver (clearly the team didn't want him anymore), and I think NY will be a really good fit for him (he's had Renney as a coach before, and NY's style is less defensively stifling than Vancouver's). Was surprised that they let Jagr go, as I thought Naslund/Jagr would be an awesome 1-2 punch.

NYR loves the dinosaurs. Shanahan, Straka, Jagr, now Naslund. I never saw anything or heard from any fans that the Rags would try to re sign him. It was always assumed here that this would be Jagr's last year with them, so no suprise there.

I can't see who would center Naslund and Jagr. Gomez and Jagr was a complete failure, and putting Drury on there would be overloading the 1st line. Would have to be Dubinsky. Them on a line looks good on paper, but Jagr ran out of gas a lot during the regular season (and would more so next) and Naslund isn't getting any younger.

[Pedle Zelnip]

Well, the mass exodus continues as it looks like Brendan Morrison is headed to Anaheim.

My prediction: next season the Canucks won't pass 150 goals next season.

[Illidaan]

Well, the mass exodus continues as it looks like Brendan Morrison is headed to Anaheim.

My prediction: next season the Canucks won't pass 150 goals next season.

How much cap space do you have now?

[Pedle Zelnip]

Actually I'm not sure, but I'd imagine with the departure of Naslund and Morrison we have a fair bit of room (IIRC Nazzy was making in the neighbourhood of 6M a year).

[Illidaan]

Actually I'm not sure, but I'd imagine with the departure of Naslund and Morrison we have a fair bit of room (IIRC Nazzy was making in the neighbourhood of 6M a year).

According to HockeyBuzz you've got 14 million, and more if you don't match St. Louis for Bernier. Are there any star forwards rumored to being looked at up there?

Demitra maybe? Everyone else high on the FA list is deciding wether to retire it looks like. Vancouver, LA, and Atlanta have A LOT of money left. LA has like 27 million, Atalanta has around 20.

*Edit: lol, as soon as I was done typing this, NHL.com updated that Vancouver matched Bernier.. so 14 million it stands.

[beta angel]

Vancouver is going to have a rough go of it this year. It is completely unbelievable that they would offer Sundin as much money as they did.

As good as Sundin was, he isn't a spring chicken anymore and shouldn't be receiving offers like that. That's just insane. It'll be interesting to see where Sundin ends up. That's for sure.

[Illidaan]

Vancouver is going to have a rough go of it this year. It is completely unbelievable that they would offer Sundin as much money as they did.

As good as Sundin was, he isn't a spring chicken anymore and shouldn't be receiving offers like that. That's just insane. It'll be interesting to see where Sundin ends up. That's for sure.

Well.. they've got 14 million to spend and really no one to spend it on. All the hot FA's are already signed (besides Demitra). Might as well throw it all at Sundin for a year then pick up a few role players too.

Then next year be rid of him and get an early jump on some marquee FA's.

Western Conference question:

Does L.A.'s management ever TRY to make their team better? They've got 27 million worth of cap space left, the highest paid player on the team is Zues (4 million), and all they've done this off season is lose Blake and Nagy. Do they care at all in L.A. anymore?

[beta angel]

Well.. they've got 14 million to spend and really no one to spend it on. All the hot FA's are already signed (besides Demitra). Might as well throw it all at Sundin for a year then pick up a few role players too.

Then next year be rid of him and get an early jump on some marquee FA's.

Western Conference question:

Does L.A.'s management ever TRY to make their team better? They've got 27 million worth of cap space left, the highest paid player on the team is Zues (4 million), and all they've done this off season is lose Blake and Nagy. Do they care at all in L.A. anymore?

LA still has a team? :P

The other team in the West that has me completely confused is Colorado. I've got a few buddies out here who are Avs fans and they're so depressed. What in the hell is going on there?

[Pedle Zelnip]

Yeah especially after all the strong moves they made at the deadline last year. Theodore didn't exactly sparkle in the 2nd round last year, but without him they have a huge gaping hole in net.

[beta angel]

Yeah especially after all the strong moves they made at the deadline last year. Theodore didn't exactly sparkle in the 2nd round last year, but without him they have a huge gaping hole in net.

What do you mean? They have Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft battling for the #1 spot. That's a magic tandem right there.

[Pedle Zelnip]

I didn't know Raycroft went to Colorado, when did that happen?

As for Budaj, he failed to fill the #1 spot the first time he had a chance (after Roy retired), so I can't see him suddenly being a great #1 goalie now.

[beta angel]

Maybe 2 weeks ago? I think it was right after Toronto re-signed CuJo.

Yeah, Colorado is already sunk.

[Pedle Zelnip]

WTF!??! CUJO RETURNED TO TO!?!?!?

Holy crap I'm out of the loop....

[Illidaan]

WTF!??! CUJO RETURNED TO TO!?!?!?

Holy crap I'm out of the loop....

did you even find out that the nucks signed Demitra lol.

[Pedle Zelnip]

LOL, yeah that I did know. Local media tends to make big deals about the dealings of the 'Nucks. :p

Actually it's funny I've been keeping up with free agency season for the most part (I subscribe to CBC's NHL RSS feed), but I just missed a few days there and it happened to be a few days where some big deals happened.

Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

[verytallmidget]

all i have to say is:
LETS GO FLYERS!

went from being the #30 team in the NHL to making into the final 4 teams the next season. sadly they ran into a hot penguins club.

in the end I LOVED seeing crosby crying in the locker room after losing the cup. i will forever have that picture saved to my computer.

i have been playing ice hockey since I was 8 yrs old and been watching it on TV since. Never in my life have I seen a bigger pansy in the NHl than sidney crosby.

honestly, how can pittsburgh make him the captain his second year of playing in the NHL when PIT had so many vets. You dont make a 19 yr old kid the "C" (and yes that means you to CHI, making Toewes the "C" of your club).

I remember reading an excerpt in the Philadelphia Inquier from Mark Recchi talking about sidney crosby: "all he does is cry, non-stop. In the locker room, on the bench, out on the ice; this kid needs to grow up.

i cut that piece of paper out and have it laminated in my room. here is another great example:

game 4 of the eastern conference finals this year PHI vs (arm)PIT

Flyers are losing and Mike Richards is trying to get his troops pumped up for a possible comeback.
who is running their mouth like always, crosby. so what does Richards do? he gets in crosbys face and drops the gloves, and what does crosby do? grabs on to Richard's shoulders and keeps his arms up so he doesnt get hit.

WHAT A PANSY, runs his mouth and when it comes time to back it up, he hides like a girl.

anway, thats my rant about how much i hate crosby. oh yea and another quote from Forsberg about crosby "he is nothing but a little boy playing in a big man's world and needs to grow a pair."

(note how i never put crosbys in name in CAPS and other players were, thats because his doesnt deserve anything.)

next, for all of the people that say crosby is better than Ovechkin....GET REAL.

Ovechkin scores 60+ goals this year.....highlight-reel galore goals, and what does crosby have 28-30? with about 35 secondary assists....I mean come on. Ovechkin scores, sets up plays, and HITS. when do you ever see crosby trying to hit someone, more when do you see crosby ever take a hit....he is so much of a pansy he runs away from them, Ovechkin takes them like a man....like the sport was meant to be played.

Ive played ice hockey from age 8, all the way through NCAA college level as a goalie and ive taken more injuries than probably a basketball player ever will in a lifetime.

and now that has got me started on another rant about how people think baseball, football, or basketball atheletes are the best in the world.....wow

basketball players leave the court crying when they take a slap across the wrist. i took a high stick above the eye and had to get it stiched up on the bench playing against Princeton, and i got back out there and played the rest of the game. i could keep going on and on, but i need to stop

[J RIZZLE06]

yeah, crosby sucks, Ovie is way better, im a fan of the flyers first and the caps second. I've watched Ovie since he came into the league and he is a pure scorer with the know how to play the game. Hes a much more complete player than crosby, other than maybe assists. If he had as much talent around him as crosby does maybe those numbers would jump too. The NHL is trying to make crosby look like this awesome player because they want an american being the face of the NHL, but the truth is, anyone who watches knows Ovie is the man right now, and hes the player everyone wants to see play.

As far as the flyers, maybe we finally found a goaltender this year, im hoping biron can build on what he did last year and turn into a great one. We have been looking for a goalie forever it seems like, and with solid play from that posistion alone, I think they will be a team to be reckoned with next year

[verytallmidget]

yea...Biron was f*in SOLID this year (for the most part) but i def think he will build upon that.

and just an FYI dude, crosby is a canadian, not american. if he was an american hockey player, he wouldnt cry every single game

[Pedle Zelnip]

<sarcasm>
Yeah because Canadian players are so soft compared to American ones. I mean guys like Scott Stevens are pussies compared to Mike Modano.
</sarcasm>

Seriously, you can come up with players from any country who are either completely soft, or tough as nails, nationality doesn't have anything to do with toughness.

It's like the old Don Cherry bits about how Europeans are soft, but since the likes of Lidstrom, Ohlund, and who knows how many others have come along I don't hear him saying that too much anymore. :p

[beta angel]

<sarcasm>
Yeah because Canadian players are so soft compared to American ones. I mean guys like Scott Stevens are pussies compared to Mike Modano.
</sarcasm>

Seriously, you can come up with players from any country who are either completely soft, or tough as nails, nationality doesn't have anything to do with toughness.

It's like the old Don Cherry bits about how Europeans are soft, but since the likes of Lidstrom, Ohlund, and who knows how many others have come along I don't hear him saying that too much anymore. :p

To be fair, Don Cherry is completely and utterly prejudiced. heh.

While entertaining to listen to, his arguments have been (in the past and now), an attempt at garnering ratings. On top of that, most of his arguments are baseless. The only one he had left was that a team with a European Captain couldn't win the Stanley Cup. I think we all know what happened with that.

[Pedle Zelnip]

To be fair, Don Cherry is completely and utterly prejudiced. heh.

While entertaining to listen to, his arguments have been (in the past and now), an attempt at garnering ratings. On top of that, most of his arguments are baseless. The only one he had left was that a team with a European Captain couldn't win the Stanley Cup. I think we all know what happened with that.

I think that's somewhat overstated, sure his borderline racist comments about Europeans are fluff, but he's a smart hockey guy, and oftentimes does produce some good commentary.

As the years have gone by though he's certainly become more "opinionated", and oftentimes strays into territory he shouldn't be (for example commenting on the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan).

[beta angel]

I think that's somewhat overstated, sure his borderline racist comments about Europeans are fluff, but he's a smart hockey guy, and oftentimes does produce some good commentary.

As the years have gone by though he's certainly become more "opinionated", and oftentimes strays into territory he shouldn't be (for example commenting on the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan).

Oh, I completely agree that as a hockey guy he is smart. There is no question he knows what he's talking about as it comes to the game, however, I still think he's a blatantly prejudiced man.

He consistently states (i'm paraphrasing here) that the NHL and the Stanely Cup can and should be only won by strictcly North Americans with little to no European influence. To me, it seems to drive him bonkers when teams over-run with Euro players succeed (case in point, after the Wings won the Cup he stated "Sure, i'm wrong, but I would still take a group like the Ducks with all the big Canadians than the Wings with all of their Euros").

I have a feeling it's more of a protective situation, where he feels a real kinship to the game and thinks of it as "his". He wants the game played the way he wants it played, but the fact is, it doesn't work like that anymore.

[OILFAN 79]

in the end I LOVED seeing crosby crying in the locker room after losing the cup. i will forever have that picture saved to my computer.



I remember reading an excerpt in the Philadelphia Inquier from Mark Recchi talking about sidney crosby: "all he does is cry, non-stop. In the locker room, on the bench, out on the ice; this kid needs to grow up.

i cut that piece of paper out and have it laminated in my room.



you should upload that stuff i would love to see it.

[Illidaan]

Yo Pedle.. the Nucks message board is on crack. Really.. this trade proposal was forwarded to the Flyers message board..

Coburn - 6'5", 220 lbs, age 23 - 36 points + 17
Carter - 6'3", 200 lbs, age 23 - 53 points + 6

for

Edler - 6'3", 220 lbs, age 22 - 20 points + 6
Raymond - 6'0", 182 lbs, age 22 - 21 points + 1
1st
3rd



That's just ridiculous. Paul Holmgrem would laugh his ass off if the Nucks came to Philly with that offer.


The Canadian Press also reported:

"Sundin, who recorded 78 points (32-46) last season, has no interest in returning to the Leafs, nor does he have interest in joining Montreal or Vancouver, which has offered a two-year, $20-million deal.

According to the report, Philadelphia is also in the mix, with GM Paul Holmgren aggressively pursuing the first-line centre."

Flyers would be forced to unload way more than Sundin's worth at this point so I don't know where these guys are getting their info. However, if someone would be crazy enough to take Briere's contract off our hands, I'd welcome Sundin with open arms..

[beta angel]

Sundin came out the other night, told the Leafs that he's not interested in playing for them but he IS interested in playing for...


The Rangers.


Sundin wants to go to Broadway.

[sokkasinstincts]

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sports/nhl2k9/news.html?sid=6195406


Fighting also makes the transition to the Wii. The controls work similar to shooting; swinging the Wii Remote forward results in a weak punch, whereas holding the B button prior to a swing results in a stronger punch. The added element here is that you must also maintain your player's balance by rotating the Nunchuk when needed.

Hell yes.

[Pedle Zelnip]

He consistently states (i'm paraphrasing here) that the NHL and the Stanely Cup can and should be only won by strictcly North Americans with little to no European influence.

I'd go one further: he consistently states that the Cup should only be won by Canadians with little to no non-Canadian influence.


I have a feeling it's more of a protective situation, where he feels a real kinship to the game and thinks of it as "his". He wants the game played the way he wants it played, but the fact is, it doesn't work like that anymore.

Bang on, he's the loudest of the "hockey is Canada's game dammit" types. Thing is though that it's no longer strictly "Canada's game" anymore.

[AceBD]

I agree with pedle. It is the same with basketball and baseball no longer being America's sports.

[beta angel]

I'd go one further: he consistently states that the Cup should only be won by Canadians with little to no non-Canadian influence.



Bang on, he's the loudest of the "hockey is Canada's game dammit" types. Thing is though that it's no longer strictly "Canada's game" anymore.

Agreed on both counts.

[Pedle Zelnip]

I agree with pedle. It is the same with basketball and baseball no longer being America's sports.

I don't know after seeing the "Redeem Team's" peformance in Beijing I'd still say the US has a pretty good hold on basketball. :p

[Illidaan]

I agree with pedle. It is the same with basketball and baseball no longer being America's sports.

How are basketball and baseball no longer America's sports...

[Illidaan]

Let's hear it for Joe Sakic signing on for one more year to the Avs. I can definatly see them riding Raycroft all the way to the Cup finals, anyone else?

[beta angel]

Let's hear it for Joe Sakic signing on for one more year to the Avs. I can definatly see them riding Raycroft all the way to the Cup finals, anyone else?

On NHL '09 with the difficulty turned down to Rookie and every other team in the league having monumental injuries, yes.

I could see that.

[Pedle Zelnip]

LOL..... Yeah they aren't going far, but who cares, one of the classiest and greatest players in the game is coming back for another year. (gotta give him some love, I was born in his hometown) :p

[beta angel]

LOL..... Yeah they aren't going far, but who cares, one of the classiest and greatest players in the game is coming back for another year. (gotta give him some love, I was born in his hometown) :p

This is true, this is true. I still hate the Avalanche. :p

[Pedle Zelnip]

This is true, this is true. I still hate the Avalanche. :p

Given who your favourite team is, I'd never have guessed that. :p

[Pedle Zelnip]

Well the exodus in Leaf-land continues: McCabe and 4th rnd pick to Panthers for Mike Van Ryn.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/09/02/mccabe-trade-panthers.html?ref=rss

Don't know much about Van Ryn, but this seems like a steal to me for the Panthers. McCabe is a *solid* blueliner who I think really had enough of the T.O. media and spotlight.

[Illidaan]

Well the exodus in Leaf-land continues: McCabe and 4th rnd pick to Panthers for Mike Van Ryn.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/09/02/mccabe-trade-panthers.html?ref=rss

Don't know much about Van Ryn, but this seems like a steal to me for the Panthers. McCabe is a *solid* blueliner who I think really had enough of the T.O. media and spotlight.

Why do players want to go to Florida.. golf? They know they're not going anywhere.

Tampa picked up Andre Mesjaros btw. I'm excited to see them play next year. Been a good 4 years since it's been worth watching Tampa take the ice. ^_^

[Pedle Zelnip]

Why do players want to go to Florida.. golf? They know they're not going anywhere.

Well in McCabe's defense, it's not like Toronto was going to win the Stanley Cup anytime soon either, and after 8 years in the media spotlight that is T.O. and the constant scrutiny that comes with it, I'm sure the relative anonymity of Florida will be a welcome change for him.


Tampa picked up Andre Mesjaros btw. I'm excited to see them play next year. Been a good 4 years since it's been worth watching Tampa take the ice. ^_^

Yeah they're looking like a much improved team this year, will be interesting to see how they do. Amazing what a change of ownership can do eh?

Other minor deal that involves my team: Canucks send Ryan Shannon to Ottawa for Lawrence Nycholat (a defenseman). This one has me puzzled a bit, not that Shannon was going to do much for us, but we're already rather deep on the blueline. Shannon wasn't going to have any 30 goal seasons anytime soon, but he was a good skating forward who might've grown into a secondary scoring role and helped the anemic offense that is the Vancouver Canucks.

[Illidaan]

Ok.. I saw on TSN "Tampa signs RFA Meszaros". I didn't know he was a RFA.. so I said okay, good pickup, they didn't say for who though..

I was talkin about it with my buddy who's from Tampa, he tells me Tampa traded Kuba, Picard, AND their 1st round pick in '09 for Meszaros. Anyone else think that was an awful deal unless Meszaros can really explode next season?

[Pedle Zelnip]

Yeah that sounds like an awfully steep price to pay for Meszaros.

[Illidaan]

Traded Boyle, Kuba, Lukowich, Picard.

Aquired Meszaros.

Best defense is a good offense?

[Pedle Zelnip]

I think it's more like "we need to put butts in seats and offense sells".

[Baypimpin23]

Don't know much about the NHL except Nabakov should've won the award for best goaltender. Don't know what it's called. That and the Sharks will win the Stanley Cup this year. GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Illidaan]

Don't know much about the NHL except Nabakov should've won the award for best goaltender. Don't know what it's called. That and the Sharks will win the Stanley Cup this year. GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I predict:

Nabakov will play tremedous, Vezina worthy hockey, but the rest of the team will fail to carry their weight in the end. Sharks leave the playoffs in the semis or conference finals. However, Nabakov will take home the Vezina.

I hope I'm wrong so JR can get a Cup and retire. Unless it's against the Flyers in the finals, then he can wait another year. ^_^

[beta angel]

I predict:

Nabakov will play tremedous, Vezina worthy hockey, but the rest of the team will fail to carry their weight in the end. Sharks leave the playoffs in the semis or conference finals. However, Nabakov will take home the Vezina.

I hope I'm wrong so JR can get a Cup and retire. Unless it's against the Flyers in the finals, then he can wait another year. ^_^

Agreed, although JR is one of those players I really don't care about in the "Cup" sense.

The Sharks will, most likely, fall in the Semis. There are too many teams in the West that are contenders and I just don't think the Sharks can keep up the pace needed.

Of course, I live in the world where Detroit should have won every Stanley Cup from 1997 on, so...:p

[Pedle Zelnip]

The Sharks will, most likely, fall in the Semis. There are too many teams in the West that are contenders and I just don't think the Sharks can keep up the pace needed.

Of course, I live in the world where Detroit should have won every Stanley Cup from 1997 on, so...:p

SJ has been my start of season pick to win the cup the last 3 season's running. I think they're actually going to take a step backward this year. I think Nabokov will have another stellar year, probably almost as good as last season but not quite. Thornton will have another good regular season, but falter in the playoffs and I think they won't get past the 2nd round.

Since we're on the "make our predictions for the year" run, I'll go with mine (Vancouver focused of course):

Obviously the Canucks are in a rebuilding stage with so many key players retiring, leaving, or being traded. The lack of a bonafide scorer (Demitra notwithstanding) is a problem. I think Demitra's an excellent signing, should fit in well with the twins, or as a key guy on a secondary line, but we are even weaker on offense this season than last (he will make up for the departure of Naslund, but not Morrison), and thus I think our goals for will drop from last year's paltry 213 GF. I wouldn't be surprised to see offense drop below the 200 goals for mark.

There are a couple of potential surprises though. Kessler had a career year last season, and he may very well inch closer to that 30-goal plateau. This may be a make it or break it season for Taylor Pyatt, after having such a promising start in his Vancouver career playing with the twins, he became largely invisible for the team as last season wore on. He needs to find a consistent and effective role on this team.

At any rate, defense of course is another story and is this team's strength (as has been the case the last couple seasons). With the lack of offense, there will be an even greater emphasis on defensive hockey, and as such A) GA should improve, and B) Luongo will return to form (not that he was awful last season by any means). I will be very surprised if he doesn't end up a Vezina nominee again. He's entering his prime years, and I think after the disappointing finish to last season will have something to prove.

As for playoffs, I think we're on the cusp. Might squeak in, or might miss the postseason AGAIN. We're in arguably the toughest division in the West, and I think that has hurt us. So I'll go out on a limb and say we'll make the playoffs, but barely.

All-in-all though, as much as I go on about the offensive woes, I think the real area this team is going to be lacking in is leadership. With both the official Captain (Naslund) and the unofficial leader (Linden) from last season departing, there isn't really any obvious choice as to who will fill that void. Right now rumours are picking Willie Mitchell as the favourite, but with all respect to Willie who is a solid D-man and a key part of the Canucks defensive core, he's not the kind of guy who strikes me as someone who can carry a team on his shoulders.

Okay now it's your guys' turn. Predictions for Philly & Detroit? :)

[beta angel]

Okay now it's your guys' turn. Predictions for Philly & Detroit? :)

You'll have to forgive me in that i'm still heavily medicated from having my wisdom teeth out, so I may not make a lot of sense.

My prediction is Detroit will be back in the Stanley Cup finals. I can't say they'll win because the East, for me, is a serious tossup.

Detroit retained nearly the entire team from last year, they added a serviceable backup goalie in Ty Conklin, they still have Jimmy Howard who can (and may surprise) and the rejuvinated Chris Osgood.

We added, yet another, premier player in Marian Hossa which (assuming guys like Fil and Mule keep playing the way they did the entire season) means we have arguably the two top lines in the entire NHL. We have a 3rd line, which has been grindin' for years and with additions like Abdelkader, we're set for our top 3.

We have a few new guys that I have been just excited as hell to see get on the team, one of them being Jonathon Ericsson, who is a huge converted from forward to d-man. Stuart and Kronwall are back and of course, the all-star duo of Lidstrom and Rafalski.

If the Red Wings stay healthy, they are, in my opinion, the toughest team in the West and arguably in the league. Everybody has learned that the Wings can play physical, they can play with style, they have the defense and the goaltending.

I am very confident that the Wings will be set for the next few years to make their perennial post-season runs long ones. I think this year may be the year for back to back wins.

[Illidaan]

The Flyer's are a better team then they were last year, no question. They filled their holes on defense letting Smith go and placing Hatcher on LTIR.

I love both Smith and Hatcher, but come the end of the season and into the playoffs, both of them were so banged up (knee's, legs, feet.) with no time to recover that they turned into scary pilons. And Jaroslav Modry made me want to cry.. I didn't think they could get any worse than Jim Vandermeer when they traded for him, but they did.. he... is.. so.. bad. Good riddance to that waste of space.

They aquired defenders this offseason, giving them the defensive depth they really needed. Vaananen and Eminger will replace Hatcher and Smith, and they still have a bunch of other new NHL-ready youngsters that will play for the Phantoms just in case someone goes down. Picked up Syvret from Edmonton, too.. don't know much about him though. They also have a very deep defensive farm over in Europe that I didn't even know about, but are keeping them over there one more year.

Claude Giroux will be starting his rookie year (or so it's expected), and hopefully a Calder Trophy year. A healthy (?) Simon Gagne would've really put the Flyers over the top last season, as he would to any team. He'll be returning, and if he's truely in the best shape of his life right now like he says he is, I expect nothing less than 35 goals from him this year. There's no reason why he shouldn't score 45+ playing with Briere though. 50 would be nice. :)

Kapanen and Dowd were replaced by Metropolit and Asham. Solid 4th line (or 3rd line for Metropolit if they move Briere to a wing) pickups to replace who they lost. Although no one can replace Sami's heart and hustle! :(

Carter can be a game breaking if he shows up. When he shows up, he's a monster. When he doesn't, you wouldn't even have known he was playing. Hopefully 5 million bucks will put a little more consistent jump in his step. Still, 30 goals, 50-some points isn't bad for a 3rd line center. I'm sure he'll be 2nd line center next season, with better wingers.


But in the end it doesn't even matter what happens, because it's all a big competition to see who gets to lose to Detroit in the finals.

End result: The Flyers beat Montreal (again) and expose Carey Price's glove hand some more to move onto the SCF and lose to Detroit in 5 games.

*600th post, wooo.

[beta angel]

The Flyer's are a better team then they were last year, no question. They filled their holes on defense letting Smith go and placing Hatcher on LTIR.

I love both Smith and Hatcher, but come the end of the season and into the playoffs, both of them were so banged up (knee's, legs, feet.) with no time to recover that they turned into scary pilons. And Jaroslav Modry made me want to cry.. I didn't think they could get any worse than Jim Vandermeer when they traded for him, but they did.. he... is.. so.. bad. Good riddance to that waste of space.

They aquired defenders this offseason, giving them the defensive depth they really needed. Vaananen and Eminger will replace Hatcher and Smith, and they still have a bunch of other new NHL-ready youngsters that will play for the Phantoms just in case someone goes down. Picked up Syvret from Edmonton, too.. don't know much about him though. They also have a very deep defensive farm over in Europe that I didn't even know about, but are keeping them over there one more year.

Claude Giroux will be starting his rookie year (or so it's expected), and hopefully a Calder Trophy year. A healthy (?) Simon Gagne would've really put the Flyers over the top last season, as he would to any team. He'll be returning, and if he's truely in the best shape of his life right now like he says he is, I expect nothing less than 35 goals from him this year. There's no reason why he shouldn't score 45+ playing with Briere though. 50 would be nice. :)

Kapanen and Dowd were replaced by Metropolit and Asham. Solid 4th line (or 3rd line for Metropolit if they move Briere to a wing) pickups to replace who they lost. Although no one can replace Sami's heart and hustle! :(

Carter can be a game breaking if he shows up. When he shows up, he's a monster. When he doesn't, you wouldn't even have known he was playing. Hopefully 5 million bucks will put a little more consistent jump in his step. Still, 30 goals, 50-some points isn't bad for a 3rd line center. I'm sure he'll be 2nd line center next season, with better wingers.


But in the end it doesn't even matter what happens, because it's all a big competition to see who gets to lose to Detroit in the finals.

End result: The Flyers beat Montreal (again) and expose Carey Price's glove hand some more to move onto the SCF and lose to Detroit in 5 games.

*600th post, wooo.


Metropolit is a lot better than people give him credit for. I think you guys got a steal in picking him up. He was one of the bright spots in Boston and I know that B's fans are going to miss him.

I'm glad to see Kapanen returning, for some reason I thought he was going to call it quits due to injury or something (I might just be on a lot of drugs...oh, wait...I am!), but I always liked him.

[Illidaan]

Metropolit is a lot better than people give him credit for. I think you guys got a steal in picking him up. He was one of the bright spots in Boston and I know that B's fans are going to miss him.

I was very happy with the signing. And for only 1 million a year, you can't beat it. I hope to see him centering the 3rd line, not the 4th. I think he'll fit in perfect with the Flyers and grow into a fan favorite. I always appreciate the safe, mistake-free players that bust their hump every shift. Regardless of putting up points. It'd be sweet if he could build on his career season last year point wise.

What line was he on last year? Were his linemates any good?


I'm glad to see Kapanen returning, for some reason I thought he was going to call it quits due to injury or something (I might just be on a lot of drugs...oh, wait...I am!), but I always liked him.

He retired from the NHL to play a couple years with KalPa and leave the sport on a positive note. Not a 4th line, 8 points a season note. Even though he was one of the best penalty killers on the roster and that clutch "last minute of the game, we can't let them score" go-to guy.

[beta angel]

I was very happy with the signing. And for only 1 million a year, you can't beat it. I hope to see him centering the 3rd line, not the 4th. I think he'll fit in perfect with the Flyers and grow into a fan favorite. I always appreciate the safe, mistake-free players that bust their hump every shift. Regardless of putting up points. It'd be sweet if he could build on his career season last year point wise.

What line was he on last year? Were his linemates any good?


He actually took over Savards spot on the first line when Savard got injured. He's definitely not a first line center, but he definitely worked his butt off and is damn versatile. He's got a good head on his shoulders and can make some nice plays...I think he's absolutely one of those guys who will put out 100% at all times.

Metropolit really excelled in the PK. He spent a lot of time with PJ Axelsson and they meshed really well together.

Overall, I think you guys got a good pick up.

[Pedle Zelnip]

You'll have to forgive me in that i'm still heavily medicated from having my wisdom teeth out, so I may not make a lot of sense.

Ouch, I feel for ya, I went through that myself a few years back. Not fun.


I am very confident that the Wings will be set for the next few years to make their perennial post-season runs long ones. I think this year may be the year for back to back wins.

Certainly they are the team to beat in the west. Hossa was a great pickup for them. The only question-mark for me is whether or not Osgood can keep the same form he showed in the post-season up. He is a year younger at a position that isn't kind to those whose reflexes are slowed with the passage of time. If he does play solid, then the Wings will be near unstoppable, if not, then they'll still be tough, but very beatable. We'll see.

The Flyer's are a better team then they were last year, no question. They filled their holes on defense letting Smith go and placing Hatcher on LTIR.

Yeah, I really was a fan of Smith when he was in Edmonton, but you could see that he wasn't as effective as he used to be. I've never been a fan of Hatcher, even during his "glory" years in Dallas.


But in the end it doesn't even matter what happens, because it's all a big competition to see who gets to lose to Detroit in the finals.

Ain't that the truth.


*600th post, wooo.

I just had my 2,000th the other day, so you got a ways to go mate. ;) Guess I'm just chatty.

Kidding aside, congrats. :)

[Illidaan]

I just had my 2,000th the other day, so you got a ways to go mate. ;) Guess I'm just chatty.


ya, I haven't bought a new 360 game since CoD4. And since the week that came out, just stopped playing 360 alltogether. Haven't had anything to post except for in this thread. :)

But after almost a year and a half, I've finally completed BF2.. so now that that painful roadblock is gone, I think I'll start buying games again..

[Pedle Zelnip]

Hmm, RSV2 appears in your recent games played list, and it came out after CoD4.... :p

And yeah, I'm sure buying some games is in your future now that NHL 09 is out (or out shortly).

[Illidaan]

Hmm, RSV2 appears in your recent games played list, and it came out after CoD4.... :p

And yeah, I'm sure buying some games is in your future now that NHL 09 is out (or out shortly).

Ah, touche, I forgot about RSV2. That's another one I sold immedietly after getting all the achieves while it's value was still near face.

In hockey news.. Chelios back for another season. What do you think beta, does he still have another year left in the tank?

I guess it doesn't really matter since they signed Stuart and their 5-6 D pairing looked great in the playoffs. Who will take a backseat for Chelios next season? Or will they run 7 D? Or will Chelios be off and on?

[MPallen23]

I've been reading a few posts on here, and I am a die hard coyotes fan through and through even tho they have let me down in the past, thats apparent, but this year we added Olli Jokinen to the line with Doan, and Mueller an outstanding rookie going into his second season, and I think that this team will go far this season. Last year was a building year for the coyotes, and now it's gonna pay out in the end!

[Illidaan]

I've been reading a few posts on here, and I am a die hard coyotes fan through and through even tho they have let me down in the past, thats apparent, but this year we added Olli Jokinen to the line with Doan, and Mueller an outstanding rookie going into his second season, and I think that this team will go far this season. Last year was a building year for the coyotes, and now it's gonna pay out in the end!

Far.. into the playoffs? Or just in the standings compared to last season.

Gave up some good looking defenders for Jokinen. Do the Coyotes have depth on the blue line to make up for it?

[MPallen23]

Far.. into the playoffs? Or just in the standings compared to last season.

Gave up some good looking defenders for Jokinen. Do the Coyotes have depth on the blue line to make up for it?
No I know they gave up some good defensemen, but adding olli to the main line adds another lead scorer for the team, they did good by getting him, and at the draft they got some of the top defensemen in the draft, granted haven't seen them in action yet, but they are going places. No I mean they are getting in the playoffs this year, it's a step by step process. Since they were almost in it last year I expect nothing less of these guys now, but at least we still have Jovo, and carcillo might as well be defense cuz the guy is a lil firecracker that gets under your skin and gets guys into the pen box, but he is also in it alot too, hopefully this year will be diff with him in it less, and others in it more because of him.

[beta angel]

Ah, touche, I forgot about RSV2. That's another one I sold immedietly after getting all the achieves while it's value was still near face.

In hockey news.. Chelios back for another season. What do you think beta, does he still have another year left in the tank?

I guess it doesn't really matter since they signed Stuart and their 5-6 D pairing looked great in the playoffs. Who will take a backseat for Chelios next season? Or will they run 7 D? Or will Chelios be off and on?

Chelios is a character guy, at this point. He's there to show guys like Ericsson, the RIGHT way to play defense. I think he's still got the gas to play his limited amount and that he can still be a *good* (not great) d-man. He'll come in handy during the playoffs, calming guys down making sure the new D-men know what's coming.

Holland basically told Chelios that is role is going to be extremely limited because they DO want to bring up some of their guys from Grand Rapids (Ericsson, Meech and Quincy...I think Quincy, if not both he and Meech have to play in the NHL this year or must clear waivers, which they won't) to get them the experience they need. He may get more playtime during the playoffs, but not much.

Like I said, he's serviceable as a d-man at this point, but he has so much experience and understanding of how todays game works, that he's invaluable to our rookies and 2nd year guys.


Pedle, as for Osgood, you're dead on. If Ozzie plays like he did this year, we're gonna be fine. If not...Thankfully, his game completely was retooled, he's 10x better at the butterfly NOW than he was in 1998. However, it's also been 10 years and now he's sharing the net with Ty Conklin...not Dominik Hasek. Conklin is quite serviceable, but it's Ozzies role. He's gotta be on top of his game.

[Illidaan]

Before anyone brings up the Habs getting beefy with the addition of Tangauy, now Lang.. let's face it, in the end.. Price's horrendous glove hand will be the downfall of them.

[Pedle Zelnip]

I don't know, I never really thought the addition of Tanguay was a great fit. He's always struck me as rather overrated, and I never really thought of the Habs as being an offensively-struggling team to begin with.

But yeah, at any rate goaltending is still the big question mark in Montreal.

[Illidaan]

Where's Schneider gonna end up?

[beta angel]

Where's Schneider gonna end up?

In "I don't give a rats as$" land.

I'm quite thankful that, at this point, I don't have to utterly hate him. He's still a Duck, but that shouldn't last long. However, I think he's going to end up somewhere like Colorado, back in LA or possibly San Jose (if their cap isn't too high).

Another odd, yet possibile destination for him that I see, is actually Toronto. Wouldn't shock me for one second to see him end up with the Leafs.

[Illidaan]

In "I don't give a rats as$" land.

I'm quite thankful that, at this point, I don't have to utterly hate him. He's still a Duck, but that shouldn't last long. However, I think he's going to end up somewhere like Colorado, back in LA or possibly San Jose (if their cap isn't too high).

Another odd, yet possibile destination for him that I see, is actually Toronto. Wouldn't shock me for one second to see him end up with the Leafs.

San Jose will have a stacked defense if he ends up there.

In random news, I cringed when I read the Flyers signed J.S. Aubin today. I hope to God it's a 2-way contract so they can send him to the AHL once Niittymaki recovers from surgery.

I don't see why they didn't just use one of their goalie prospects as backup for a couple months opposed to wasting money on him.

[Illidaan]

Everyone is getting injured.

[beta angel]

Everyone is getting injured.

It's nice to see Kopecky back from his season ending injury, but man...he knocks somebody out in their first exhibition game because the guy has his head down? Thankfully, Carle should be back with the Habs shortly, but still...I bet he learned his lesson.

Lidstroms test had better come back fine, because if they don't ...*shakes fist*