It's Here! The Thread For the 2003-04 NHL Regular Season!

[Chief Rum]

Hey puckheads,

I thought it was time to start a new and improved great thread for hockey.

Yes, the old playoff thread is like Heaven on Earth, but, let's face it, the title about last year's playoffs is a little done now, right?

We have shown the ability to keep a thread going and interesting for months on end, even during the slow offseason, it was rarely off the front page for more than a day before we found something else to talk about.

So I figure it's time to have a new hockey thread, where we will talk about all things hokcey for the regular season. What do you all think of that?

I guess you'll vote by your posting. If this one dies, then so be it. But I hope not. Let's make nonhockey fans on this forum curse us once more!

I'm going to post my predictions here in a little bit. I will also send a call out for off-the-cuff team updates from you fans, and also throw out some interesting hockey talk conversations.

But at least here the thread is started. And the season begins tomorrow night! Ducks and Stars! And some other games. ;)

Chief Rum

[Chief Rum]

First off, before I get down to business, I wanted to take another moment to send my prayers to the Snyder family for the loss of a guy, by all accounts, appeared to be a fine, young man. And also my prayers for Dany Heatley and his family for the hell he is and will be going through, probably for the rest of his life.

My moment of silence.

CR

[Chief Rum]

All right, here goes. My predictions for this season:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Northeast

1. Ottawa
2. Boston
3. Toronto
4. Buffalo
5. Montreal

Comment: Ottawa has the look of a juggernaut. They might win the President's Trophy again. After that, positioning in this division should be brutal. I think the return of Samsanov and the acquisition of a real goalie in Potvin moves the Bruins past the relatively stagnant Leafs, who need serious blueline help. Still, Sundin-Mogilny-Nolan are all elite scorers who should keep them pretty well ahead of Buffalo and Montreal.

Atlantic

1. Philadelphia
2. New Jersey
3. NY Rangers
4. NY Islanders
5. Pittsburgh

Comment: I know Hitchcock has a lot of detractors, but I think he is a fine vet coach who knows how to win. I think he has the most talent in this division, and he gets past the Devils. The defending Cup champs are a little older now, although certainly not in Red Wings range. I see them needing more offense to get past Philly. Sather is a dumbass, but he's a good coach, so I think the Rangers have a good shot at third. The Isles will find a way to blow it, and the Penguins just plain suck.

Southeast

1. Florida
2. Washington
3. Tampa Bay
4. Carolina
5. Atlanta

Comment: I think it's time for the other Florida team to move up, although no one in this division is going to be lighting up the rest of the NHL. Florida has a lot of good, young talent, Keenan is a vet coach (even if he's egomaniac, Nazi-control freak asshole), and Luongo is gonna have a breakout year. Washington will realize some of its talent in the forward ranks, but fall behind because of blueline problems. The Lightning become the third straight Southeast Division champ to miss the playoffs the next year, because they miss Prospal, they are too young, and the blueline is too soft. Carolina is too old and slow. Atlanta's season is sadly destroyed by the Heatley-Snyder tragedy and the loss of their premier top line talent.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Northeast

1. Detroit
2. St. Louis
3. Columbus
4. Nashville
5. Chicago

Comment: Detroit runs away with this early, even with a rusty Hasek. The Blues will remain respectable, but on an island by themselves. The Jackets will surprise and contend for a playoff spot, but I see the Predators finishing a touch off, and the Hawks nowhere in sight.

Pacific

1. Dallas
2. Anaheim
3. Los Angeles
4. Phoenix
5. San Jose

Comment: The Ducks will keep it close for a good length of the season, but eventually the Stars will pull away and win this division handily (again). The Kings will sneak up on the Ducks, and the two will end up fighting for second. Phoneix will look respectable with Burke, but eventually fall apart. San Jose is looking at a long, long season, even if Nabokov bounces back.

Northwest

1. Colorado
2. Vancouver
3. Edmonton
4. Minnesota
5. Calgary

Comment: Yes, Colorado will have blueline depth problems and Aebischer remains a question mark. But they have too muchs coring not to win this division. The Canucks will be with them most of the way. I see the Wild falling off a bit, and Edmonton will take advantage. Calgary will continue to struggle, even with some bounce back play from Iginla and Conroy.

THE PLAYOFFS

East Seeds

1. Ottawa
2. Philadelphia
3. Florida
4. New Jersey
5. Boston
6. Toronto
7. NY Rangers
8. Washington

West Seeds

1. Dallas
2. Detroit
3. Colorado
4. Vancouver
5. Anaheim
6. St. Louis
7. Los Angeles
8. Edmonton

First Round

Ottawa over Washington
Rangers over Philadelphia
Toronto over Florida
New Jersey over Boston

Dallas over Edmonton
Detroit over Los Angeles
Colorado over St. Louis
Anaheim over Vancouver

Conference Semifinals

Ottawa over Rangers
New Jersey over Toronto

Dallas over Anaheim
Colorado over Detroit

Conference Finals

Ottawa over New Jersey
Dallas over Colorado

2003-04 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS: OTTAWA over Dallas

Major Awards

Hart: Mike Modano, Stars
Norris: Niklas Lidstrom, Wings
Vezina: Marty Turco, Stars
Calder: Jason Spezza, Senators (if he's eligible); Nathan Horton, Panthers, otherwise
Conn Smythe: Marian Hossa, Senators
Selke: Sergei Fedorov, Ducks
Adams: Glen Sather, Rangers

CR

[Chief Rum]

All right, here's something I want to throw out there. If you are so inclined, answer this...

Which are the top five lines in hockey?

My top five:

1. Tanguay-Forsberg-Hejduk
2. Naslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi
3. Samsanov-Thornton-Murray
4. Deadmarsh-Allison-Palffy
5. Kariya-Sakic-Selanne

CR

[Chief Rum]

I'll try to get up a Ducks report Tuedsay night, with lines, defensive pairings, how things are going for the team right now, and so forth.

CR

[SackAttack]

Okay, I'm as big a hockey fan as the next guy, but didn't we just ditch the 2000+ post hockey thread, like, two weeks ago?

Wouldn't it be better, really, to just sticky a damn hockey thread for year-round use?

[Chief Rum]

We never ditched it actually. I see it come up once every other day.

This is an attempt to start a new such thread that is focused ont he current regular season.

Once the playoffs come around in the spring, of course, we'll all go nuts and return to a playoff thread. :)

Come on, Sack, get in the spirit of things! :)

CR

[cincyreds]

GO STARS GO!!

GO STARS GO!!

GO STARS GO!!

GO STARS GO!!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Why do we need just one hockey thread? If this is going to be the case, let's get just one damn political thread where people just scream at each other "stupid liberals" and "stupid conservatives."

That said, even with Fedorov, I don't see how the Ducks are going to play nearly as well as they did in the playoffs last year. I wouldn't be surprised if they miss the playoffs, although it's easy for me to say that before the season even starts.

Anyway, go Devils!

[Chief Rum]

We don't need just one hockey thread, Pumpy. Even when the playoff thread was at its height, we still had other threads, too, about singular issues. I would suspect that will continue.

I am merely tossing out a thread for us to post our regular season meanderings as this thing goes on, much as we did with the playoff thread.

As for the Ducks, I'll get more into them tonight. But the assumption seems to be that they are the Canes, Part II. While certainly in the tough Western Conference, there is no way you can be confident to get a playoff spot (short of being one of the big three, I suppose), this impression I am getting from others thatthe Ducks are somehow worse or a fluke are continuing to ignore their play in the second half and the general talent upgrade they have on their current roster. I have also been watching the team in preseason, and I tell you, there is definitely more to this team than people are giving them credit for (even now).

Also, I only predicted them fifth, which is really not that far a cry from the seventh they finished last season.

CR

[vtbub]

Go Habs.

[Maple Leafs]

I demand that the old thread be kept alive. If it was good enough for the entire playoffs and off-season, it's good enough for the regular season too. Plus, it annoys all the non-hockey fans.

Back on topic... I'm pretty sure Spezza does not qualify for the Calder this year.

[JeeberD]

GO OILERS!!!!

http://naihl.1colony.com/oilers.gif

[bbor]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
All right, here's something I want to throw out there. If you are so inclined, answer this...

Which are the top five lines in hockey?

My top five:

1. Tanguay-Forsberg-Hejduk
2. Naslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi
3. Samsanov-Thornton-Murray
4. Deadmarsh-Allison-Palffy
5. Kariya-Sakic-Selanne

CR

Personally.....i like Naslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi

Just because it has....speed.....Strenth...and finesse.

Also these guys can play D and kill penalties if you needed them too.I would say they have to be the most complete line on this list.

having said this.....1 line cannot carry a team...and if the Canucks don't get any secondary scoring they are gonna be in an @ssload of trouble this season.I also think they will have some controvery in goal...where Hedberg will be pushing Cloutier for the starters job.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I will support any hockey thread, old or new. Though I agree with M-Leaf, the annoyance factor of the old thread is quite enjoyable.

Quick thoughts as it's late, I'm still at work, and have a shit-load to do.

Vancouver is in trouble if they dont' get another line rolling. The top line is amazing, but they need someone, like The Sedin Twin, to start producing consistently. I agree Hedberg will push Cloutier. I have never been afraid of Cloutier as a goalie. He's good, but not all that mentally tough, and I thought this even before the 2002 series against Detroit (see: Lidstrom's 50 footer).

The Wings. Well, the Wings looked like poo in the pre-season. Disorganized. Poor defensive coverage. Less-than-stellar goaltending. The youngsters have played well though (Hulder, Zetterbeg, and Datsyuk). The Wings have arguably the most talented blue-line in the NHL with Lidstrom, Hatcher, Chelios, Schneider, Fischer, and Wooley. They have to get it together back there. They should. Hopefully Hasek will knock some of the rust off as well. As for scoring, the kids will have to carry the load it seems. Shanahan is still good for 30, Hull should be too *fingers crossed*. Yzerman wont play much at all. Whitney could provide a little spark. But the lack of Fedorov's speed and finese will be very, very evident.

[Draft Dodger]

I think the Wings are definitely going to struggle this year. It would not surprise me to see Hasek fizzle and, with the team struggling, quit (again) by Christmas.

[Easy Mac]

Atlanta's season is sadly destroyed by the Heatley-Snyder tragedy and the loss of their premier top line talent.

I wouldn't say its over, this could be something for the team to rally around and play for.

I know at my college last year, the soccer team lost a player in a car accident (and another was in a coma for a few months), then went over 1000 minutes without allowing another goal. They finally lost in the round of 8 in the NCAA tournament. Not really the same thing, but sometimes teams can play better. But definitely not a situation you ever want to be in.

[Sublime]

I think Big Joe Thornton could see some hardware this year, however it won't translate into the B's getting out of the first round of the playoffs this year.

[RPI-Fan]

The Isles -should- be a better team this year. All our players are healthy. The only problem is we don't have a winger for Yashin. But if he makes do with Czerkawski and Kvasha, we have pretty solid 2nd and 3rd, and even 4th lines.

Our defense, if we're healthy, is among the 5 best in the league, no question about it whatsoever. But the whole "healthy" thing is important. Everyone talks about how how great Aucoin is playing that many minutes, but it's only great if he doesn't get hurt.

If the Isles avoid the injury bug, we should compete with Philly and the Rag$ for 2nd place in the Atlantic. If not, we'll be hitting the links.

[Blade]

Well, once again I am heading into a hockey season with high hopes for the Oilers. To be honest, I think they will finally be able to start to rise this year. Our young talent is maturing, and I think this will be a break-out season from Hemsky. If Radek Dvorak can maintain the form he was beginning to show before he got injured last year, he can take some pressure off of losing Carter's goal production.

That said, there are always a lot of questions for the Oilers every year. This year, some are:

1. Mike Comrie: if he gets resigned, will he suffer from not being at training camp.? If we trade him, will we get some talent back?
2. Brad Isbister: he is going to get more time with the top line, and that will hopefully allow him to finally reach some of the potential that has been talked about for year. If so, I think he will be a tremendous power forward.
3. Tommy Salo: let's face it, he looked plain bad at times last year. We need him to re-emerge as a player we can count on for a win when we need it most.

We have a lot of talent ready to break-out...the question is, like the past few years, are they actually going to break-out or become unfulfilled potential?

[RPI-Fan]

2. Brad Isbister: he is going to get more time with the top line, and that will hopefully allow him to finally reach some of the potential that has been talked about for year. If so, I think he will be a tremendous power forward.

So naive... :rolleyes:

;)

[klayman]

Oilers Preview

Things are not great in Oil Town. Comrie wants out and as far as this Oiler fan is concerned, he can go. After hurting his thumb last year, he was invisible on most nights, notable on others only for his lack of playmaking. Combined with the defection of Todd Marchant, the Oilers find themselves dreadfully short down the middle. Enter Ryan Smyth and Mike York. Both will be centering lines at the beginning of the season (although both are questionable with injuries). York is a center converted to winger converted back to center, so he should do ok. Smyth...I don't know. Smyth's strength is as a Power forward. Sure, he's not as intimidating as Bertuzzi or as skilled as Shanahan, but that's still his role on this team. Moving him to center takes him off the boards where he is so damn effective. But what do I know, Craig MacTavish is the smartest man in hockey, apparently.

All the buzz so far this season centers around the return of the RPM line (Reasoner, Pisani, Moreau for those who wonder where they get this stupid names). When the coaching staff is getting excited about the checking 3rd line, you know we're in trouble.

Key Words at camp this season: "Improved Speed and Size". Really every year we hear about how the team has improved it's speed. The Oilers have always relied on speed, and it's true that they continue to get faster with Hemsky, Isbister, Torres. However, speed sure hasn't got us past the 1st round of the playoffs for the last 5, 6, 7 or 8 years (I've lost count). Size is another matter, of course, and yes they are bigger. And they are going to have to be, since they really have no solid #1 line, they are going to have to grind for goals every night.

Defense is solid despite the glitch last year. Semenov and Bergeron will improve with another season under their belt, and Smith, Cross, Brewer, Staios, and Ferguson make one of the better defensive defense in the league. Other than Brewer, none of them are superstars, but all provide solid 100% play every shift.

Goaltending on the other hand is worrisome. Salo lost his shine with a dreadful performance last season, although a lot of the blame can be put on poor defensive play. Since the Oilers won't be scoring this year, a lot of nights are going to be up to him to win. Ty Conklin isn't the next coming as some people would have you believe, although he is a solid rookie goaltender. He won't see too much time in the nets unless Salo's form slips to last seasons lows, but he should learn enough to be considered a starter for the club in the next 2-3 years.

Special teams were dreadful last year. Want the reason why? Mike Comrie with a damaged thumb and afraid to hold the stick, and Mike York with only one good wrist who couldn't shoot, played on the majority of powerplay opportunities. That's good coaching. The solution? Craig Simpson. Yes Simpson was hired to coach the powerplay to the Oilers. Simpson, who's career was standing in front of the net and letting Messier or Anderson bank shots in off his ass. Ok, ok, I'm being a little harsh on Craig, but he can't fix what the powerplay truly lacks...and that's talent.

Oh, and one of the bright spots last year, Ales Hemsky, won't be getting 25-30 mins ice time this year according to the coaching staff. They're going to bring him along slowly. WTF? Look for that to change when the coaching staff realizes they can't score without him on the ice. That and Comrie either getting re-signed quickly or traded quickly.

General consensus: Oilers finish out of the playoffs in the West
Klayman's expert analysis: 8th in the West, 1st round loss to Colorado/Detroit/Dallas/Vancouver.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Sublime
I think Big Joe Thornton could see some hardware this year, however it won't translate into the B's getting out of the first round of the playoffs this year.

I believe that as well. He wasn't far off last year.

and then we'll need to update the "how many Hart Trophy winners has Paul Coffey played with" question.

[klayman]

I'll let Karim do a full writeup for the Flames if he is so inclined.

Quick Flames Synopsis:

As go Jerome, there go the Flames. Even with Iggy back to 110% the Flames are still going to suffer from goal drought. The departure of team cancer Chris Drury is only positive if Reinprecht and Warrener are not disappointing. Reinprecht looks good, Oleg Saprykin has made the club, and could provide some offensive spark, and great things are thought of rookie Chuck Kobasew. Is it enough to improve on their 27th place 186 goals for from last season? I would optimistically say yes, realistically say no.

The addition of Warrener helps the very young defensive core, but the absence of veteran blueliner Bob Bougher could lead to a lack of leadership on the blueline. Still, add another year to the kids, and they are looking better and better all the time.

Roman Turek is the number one goaltender, despite his inconsistency. Turek's Calgary career consists of playing brilliantly and then letting in awful goals. Which one is the real Roman? Hard to say, but if he plays like he has shown he can, and does it for 40 to 50 games during the season, the Flames will surprise a lot of people this year.

Can they make up the 17 points that kept them out of the playoffs for a league leading 7th straight year? Very Doubtful.

General Consensus: 11th in the West
Klayman's Expert analysis: I'd like to say 9th, but the Oiler fan in me says 10th in the West.

[bbor]

Is Hemsky all he has been cracked up to be?

[klayman]

Originally posted by bbor
Is Hemsky all he has been cracked up to be?

Short answer: yes

Long answer: Maybe. We tend to highly over-evaluate our rookies in Edmonton. I remember when Joe Hulbig was the next coming of Mark Messier. :rolleyes: There is little doubt that Hemsky has talent though, and after watching him play last season I can honestly say that he is one of the most exciting wingers in the league. Does that lead to production? Not necessarily. Last season he tried to do too much, be too fancy at times. Rookie mistakes, and as he matures and learns what he can do and can't do, he'll become a more productive player. If I was the coach, I'd put him on the top line and let him learn, damn to mistakes and confidence. In two years, he'd be one of the premier wingers in the league. But I'm not the coach sadly, (since if I was we would have won some Stanley cups in the last couple of years, if EHM is any indication :) ) so we'll have to wait and see. All indicators point to yes, however, and that's from unbiased opinions (which I obviously don't have).

[henry296]

Penguins Preview:

If Lemiuex, Straka and Morozov stay healthy and
if Marc-Andre Fleury stands on his head and
if Olczyk motivates the players to buy into a sytem then

That is a lot of big Ifs and even then maybe with 10 points of the playoffs.

Just not enough depth although that first unit is among the Top 10 in the leauge, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines are very weak and the defense has had no major upgrades to one of the worst in the NHL last year. Here's hoping for a new CBA and new arena.

Todd

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
Is Hemsky all he has been cracked up to be?

Let's hope he is. I picked him up in a fantasy league with my last pick. I am hoping it pays off.

[FrogMan]

You guys are great, you got me into hockey again... Habs still suck That's something I had not done since about 1995, when you know who left Quebec City But oh My God, the Habs suck Ever since I signed up for that fantasy hockey league of ours and attended the draft, I've been paying attention to hockey highlights and news. No offense, no defense, they just plain suck I've been visiting the hockey sections of ESPN, CBS Sportsline, etc...

Anybody got good links to hockey sites they want to share?

There was some other thing I wanted to say, but I'm forgetting what... Oh yeah, THE HABS WILL SUCK THIS YEAR, just like they have for the last oh so many years. Thank you Réjean Houle for screwing that team real good... Let's hope Bob Gainey knows what he's doing...

FM

[bbor]

Frogger.....Habs may surprise and get in for the 8th play-off spot if their tender puts on a show like he did 2 years ago.The way i see it is the Habs are too small,and their star player (Koivu) cannot stay healthy.They are attempting to get bigger(TAking Steve Begin in the waiver draft shows that)But can they keep Koivu healthy?

[sachmo71]

Jeeber, you just reminded me that I owe you one asskicking. And add another to the list. :D

I miss Cards. :(

[FrogMan]

Originally posted by bbor
Frogger.....Habs may surprise and get in for the 8th play-off spot if their tender puts on a show like he did 2 years ago.The way i see it is the Habs are too small,and their star player (Koivu) cannot stay healthy.They are attempting to get bigger(TAking Steve Begin in the waiver draft shows that)But can they keep Koivu healthy?

You may be right, but every year they are never more than a squeeze in for the 8th spot. Maybe Gainey can right the ship and make thema bit better by next year, but this year will be amazingly tough. GK Theodore needs a good season after going through his father's legal problems (accused of illegal lending of money, shylock style, at the Montreal Casino, papers were almost saying he had something to do with it) and the Habs really need him because their wins will keep on coming on the kind of 2-0, 2-1 nights, they can't have their keeper let 4 or 5 in regularly...

BTW, I went back to check Koivu's stats from last year and was surprised to see he played 82 games last season...

FM

[Chief Rum]

Glad to see this thread is moving a little.

sachmo, what happened to Cards? I wouldn't be happy at all to see him gone either. I did do a search and find that his last post was on August 11. There weren't any posts in his last few to indicate any expected leave of absence.

I hope he's just been busy or staying away for some reason and that he will return.

CR

[bbor]

Primelord used to also be a regular hockey fool too i believe...:sigh:...we are losing all our hockey roots.:(

[Karim]

Just some quick thoughts on the Flames...

Sutter has molded the team so every game is going to be a dogfight. We still don't have much offensive talent, but there are no shrimps on the team and they'll work hard or be out of the lineup. No longer will the Flames be an easy two points.

That being said, everyone will have to increase their goal scoring by at least 5 goals. A lot is expected of Saprykin and Kobasew. Chuckie showed a lot in preseason, Oleg didn't. It's probably going to be goal-scoring by committee.

The defence is solid but still lacks a proven PP QB, although Leopold is miles ahead of where he was last year. Lydman is once again going to have heavy expectations.

Turek will have to be consistent but there's also big question marks in back-up. McLellan had an awful camp while a couple of kids (Sabourin and Krahn) did well. Turek can't play every game.

I still think we're on the outside looking in, but I think we have the depth, toughness and coaching to be a pain in the ass every night. We haven't had that kind of competitiveness in a long time.

I'm going to the home opener on Saturday and can't wait.

[RPI-Fan]

I guess I'll step in for the Thrashers too...

I'm going to the opener on Thursday (can't really beat $8 for an NHL game) and am curious what I'll see. Kovalchuk has to make the best out of the situation, as this is his chance to become the player that Heatley could have been. He has just as much talent - it's just a question of whether or not he'll step up.

Their defense is obviously their weakness. If it has been improved, the Thrashers will win some games.

The playoffs are out of the question I think, but they should be able to avoid the cellar of the Southeast.

[SuburbanPimp]

Alright, maybe some people are gonna hate me.

I can't get excited about the NHL this year.

You gotta understand, I'm a Capitals fan. After two years of Jagr doing nothing, I can't get pumped up. Our veterans are not getting any younger, and it seems like management does not want to go out and get some young talent. Throw in the fact that the Redskins are doing well this year (i say "well" when compared to previous years), and I just can't get into it.

I'm more eager for Maryland basketball to start up than this.

Sorry. :(

[klayman]

Originally posted by SuburbanPimp
I can't get excited about the NHL this year.

You gotta understand, I'm a Capitals fan.

If I was a Capitals fan I'd be more interested in Maryland basketball as well :)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Jeeber, you just reminded me that I owe you one asskicking. And add another to the list. :D


I thought it was just a punch in the nose? Guess I'm moving up in the world... :D

[bbor]

8 bux for an NHL game??!!!! Can't even buy popcorn for 8 bux at a Leaf game:(

BTW.....The Capitals will have the first coach fired this season:)

[RPI-Fan]

Yea', it's $10 normally (for the upper deck seats), but as a student it's only $8. $10 is still a lot cheaper than many college teams charge, even for students. So it really is a good deal.

I could go to all the Thrasher home games for around $300. At most other arenas, even if I sat in the cheapest seats, that'd buy about 10 games.

It's a damn good deal...

[Draft Dodger]

the cheap seats for our AHL team are $11 each.

[JeeberD]

Off topic, but funny (or actually rather sad):

Last week my sister took her three year old daughter to her first hockey game when the Red Wings were in town to play the Stars. Now, my sister is a HUGE Stars fan and just as huge a Red Wings hater.

Well, during the first intermission my sister asked my niece if she was enjoying the game. Her reply?

"Yeah. I like the red guys."

Damn near made my sister start crying at the loss of her daughter's innocence...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Off topic, but funny (or actually rather sad):

Last week my sister took her three year old daughter to her first hockey game when the Red Wings were in town to play the Stars. Now, my sister is a HUGE Stars fan and just as huge a Red Wings hater.

Well, during the first intermission my sister asked my niece if she was enjoying the game. Her reply?

"Yeah. I like the red guys."

Damn near made my sister start crying at the loss of her daughter's innocence...

Yay for Niece of JeeberD!! :D Obviously (this cannot be from parenting) she knows the difference between good and (semi) evil at such an early age. Quite a bright, promising young girl you've got that JD. Let's just hope she keeps liking "the red guys" and is able to overcome her mother's potentially Vader-like influence over her daughter.

Hate the Red Wings? Hate the Red Wings?? How is this possible. I just don't understand people sometimes.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I would like to point out that as excited I am to see the NHL season get on its way, for the second and 1/4 times I will be forced to "watch" all of my beloved Wings' gamesvia a delayed internet radio webcast. :(

Woe is H_B....

The only bright-side is that when I go home for Christmas I already have tickets lined up for one game. That will be nice. H_B deserves that.

[MizzouRah]

Lets go........


http://www.sportznutz.com/nhl/stl/images/blues1.jpg


The BEST defense in the league, btw. ;)

[SunDancer]

Curious guys,
Is the WHA restarting? WHen, where, who, what is the plan of the league

[HornedFrog Purple]

My annual hockey post:

Uh go Stars.. Marty Turco has a slick mask.

All other questions and opinions must be directed to sachmo my official spokesman.

[TroyF]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Off topic, but funny (or actually rather sad):

Last week my sister took her three year old daughter to her first hockey game when the Red Wings were in town to play the Stars. Now, my sister is a HUGE Stars fan and just as huge a Red Wings hater.

Well, during the first intermission my sister asked my niece if she was enjoying the game. Her reply?

"Yeah. I like the red guys."

Damn near made my sister start crying at the loss of her daughter's innocence...

"According to Jim" had that type of a thing the other night. The kid liked his small Packers football, but not the Bears football Jim wanted him to play with. Dumb show but it entertained me for a half hour before I left the house.

As for hockey. . . Go Avs. Then don't do what baseball did. If you're going to strike, fix the damned problems in the game. The economics aren't as bad or as good as they are made out to be. Put a cap and a minimum salary base and get it over with. Whatever else they need to fix, get it fixed. Don't you dare strike for 6 months to a year and then come back with everything the way it was.

TroyF

[klayman]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue

Hate the Red Wings? Hate the Red Wings?? How is this possible. I just don't understand people sometimes.

I liked the Wings back in the early to mid 80's when they sucked. Does that make me good or evil? :)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Yay for Niece of JeeberD!! :D Obviously (this cannot be from parenting) she knows the difference between good and (semi) evil at such an early age. Quite a bright, promising young girl you've got that JD. Let's just hope she keeps liking "the red guys" and is able to overcome her mother's potentially Vader-like influence over her daughter.

Hate the Red Wings? Hate the Red Wings?? How is this possible. I just don't understand people sometimes.

Bah! It's people like you who put societies youth at risk... ;)

[Chief Rum]

Ducks Preview

A lot of people are saying the Ducks were a fluke and they are going to fall off this year. Admittedly I am biased, but I don't think so. Saying so ignores the fact that they were one of the best teams in the league in the second halg, after clearly struggling to learn new coach Mike Babcock's system, which stresses getting out of the defensive zone and aggressive two-player forechecking. It also ignores the fact that the Ducks clearly have more talent and skill on their roster right now than they even did during the playoffs last year, and this time they have it all season.

I think a lot of people are still going to be surprised when the Ducks prove to be much more consistent and in the mix of things than they expected, and at the end of the season, people won't talk about the big four (Detroit, Dallas, Colorado, Vancouver), but the big five (adding Anaheim).

Here's a look at the Ducks by line and pairing:

First Line

LW Jason Krog- C Sergei Deferov- RW Rob Neidermayer

Okay, this matchup surprised me abit, but when I see the second line, I am very excited by the kind of play this setup can bring for the Ducks. I don't think anyone doubts that when Federov is on his game, he is the kind of player than can make those around him better. I think he can do so here as well. Niedermayer has been a disappointment for years, because of high expectations, but behind all that, he has quietly become a very solid defensive forward who can put up 15-20 goals when left alone. He did very well with the Ducks last year after the trading deadline. Krog played on the third and fourth lines last year, mostly, and bespite limited ice time, had 25 points in 67 games. A top line pairing with Federov could be just what he's looking for to explose on the scene, get 25 goals and 60 points in a full season. He's also solid defensively, making this one of the best defensive top lines I have seen in the NHL.

Second Line

LW Vinny Prospal- C Steve Rucchin- RW Petr Sykora

As much as I like the Ducks' scoring depth, I have to think the decision to bump both Prospal and Sykora from the top line was to make opponents actually have to choose between stopping Federov or stopping this line. This second line is a top line in all but name. Prospal is coming off his best season, so you have to thnik he's going to come down a little. That said, I have been watching this guy in the preseason and he's fast, feisty and a playmaker. He's also solid defensively. Steve Rucchin is the heart and soul of this team, and actually has been for years, although Kariya always got the headlines. I think dropping him down to the second line is a great move, because he really is much better suited here. He remains one of the best defensive forwards in the league and a hard-working goal scorer. Sykora, of course, is the Ducks' top sniper. He got 34 goals last season, and there's no reason that should stop this year, if he has Prospal and Rucchin feeding him passes. He's always dangerous. He's the only guy of the top six forwards that isn't considered an A or B player defensively, but he's not a slouch there either.

Third Line

LW Stanislav Chistov- C Samuel Pahlsson- RW Joffrey Lupul

This is traditionally the checking line, but it seems likely the Ducks will fearlessly be matching their top two lines against the best of the other teams, thanks to the defensive consistency of the top six. That allows them to go with a younger line that has some very good offensive potential here on the third line. Pahlsson is a traditional third-line checker with developing offensive skills. He's very solid in his own end, has the size to hit, and should get 10 goals with 30-35 points (on a normal third line, he could get more assists if the wings around him develop). Chistov may be the most talented player ont he roster right now and is a future top-liner. The problem is he has been very inconsistent, and the preseason gave no reason to think that has changed. He is better than most young forwards defensively, although that just makes him average on the whole. If Chistov recognizes his talent, he's a 30-goal scorer. More than likely he'll slightly improve on last year's numbers (12 goals, 30 points) and continue to frustrate us Ducks fans. If you're wondering who the big, but fast skater is on this line, that is Joffrey Lupul, the seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft. Lupul is basically a power forward with a hard shot and very nice skating form for a big man. He had a wonderful preseason and if he keeps playing the way he has been (we'll see tonight), he could vie for the Calder. That's aiming high, though--I wouldn't mind seeing him come in with 10-15 goals and 30-40 points (which i think he is capable of with enough ice time).

Fourth Line

LW Garrett Burnett- C Craig Johnson- RW Alexei Smirnov

Burnett is here for one reason: enforcer. He's a career minor leaguer with little offensive upside, so when he's on the ice you know what he's doing. He led the AHL last season with 364 penalty minutes. Good Lord. Johnson was a very nice pickup, as we needed a solid and speedy defensive forward for our penalty kill. Any offense out of him would be a bonus, but he isn't an offensive zero either. Smirnov is another former first rounder, but he hasn't developed as much as Chistov and Lupul have. He has some serious upside as a power forward, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Notes: We have some players missing from the forward corps to start the season. Power forward Mike LeClerc is a 20-goal scoring regular and a big and strong defensive player as well. He had knee surgery is liekly out until December. He is a second-line player, or a very good third-liner, with 30-goal potential. Center Andy McDonald is considered one of the most talented offensive players on the team, but has been suffering from the ole concussion-syndrome since last February. He is practicing again and working out and should be back this month. Just not tonight. And we have Dan Bylsma, who should be familar to hockey fans. He is essentially a superstud penalty killer and not much else,but he is out until December with a kneee injury as well, which is why signing Johnson was so important. We also have prospect forward Mikael Homqvist on the roster. He is another exciting young winger that the Ducks will probably work into their lines, probably replacing Burnett on the fourht line when they don't need an enforcer out there.

First Pairing

Sandis Ozolinsh-Kurt Sauer

The joke is that there are two O's in Ozolinsh's name, but no 'D'. Well, no, he's still not going to shock you with his defensive prowess, but Ozolinsh has improved his defensive game markedly, especially with the Ducks, where you play well in your own end, or don't play. He is also the quarterback of the power play and acknowledged to be almost a top-six forward-level in skill offensively. Saurer is a big kid who plays like a vet. He received votes in the Calder voting last year and is very solid in his own end. His presence allows Ozolinsh to jump in more often than usual.

Second Pairing

Ruslan Salei-Todd Simpson

Everyone knows (and hates) Salei. Despite the impression of being a dirty gamer, Salei is by and large a very effective defender and his presence does, of course, require forwards to keep an eye out when they're flying into the Ducks' zone. Supposedly, Salei has some offensive skill that could blossom at any time. I'll be honest--I'll believe it when I see it. He's not a zero on offense, but I don't think any of the Ducks' oppoennts are going to have to gameplan for him. Simpson was a very nice waiver wire addition, considering the Carney injury. Yotes and Flamers fans will have to tell me more about him, but my understanding is he is a tough, veteran defensive presence who should fit in well here. I like that he's a former captain.

Third Pairing

Niclas Havelid-Vitaly Vishnevsky

Ozolinsh and, last year, Olausson, got so much talk as offensive forwards that Havelid didn't really get mentioned much. But the fact is he is probably our best passer out of our own zone and a very effective puck mover. He's a top four D-man playing on our third pairing. I'll take that. Vishnevsky is the big hitter on the team, and gets on a lot of highlight reels. He is solid in his own end, but needs to develop the offensive game he has been rumored to have for years now.

Notes: As I mentioned above, we are currently without defensive leadcer Keith Carner. That hurts us probably more than any of the other injuries, even with our depth ont he blueline. Carney is a very effective checker who can man-up the top forwards int he league. He's smart and tough and logs a lot of ice-time. The team is hoping to have him back from a broken foot by early November.

Goaltenders

Jean-Sebastian Giguere
Martin Gerber

I probably don't need to talk about this too much. Jiggy showed in the playoffs both that he is tremendously talented and skilled, and that he is a team leader as well. He got off to a slow start last year, so I hope he doesn't have the same start this season. He remains one of the best goalies in the game, and a good season should put him in the elite group of 'tenders (I think people are hesitant to do so just yet, but he'll prove himself). Gerber is one of the best backup goalies in the league, and would start for a number of other teams. He seems to have the perfect mindset for being a backup, and he is always ready to play. He actually had better numbers than Jiggy in the regular season and allowed two or less goals in 12 of his 15 starts.

There you go. Feel free to refer to it as the season goes by. :)

CR

[lynchjm24]

Islanders Preview

They will play 82 games. 41 will be snoozefests played at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They will be near .500. They will play to about 78% capacity. There will be one guy with a jersey that says Rangers Suck. He will dance around like a fool with his rainbow wig. They will then roll over and play dead in the first round of the playoffs.

As for the WHA: They have a 10 million dollar salary cap (except for one player). They are going to have teams in cities that already don't support the NHL - think Pittsburgh. They are going to attempt to capitalize on some sort of lockout. They will be out of business by 2005. There is actually a WHA2 that starts play this season. Teams in places like Orlando. As someone who actually went to WHA games, I'm tingling with anticipation ;).

[Chief Rum]

Figures. I put that up, and then the Ducks start off down 2-0 in the first three minutes. :(

The first play was understandable. The Stars are a very good team on the power play, and it's no surprise to see Sergei Zubov scoring with the extra man.

But that second goal was horrible. Ozolinsh totally whiffed on that attempted clear out and pretty much set up a point blank shot on goal for Stu Barnes. The announcers are saying "This ain't the playoffs, Jiggy!" and saying Barnes made a great shopt, but gimme a break, let's see them stop a shot from 10 feet out with no one between you and the pucka nd very little time to react to the fact that a shot like that was coming. Ugh.

Let's come back in this one!

CR

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
Ducks Preview



Long story short. Hello NHL Draft Lottery. Think Carolina Hurricanes last season.

[Chief Rum]

Wanna bet, Jim?

Same bet as DD last year.

Your most embarrassing pic on this forum (or mine) when the Ducks clinch (or are eliminated).

Draft Dodger lost, BTW. :)

CR

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
Wanna bet, Jim?

Same bet as DD last year.

Your most embarrassing pic on this forum (or mine) when the Ducks clinch (or are eliminated).

Draft Dodger lost, BTW. :)

CR

Clinch what? The playoffs? We are talking about a league where the New York Rangers aren't eliminated until the final week. That's not much of a stretch......

Edit: Can't I just post naked pictures of my gf or something?

[RPI-Fan]

Where is the link to that pic, anyways?

[bbor]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
Wanna bet, Jim?

Same bet as DD last year.

Your most embarrassing pic on this forum (or mine) when the Ducks clinch (or are eliminated).

Draft Dodger lost, BTW. :)

CR

PLease take this bet:)

I love silly pictures:)

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Clinch what? The playoffs? We are talking about a league where the New York Rangers aren't eliminated until the final week. That's not much of a stretch......

Edit: Can't I just post naked pictures of my gf or something?

I'm not the guy saying NHL Draft Lottery, wiseguy. You are. If you think making the NHL playoffs is so easy, then why don't you take back your prediction about the Ducks?

If instead you still believe this will happen, despite the "ease" of making the NHL playoffs, then don't be a wimp, stand up for what you are saying and take the bet.

CR

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by RPI-Fan
Where is the link to that pic, anyways?

You would have to ask DD. He did post it at the end of the regular season. Heck, it might even be in the playoff thread. I forget. :)

DD's the man. He actually posted two embarrassing pics. :)

CR

[sachmo71]

Good chippy game between the Stars and Ducks. I especially like watching Guigere give up 2 goals on the first 3 shots of the game. :D REVENGE!!

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Islanders Preview

They will play 82 games. 41 will be snoozefests played at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They will be near .500. They will play to about 78% capacity. There will be one guy with a jersey that says Rangers Suck. He will dance around like a fool with his rainbow wig. They will then roll over and play dead in the first round of the playoffs.


there are actually a couple of really big questions involving the Islanders this year. I personally, will be on the edge of my seat to find out the answer to:

Is the hideous orange 3rd jersey even worse than the Gordon fisherman jerseys of a few years ago? How is it that one team is responsible for two of the ugliest jerseys of all time?

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
Wanna bet, Jim?

Same bet as DD last year.

Your most embarrassing pic on this forum (or mine) when the Ducks clinch (or are eliminated).

Draft Dodger lost, BTW. :)

CR

actually, the bet was between Sykora and Friesen.

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
I'm not the guy saying NHL Draft Lottery, wiseguy. You are. If you think making the NHL playoffs is so easy, then why don't you take back your prediction about the Ducks?

If instead you still believe this will happen, despite the "ease" of making the NHL playoffs, then don't be a wimp, stand up for what you are saying and take the bet.

CR

Fine, fine, bet taken.

When they don't make the playoffs you post naked pictures of your girlfriend.

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
there are actually a couple of really big questions involving the Islanders this year. I personally, will be on the edge of my seat to find out the answer to:

Is the hideous orange 3rd jersey even worse than the Gordon fisherman jerseys of a few years ago? How is it that one team is responsible for two of the ugliest jerseys of all time?

The fisherman jersey was way worse. There was a kid in college 10 years ago that we still refer to as the 'kid in the fishsticks jersey'.

To those of you within earshot of WFAN:
Ducks and geese and chickens and eggs......

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
actually, the bet was between Sykora and Friesen.

Sorry if I mischaracterized by not stating the actual bet. My reference wasn't that it was the same kind of bet but the same stakes. :)

I think those who were following along last year know it was about Sykora and Friesen. You should be happy, though--you guys git the Cup.

sachmo, you suck! :) It is a very chippy game. I am enjoying it, despite losing. I am hoping the Ducks can still come back in this one,b ut Turco is tough (unsaid: in the regular season ;) ).

CR

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by RPI-Fan
Where is the link to that pic, anyways?

no idea (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8295)

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Fine, fine, bet taken.

When they don't make the playoffs you post naked pictures of your girlfriend.

lol...YOUR embarrassing pic. :)

But I wouldn't mind if you posted naked pics of your girlfriend either. :D

CR

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
lol...YOUR embarrassing pic. :)

But I wouldn't mind if you posted naked pics of your girlfriend either. :D

CR
Fine, fine.... embarrassing....

It's already on the web, I'll get the link ready for July or whenever the season ends.

[Karim]

Stanley Cup: Ottawa over Dallas

Art Ross: Joe Sakic

Rocket Richard: Joe Sakic

Hart: Joe Sakic

Norris: Wade Redden

Vezina: Marty Turco

Selke: John Madden

Calder: Chuck Kobasew

Adams: Dave Tippett

~~~

First Coach Fired: Barry Trotz

Most Improved Team: Calgary

Breakout Player: Jason Spezza

Biggest Disappointment (team): Columbus

Biggest Disappointment (player): Jaromir Jagr

Biggest Story: Heatley's career over after sentencing

Lockout: Yes

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Karim


Biggest Disappointment (team): Columbus



What are they going to do? Go 17-56-9?

:)

[lynchjm24]

Dola:
When the NHL was entertaining:

Check out the 83 draft. If the first round isn't impressive... I know you David A. Jensen fans remember....
Check out that scrub goalie in the 10th round.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1983e.html

[sachmo71]

Stars win! I feel better, Chief.

[Chief Rum]

I'll bet you do, you bastard. :)

We started off last year with a big loss to you guys, too. What is this, a bonus for the Ducks? We always get to start off the Stars in their building? :)

You guys look good, but I expected that. That's why I picked you to go to the Cup finals. Guerin really makes a difference for you guys (as I knew he would--I have him on one of my fantasy teams).

Good luck the rest of the way, and I hope we hand it back to you hard when you come to Anaheim.

CR

[klayman]

Biggest Story: Heatley's career over after sentencing


I'd just like to point out that at 23(maybe he was 24) Craig MacTavish, who has nowhere near the talent as Heatley, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and served a year in prison, and afterward put together an impressive career that included 4 Stanley Cup rings.

If his career is over, it will be because of the injuries and his mental state after the accident, not because of going to jail. And we certainly will not be able to tell at the end of this season anyway. :)

[bbor]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
no idea (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8295)

I heart DD.

[bbor]

Tonight was bliss....i got to watch hockey...::drool::

TSN carried the Ducks/Stars game...not a bad affair.

Why were the Stars trying to ship out Guerin?Is he a cancer?

How has Prospal looked so far in preseason CR?

[bbor]

Dola

Congrats to Iginla for being named the first black team captain in the NHL.

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by bbor
Tonight was bliss....i got to watch hockey...::drool::

TSN carried the Ducks/Stars game...not a bad affair.

Why were the Stars trying to ship out Guerin?Is he a cancer?

How has Prospal looked so far in preseason CR?

In preseason, he looked great, bbor. In fact, he looked far better than even I expected.

He was making plays, involved in the action, quick, feisty. He looked every bit the guy who got almost 60 assists last year.

It makes me wonder why he hasn't been too consistent with it, or what corner he turned last year (or the year before, which was his previous "best year") that has turned him into the player he is now.

I didn't see him too much tonight, though. :(

Joffrey Lupul looked great. One of the few standouts for the Ducks. You see that hit on Lehtinen? Look, I don't like that the guy maybe got hurt there, but nice hit, rook!

I have no idea why the Stars would want to ship Guerin, short of money issues. He's a fine player.

CR

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by bbor
Dola

Congrats to Iginla for being named the first black team captain in the NHL.

Ditto.

CR

[sachmo71]

The Stars didn't shop Guerin, but they did listen to offers for him. There was concern about the leg injury, and they were looking for any possible way to keep Hatcher in Dallas and not break Hicks self-imposed cap. Trading Guerin would have freed up a heck of a lot of salary room. Too bad Turgeon didn't go, but it's all water under the bridge now!

[Honolulu_Blue]

All right, some has some explaining to do. Chief Rum, this is from your beloved Ducks' website. It's from Sergei Fedorov's player profile. (link: http://www.mightyducks.com/team/players_desc.asp?id=144)


"lists playing with the Russian Five (Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Pavel Datsyuk, Maxim Kuznetsov, Dmitri Bykov) with the Detroit Red Wings as his greatest hockey memory."


I understand that the Ducks haven't been around for a long time and that Anahiem is about as far from a "Hockeytown" as you can get, but... Come on, people!

Maxim Kuznetsov? Dmitri Bykov? They make up 2/5's of the Russian Five??? Even Datsyuk is wrong! Someone needs to check their facts. (I would reccomend Chief Rum write the all of the player profiles, but I doubt the internet is big enough.)

For the record, the Russian Five were as follows:

Igor Larionov
Sergei Fedorov
Slava Kozlov
Vladimir Konstantinov :(
Slava Fetisov

That was the Russian Five.

Kuznetsov???? Oh for f*ck's sake.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have also found another reason to hate the Avalanche: Jim Cummins. Cummins is in very rare company as a member of the group of players I didn't like EVEN when they were Red Wings. He, Jimmy Carson, Marc Potvin, and a very few select others are in this group. Even the beloved Winged Wheel couldn't help these players.

Usually once a player joins the Wings I will learn to like him (see: Chelios). I am still not yet there with Hatcher. Like Chelios, it will take time. The old wounds run deep.

[bbor]

H_B...what about Cujo?...You still dislike him?

[henry296]

The Penguins announced the Marc-Andre Fleury will start tomorrow's opener. I am really excited to watch him play.

[Fidatelo]

I can't believe Lemieux is going to throw Fleury to the wolves this year. The Penguins would be hard-pressed to beat a good AHL team, and their defence is the worst part. This season will either strengthen Fleury and lead him on the path to an Uber-succesful career... or it will crush him and he'll never recover. There is no in-between.

[FrogMan]

Fidatelo, I agree completely. I used to think it took at least one or two seasons before a goalie was to be part of a team full time. I guess they think he'll be soooo good that he'll be able to gain from this experience...

FM

[FrogMan]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
I have also found another reason to hate the Avalanche: Jim Cummins.

Dude, I have the reason of all reasons to hate them: they once were the Nordiques and won the Cup their first year out of town :(

FM

[JeeberD]

I was in Denver that first year. It was quite exciting.

Thanks for your team, FM... :D

[bbor]

Do the Pens have any choice?They need to put asses in the seats.....can't beat putting the #1 draft pick in the net right away to get people down to the rink.

It will obviously retard Fluery's progress...but i think at this point they are more worried about saving the franchise.

[bbor]

Dola,

Just recieved my sports illustrated hockey preview edition......with Pedro on the cover...:( I did'nt know Pedro played hockey???

Anyways...it is 19 pages long..standard stuff..they basically skim over every team....prolly the worst preview out there...Kinda neat little article on goaltenders...but that is about the height of the preview.

Anyone pick up any good hockey preview magazines?

[ice4277]

Originally posted by klayman
I liked the Wings back in the early to mid 80's when they sucked. Does that make me good or evil? :)

It just makes you a reverse-bandwagon jumper :D

[klayman]

Originally posted by ice4277
It just makes you a reverse-bandwagon jumper :D

I can live with that.


I was going to disagree with the thought that putting Fluery in net would hurt him, but looking back at the stats I had difficulty finding goaltenders that came right out of juniors and played over 40 games in the NHL next season. There are a few though, Tom Barrasso, Grant Fuhr, and Patrick Roy to name a couple. Sure, for every Roy, there is an Alan Bester to go along with him, but there doesn't really seem to be a correlation between coming straight out of juniors into the starting role at the NHL level. Seems about 50/50 success rate to me, but it's easier to find the successful ones than the ones that didn't make it.

The main thing Fluery will have to get used to is losing every night for awhile. If he is mature enough to handle that, then he should be ok.

[Fidatelo]

Originally posted by bbor
Anyone pick up any good hockey preview magazines?

I'm a big fan of the Forecaster. It's fairly out-of-date as far as player movement is concerned (I believe July 16th was their cut-off date), but you won't find better in-depth scouting reports of every player anywhere else. So if you can live with the incorrect rosters, I would definately recommend picking it up.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by Fidatelo
I'm a big fan of the Forecaster. It's fairly out-of-date as far as player movement is concerned (I believe July 16th was their cut-off date), but you won't find better in-depth scouting reports of every player anywhere else. So if you can live with the incorrect rosters, I would definately recommend picking it up.

The early publication problem is one reason I don't buy any preview magazines anymore, except for college sports. This is especially now that there are so many previews available on the internet with much more up-to-date info.

[FrogMan]

Originally posted by ice4277
The early publication problem is one reason I don't buy any preview magazines anymore, except for college sports. This is especially now that there are so many previews available on the internet with much more up-to-date info.

And this goes for pretty much any professional sports out there. I used to buy many NFL preview and fantasy football magazines, but I don't anymore, as I can usually find more than a few preview articles to either print out and take with me or read on the spot...

FM

[Pumpy Tudors]

Thanks to the NHL Center Ice TV package, I get to watch this beautiful tribute to Grant Fuhr that the Oilers are putting on tonight. It's really nice, and I'm glad that I get to see this. He skated a lap around the rink in full goalie gear (sans mask), and now his family has come out to greet him (I never thought I'd say this in my lifetime, but Grant Fuhr's daughters are hot). Four former Oilers goalies have just presented him with a banner displaying his #31. This is really special, and I had no idea that the Oilers were doing this tonight.

Grant Fuhr is one of my all-time favorite players, and I think he deserves this.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Now another banner with Grant's number is being raised to the rafters, while he's standing at center ice in tears. This is a really great job that the Oilers are doing. There are seven other games on that I could be watching, but I'm enjoying this more than anything. Excellent stuff.

[klayman]

woohoo! Oilers are undefeated, 5-2 over the Sharks :)

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by bbor

Anyone pick up any good hockey preview magazines?

I always like the Sporting News ones.

[RPI-Fan]

I was at the Thrashers game tonite for my first ever NHL game...

All-in-all, not too much different from an Albany AHL game (though much different from RPI games). The tribute they did for Snyder was real nice - they had a really good collection of video clips of his best moments. It was obvious that the tribute was very tough on the Thrashers - during their skate aroudn the ice after it all their heads were hanging sort of low and stuff.

But once the game started they didn't look too bad. Kovalchuk played the point on the power play. He was real godo there - made some great cross-ice passes. In even strength play, though, he wasn't as dominating.

The defense was very porous - there were always open Columbus cutters through the middle. Passe Nurminen looked wonderful in net - made some really good saves (and unforutanely I missed his one goal let in).

Marc Denis was awful - he made very few quality saves, and his two goals were untouched slappers from the blue line, with not all that much traffic. I didn't really pay attention to C-bus's young guys (Nash, Klesla).

With some luck, I'll make my way out to the game on Tuesday vs. the Isles. I"ll have to leave early, but should be able to stay about halfway through the 3rd period (if not even longer).

Hopefully my Isles will have a better game than the show they put on in D.C. tonite...

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
For the record, the Russian Five were as follows:


for the real, REAL record...they didn't call it the Russian Five, but the KLM line of Larionov, Sergei Makarov, and Vladimir Krutov, with Slava Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov is the first group I would think about when discussing five Russians playing together.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by klayman
woohoo! Oilers are undefeated, 5-2 over the Sharks :)

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mckerney]

Originally posted by JeeberD
GO OILERS!!!!

http://naihl.1colony.com/oilers.gif

But they're not the Wild or Gophers... :confused:

[JeeberD]

Exactly.... :)

[ice4277]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
for the real, REAL record...they didn't call it the Russian Five, but the KLM line of Larionov, Sergei Makarov, and Vladimir Krutov, with Slava Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov is the first group I would think about when discussing five Russians playing together.

Yeah but Fedorov was not part of that. In Detroit, the five Russians the Wings had were called the Russian Five. Thats what they were talking about. Two totally different things.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
for the real, REAL record...they didn't call it the Russian Five, but the KLM line of Larionov, Sergei Makarov, and Vladimir Krutov, with Slava Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov is the first group I would think about when discussing five Russians playing together.

You're right about the KLM line. Easily the most famous line in Russian hockey history. But see Ice's post. Fedorov was refering to the "line" he played on in Detroit with the players I mentioned.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola.

Wow! Nice way to start the season! Steve Yzerman gets the game winner with 1.7 seconds left! Fantastic!!

Steve Yzerman. There is none higher.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
H_B...what about Cujo?...You still dislike him?

I never had anything against CuJo to be honest. I don't recall him ever beating the Wings in a play-offs series. (This is typically the best way to end up on my most hated list.) I feel bad for the poor guy. Sure he didn't play great in the play-offs (not saying losing the series was his fault), but he deserved better, I think. Poor guy.

bbor, M-Leafs, what is your take on the situation? I can see justifications for both takes. The first, being happy to see him fall on his face and get his comeuppance after bolting for the cash and "a chance to win the Cup." Or, feeling sorry for him because he's a good guy and played well for your team.

[Blade]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
Now another banner with Grant's number is being raised to the rafters, while he's standing at center ice in tears. This is a really great job that the Oilers are doing. There are seven other games on that I could be watching, but I'm enjoying this more than anything. Excellent stuff.

I was absolutely amazing! I was at Skyreach for the game, and the crowd was just charged with emotion...watching Grant skate to his net in full gear just brought back so many memories...

That ceremony was worth the price of admission alone.

[klayman]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue

bbor, M-Leafs, what is your take on the situation? I can see justifications for both takes. The first, being happy to see him fall on his face and get his comeuppance after bolting for the cash and "a chance to win the Cup." Or, feeling sorry for him because he's a good guy and played well for your team.

Joseph bolted from my team once as well and my reaction is Tehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe :)

[Karim]

Originally posted by klayman
I'd just like to point out that at 23(maybe he was 24) Craig MacTavish, who has nowhere near the talent as Heatley, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and served a year in prison, and afterward put together an impressive career that included 4 Stanley Cup rings.

If his career is over, it will be because of the injuries and his mental state after the accident, not because of going to jail. And we certainly will not be able to tell at the end of this season anyway. :)

I read he could be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years so...

RE: Columbus
They were actually busy in the offseason because management feels they need to make the playoffs this season. I don't think their acquisitions will pay those kind of dividends.

[Karim]

klayman,

How's Brewer been in the preseason? He looked a little weak playing for Team Canada but I think he could still develop into one of the better D-men in the league.

Plus, he's on my FOFC team and I need to know whether he should start? ;)

[klayman]

Originally posted by Karim
I read he could be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years so...


If he gets the maximum, sure. But MacTavish could have got the maximum as well (I'm not sure if it was 15 years back then) and MacT's was DUI, which is worse. I'm not saying he's going to walk away without anytime, but I seriously doubt he'll spend more than 1 to 2 years in jail. He might have difficulty coming back at 2 years off, but it's still possible at his age. He'll likely be out for 1 year anyway with the injuries, so no problem there. Anymore than that, then yeah, maybe his career is over.

How's Brewer been in the preseason? He looked a little weak playing for Team Canada but I think he could still develop into one of the better D-men in the league.

Plus, he's on my FOFC team and I need to know whether he should start?

I guess it would matter who else you got ;) Brewer is going to get ice time in Edmonton, and he's only the real offensive D-man they have. That doesn't equate to a ton of points though. I think with Niinimaa gone, you can look for Brewer to carry the puck a little more, and he'll get probably around 200 shots this year. I don't know if he'll get more than 35 points though. We leave the scoring up to the forwards.

As far as how he looks, I'm down south in Calgary with you so I'm pretty much looking at the same info you are looking at (unless you shy away from watching Oiler games on tv) :)

[bbor]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue

bbor, M-Leafs, what is your take on the situation? I can see justifications for both takes. The first, being happy to see him fall on his face and get his comeuppance after bolting for the cash and "a chance to win the Cup." Or, feeling sorry for him because he's a good guy and played well for your team.

I think that Leaf fans handled it pretty maturly.There were some idiots on the radio saying the typical he deserved it type stuff,but i think most people realize that this is a business.I also think that most people don't blame Cujo for leaving,they blame Quinn and the fucked up Leafs front office for letting him go.

Personally...i hope he lands on his feet,but i think his play has really slipped.I think it started during his last play-off run with the Leafs...he looked very ordinary,which for Cujo is very rare.

Sadly i think that he may end his career without a cup :(

[bbor]

Dola

Caught a bit of Fluery's start for the Pens tonight...they lost 3-0....but boy does this kid look good.....48 shots against...i know 1 game a career does not make,but i think he's gonna be the real deal.

BTW the Pens are freakin horrid....i pitty their fans :(

[RPI-Fan]

Hey, if you guys have any good picks for lines on games, I'd love it if you posted them

Tonite, the Kings somehow went off at -120 on a moneyline (read, I bet $12, I win $10 if the Kings win). I obviously took the bet, and obviously it held well.

Also, the Avs went off at -1.5 for +120 (I bet $10, win $12). How do you not take that bet??? The Avs of last year + Kariya and Selanne AT HOME against the freakin' BHawks?!!?!?!?

Easy money...

Unfortunately I missed out on a moneyline on the Rangers over the Wild, but I still did well on the night - 2/3.

So please, post good bets that you find...

[henry296]

I watched the whole and was impressed by Fleury as well. He has great positioning but gives up lots of rebounds, but they go to the corners.

The rest of the team. Ouch. The Kings were on the PP for about 1/2 the game though.

Todd

[Karim]

Originally posted by klayman
I guess it would matter who else you got ;) Brewer is going to get ice time in Edmonton, and he's only the real offensive D-man they have. That doesn't equate to a ton of points though. ... As far as how he looks, I'm down south in Calgary with you so I'm pretty much looking at the same info you are looking at (unless you shy away from watching Oiler games on tv) :)

I've always liked Brewer and never understood why Milbury unloaded him. He had a poor season last year so I'm hoping he'll rebound. My defence:

Redden
Kaberle
Ohlund
Skoula
Brewer

I'm tempted to sit Skoula but am indecisive...

[klayman]

i'd probably go with Brewer over Skoula. Brewer's going to get more ice time and powerplay time, and that usually gets you more points. Of course, Skoula's going to get more points being on a much more offensive team.

Guess I'm indecisive as well. Of course the Oilers are on pace to score 410 goals this year :D

[Karim]

And the Flames are on pace for 82! :D

[Karim]

Well, I went to the season opener last night and it rocked. I can't remember a live game I've enjoyed as much as that. Other than the win, the highlight had to be the smooch cam focusing on two hot chicks who didn't disappoint. :D

Whoever has Kobasew on their FOFC Fantasy Hockey team has a really good player. He's only a rookie, and I know the early buzz for Calder is Tuomo Ruutu from Chicago, but Kobasew has speed to burn, is aggressive on the puck, and has offensive flair. He's also getting 2nd PP time, which turned into 1st PP time when the Iginla line had just been on the ice. He scored his first goal last night and I really don't think 20 is an unrealistic target.

Bring on the Greasers, klayman! :D

[klayman]

Yeah, we looked dreadful last night. No desire at all. And you Flamers always bring your A game against us, no matter how bad your team is. There go my 82-0-0 hopes.

As for the girls, last time I was at a home Flames game I was up in the lounge between periods (where else would I be?), and watched in astonishment as these two gorgeous girls held hands and playfully kissed each other as they walked to the bathroom. I damn well forgot I was at a hockey game, which is a nearly impossible task as my gf can attest to. :)

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Karim
Whoever has Kobasew on their FOFC Fantasy Hockey team has a really good player. He's only a rookie, and I know the early buzz for Calder is Tuomo Ruutu from Chicago, but Kobasew has speed to burn, is aggressive on the puck, and has offensive flair. He's also getting 2nd PP time, which turned into 1st PP time when the Iginla line had just been on the ice. He scored his first goal last night and I really don't think 20 is an unrealistic target.


I do. I took him in both leagues I'm in. I'm not one to take rookies at all, but I have a hunch that all the pieces are in place for him to have a nice, nice season.

[bbor]

Leafs played as well as advertised in their opening game.

It only took till the end of the 2nd period for the Boo Birds to come out...mind you it was well deserved.

Oh well..it can only get better....right???

[klayman]

Originally posted by bbor

Oh well..it can only get better....right???

Yeah, Leafs looked real good Saturday night :D

[Karim]

Originally posted by bbor
Leafs played as well as advertised in their opening game.

It only took till the end of the 2nd period for the Boo Birds to come out...mind you it was well deserved.

Oh well..it can only get better....right???


I'll trade you Kaberle for Jovanovski or Lidstrom. :D

[bbor]

Originally posted by Karim
I'll trade you Kaberle for Jovanovski or Lidstrom. :D

Now THAT is funny:D

[klayman]

the Oilers are on pace to score 410 goals this year


Me and my big mouth. :(

[bbor]

Wooohooo Leafs have a tie!

Talk in town is that they won't win a game all year.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Sounds like Mogilny could be out for a while. Groin injuries, never, ever a pretty thing especially for a hockey player.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hey! I just noticed something...

I am now "Hockey Boy"!

Mayhap I would have preferred "Hockey Man" or "Hockey Stud" or, even, "Hockey Lad", but I'll take it, as to avoid confusion with my "good" twin.

[sachmo71]

Congrats, Blue!

[bbor]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Hey! I just noticed something...

I am now "Hockey Boy"!

Mayhap I would have preferred "Hockey Man" or "Hockey Stud" or, even, "Hockey Lad", but I'll take it, as to avoid confusion with my "good" twin.

I think Dead thing supporter would have been better:D

Who knows with Mogilny's injury...the Leafs guard injuries closer than latex on my cock:)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
I think Dead thing supporter would have been better:D

Who knows with Mogilny's injury...the Leafs guard injuries closer than latex on my cock:)

From what we've heard about your wife and your "handle", I imagine you must be referring to the "Snug Fit" line Lifestyles is offering nowadays. ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hatcher's out for 4 FREAKING months. Damnation!

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. As soon as he went down with the "knee sprain" I knew something was wrong. Just like Fischer last year.

:mad:

[Ksyrup]

Yep, just read that. 4-6 months, actually. I knew it wasn't good when he didn't even come back, but that's worst-case scenario.

[sachmo71]

Sucks for Hatcher. Good for the rest of the league.

[bbor]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Hatcher's out for 4 FREAKING months. Damnation!

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. As soon as he went down with the "knee sprain" I knew something was wrong. Just like Fischer last year.

:mad:

Ahem.....Four to SIX months:D

Just had to push the knife in a bit deeper:)

[bbor]

Bad news for Bluenotes fans...Maccinnis has a deteached retina..he may be gone for awhile also.

[klayman]

and in other news, the Leafs still haven't won a game :)

[Karim]

Thankfully, none of these guys are on my FOFC team.

[FrogMan]

I have lost Zhamnov and MacInnis already :(

FM

[klayman]

Wow. Just got back from the Flames Sabers game...possibly the worst hockey I've seen played in a long time.

[bbor]

Originally posted by klayman
Wow. Just got back from the Flames Sabers game...possibly the worst hockey I've seen played in a long time.

Apparently you havent seen a Ducks game this year eh ? :D

[Karim]

noooooooooo........ klayman is right. Absolutely brutal...........

It's hard to believe that was a Sutter team. Very little effort and the top line is invisible. Iggy is not driving to the net, Conroy is always looking for Iggy, and McAmmond is watching the play.

I hope Sutter brings the riot act and sends these guys a message.

$7 million US for 0 points in 4 games is unacceptable.

[klayman]

Not enough hockey talk!

On the eve of watching the worst hockey I've ever seen:

Here's an article (http://www.msnbc.com/news/967918.asp) on 10 things to improve the NHL. I won't quote it for the lazy people as it is too large (sorry bbor :) )

Personally, I feel most of this list is crap. Brett Hull as commissioner? What a joke. Brett has admitted time and time again that he is not a hockey fan, which is what we truly need (feel free to start up a campaign for me if you are so inclined :) ). And the shootout is not the solution to any question that the NHL might have.

Wider ice surface (which will decrease obstruction) is a must as well as increasing the size of the nets and decreasing the size of goaltender's equipment. I also like the full 2 mins served on the powerplay suggestion. I would add a shorter season into the mix as well (which would happen with contraction, but should happen even without contraction) and bring back the playoff rivalries.

As far as bending the stick blades, that's just stupid. Today's players have enough problems hitting a target without the puck going all over the place.

Thoughts?

[bbor]

I saw the WORST hokey game ever tonight...Lasfs and Isle....horrid game.

Leafs keep this up and they will get a nice top draft pick next spring...if there is a next spring.

Not only that,but a few more losses like tonight and Mr.Quinn will be looking for work me thinks.

[bbor]

BTW Klayman...the only suggestion i like that does'nt disrupt the history of the game is to widen the rink,only problem is that the owners would never go for it,lost revenue and all eh.

[chrisj]

Originally posted by bbor
BTW Klayman...the only suggestion i like that does'nt disrupt the history of the game is to widen the rink,only problem is that the owners would never go for it,lost revenue and all eh.

How about letting teams decide if they want a wider rink or not? (similar to how baseball stadiums are different sizes, although teams would only really be able to pick one size or the other) Could be interesting, although I don't see it ever happening.

There is a team in the QMJHL that actually has made their rink wider though. I guess the idea is to build a team suited for the rink to try and give their team an advantage... don't think it's really worked out well though.

[sachmo71]

I'll be at the Stars-Leafs game tomorrow night. Watch for me on TV!! I'll be way up at the top, where the snow doesn't melt.

[draftman]

How about, my Rangers suck...again....and thank goodness I don't have to read about it every day in the papers because I don't live there. Pardon me for bumping into Lindros and shattering his collarbone.

[klayman]

Originally posted by sachmo71
I'll be at the Stars-Leafs game tomorrow night. Watch for me on TV!! I'll be way up at the top, where the snow doesn't melt.

I hope you beat the string of being-at-the-game-and-watching-the-worst-hockey we seem to have going. Of course, with the Leafs playing that's not likely :)

[bbor]

Originally posted by sachmo71
where the snow doesn't melt.

You're gonna be watching the game from Canada?? :D

[FrogMan]

speaking of which, it snowed In Quebec City today DAMNIT!!! There was a good inch or two on the windshield of my car after work... 25 minutes later, back home, nothing anywhere... I'm not ready to get into the 6 months battle with snow yet...

FM

[bbor]

OUCH!

We had a Balmy 16 degrees here today in TO, Froggy:D

[FrogMan]

Originally posted by bbor
OUCH!

We had a Balmy 16 degrees here today in TO, Froggy:D

Yeah, it bites! I've still got my all season, all worn out tires on my car. Gonna switch 'em this Saturday. Gonna have to do some very careful driving.

Since you're in Canada, that 16 is the same 16 I know, Celsius, right?!? :eek: OH MAN!!! (in a whiny Bart voice)... This gonna be another loooooooooong Winter... :(

FM

[bbor]

err...ya celsius...i've been Americanized by this board:(

[mtaystl03]

GO BLUES!
Down 3-1 and end up scoring 4 unanswered!
OHH BAAAAAAAAAAAABY!!!!

[FrogMan]

yeah, was gonna say, nothing to boast about 16F :p Well, it was just about 0 today, -3 or -4 with windchill (thus the snow) and should be -6 or so tonight with the windchill... The woodstove is warm and we're ready :)

FM

[TurnerONU22]

Since I'm practically from Columbus (10 mins away), I've gotta throw in here that I love the moves that the CBJ's made during this offseason and I think that having MacLean a full year behind the bench, a full year of experience for Nash, and some nice acquisitions (Sydor, Marchant, ect..) that this team will be a lot better than last year's "team". Before they came here to Columbus, I knew very very little about hockey and wasn't too interested in it. Now, its my favorite sport, going to the Blue Jacket games top any other regular sporting event, and I'm pumped to see them make a run at the playoffs. Now, here's a couple questions for those that have a lot more hockey knowledge than I do:

1. Am I being realistic about thinking of the playoffs? Or are they still a year away from having a good shot at it?

2. What's your opinion of Rick Nash, I know he's gonna be an awesome wing, but is there someone that is established right now, that his style is compared to?

3. What's everyone's opinion on their new 3rd jersey? Personally, I think its sweet because its very simple, yet very fitting at the same time. If you haven't seen it, you can go to their website and its on the front page

Columbus Blue Jackets Website (http://www.bluejackets.com)

[chrisj]

Originally posted by TurnerONU22

1. Am I being realistic about thinking of the playoffs? Or are they still a year away from having a good shot at it?


I actually really like Columbus. I think they have a shot at the 7-8 spot, but the playoffs aren't a sure thing for them, that's for sure - just somewhere after Detriot, Dallas, Colorado, Vancouver and St. Louis.

[ISiddiqui]

Here's an article on 10 things to improve the NHL.
Personally, I feel most of this list is crap.

I agree! He argues for calling more obstruction penalties (#1) saying that calling more penalties will disrupt the flow of the game less than the obstructors do. THEN in calling for going back to one ref (#7), he says there are too many unnecessary penalties. Wha?

[bbor]

I like what Columbus did in the offseason.They made some good aquisitions.Maclean is a smart GM/Coach,he is on the radio in Toronto all the time.

I would'nt expect him to be the coach for longer than this season,i see it purely as a cost cutting move until after the CBA is settled.

Regardless...if all things fall into place they could land in the 7th or 8th spot.

[sterlingice]

Since no one else has done it...

2004 Hawks Preview
Ouch. We hope the Wings choke again.

Seriously, tho- the team might actually be heading in the right direction for the first time in... quite a few years. Now, maybe it's just ownership being cheap, but after the debacles with Theoren and others, they've just decided to go with a youth movement. Lots of young talent, especially with the forwards. Tuomo Ruutu looks like he might be the real deal and it would be nice to have someone who can actually score. Maybe he'll be the next Amonte or JR, you know the only guy on Chicago who can actually score a goal. God forbid, this franchise actually get some offense... but I digress. A talented but very green offense with a less-than-mediocre defense... well, it's going to be a long season. Again. The franchise is becoming more and more removed from their playoff streak of 28 straight years.

This team isn't going anywhere this year unless Thibault is the second coming of Patty Roy and while he's won me back from the ranks of those that thought he was a worthless, overhyped piece of trash- he's solid, not a once-in-a-generation/best-of-all-time player.

SI

[sachmo71]

Well, the Hawks could always get Joseph. He was waived again a few days ago...

[bbor]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Well, the Hawks could always get Joseph. He was waived again a few days ago...

I don't think Mr.Wirtz would like to pay Cujo's salary eh.

[klayman]

Originally posted by bbor
I don't think Mr.Wirtz would like to pay Cujo's salary eh.

I don't think anyone wants to pay Joseph's salary...

[klayman]

Originally posted by mtaystl03

Down 3-1 and end up scoring 4 unanswered!


Actually they were down 3-0

stupid oilers. :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by klayman
I don't think anyone wants to pay Joseph's salary...

Someone has to take his salary. Please! Anyone, anyone? What the Wings are hoping to do is trade him and pay a portion, I would say around 30-40% of his salary to help coushin the blow. I just hope the Rangers keep sucking or someone elses goaltending goes kaput. The Wings need some more punch upfront. They have looked completely listless over the last two games and the loss of Hatcher for the year doesn't help. I have no idea what the Wings could get for CuJo some names like Lang and Nedved have been floated. I assume it will be some veteran forward with a big contract of his own. It would be a contract swap, the Wings picking up the difference between CuJo's contract and the forward's. That's the only way I can see this working. No one is going to bail out the Wings.

It's nice to see Colorado losing so badly, 6-3 in Edmonton (go Oil!) and 4-1 versus Boston. They are giving up waaaay too many goals. It's what most people expected (and I hoped for), the young tandem isn't holding up too well. Unless things improve dramatically Colorado will have to make a trade for a veteran netminder (Khabibuhlin? Burke? Kolzig?) to have any shot in the play-offs. That being said, I don't know if the blame falls squarely on the young goalies' shoulders, Colorado's defense isn't all that great from the blueline out. Blake, Foote, and Morris are good, but after that? Chris McAllister, Skoula, and a bunch young guys? As for checking forwards? Jim Cummins? What?? Is there a decent penalty killer outside of Forsberg?

Good to see Hemsky scoring at about a point a game pace. Have him in a fantasy league. The kid needs to shoot more though. He really does.

[Maple Leafs]

For whatever it's worth, the Caps will be trading Steve Konowalchuk to the Pens tonight. That probably means that Mike Grier will be the new captain.

[Karim]

I think Rick Nash is the real deal. He put on about 15 pounds in the off-season and I don't think he's stopped growing. He'll be one of the top power forwards in the league eventually and I can see him being on the Canadian National Team somwhere in the future.

I also really like Marc Denis. He's a workhorse and Maclean will get them playing better defense. Brathwaite will also lessen Denis' workload which should keep him fresher.

I picked Nash and Denis for my fantasy team so I may be biased. ;)

And I do like their new jersey...

As far as rules changes are concerned, what I would really like to see is:

1) serve the full two or four minute penalty;
2) play 4-4, 4-3, 3-3 if penalties allow (the old Oiler's rule from the early 80s)
3) pull the nets away from the boards back to where they were (get the action in front, not in the corners)
4) automatic icing

[Karim]

dola

and for the love of Christ, get the goalies playing with properly sized equipment circa 15-20 years ago...

[bbor]

Wow....Leafs beat Dallas....nice work.

WTF is with the new Stars Uni?

[ice4277]

Originally posted by bbor
Wow....Leafs beat Dallas....nice work.

WTF is with the new Stars Uni?

Yeah, that thing is NASTY. Makes me yearn for the mid-90's LA Kings alternates ;)

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
For whatever it's worth, the Caps will be trading Steve Konowalchuk to the Pens tonight. That probably means that Mike Grier will be the new captain.

close.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
It's nice to see Colorado losing so badly, 6-3 in Edmonton (go Oil!) and 4-1 versus Boston. They are giving up waaaay too many goals. It's what most people expected (and I hoped for), the young tandem isn't holding up too well. Unless things improve dramatically Colorado will have to make a trade for a veteran netminder (Khabibuhlin? Burke? Kolzig?) to have any shot in the play-offs. That being said, I don't know if the blame falls squarely on the young goalies' shoulders, Colorado's defense isn't all that great from the blueline out. Blake, Foote, and Morris are good, but after that? Chris McAllister, Skoula, and a bunch young guys? As for checking forwards? Jim Cummins? What?? Is there a decent penalty killer outside of Forsberg?


I don't think it's the goalies' fault. Sauve did play pretty bad against the Oilers, but it was his first NHL game. The Avs seem to be trying to score 10 goals a game - they need to put some emphasis on their own end.

I love the acquisition of Konowalchuck - seems like a good guy to have on the team.

Personally, I'd like to see the Avs experiment and split up all that talent onto 3 lines, not two. Put Forsberg and Hejduk on 1, Selanne and Kariya on another, Sakic and Tanguay on a 3rd. Not sure it will ever happen, but that's what I'd like to see.

[bbor]

I think the Avs biggest problem is their coach.Who the hell leaves that kinda line up in the hands of a rookie coach?

Seems like a waste....Perhaps you need a Ted Nolan in there????

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by bbor
I think the Avs biggest problem is their coach.Who the hell leaves that kinda line up in the hands of a rookie coach?

Seems like a waste....Perhaps you need a Ted Nolan in there????

I'd love to have Ted Nolan. Of course, I'd prefer to have Hartley back, but that's another story.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
I think the Avs biggest problem is their coach.Who the hell leaves that kinda line up in the hands of a rookie coach?

Seems like a waste....Perhaps you need a Ted Nolan in there????

Ted Nolan. There has to be something seriously wrong with the guy. Well, there had to be. As of late, from what I've read, whenever he's been interviewed for a job teams have found him completely out of touch with the league. He seems reluctant start again in the minors or take on any role that isn't NHL head coach. It's too bad really, but something has to be wrong there.

I loved Tony Granato as a player. He had a special place in my heart after playing so well for me in my first ever Strat-O-Matic hockey league. I had the 1991 Kings and the line of Gretzky-Granato-Sandstrom was unstoppable, with Granato scoring well over a goal a game. It's sad to see him coaching the Forces of Darkness.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Ted Nolan. There has to be something seriously wrong with the guy. Well, there had to be. As of late, from what I've read, whenever he's been interviewed for a job teams have found him completely out of touch with the league. He seems reluctant start again in the minors or take on any role that isn't NHL head coach. It's too bad really, but something has to be wrong there.


I heard something about him possibly having the biggest ego on the planet. After what happened between he and the front office in Buffalo I think a lot of GM's are leery of working with him.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
He seems reluctant start again in the minors or take on any role that isn't NHL head coach.Exactly. Ted Nolan had two problems:

- He tried to backstab his GM, which meant he was going to be blacklisted for a season or two

- In the meantime, he refused to take a minor league or even assistant coaching job anywhere. So now that teams would be willing to hire him, they can't, because he's been out of the loop so long.

The guy was a great coach, but he brought this on himself.

[sterlingice]

I go to check the box score for my fantasy team's stats for the day and what do I see:
"Colorado 6:22, Adam Foote 0 (power play) (John-Michael Liles, Milan Hejduk)".
Man, it must be a bad year when you don't even get credited for a goal you score.

SI

[bbor]

Damn the Oil got their @ss handed to them tonight.

Any word on Comrie returning?

[klayman]

Fewer goals being scored and shutouts way up in first two weeks of NHL season
at 16:51 on October 23, 2003, EST.
NEIL STEVENS

(CP) - If the early trend continues, NHL goal scorers will have their worst season in history.

Only 4.7 goals a game were scored, on average, in the 87 games played through the first two weeks of the new season. The average was 5.7 after the same number of games one year ago, and keep this in mind: it went down from there - to 5.3 by season's end.

The league continues its crackdown on obstruction fouls, and it recently reduced the size of goaltenders' leg pads, but neither has fuelled offences.

There were 20 shutouts in the 87 games compared to six through the same number of games a year ago. There were two scoreless games on the same night for the first time in 69 years.

Granted, it doesn't take a lot of goals to make a game entertaining. Some of the best this season have been low-scoring contests. We're merely pointing out a trend.

Maybe the trend will reverse itself next week. A suggestion: don't hold your breath.

A season has never ended with fewer than five goals a game being scored on average.

The lowest average, 5.2, was recorded in 2001-2002.

A decline started after the 5.8 average of 1996-97. It was 5.3 for the next two years and 5.5 in each of the following two years.

It was 6.3 in 1995-96, 7.3 in 1986-87 and a staggering 8.3 in 1981-82, when Wayne Gretzky scored 92 goals.

Tell youngsters about that and you'll be accused of fibbing.

Who's to blame for the shortage of goals?

Coaches can be fingered. A lot of them have their players applying trapping defences to thwart opponents' attacks. It's the surest way to be competitive night after night. It can produce boring hockey but in the struggle of trying to make the playoffs, points are pertinent and pretty is panned.

Goaltenders are guilty, too.

The quality of goaltending is so high that, of masked bandits who had appeared in a minimum four games, 21 had save percentages in excess of .900 as of the completion of games played Wednesday night.

Rick DiPietro of the Islanders had allowed only three goals on 68 shots before Thursday's game versus Montreal. That's a .956 save percentage through four games.

Roberto Luongo of the Florida Panthers was at .955 after stopping 231 of 242 shots in seven games.

Nikolai Khabibulin of the Tampa Bay Lightning was at .950, Andrew Raycroft of the Boston Bruins was at .948 and Sean Burke of the Phoenix Coyotes and Patrick Lalime of the Ottawa Senators each were at .942.

Jeff Hackett of the Philadelphia Flyers already had two shutouts.

At this rate, arena maintenance crews won't have to replace many red light bulbs this winter.

At least the Oilers are doing their part in allowing 6 goals a game the last 2 games. :rolleyes:

Comrie won't help this team at all. Last I heard, he doesn't want to come back here at all.

[sachmo71]

Kovalachuck...wow...

[ice4277]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Kovalachuck...wow...

I'm glad he was available as a free agent at the start of the in my fantasy hockey league :eek:

[bbor]

I think it is usaual for goalies to be ahead of shooters at this point of the season.

As goalies play more and wear down,and as back-ups play more games...as well as forwards finding their range i think goal scoring will go up as the season progresses.

[bbor]

I'm calling it now...Fluery for the Calder...this guy is freakin amazing.

If he gets on a good team he could break some goaltending records.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yay for Yzerman, Hasek, and the Wings. Way to put it to Dallas, lads!

[sterlingice]

It's great to see Smith fired today, but I fear that as long as Wirtz is the owner, the team will continue to suck. At least this is a step in the right direction.

SI

[Karim]

Until Wirtz dies and Pulford is gone, Chicago isn't going anywhere.

[bbor]

Lafs win 3rd in a row...Torontonians are planning sir Stanleys parade route :)

On a more serious note./...the Lafs honoured Gilmour tonight,very nice ceremony.

Antone catch the Oil/flames game?

1st fight 2 seconds into the game
2nd fight 12 seconds into the game
3rd fight 34 seconds into the game

3 fights in 34 seconds...Awesome.A total of 14 fighting majors were handed out.

Someone send me tickets to the rematch...i wanna go!

[ice4277]

Originally posted by bbor

Someone send me tickets to the rematch...i wanna go!

Isn't that going to be the outdoors game as well?

[FrogMan]

unless there's more than one outdoor game, I thought the Habs were part of one...

FM

[Tekneek]

One outdoor game. Edmonton vs. Montreal. That's it. There is no other outdoor game scheduled for the NHL.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by Tekneek
One outdoor game. Edmonton vs. Montreal. That's it. There is no other outdoor game scheduled for the NHL.

Oops, I thought it was going to be Edmonton/Calgary outdoors. My bad.

[Karim]

Yeah, that was an awesome game! The BOA is back!

The Greasers didn't want the Flames for the outdoor game because they figured it wouldn't give them enough media exposure. I think NYR was the original team sought.

On another note, where does Jarome Iginla fit among NHL wingers? The year he won the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies, he basically did it by himself. I realize McAmmond and Conroy had career years but that was a by-product of playing with Iggy I think.

Last year he was injured early which hurt his productivity in the first three months. When he got healthy, he scored at a ridiculous pace and still ended up with over 30 goals.

So is he a 30+, 40+ or 50 goal forward? I remember thinking during the Olympics when he was playing with Sakic and Gagne, what if? If he had sweet passer like a Weight or Oates and didn't have to create everything himself, I think he would definitely be elite. Stuck with the Flames (as much as I hate to say that), I don't think he'll evolve beyond a consistent 35-40 goal scorer and rugged winger. Although, in today's NHL, that's pretty impressive.

[bbor]

One note to add on last nights Oil/Flames game.Oliwa...noted NHL goon scored his first goal in 4 years...on a break away...and holy shit what a move he put on Salo...he looked like Gretzky.

[klayman]

Originally posted by bbor
One note to add on last nights Oil/Flames game.Oliwa...noted NHL goon scored his first goal in 4 years...on a break away...and holy shit what a move he put on Salo...he looked like Gretzky.

No kidding. Only the Oilers could make Oliwa look so good. He almost got another mins later. :(

Karim: I think Iggy is one of the elite wingers in the league just for the reasons you mentioned. He has no support, yet can put up very good numbers.

[sachmo71]

Oliwa put a move on...oh. It's Salo. I get it.

[Karim]

Bertuzzi got $27.9 over 4 years. The last year of his previous contract was ripped up and he got a bump in pay this year along with a couple million signing bonus. What it works out to is around $8 million/year over the last three years of the contract.

Isn't Vancouver painting themselves into a corner with Bertuzzi, Naslund, Morrison, Jovanovski and Cloutier? That alone will break a $35 million salary cap.

Although, I don't really think they had much choice. Letting an impact player like Bertuzzi go would have been devastating for the franchise.

[sachmo71]

Stars come back from two miserable periods of play to win over Calgary 4-3. Goals by Guerin, Guerin, Guerin, and Arnott. Way to earn that pay, boyos!

I'm a bit concerned about the Stars lack of cohesion, though, and Turco was pulled for the second time this season. :eek:

[mtaystl03]

BLUUUUUUUUUUUES, OHHHHH BAAAABBYYYY!!!!!
6-5 winners over the Wings!

[bbor]

The way Hasek is playing i think he should have stayed retired.

[Chief Rum]

Interesting happenings in Anaheim, if you guys didn't notice.

The Ducks have won four of their last six games and have only lost once (last Friday, in a sloppy game against the Sabres where they were leading 2-1 in the third and then sabotaged Jiggy by playing turnover-prone sloppy defense and gave up four goals in the third period) in that time.

But the big news is that backup goalie Martin Gerber has been doing so well (and Jiggy so hit and miss this season so far) that Gerber is now starting until he cools off. Babcock is basically playing the hot hand, while repeatedly assuring the media that Jiggy's job is safe, he's just playing out Gerber's hot streak and give Jiggy a little more time to get acclimated.

This actually makes sense for Jiggy, who has historically been a slow starter.

Nonetheless, I love having Gerber around. I think he's the best backup in hockey myself, but I am biased. :)

CR

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hrmmm...

6-5 versus St. Louis and Hasek get chased...

5-3 versus Nashville, CuJo is poo.

Not good. Not good at all.

I guess the team misses Hatcher more than they think.

What the hell is up with Yzerman getting 34 pims? All these fights? Fucking Belgium and the time difference. I have to go figure out exactly what happened there...

The season is long. The ship will be righted.

[Sloan]

CuJo actually didn't play that badly. He made a great save early on in the game on a 2 on 1. Most of the goals were from tip ins or defensive breakdowns where he didn't have a chance.

Nashville had a 5 on 3 for two full minutes and CuJo and the wings stopped them from scoring. I thought we had the game at that point.

Yzerman complained to the referee about a very, very questionable holding call on Lidstrom and received a couple of misconduct penalties. The commentators were insinuating that Yzerman even destroyed the camera in the penalty box. He was pissed!

The defense is playing horribly right now, especially Dandenault. He keeps getting caught up in the rush causing odd man rushes on the other end. That and we don't clear anybody out from the front of the net.

[Karim]

This is probably stating the obvious, but one of the Flames' owners publically stated that the Flames will fold if there is no hard salary cap in the next labour agreement.

http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySports/cs.cs-11-01-0088.html

Although he didn't actually use the words "salary cap" like Boston owner Jeremy Jacobs, it's clear what was meant.

Calgary is actually in a better situation than many US-based franchises because they've only lost roughly $20 million over the past five years. Without a US network TV contract, that's several hundred million dollars that can't be found elsewhere. $10 million dollar contracts and $60+ million dollar payrolls are just not sustainable.

There are about 15 teams that will be in serious trouble without a hard salary cap. Relocation isn't an option as all the potential markets are taken.

Meanwhile, you have players like Shanahan who are trying to couch the players' position as taking a "moral" stance for a future generation of players. He needs to remember that for every team that contracts, there's 25 lost jobs, and increased competition for the jobs that remain. Not everyone can go and play in Europe.

I've never experienced a loss of a franchise like the Quebec Nordiques or Winnipeg Jets but I can completely understand how it leaves a bitter taste in the fans' mouths.

The entire league and its member associations need to think long and hard about the potential ramifications of not recitifying the out of control finances.

[sterlingice]

Karim- it's baseball all over again. Hopefully the owners can win some legitimate consolations in this CBA as opposed to baseball.

SI

[Karim]

You know the pending CBA negotiations are a big story when Maclean's has an article on it. They usually do not cover any sports.

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/sports/article.jsp?content=20031103_68551_68551

To show the ludicrous bonus structure for entry-level players, check out Marc-Andre Fleury's contract:

He will receive $500,000 this year if he hits one of the following milestones: 20 victories, 3.25 goals-against average, .890 save percentage, 1,800 minutes played (the equivalent of 30 games), four shutouts and a top-five finish in rookie-of-the-year voting.

If he hits two of those plateaus, he gets $3 million.

Basically he's got to be a mediocre to absolutely atrocious goalie to strike it rich. Now, he's had a fabulous start and should shatter the above marks, but shouldn't bonuses be for solid play?

Next season, Fleury would have to reach three of those standards to receive a $4 million bonus and four of those milestones in the final year of the deal for a $4 million bonus.

While he can't earn more than $8 million in bonuses, he can earn $11.72 million before he turns 22.

"I'm not proud of myself," Penguins GM Craig Patrick said. "The stuff that he has to achieve isn't that [difficult]. He's going to do it."

[RPI-Fan]

Ricky DiPietro is playing GREAT right now for the Isles - well under a 2.00 GAA with a defense that's not been playing well. Granted, Hamrlik-Aucoin-Niinima-Jonsson is, without much question, the best 4-man defense combo in the league, but Ricky has played well. Addind the aspect of a "3rd defender" (with his puckhandling skills) has been a huge asset.

If the forwards would only start to hussle back to play some D, we'll be a dominating team in the East.

[RPI-Fan]

Oh, and how's that Niiniima trade working out Oilers fans?:D

Mad Mike finally got the best of another team.

[Karim]

Yeah, Isbister is a bust. They were hoping for another "Bertuzzi-like" breakout after leaving the Island. :rolleyes:

[Karim]

Buried on page 6! :eek:

Here's an article on Sidney Crosby. Excuse the broken english. He's draft eligible in 2005 and hopefully all the CBA mess will be fixed for the betterment of the game.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=6369&mode=threaded&order=0

Regardless of the sport, we can never stop looking for the "Next One".

[bbor]

He will be a Leaf:)

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by RPI-Fan
Granted, Hamrlik-Aucoin-Niinima-Jonsson is, without much question, the best 4-man defense combo in the league...

I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
Thanks.

Signed,
Several other teams.

:p

[Chief Rum]

lol, DD, I had the same thought when I read that. :)

CR

[klayman]

Originally posted by bbor
He will be a Leaf:)

There's a good chance. After the lockout, the Leafs will probably be the worst of the handful of teams that remain in the NHL :D

[bbor]

Originally posted by klayman
There's a good chance. After the lockout, the Leafs will probably be the worst of the handful of teams that remain in the NHL :D

Are'nt they now? :D

[sachmo71]

Ugh. Stars are having some serious problems. 1 goal in the last 8 road periods. Not good.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Yeeeeah, not everyone can be the defending Stanley Cup champs. Devils go for five in a row tonight!

[chrisj]

Originally posted by Karim
Buried on page 6! :eek:

Here's an article on Sidney Crosby. Excuse the broken english. He's draft eligible in 2005 and hopefully all the CBA mess will be fixed for the betterment of the game.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=6369&mode=threaded&order=0

Regardless of the sport, we can never stop looking for the "Next One".

Can't wait to see what Crosby does in the NHL. So far this season in 21 games he has 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points (8 more than the guy who is 2nd in scoring)... averaging over 2 points per game as a rookie in the Q is unheard of. Even Mario only scored 96 points in his rookie year.

[chrisj]

BTW... for those of you in Canada who get Rogers Sportsnet, you should check out the CHL vs Russia Juniors challenge later this month. The two QMJHL games (Nov 20th and Nov 24th) will feature Sidney Crosby for the Q, and Alexander Ovechkin for Russia. Should be a good couple of games.

[primelord]

CENTRAL GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA HOME AWAY L10
ST LOUIS 12 8 3 0 1 17 32 27 4-1-0-0 4-2-0-1 7-3-0-0
DETROIT 13 6 6 1 0 13 38 36 4-1-0-0 2-5-1-0 3-6-1-0


That is just a beautiful sight isn't it?

[primelord]

Dola,

On a sad note however Osgood is still our fucking goalie. Why me?

[sterlingice]

Heck, I'm happy with *this* stat

CENTRAL GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA HOME AWAY L10
ST LOUIS 12 8 3 0 1 17 32 27 4-1-0-0 4-2-0-1 7-3-0-0
CHICAGO 13 5 5 3 0 13
DETROIT 13 6 6 1 0 13 38 36 4-1-0-0 2-5-1-0 3-6-1-0

Hawks fans don't get to see that very often in the standings and more :D

SI

[primelord]

Good point. I am equally happy to see Chicago below St. Louis as I am Detroit. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by primelord
CENTRAL GP W L T OTL PTS GF GA HOME AWAY L10
ST LOUIS 12 8 3 0 1 17 32 27 4-1-0-0 4-2-0-1 7-3-0-0
DETROIT 13 6 6 1 0 13 38 36 4-1-0-0 2-5-1-0 3-6-1-0


That is just a beautiful sight isn't it?

Live it up while you can... :mad:

The Wings have just not been sharp. Not at all. I think losing Hatcher really crushed the psyche of the team. You want desperate, they just signed 40 year old Steve "Stumpy" Thomas.

That being said, it's no time to panic. I think the ship can be righted. Hopefully Hasek will regain form, things will calm down, and the Wings will go on a winning streak and get things back in order in the Central Division.

[primelord]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
[BThat being said, it's no time to panic. [/B]

No I think it is time to panic. Grab your Octopi and run!!!!! The sky is falling!

Seriously though. I have been so busy at work I have unfortunately not seen many hockey games outside of Blues games. However despite the fact they scored 5 goals I thought the Red Wings looked old and slow against the Note. And it's about damn time too.

And on another note what kind of deal did Yzerman make with the devil to still be playing hockey at a high level at this point in his career. I am shocked the man can even stand anymore let alone still putting up close to a point a game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by primelord
No I think it is time to panic. Grab your Octopi and run!!!!! The sky is falling!

Seriously though. I have been so busy at work I have unfortunately not seen many hockey games outside of Blues games. However despite the fact they scored 5 goals I thought the Red Wings looked old and slow against the Note. And it's about damn time too.

And on another note what kind of deal did Yzerman make with the devil to still be playing hockey at a high level at this point in his career. I am shocked the man can even stand anymore let alone still putting up close to a point a game.

Steve Yzerman. There is none higher. I have said this for years and he never proves me wrong. :D

The team is old. The team is slow. Losing Fedorov really hurt. Even though he isn't setting the world on fire in Anahiem (not that they need any more fires down there), he gave the Wings an important dimension they sorely lack now. He could really fly and carry the puck from end-to-end when necessary. That doesn't exist on the team anymore. Losing Zetterberg for 4-6 weeks wont help.

The Wings really do need another forward (under 40), but it doesn't look like they will get one.

They also need to resolve this goalie thing. Hopefully someone will take poor CuJo off their hands.

[primelord]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
They also need to resolve this goalie thing. Hopefully someone will take poor CuJo off their hands.

It could be worse. You could still have fucking Osgood as your goalie. Everyone in St. Louis is in love with Osgood at the moment. (Except me obviously) His good start has blinded them to the fact that 1) the goals he has been giving up have been awfully soft, 2) despite the fact that the Blues have had a large number of injuries on defense they are still one of the stronger defensive teams in the nhl, and 3) Ozzie always gets off to a fast start. Looking at his career numbers his wins, gaa, and sv% are by far the best in October than any other month.

And the fact remians he just isn't a guy who is going to steal a game for you in the playoffs. And that is what we have been missing all these years. Unless you are a team like the Dead Wings were when he was in goal for them you have to have a goalie who can win a game or two for you in the playoffs that you shouldn't have won. Ozzie isn't that guy. Why me?

[primelord]

Dola,

BTW I think the reason we haven't heard from Double A in a long time is because he threw himself off the top of the arch after we traded for Osgood. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by primelord
Dola,

BTW I think the reason we haven't heard from Double A in a long time is because he threw himself off the top of the arch after we traded for Osgood. :)

I miss old A2. I am sure the Osgood thing pushed him over the edge.

I like Ozzie. He seems a decent fellow. I don't really blame the last two play-off series (when he was in net) losses on him at all. The team sort of flamed out collectively.

That being said, he isn't reliable. You never feel comfortable while he's manning the pipes. He will give up a soft/bad goal on occassion and just always seems to let a goal in at exactly the wrong time. The worst example was, of course, that 80 footer he let in during a play-off series against the Blues. The Blues were down 3-2 (or 2-1) with under a minute to go and MacInnis shot it from almost center ice. Bam. Game tied. (Note: I was watching this game during a timed, 24-hour take home exame during my first year of law school. Luckily, for me, Shanahan scored the OT winner in the 2nd overtime and I was happy and able to finish my exam.)

Whenever Osgood is in net, I rarely, if ever, felt confident that the Wings had the better goalie in a game. That sort of confidence goes a long way.


I am glad he isn't playing goalie for the Wings right now.

[primelord]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
(Note: I was watching this game during a timed, 24-hour take home exame during my first year of law school. Luckily, for me, Shanahan scored the OT winner in the 2nd overtime and I was happy and able to finish my exam.)

Wow! I could never have gotten through an exam while watching that game. I was actually at that game. Mac connected with 32 seconds left to be exact. :) What a roller coaster game that was. Going from the high of MacInnis burying the red line shot and then even higher when everyong in Kiel thought Hull had put in the game winnerin the first OT. To the low of having that goal called back and then Shanny sending us home losers. And to top it off remembering that we were still paying Shannahan from his priginal contract with us. Nothing like paying the guy who beats you in double OT.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by primelord
Wow! I could never have gotten through an exam while watching that game. I was actually at that game. Mac connected with 32 seconds left to be exact. :) What a roller coaster game that was. Going from the high of MacInnis burying the red line shot and then even higher when everyong in Kiel thought Hull had put in the game winnerin the first OT. To the low of having that goal called back and then Shanny sending us home losers. And to top it off remembering that we were still paying Shannahan from his priginal contract with us. Nothing like paying the guy who beats you in double OT.

I forgot about the Hull "goal"! It went from post to post or something like that. It was ridiculously close to being a goal. Horribly never-wracking game.

That was the problem, I couldn't take the exam. I had to take it that day and started too. I made good progress in the morning and afternoon and when the game started I was like "Ok. I will have the game in the background, but keep on working." After 10 minutes I realized that wasn't working, so I took a "break" and went to a friend's house to watch the game.

I had my freaking coat on and everything, ready to walk out the door and head right back to the final when MacInnis scored. I couldn't believe it. I had but 24 precious hours to write everything I knew about US Constitutional law and Osgood cost me 2 of them!

I also forgot Shanny was still getting paid by the Blues. Ouch. That must really hurt.

Poor Blues. Though I can never justify hatred of the beloved Wings, I can almost see it from a Blues fan's perspective. Almost....

[klayman]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Ugh. Stars are having some serious problems. 1 goal in the last 8 road periods. Not good.

I don't really see the problem, sounds good to me ;)

[klayman]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue

They also need to resolve this goalie thing. Hopefully someone will take poor CuJo off their hands.

The way Hasek is playing, maybe you guys should dump him instead.

[primelord]

Originally posted by klayman
I don't really see the problem, sounds good to me ;)

Not when you have Modano and Zubov on your fantasy hockey team. :)

[Karim]

That's more like it.

[bbor]

Originally posted by primelord
Dola,

BTW I think the reason we haven't heard from Double A in a long time is because he threw himself off the top of the arch after we traded for Osgood. :)

ROTF!!!:D

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by chrisj
BTW... for those of you in Canada who get Rogers Sportsnet, you should check out the CHL vs Russia Juniors challenge later this month. The two QMJHL games (Nov 20th and Nov 24th) will feature Sidney Crosby for the Q, and Alexander Ovechkin for Russia. Should be a good couple of games.

Can someone tape these games for me? I'd be happy to pay for costs and/or trade Minnesota Gopher games, Vanek is worth watching for you future NHL star fans(Buff #5 overall pick), they are playing North Dakota this weekend and they have Parise who is the NJ 1st round pick. Both teams have a numerous amount of NHL picks.

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by primelord
No I think it is time to panic. Grab your Octopi and run!!!!! The sky is falling!
And to think the QOTM is gone :(

Ok, and could you arrange for something to happen to Osgood? I can't wait for his yearly meltdown since I have Johnson on my fantasy team.

SI

[sterlingice]

Wow! Ok, so I go to check on my fantasy team earlier in the day. Dallas got rocked again but it was Tugnutt instead of my slumping Turco that got shellacked so no big deal. Then I go check on Vokoun for Nashville. He's down 3-0 to Detroit in the 3rd period (he's been a pretty good backup goalie for me so far- I love that pick and I forget who howled at me but apparently he was right). So I go back and check tonight and see I have one win for goalies and did a double take. I could have sworn I had zero earlier- Turco has continued to suck this week while Vokoun lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to my Hawks. Then I see Nashville 4, Detroit 3. Oops, CoJo imploded and gave up 4 goals in less than 15 minutes while Vokoun, on the other hand, stopped 20 shots in the period and got the win! Too bad, I'm going to lose the wins column 2-1 this week. Just felt like relating a story gloating about Detroit. Resume your daily lives :cool:

Oh, wait, in a Colombo-esque manner: "One more thing".

2. Chicago 6-5-3-0 15
3. Detroit 6-7-1-0 13

I may not be able to do this for long, but I'm going to take it as long as I can :D

SI

[bbor]

What's up with the Wings?

Do they miss Feds this much?Or is the Cujo/Hasek thing getting to them?

[chrisj]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=59972

Mike Keenan has been fired... which makes no sense to me as (despite their record) I thought their team has played well so far this season.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
What's up with the Wings?

Do they miss Feds this much?Or is the Cujo/Hasek thing getting to them?

Or is it that they are really old?

Or is it that they loss Hatcher for the year?

Or is it "E" All of the above.

I reckon it's "E" and then some...

They definitely miss Feds. He was really the only player on the team who could carry the puck from end to end with any kind of speed and skill. He was fast and when on, was really on. They lack that zip and punch now offensively.

The CuJo/Hasek thing has gotten ugly. Apparently there are rumors that it is dividing the locker-room and that Hasek gets pissed whenever any player talks nice with CuJo. I am sure that is an exaggerated take on the situation, but I bet it aint great. Hasek has been known to be a bit of a headcase. Remember when he was staying at some Ottawa Senator's house while the Sabres were playing them in the play-offs? There was something weird like that going on, he had a groin injury. Who the hell knows.

People are begining to see the Hasek as a selfish, in it for himself type of guy. This, of course, would not be the situation if he actually played well. If he does start playing well, people will think the opposite. Right now, sucking as he has, people are claiming he came back for the money, to avoid legal troubles in the Czech Republic, and to promote his struggling line of clothing. Who knows...

Losing Hatcher was a big blow to the psyche of the team, I think. They were all set to become this defensive-minded team with big, bruising Hatcher at its core. Hatcher goes down, the center cannot hold... It all gots to sh*t. The Wings weren't all that sound in their defensive end last year during the play-offs. It's carried over.

Also, Legace is interesting. He's never had any real success has a #1 goalie and seems to be good one year and not so great the next. It's odd and based off only my thinking with no current statsitcal data to back it up with.

[sachmo71]

The Stars miss Hatcher as much as the Wings do. :(

[sterlingice]

Aw, nothing like a game against the Hawks to get the Wings healthy again. And then they go and beat the Stars silly by hanging a 6 spot on my fantasy goalie. *sigh*

SI