The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Thread

[samifan24]

Oh you mean Gaborik? He hasn't been dealt yet but they're shopping him. During the Wings/Canucks game they were discussing how Gaborik seems to want to play with the Canucks because of Demitra.

I knew Minnesota was shopping Gaborik but I thought I missed a breaking news trade today.

[Suburban Rhythm]

found this in my most recent THN.

www.hockeyattire.com (http://www.hockeyattire.com)

A lot of older stuff in there, but some good stuff too, relatively cheap. But made even better by using ALLOFF50 in the promo code section for 50% off your entire order.

Dr Sak is getting himself a Bobby Esche jersey.

[RendeR]

No Sabres jersies otehr than the god awful red one.

[Dr. Sak]

I just grew a neck beard in honor of Bobby Esche.

[DeToxRox]

The Blues 5 forward PP is pretty interesting. Kariya and Stempniak on the point is a nice combo with a lot of speed to get back in the play if they make a mistake.

[Chief Rum]

Remarkably, the Red Wings have a history of being equally shitty, despite being able to throw out guys like Datsyuk and Zetterberg. It's one of those things I guess. Befuddling though.

Ducks have always been shitty in shootouts, too, for some reason, even with Perry, Getzlaf, Selanne, etc. out there. Which makes Toronto's move even more ironic.

[Chief Rum]

I just grew a neck beard in honor of Bobby Esche.

Do you mean an Esche beard? What is this "neck beard" you speak of?

[Dr. Sak]

Do you mean an Esche beard? What is this "neck beard" you speak of?

An Esche beard is a neck beard...just ask Maple Leafs. :)

[Wolfpack]

Gross third period by Carolina tonight as they watch a potential steal of points evaporate in a hurry in Pittsburgh. I had been preoccupied with putting my daughter to bed, so missed a lot of the game. Turned on just in time for the two back-to-back goals. Maybe it's my raging pessimism kicking in, but I'm not feeling particularly hopeful about this year.

[samifan24]

Did anyone see Milan Lucic hit Mike Van Ryn so hard he sent him through the glass?

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[Pyser]

2 new rule changes being floated around by the nhl gms. one is interesting. the other is horrible. i think you guys will know pretty quickly which is which




The NHL general managers discussed some interesting rule changes today at their meetings in Chicago. They didn't agree to any changes for this season or beyond, but decided to think them over and talk about them further in their next meeting March 9-11 in Naples, Fla.

The first potential change would require a team that took a penalty in the defensive zone to clear the puck over the blue line -- rather than just playing and controlling the puck -- before play is stopped to end the delayed penalty. This would give the attacking team more time with an extra skater and the goalie on the bench to try to score before the power play begins.

The second idea would make it illegal to leave your feet or slide to the ice to block a shot, which, in turn, would let more shots get to the net and might create more goals. Players would be required to have at least one skate on the ice to block a shot. Otherwise, they would be assessed a minor penalty.

[Fidatelo]

This might be heresy, but I don't think either rule is horrible. I'd want to think about the pros/cons of each before taking it further, which means the GMs are doing what I would do (which might be a first).

Any way you look at it, this is better than the semi-annual article on GMs discussing making the nets bigger.

[bhlloy]

A penalty on leaving your feet is the most horrible idea I have ever heard (other than making the nets bigger :) ) It's part of hockey and it's going to be a bitch of a judgement call. Can you go to one knee? Is it just to block a shot, or will you be called if you go down anywhere on the ice? I'm not a big fan of referee's being asked to judge intent - especially in a fast moving game like hockey. They blow enough of the ticky tack technical calls as it is.

At least the idea of not waiving icing on the penalty kill wasn't proposed... that would have completely changed the game in a bad way IMO.

I don't see why there HAS to be more scoring, but that's just me. The bad old days of the mid 90's trap are long gone and I am actually happy with the product for the first time in 10-15 years.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The first potential change would require a team that took a penalty in the defensive zone to clear the puck over the blue line -- rather than just playing and controlling the puck -- before play is stopped to end the delayed penalty. This would give the attacking team more time with an extra skater and the goalie on the bench to try to score before the power play begins.

Good idea.


The second idea would make it illegal to leave your feet or slide to the ice to block a shot, which, in turn, would let more shots get to the net and might create more goals. Players would be required to have at least one skate on the ice to block a shot. Otherwise, they would be assessed a minor penalty.

Bad idea.

[Sublime 2]

Did anyone see Milan Lucic hit Mike Van Ryn so hard he sent him through the glass?

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It's unfortunate that the B's lost the game, but MAN that hit by Looch was AWESOME! I thought the Wideman hit was great but not anywhere near that.

[Draft Dodger]

Tucker put Matt Greene through the glass on Monday, but it wasn't anything as nice as that one

[Maple Leafs]

The Bruins laid three monster hits on the Leafs in that game. Stajan got KO'ed coming across the middle and there was another big hit right before a Leafs goal.

Good thing we had our "enforcer" Ryan Hollweg back or the Bruins might have taken some liberties.

[Fidatelo]

The Bruins laid three monster hits on the Leafs in that game. Stajan got KO'ed coming across the middle and there was another big hit right before a Leafs goal.

Good thing we had our "enforcer" Ryan Hollweg back or the Bruins might have taken some liberties.

When did clean hitting become equivalent to 'taking liberties'?

[Dr. Sak]

When did clean hitting become equivalent to 'taking liberties'?

It's not fair to pick on retarded people...whether you are clean or not.

[samifan24]

When did clean hitting become equivalent to 'taking liberties'?

+1

Both the Stajan and Van Ryn hits were clean and I'm not sure which other one you refer to but both the other ones were clean.

[DeToxRox]

I am not speaking for ML here but generally after a guy gets drilled, clean or not, with the magnitude Stajan and Van Ryn were hit, an enforcer would go out and make his presence known to at least make them think twice before doing it again.

Those were clean hits but Hollweg only has one job, as useless as he may be at it, and he didn't come through.

[Fidatelo]

I am not speaking for ML here but generally after a guy gets drilled, clean or not, with the magnitude Stajan and Van Ryn were hit, an enforcer would go out and make his presence known to at least make them think twice before doing it again.

Those were clean hits but Hollweg only has one job, as useless as he may be at it, and he didn't come through.

But enforcers are supposed to protect stars from big hits, not third line players. I'm sure Hollweg is just confused as to which guys on his bench are the stars.

[MikeVic]

But enforcers are supposed to protect stars from big hits, not third line players. I'm sure Hollweg is just confused as to which guys on his bench are the stars.

Ouch.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't see why there HAS to be more scoring, but that's just me. The bad old days of the mid 90's trap are long gone and I am actually happy with the product for the first time in 10-15 years.

:+1:

More scoring chances, I am all for. More scoring just for the sake of scoring, no.

And they can create scoring chances simply by calling the penalties already in the book.

Wolfpack referenced earlier the Pens-Canes game. There was a total of 3 powerplays in that game. THREE! While it was a pretty free flowing game, there was a stretch in the 3rd period for honestly 90 seconds where the puck never left the neutral zone. I can't believe 10 guys with in 40 feet of each other there isn't one hooking/interference call.

Remember the season after the lockout, some of October games featured 20+ combined powerplays as players adjusted. While we aren't back to the mid 90's, they've still regressed.

[bhlloy]

Alex Auld apparently decided the Ducks needed an early Christmas. A couple of the weakest goals you will ever see - I can't believe he hasn't been pulled yet.

At the other end Hiller has been very very impressive - I wonder if he replaces Giguere as the #1 at some point this season?

[DeToxRox]

Marian Hossa scored an absurd goal tonight vs Atlanta. You'll be seeing it in the highlights for a while.

[bhlloy]

Not really an NHL story, but nobody has brought up the Swedish hockey player who got showered with dildos at an away game? standards at FOFC are slipping...

(warning - do not google the full story unless you are extremely kinky/like being able to sleep at night without horrific images burned into your brain)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Marian Hossa scored an absurd goal tonight vs Atlanta. You'll be seeing it in the highlights for a while.

That was, indeed, an absurd goal. In fact, I got so excited by it that I scared my dog out of the family room. The Wings have managed to make every game this season interesting. They are something like 5-1-1 and I still don't think they've played a really strong game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not to go all political here in our beloved thread, but it's worth mentioning that Sarah "Hockey Mom" Palin dropped the puck at the Flyers home opener and they lost. Last night she dropped the puck in St. Louis and not only did the Blues get shutout by the lowly Kings, 4-0, but Legace slipped on the capet they had placed on the ice for her and hurt himself.

I'm just saying...

[Dr. Sak]

The Flyers won their first game last night...I highly doubt Palin is responsible for their pathetic defensive woes.

[MizzouRah]

Went to the Blues - Kings game last night and watched us get our asses kicked.

I was wondering why Legace didn't come out to start the 2nd period...

[Suburban Rhythm]

For the past 3 games, Malkin has played RW next to Crosby, with Jordan Staal centering the 2nd line.

Thursday nights game vs. Carolina-- a game which had Crosby, Malkin, Eric Staal, among others-- Jordan Staal was the most dominant player on the ice. He was so good, he may have turned Ruslan Fedatenko into the 2nd most dominany player than night.

I hate Therrien's constant line shuffling and moving Malkin to wing...but I guess it's a good problem to have. And we have maybe two top 6 wingers (Sykora, Satan) so one of these guys will be playing wing most of the year.

[DeToxRox]

That was, indeed, an absurd goal. In fact, I got so excited by it that I scared my dog out of the family room. The Wings have managed to make every game this season interesting. They are something like 5-1-1 and I still don't think they've played a really strong game.

Agreed. Ozzy looks uncomfortable out there early on. Conklin looks great but the team played like shit for him last time out. It's early obviously, but 4 of our 6 D have been awful (Kronner, Stu, Meech, Lebda). Dare I say please get well soon Andres?

Still, at 5-1-1 you can't complain too much. They just need to sure up defensivley late. Too many third period near collapses. That'll work itself out though.

Hossa - Dats - Holmer is the best line in hockey though. Add in Mule -Z - Sammy (Who has been excellent early) and you have the best top two in the NHL.

I do fear though Mule is playing himself out of our price range.

[samifan24]

I just watched the Hossa goal on NHL.com and didn't think it was as spectacular as everyone's been saying. He gets the puck in the zone and dekes the defenseman but the goalie was out of position so Hossa just puts on the brakes and puts the puck into the empty net. It was a good goal but not really anything special, IMHO.

[DeToxRox]

It was the initial excitement for me but he put an absurd move on the defensemen. Lethonen helped, obviously. In Detroit though you don't get many spectacular individual effort goals like that. It's usually pretty passing and a snipe, so cut us some slack.

[Maple Leafs]

An Esche beard is a neck beard...just ask Maple Leafs. :)
Or is it? A challenger emerges...

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/deadspin/2008/10/20081021neck.jpg

[Galaxy]

Pretty fast-pace, physical Buffalo-Colorado game so far.

[Maple Leafs]

Great moment in tonight's Sens/Leafs game... less than a minute in, Chris Neil throws one of those hits where the other guy (Stajan) tries to jump out of the way and it ends up being an accidental knee. Noted non-tough guy Luke Scheen comes over and immediately drops the gloves with Neil and holds his own. Crowd and bench was loving it. Leafs go on to control the game and win 3-2.

This kid is not going back to junior.

[DeToxRox]

Great moment in tonight's Sens/Leafs game... less than a minute in, Chris Neil throws one of those hits where the other guy (Stajan) tries to jump out of the way and it ends up being an accidental knee. Noted non-tough guy Luke Scheen comes over and immediately drops the gloves with Neil and holds his own. Crowd and bench was loving it. Leafs go on to control the game and win 3-2.

This kid is not going back to junior.

I saw that watchin' on CBC. I love this kid. He will be wearing that C in three years, max.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Great moment in tonight's Sens/Leafs game... less than a minute in, Chris Neil throws one of those hits where the other guy (Stajan) tries to jump out of the way and it ends up being an accidental knee. Noted non-tough guy Luke Scheen comes over and immediately drops the gloves with Neil and holds his own. Crowd and bench was loving it. Leafs go on to control the game and win 3-2.

This kid is not going back to junior.


Wait wait wait....Chris Neil actually agreed to fight? :eek:

[DeToxRox]

Amazing finish in NY. Crosby misses, and Zherdev buries it. Lundqvist was awesome. God I love Center Ice.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Amazing finish in NY. Crosby misses, and Zherdev buries it. Lundqvist was awesome. God I love Center Ice.

2nd game this year already the Pens just shut it down in the third.

Earlier vs. NJ, and now tonight. Up 2-0, they sat back and got outshot 17-5 in the 3rd.

[Maple Leafs]

Wait wait wait....Chris Neil actually agreed to fight? :eek:
Don't worry... he ran from Jamal Mayers (!) later in the game. Even got a 10-minute misconduct out of the deal (I didn't know there was a "oh, stop being a pussy" rule in the NHL).

[DeToxRox]

2nd game this year already the Pens just shut it down in the third.

Earlier vs. NJ, and now tonight. Up 2-0, they sat back and got outshot 17-5 in the 3rd.

Yep. They're not keeping the pedal down. Detroit is having similar problems.

[DeToxRox]

Don't worry... he ran from Jamal Mayers (!) later in the game. Even got a 10-minute misconduct out of the deal (I didn't know there was a "oh, stop being a pussy" rule in the NHL).

I'd run from Mayers too. You can't land a good shot with those eyebrows he has. It's a fucking thicket.

[Galaxy]

A dumb question, but if you drop your gloves and stick, without fighting or getting the other guy to do the same, is that a penalty?

[DeToxRox]

A dumb question, but if you drop your gloves and stick, without fighting or getting the other guy to do the same, is that a penalty?

Yes.

[Maple Leafs]

A dumb question, but if you drop your gloves and stick, without fighting or getting the other guy to do the same, is that a penalty?
Not automatically. The refs will sometimes get you for unsportsmanlike or even delay of game, but usually the penalty is that your team is briefly short-handed while you get to the bench and somebody with equipment jumps on.

[DeToxRox]

Wings look awful tonight. Conklin hasn't been good but he's done enough, and we've still given up 4 goals. Too many guys in front and a lot of careless turnovers in our own end.

[DeToxRox]

Not automatically. The refs will sometimes get you for unsportsmanlike or even delay of game, but usually the penalty is that your team is briefly short-handed while you get to the bench and somebody with equipment jumps on.

Touche. I couldn't remember if that was the case. I thought it was an automatically penalty. I forgot what fighting was in hockey.

[Maple Leafs]

Touche. I couldn't remember if that was the case. I thought it was an automatically penalty. I forgot what fighting was in hockey.
Yeah, Mayers actually did exactly this tonight and didn't get a penalty.

He even (briefly) grabbed Neil without throwing a punch. Strange days when you can grab a guy with both your bare hands and it's not holding, but you get two minutes if god forbid your "free arm" brushes a guy.

[Galaxy]

Yes.


That's what I thought. They didn't call it in the first period of the Colorado-Buffalo game when Laperriere did it.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah, Mayers actually did exactly this tonight and didn't get a penalty.

He even (briefly) grabbed Neil without throwing a punch. Strange days when you can grab a guy with both your bare hands and it's not holding, but you get two minutes if god forbid your "free arm" brushes a guy.

I know this means more to you then me, but isn't it awesome to see how awful Ottawa is. I've never liked that team, probably dating back to those retarded people who kept saying Detroit should deal Yzerman for Spezza when he was #1 that year.

Whatever it is, they're a team I just do not like. Too bad Mohammed Emery is in Russia now. His blow ups were fun to watch.

[RendeR]

1-0 Sabres in Colorado, Paille with a quick redirect on a point shot that trickles past the goal line.

[Maple Leafs]

I know this means more to you then me, but isn't it awesome to see how awful Ottawa is.
Time will tell. It's still early -- remember, they looked unbeatable this time last year. Who knows how they'll shake out in a few months?

But mark my words, if the Sens are bad -- like missing the playoffs bad -- then the franchise is in trouble. This city's sports fan are front-runners like you wouldn't believe. If the Sens are a bad team it's very possible you could see the franchise lose a ton of money, and that's even before the Canadian dollar effect kicks in after a few years.

[Galaxy]

1-0 Sabres in Colorado, Paille with a quick redirect on a point shot that trickles past the goal line.

It sucks that Tallinder is out.

[RendeR]

I came into the game in the middle of the 2nd period, what happened to Tallinder?

[Galaxy]

I came into the game in the middle of the 2nd period, what happened to Tallinder?

I actually missed what actually happened, but they said he is out with a lower body injury.

[DeToxRox]

Time will tell. It's still early -- remember, they looked unbeatable this time last year. Who knows how they'll shake out in a few months?

But mark my words, if the Sens are bad -- like missing the playoffs bad -- then the franchise is in trouble. This city's sports fan are front-runners like you wouldn't believe. If the Sens are a bad team it's very possible you could see the franchise lose a ton of money, and that's even before the Canadian dollar effect kicks in after a few years.

I just don't see the talent in goal or on the blueline to see how this team can be anything more then a 7th or 8th seed. You are right it's still early, but this team needs to figure something out soon.

I assume they'll make a call to the Hawks about Khabby eventually. Anything to add talent in net.

[DeToxRox]

At what point does Ottawa look at making a deal? I feel like Alfredsson can fetch a decent return with his salary only at 4.4 mil or so through 2012.

[Galaxy]

Time will tell. It's still early -- remember, they looked unbeatable this time last year. Who knows how they'll shake out in a few months?

But mark my words, if the Sens are bad -- like missing the playoffs bad -- then the franchise is in trouble. This city's sports fan are front-runners like you wouldn't believe. If the Sens are a bad team it's very possible you could see the franchise lose a ton of money, and that's even before the Canadian dollar effect kicks in after a few years.

Do the Senators make or lose money on a regular basis?

[DeToxRox]

Wow. A give in go from Hossa to Datsyuk, and Dats buries the one handed deke to make it 4-4.

[Wolfpack]

I still can't decide what to make of the outcome for Carolina tonight on the road against the Islanders. On the one hand, they did win 4-3. However, it's the Islanders, so we're not talking heavyweight stuff and what's more they gave up a freaking franchise record 60 shots on goal. Cam Ward stopped 57 of them and the 60th was a penalty shot with 0.7 left when Gleason covered the puck in the crease in a scramble right before the horn.

In the end a sort of poetic justice was served as Doug Weight was the shooter on the penalty shot. Earlier he practically knocked out Brandon Sutter on an open ice hit that was probably legal, but was pushing the definition of "legal" pretty hard.

[Maple Leafs]

At what point does Ottawa look at making a deal? I feel like Alfredsson can fetch a decent return with his salary only at 4.4 mil or so through 2012.
If he stays healthy, Alfie is a UFA after this year. Almost no chance they'll deal him, though. I'd say it's 95% certain he resigns.

[Maple Leafs]

Do the Senators make or lose money on a regular basis?
Not sure. On the one hand, they sellout most games. On the other hand, their ticket prices are so discounted that they make less money per game than any other Canadian team, and seasons tickets were down over 10% this year.

The Canadian dollar won't hurt them any time soon because they hedged on it going down. But Melnyk estimates that they could lose $10-30M per season in two years if the dollar stays low, and that probably assume attendance stays up. If they have to rebuild, look out.

This team didn't go bankrupt and stop paying its players a few years ago by accident.

[DeToxRox]

Wings score 3 guys in 9 minutes to take a 5-4 lead, and then the Hawks tie it up 5-5 on a 5 on 3 PP with 7:30 left. Exciting game. Lots of up and down action. The Outdoor Game should be a lot of fun the way these two teams play.

[Galaxy]

Great....Now Roy might be down.

[DeToxRox]

Wings are going into their first shootout of the season .. I have low expectations.

[DeToxRox]

And the Wings actually win a shoot out, as Hossa blasts a slap shot by Khabby. Hossa is on fire the last three games. Its awesome watching him, Dats and Holmer.

[Galaxy]

Going to a shoot out in the Sabs-Avs game.

[RendeR]

I wanted a replay on Vanek's shot, ah well, not a huge thing to lose in the shootout. Still undefeated in regulation and perfect at home where we go for the Sens next week.

[Galaxy]

I wanted a replay on Vanek's shot, ah well, not a huge thing to lose in the shootout. Still undefeated in regulation and perfect at home where we go for the Sens next week.

They just lost momentum going after the Avs scored. Were you yelling loud enough? :)

[RendeR]

*chuckles* not realy, I was rooting them on, but its just J and I tonight so we weren't trying to override a room full of people.

[Pyser]

good devils-flyers game today. lots of intensity, and 4 fights...including 2 that started at the same time. been a long time since i saw 2 fights happening at once in this league

of course, even though they started at the EXACT same time off a faceoff, 2 guys got ejected for fighting while another fight was going on. dumb.

[Chief Rum]

I hardly think all the goals the Ducks are giving up, or the way they are letting teams back into games after taking early leads is particularly good or helpful. All that said, nice to take three in a row now on this Eastern Conference road swing. It seems like we're on our way back to "average". Once we reach there (assuming we do), maybe then we can start building back to "very good", which is where everyone preficted we would be in the first place.

I thought it was interesting we picked up Hedican a couple days ago. Not a lot of faith in the blueliners behind Nieds and Pronger to do that, with Anaheim salcap room at a premium right now. I mean, signing Hedican might mean that a potential savior of our hit and miss offense, Bobby Ryan, won't have a chance whatsoever at being called up, so the Ducks must have had serious fears about their blueline depth to make this move.

I will be interested to hear what bhlloy thinks of that move, and the recent turnaround in game results (if not play, I still think the Ducks have a lot of improving they need to do).

[bhlloy]

I'm happy that the Getzlaf-Kunitz-Perry line is firing, and that most (not all) of the stupid penalties have been eliminated. Defensive play is worrying, but Giguere and Hiller are doing their best to make up for it. Hiller is the real deal and will replace Giggy pretty soon IMO - if not this year then in time for the start of next season.

As for the Hedican signing, I'd have rather done without it, but MacIver and Montodor are trash. It might be a necessary evil. I don't know what to make of Ryan - he's tearing it up in the AHL again, but Carlisle just doesn't seem willing to give him a chance with the Ducks. Even when he's been up with the big club, he hasn't gotten the consistent minutes to show what he can do. From what I've seen of Morrison, I'd much rather have Ryan on that line with Selanne. Another knee-jerk signing of a player on the downside of his career because "we have a need", didn't learn anything from Bertuzzi and Schneider last season. Ironic because the cup run was built on the young guns (Getz, Perry, Kunitz and Penner)

[Chief Rum]

I'm happy that the Getzlaf-Kunitz-Perry line is firing, and that most (not all) of the stupid penalties have been eliminated. Defensive play is worrying, but Giguere and Hiller are doing their best to make up for it. Hiller is the real deal and will replace Giggy pretty soon IMO - if not this year then in time for the start of next season.

As for the Hedican signing, I'd have rather done without it, but MacIver and Montodor are trash. It might be a necessary evil. I don't know what to make of Ryan - he's tearing it up in the AHL again, but Carlisle just doesn't seem willing to give him a chance with the Ducks. Even when he's been up with the big club, he hasn't gotten the consistent minutes to show what he can do. From what I've seen of Morrison, I'd much rather have Ryan on that line with Selanne. Another knee-jerk signing of a player on the downside of his career because "we have a need", didn't learn anything from Bertuzzi and Schneider last season. Ironic because the cup run was built on the young guns (Getz, Perry, Kunitz and Penner)

While I tend to agree with some of what you say here, I am not sure you have the Ryan situation right. Both Carlisle and Burke very much want him to be on this team and playing with the second line. Problem is, he has a two-way contract that pays him some $1.5 M if he's here in Anaheim. We can't put him on the team because of the cap. That's why they sent him down (sadly) at the end of preseason--they didn't have a choice.

Also, while I agree that Hiller is fantastic, I doubt greatly we'll make a move to him for at least two years, probably at the point where we either pay him as a #1 or lose him. Jiggy just signed that contract a year ago, is coming off his best season and is a proven performer in the playoffs. He is also probably the most respected player on the team, too, from what I have gathered, and if goalies besides Luongo were to wear the 'C', and we didn't have such a natural captain in Neirdermayer, he would be the wearing it. So I think it would take a drastic fall in play for Jiggy to lose his spot here.

As for Morrison, we didn't really have an answer in house for that spot. I'm not thrilled with the sign-a-vet-to-fill-a-hole either, but we have a small window right now with Teemu and Niedermayer and Pronger getting on, so it's either sign these types of players or just accept being at best a fifth-to-eighth seed, which isn't really the path to success in the NHL.

Remember, the plan was to have Morrison centering Selanne and Ryan, so Morrison isn't a replacement for Ryan, IMO. They don't even play the same position. The signing of Morrison says a lot more about the hard spot we're in for having dealt away McDonald (necessary as it was at the time), and not having developed a true second line center.

[Logan]

Amazing finish in NY. Crosby misses, and Zherdev buries it. Lundqvist was awesome. God I love Center Ice.

What a shitty weekend to not have cable hooked up. Time Warner, this finger is for you.

The Rangers are playing some really solid hockey with contributions from all over the roster. They've far surpassed my expectations already. Zherdev was a huge grab, thank god for him.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I still sometimes visit HF, and a current thread that I thought was a pretty good debate-

Which "top" 3 would you take on defense (assuming everyone healthy):

Gonchar/Whitney/Orpik vs Markov/Komisarek/Hamrlik.

IMO, in order:

1) Gonchar
2) Markov
3) Hamrlik
4) Orpik
5) Komisarek
6) Whitney

I think Gonchar is easily the #1 of that group, Hamrlik by far the most underrated, Whitney (by far) the biggest question mark. You can argue either way Oprik vs Komi, flip them #4 and #5, both are hitters, Komi a better shot blocker, Orpik a better skater. Neither is great with the puck.

Even as a Pens fan, I've got to say the Montral trio, overall, but I thought that was a pretty good topic for debate.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I hope Frazen's ok. A bad knee-to-knee hit against Chicago. Hopefully he wont be out too long.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Franzen is out for 3-4 weeks. He has a knee sprain. I guess it could be worse.

The Wings are calling up Ville Leino, the Fin they signed during the off-season. He was decent in the pre-season and showed some offensive flair.

[Pyser]

anyone see weights hit on sutter? crazy.

also forgot to mention someone threw a smokebomb in overtime at the devils-flyers game

you stay classy, philly fans.

[Suburban Rhythm]

anyone see weights hit on sutter? crazy.

also forgot to mention someone threw a smokebomb in overtime at the devils-flyers game

you stay classy, philly fans.

Was Santa on the ice?

[sterlingice]

Oddly enough Quenneville is 2-0-2 since taking over for the Hawks.

SI

[Maple Leafs]

You Ducks fans are absolutely right. That team is a mess and it's time for some accountability.

You need to fire your GM. Right now.

[Chief Rum]

You Ducks fans are absolutely right. That team is a mess and it's time for some accountability.

You need to fire your GM. Right now.

But aren't you afraid that if you hire Burke, you won't be able to deal with Kevin Lowe anymore? I mean, the horror!

[DeToxRox]

Honestly, I think the guy who could get the Leafs job is Stevie Y.

He's been very ominous when he talks about his future. He said how he wants to do more some day but Detroit has so many guys ahead of him and none of them are old, so that might not happen here.

Granted he is going to run Team Canada for the 2010 Games but I think Yzerman could be a fantastic GM next season if given the shot.

Plus, Burke is good but I think he fell into the Cup just on the fact he was able to steal Pronger like he did. Burke in Toronto almost feels like a trainwreck waiting to happen.

[Chief Rum]

Honestly, I think the guy who could get the Leafs job is Stevie Y.

He's been very ominous when he talks about his future. He said how he wants to do more some day but Detroit has so many guys ahead of him and none of them are old, so that might not happen here.

Granted he is going to run Team Canada for the 2010 Games but I think Yzerman could be a fantastic GM next season if given the shot.

Plus, Burke is good but I think he fell into the Cup just on the fact he was able to steal Pronger like he did. Burke in Toronto almost feels like a trainwreck waiting to happen.

Huh? I think you posted this looking through Yzerman-colored glasses.

[DeToxRox]

Huh? I think you posted this looking through Yzerman-colored glasses.

Yzerman is going to get a job somewhere. Hull isn't doing bad in Dallas and Yzerman has much more pedigree then he does with the World Championships and now the Olympics. You can do a lot worse.

Kudos to Burke for getting Pronger, but it isn't as if he's been an amazing GM outside of that one year. He had talent in Vancouver and they underachieved and Anaheim has been underacheiving since winning the Cup.

He is good, but people make Burke out to be a God for some reason, and I just don't get it.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, Yzerman has even said he has sat in on staff meetings when he playing. He's been learning from Kenny Holland, Scotty Bowman, Jim Nill, Jim Devalano, etc.

Is it early? Sure, it probably is, but he's been arounding great personnel men for years, and has learned under them for two years now, and has been trusted enough to be annointed the GM of the 2010 Canadian Olympic Team.

Seems like someone somewhere thinks he can do the job.

[samifan24]

Hull isn't doing bad in Dallas

Isn't Hull the co-GM in Dallas?

[Draft Dodger]

That's what I thought. They didn't call it in the first period of the Colorado-Buffalo game when Laperriere did it.

or later in the game when Adam Mair flat out punched Adam Foote in the face and then refused to fight.

the Kaleta / Lappy thing was interesting because it's the 2nd time Kaleta has pulled that against him. Two years ago, he and Lappy were jawing on a faceoff and agreed to fight. The whistle goes, Kaleta pretends to drop his gloves, Lappy drops his...and Kaleta skates off. No penalty on that one...instead, the Sabres scored in all the confusion.

[Chief Rum]

Yzerman is going to get a job somewhere. Hull isn't doing bad in Dallas and Yzerman has much more pedigree then he does with the World Championships and now the Olympics. You can do a lot worse.

Kudos to Burke for getting Pronger, but it isn't as if he's been an amazing GM outside of that one year. He had talent in Vancouver and they underachieved and Anaheim has been underacheiving since winning the Cup.

He is good, but people make Burke out to be a God for some reason, and I just don't get it.

Look, I'm not in the category of extending godlike status to Burke. I have criticized plenty of his moves, such as the Bryzgalov giveaway last year and for allowing the Penner situation to get to the point where we lost him to Edmonton.

But I'm not sure how you can think he hasn't done much unless you flat just don't like the guy, and especially if you're going to say Stevie Y with no experience is a better choice than he is. First of all, it's been A year-a season and the first month of this season--since the Ducks won the Cup. Just one. And it was a season torpedoed by the Niedermayer and Selanne situations. Everyone knows that. It forced Burke to make moves with Bertuzzi and Schneider that cost the team all the way to this month and even still now. One amazing year? You know the Ducks went to WCF in 2005, too, right, before getting Pronger? Where were your Wings? Yeah, at home.

Burke competed with many other offers on Pronger--Lowe himself, who says nothing nice about Burke, has stated that--so Pronger didn't fall into his lap. Lupul was the Ducks' best young talent at the time, and Smid their best young defenseman, and they gave away a few picks, too. Burke hired Carlyle. Burke signed Niedermayer and Selanne. He signed Jiggy to an extension when Jiggy could have walked for bigtime money back to Canada. Burke engineered a terrific draft last June that I think the organization is going to reaping the benefits from for years.

Burke also put a very strong team on the ice in Vancouver, and he;s not responsible for them underachieving (which, actually, they didn't; they were never as good as Colorado or Dallas or Detroit, so of course finished behind them often enough). Do you think Vancouver would have gotten anywhere without the Sedin twins? Who engineered that deal? Burke.

Burke has certainly made questionable moves--all GMs do--and on top of that he's an arrogant and chippy sonofaB.

But what you're saying makes me seriously consider whether I am going to even be putting much weight in what you say about hockey matters going forward. It's just that off. Let's have this convo when Yzerman has had a GM job and been at it for a while. Until then, gimme a break on Yzerman over Burke.

Come on, dude, it's Yzerman, and you're a Wings fan. You don't see the problem there?

[Maple Leafs]

Yzerman is a dark horse for the Leafs job, but there's been talk that the Leafs would be reluctant to hire another rookie GM after what happened with Johnny Shit-For-Brains.

[Fidatelo]

Not sure. On the one hand, they sellout most games. On the other hand, their ticket prices are so discounted that they make less money per game than any other Canadian team, and seasons tickets were down over 10% this year.

The Canadian dollar won't hurt them any time soon because they hedged on it going down. But Melnyk estimates that they could lose $10-30M per season in two years if the dollar stays low, and that probably assume attendance stays up. If they have to rebuild, look out.

This team didn't go bankrupt and stop paying its players a few years ago by accident.

I think it will be interesting to see what happens to the Salary Cap next year if the dollar stays below 80 cents US for the rest of the season (which it likely will). Any chance the cap actually goes down?

[Oilers9911]

But aren't you afraid that if you hire Burke, you won't be able to deal with Kevin Lowe anymore? I mean, the horror!

Brian Burke is a good GM but he is INCREDIBLY overrated. He has won a cup built mostly on the team his predecessor built and he left Vanvouver in a shambles that they are still trying to get out of today, not that I am complaining about that part of it. Burke is loud, opinionated and is a big name hence he is seen as the second coming of Sam Pollack. He is just not that good.

[Galaxy]

or later in the game when Adam Mair flat out punched Adam Foote in the face and then refused to fight.

the Kaleta / Lappy thing was interesting because it's the 2nd time Kaleta has pulled that against him. Two years ago, he and Lappy were jawing on a faceoff and agreed to fight. The whistle goes, Kaleta pretends to drop his gloves, Lappy drops his...and Kaleta skates off. No penalty on that one...instead, the Sabres scored in all the confusion.

I can't remember that from a few years ago. Kaleta is becoming an interesting player.

[RendeR]

Kaleta is one smart cookie. He's developed a reputation as a brawler and a heavy hitter and now everyone is pinging off on him and he's letting them screw themselves with penalties.

I find it hilarious.

[Dr. Sak]

Yzerman is a dark horse for the Leafs job, but there's been talk that the Leafs would be reluctant to hire another rookie GM after what happened with Johnny Shit-For-Brains.

What a terrible last name. What's the chances he is going to find a girl with a hyphened last name For-Brains....and take it?!?!

[Galaxy]

Kaleta is one smart cookie. He's developed a reputation as a brawler and a heavy hitter and now everyone is pinging off on him and he's letting them screw themselves with penalties.

I find it hilarious.

Me too. I just hope Ruff keeps him up when everyone comes back (which should start to happen this week). He's not a bad hockey player either.

I'm looking forward to tonight's game versus Ottawa. Should be interesting and fun.

I see Weber got called up for tonight's game.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Render and Galaxy-- I'll defer to you guys since you see him more often, but I'd be hard pressed to say Kaleta has a reputation as a brawler.

Shit stirrer, yes. Brawler, no. Brawler to me is someone who answers all or most challenges. The games I've seen, that isn't Kaleta. Sometimes that is smart, I've seen him bait guys. But that doesn't make him a brawler.

[Galaxy]

Render and Galaxy-- I'll defer to you guys since you see him more often, but I'd be hard pressed to say Kaleta has a reputation as a brawler.

Shit stirrer, yes. Brawler, no. Brawler to me is someone who answers all or most challenges. The games I've seen, that isn't Kaleta. Sometimes that is smart, I've seen him bait guys. But that doesn't make him a brawler.

I wouldn't call him as a brawler at all. He doesn't fight (if he has to, he's not a good fighther). Others want to fight him, and he has gotten several players to drop their gloves without him dropping his (which has drawn two players this year already to start punching him without Kaleta fighting back or dropping his gloves). He can draw at least one penalty per game). He's a guy who will try to check at any chance he gets (and he's a pretty good at delivering a big hit), get them off their game, and get under their skin (which will lead to stupid decisions by them). What makes Kaleta work is that he stays cool.

[Galaxy]

Horrible, horrible call on Max in the Sabs-Sens game.

Very nice to see Buffalo getting the 2010-2011 World Jr. Championships.

[Maple Leafs]

What is this, the third time in last few years the Sens have limped into Buffalo on the verge of imploding, then bitch-slapped the Sabres? The fourth?

[Galaxy]

What is this, the third time in last few years the Sens have limped into Buffalo on the verge of imploding, then bitch-slapped the Sabres? The fourth?

I had a feeling it would be a let down game. The Sabres just didn't skate hard and win fights for the puck. No passion. We need to get Rivet back ASAP.

[Galaxy]

Do you think this could be the game, the spark, that Ottawa needed? Do you think they might get it turned around?

[Sublime 2]

Fun game between Boston and Edmonton, couple minutes left in OT, B's just go on the PP.

[Sublime 2]

Fun game between Boston and Edmonton, couple minutes left in OT, B's just go on the PP.

Dola

And they win it!! Solid game by both goaltenders, and just a really entertaining game.

[Travis]

The save Thomas made off of Hemsky (following a nice give and go between Hemsky and Nilsson) was stunning. Hemmer coulda/shoulda gotten that shot up more than he did, but full kudos to Thomas for absolutely robbing him there.

[samifan24]

Fun game between Boston and Edmonton, couple minutes left in OT, B's just go on the PP.

It was a good game, lots of end to end action. Both teams missed scoring a few times. There were plenty of good dekes but Roloson and Thomas were phenomenal.

[DeToxRox]

Drew Doughty is really, really good. Lot of potentially great young defensemen in the NHL right now, like Doughty, Schenn, Piertangelo, Bogosian, etc.

[DeToxRox]

Gauthier made a HORRIBLE turnover on a clearing attempt giving it right to Flippula who buried it to tie the game at 3-3 with 2 minutes to go. Games in OT now. Detroit is garaunteed the point but once again look very sloppy.

[DeToxRox]

Another Wings shootout coming up. Osgood in net, he worries me in shootouts. I have no stats to back this up but I am fairly certain he hasn't been very good in them.

[DeToxRox]

Osgood stops Brown on the first shot, and Datsyuk scores on a nifty little deke.

[DeToxRox]

Mueller goes for the Kings and basically does an identical move as Brown, getting stopped and Zetterberg wins it for Detroit with a nice deke on the backhand.

Another win that Detroit got lucky to skate away with.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hossa's goal last night was another for the highlight reel. It was a 5-on-3. Hossa got the puck just outside the blueline and then just exploded through two defense, blew right by them with an amazing burst of speed, got between the circles and blasted it over LaBarbera's glove.

Other than last year's playoffs, when he and Crosby were by far the best players on the ice for the Penguins, I haven't really seen too much of Hossa. Over the last 4 or 5 games he's been stellar. His goals are things of beauty. I don't think there's any realistic way the Wings will be able to keep him Zetterberg and Franzen, but it'd be sweet if they can.

[RendeR]

Render and Galaxy-- I'll defer to you guys since you see him more often, but I'd be hard pressed to say Kaleta has a reputation as a brawler.

Shit stirrer, yes. Brawler, no. Brawler to me is someone who answers all or most challenges. The games I've seen, that isn't Kaleta. Sometimes that is smart, I've seen him bait guys. But that doesn't make him a brawler.

I wouldn't call him as a brawler at all. He doesn't fight (if he has to, he's not a good fighther). Others want to fight him, and he has gotten several players to drop their gloves without him dropping his (which has drawn two players this year already to start punching him without Kaleta fighting back or dropping his gloves). He can draw at least one penalty per game). He's a guy who will try to check at any chance he gets (and he's a pretty good at delivering a big hit), get them off their game, and get under their skin (which will lead to stupid decisions by them). What makes Kaleta work is that he stays cool.


Kaleta is actually quite skilled at fighting, he did it a ton while down at Rochester. When he was brought up he was told to lay off the actual fisticuffs a little because we already have a throwaway player for that in Peters.

Kaleta is first and formost a huge hitter on the ice. He goes out after anyone with their head down and takes out anyone he can that has the puck.

He's built his game around his hitting and other teams go after him because of that. I can't blame him at all for baiting them into being stupid and taking penalties. I'm just glad he does back it up when he has to.

[Draft Dodger]

Drew Doughty is really, really good. Lot of potentially great young defensemen in the NHL right now, like Doughty, Schenn, Piertangelo, Bogosian, etc.

Doughty is impressive. When the Kings played the Avs, he got schooled by Ryan Smyth one-on-one on the eventual game-winner, but he also had several terrific plays including a goal on a beauty of a shot.

[Maple Leafs]

From Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole: Adam Mair Not a Fan of Jarkko Ruutu (http://goingfivehole.blogspot.com/2008/10/adam-mair-not-fan-of-jarkko-ruutu.html)

<blockquote>"After Neil, Mair, the Senators' Jarkko Ruutu and the Sabres' Patrick Kaleta got kicked out of the game at 18:12 of the third, Mair came down the hallway near the Ottawa dressing room, still in uniform, calling for Neil.

Ruutu went out and a scuffle started. It was quickly broken up, but the episode could lead to suspensions or fines. It didn't help that the incident was caught on TV or that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in the building."</blockquote>
So apparently, Jarkko Freaking Ruutu is now fighting Neil's battles for him.

[Galaxy]

Kaleta is actually quite skilled at fighting, he did it a ton while down at Rochester. When he was brought up he was told to lay off the actual fisticuffs a little because we already have a throwaway player for that in Peters.

Kaleta is first and formost a huge hitter on the ice. He goes out after anyone with their head down and takes out anyone he can that has the puck.

He's built his game around his hitting and other teams go after him because of that. I can't blame him at all for baiting them into being stupid and taking penalties. I'm just glad he does back it up when he has to.

I didn't know that. I just see him body slam guys. I think they should let him throw punches every once in a while.

Goose and Connolly should be back very soon, if by Thursday's game. I'm guessing Ellis will go back down (he's played very solid). I'm guessing Peters will be the next man out? It'll be interesting to see what they do when Hecht comes back (he should be back soon as well, I think). MacArthur is playing terrific hockey. You can't sit Kaleta (besides his pest and checking abilities, he's not a bad player. He can skate, and gives a 100% effort every time he's on the ice).

[Galaxy]

From Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole: Adam Mair Not a Fan of Jarkko Ruutu (http://goingfivehole.blogspot.com/2008/10/adam-mair-not-fan-of-jarkko-ruutu.html)

<blockquote>"After Neil, Mair, the Senators' Jarkko Ruutu and the Sabres' Patrick Kaleta got kicked out of the game at 18:12 of the third, Mair came down the hallway near the Ottawa dressing room, still in uniform, calling for Neil.

Ruutu went out and a scuffle started. It was quickly broken up, but the episode could lead to suspensions or fines. It didn't help that the incident was caught on TV or that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in the building."</blockquote>
So apparently, Jarkko Freaking Ruutu is now fighting Neil's battles for him.

When do these teams play next? :)

I hope Ottawa does make the playoffs. A Buffalo-Ottawa series would be fun.

Here's the link to the video of the scuffle. Just click on the Sens-Sabres highlights, and go to around 1:05 in the video.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/

[NoSkillz]

I didn't know that. I just see him body slam guys. I think they should let him throw punches every once in a while.

Goose and Connolly should be back very soon, if by Thursday's game. I'm guessing Ellis will go back down (he's played very solid). I'm guessing Peters will be the next man out? It'll be interesting to see what they do when Hecht comes back (he should be back soon as well, I think). MacArthur is playing terrific hockey. You can't sit Kaleta (besides his pest and checking abilities, he's not a bad player. He can skate, and gives a 100% effort every time he's on the ice).

Well, Ellis is definitely the first guy that comes out. He's been fine but is easily replaced.

Peters is the next one that would be scratched - you hope that Mair, Kaleta and Goose could handle any physical altercations that arise during the game, although Mair still looks to be hurt and avoiding fighting at all costs.

When Hecht comes back, you have a decision to make. Lindy Ruff is just looking for a reason to take out MacArthur - he's got four goals and looks decent out there in stretches offensively but he's just not a solid defensive player, misses assignments and is downright horrible on draws. He will be the next guy to get scratched in my opinion, over Kaleta.

Other than that, Ruff might just start playing the hot hands and benching the guys who are struggling, like Stafford, who just isn't doing anything on the top line with Vanek. Max is driving me crazy even more than usual this year despite his seven assists...he needs to be taught a lesson that skating around the perimeter in circles then shooting the puck into the defenders shinpads isn't effective offensive hockey.

[Butter]

Watched more than 2 seconds of a hockey game for the first time in, like, ever last night since the Blue Jackets/Ducks game was in HD on my DirecTV. It was pretty entertaining, but the Jackets blew a 2-1 lead in the final half of the 3rd period. Frustrating.

I have casually followed the Jackets for a while now, and just get the impression that even with a "big name" coach, they are still destined to be a perennial bottom-feeder. Disappointing.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

[Galaxy]

Well, Ellis is definitely the first guy that comes out. He's been fine but is easily replaced.

Peters is the next one that would be scratched - you hope that Mair, Kaleta and Goose could handle any physical altercations that arise during the game, although Mair still looks to be hurt and avoiding fighting at all costs.

When Hecht comes back, you have a decision to make. Lindy Ruff is just looking for a reason to take out MacArthur - he's got four goals and looks decent out there in stretches offensively but he's just not a solid defensive player, misses assignments and is downright horrible on draws. He will be the next guy to get scratched in my opinion, over Kaleta.

Other than that, Ruff might just start playing the hot hands and benching the guys who are struggling, like Stafford, who just isn't doing anything on the top line with Vanek. Max is driving me crazy even more than usual this year despite his seven assists...he needs to be taught a lesson that skating around the perimeter in circles then shooting the puck into the defenders shinpads isn't effective offensive hockey.

I know Ellis is the first guy to go. It's nice to know that we have quality depth in the minors.

I think Peters will also become a healthy scratch when Connolly comes back. I'm guessing when Rivet comes back, he'll make scratching Peters a little easier.

I'm not sure how to handle Stafford. He has his games, has plenty of talent, but just needs to put it together. As for Max, I wouldn't mind seeing him moved (this being his contract year).

[DeToxRox]

Hossa's goal last night was another for the highlight reel. It was a 5-on-3. Hossa got the puck just outside the blueline and then just exploded through two defense, blew right by them with an amazing burst of speed, got between the circles and blasted it over LaBarbera's glove.

Other than last year's playoffs, when he and Crosby were by far the best players on the ice for the Penguins, I haven't really seen too much of Hossa. Over the last 4 or 5 games he's been stellar. His goals are things of beauty. I don't think there's any realistic way the Wings will be able to keep him Zetterberg and Franzen, but it'd be sweet if they can.

Honestly HB, I'd rather see Franzen walk if it means we can sign Hossa long term. I love Franzen but Hossa is a better player. Period. He's a great two way forward who plays the PP and PK.

Plus with the way Franzen is playing, he could get 5 mil per on the market somewhere, and honestly if he plays hardball, I'd find the other 2 mil and hope Hossa likes to win.

Give me Hossa/Helm over Franzen.

[Pyser]

its early in the season, and the devils have already lost rolston, langenbrunner, and holik to injuries...and all have been replaced by rookies. getting a good look at the future in nj these days (except for that guy in net). should be an interesting game against toronto tomorrow.

[Hurst2112]

I come to this thread just to see HB's '(stanley)cup half empty' posts about the Wings. You really let me down this time man.








I keed, I keed! :D :D You're the 1 Wings fan I've known over the years that keeps my fandom in check.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I come to this thread just to see HB's '(stanley)cup half empty' posts about the Wings. You really let me down this time man.








I keed, I keed! :D :D You're the 1 Wings fan I've known over the years that keeps my fandom in check.

Heh! I'm glad I can be of service.

I do try to be very objective when assessing the Wings. That often leads me to be pretty pessimistic. I think I'm just over compensating for many of my enthusiastic brethren. Also, the fact that Michigan and the Lions are just awful has definitely softened me up this year and have put things into perspective. I'm really just enjoying actually watching a talented and competitive team. It feels like it's been a while. (The Lions' pre-season championship aside.)

Though, since you brought it up...

The Wings are 7-1-1 and just finished the first two games of a long 5 game Western road trip. Despite the great record, the Wings really haven't played a good game. They won their last two against Chicago and Los Angeles in shootouts and all but two of their other victories were by one goal. Their two other victories were two goal games and the Wings scored an empty net goal in each.

They aren't blowing people away. Their defense and goaltending have just been ok. Osgood has just been ok. Conklin was pretty stellar, but had a rough night against Chicago. They are giving up a ton more shots than they have in the past (though they held LA to just 19 last night) and there have been a lot more giveaways in their own zone. It's not too huge a concern because they are still winning. Like DeTox has mentioned, the Hossa-Holmstrom-Datsyuk line is probably one of the best in the NHL right now and Zetterberg continues to be Zetterberg. The loss of Franzen for a month will hurt, but the Wings have a lot of depth and hopefully playing with Zetterberg will get someone like Cleary, Hudler, or Samuelsson going. You just hope that the goaltending and defense will get into form over the course of the season.

P.S. If you're really jonesing for some of my better "'(stanley)cup half empty' posts" go back and read last year's playoff thread. I do believe that I picked the Wings to lose every series but the first and explained why. :)

[DeToxRox]

Well ML, looks like no Yzerman for the Leafs:


The moment Yzerman accepted the job of executive director of Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics, the Detroit Red Wings vice president essentially ended any chance of taking the next step in his NHL management career in the next 16 months.

"Yes, that's true," Yzerman told ESPN.com. "First of all, part of the reason I was given the responsibilities of the Olympic team is that I have a little bit more flexibility, a lot more flexibility really, than a general manager of an NHL team. I talked with [Hockey Canada president] Bob Nicholson about it, and one thing that was real important was having whoever was running the Olympic program to really have the ability to focus on it and be flexible in his schedule.

"So, I think it would be unfair to them if I all of sudden changed now and told them I was moving on to something else, as well. Bob could have gone out and got one of several current GMs to be in charge if that were the case."

Besides, Yzerman said he's totally happy working for the Red Wings right now, the only NHL team he has ever played for. So, it's not a guarantee he would jump ship for a GM job.


"At some point here in Detroit, we'll sit down and talk about my future," said Yzerman. "Because I would like to spend my entire time in the Detroit organization and that doesn't necessarily mean sitting around to be the general manager. We really haven't talked about it as an organization, in terms of the future.

"I love working for the Red Wings. I'm not out there actively pursuing other jobs."

"I like working with Kenny and Jim," said Yzerman. "Detroit's my home. I like it here. But I guess I would stop short of saying I would never leave for another opportunity."

[Suburban Rhythm]

its early in the season, and the devils have already lost rolston, langenbrunner, and holik to injuries...and all have been replaced by rookies. getting a good look at the future in nj these days (except for that guy in net). should be an interesting game against toronto tomorrow.


I am intersted to see how some of these other teams fare when the injuries start hitting.

Pittsburgh's been without 2 top 4 D since late Sept...and (knock on wood) have almost not missed a beat, 5-2-2. Easy to point fingers in hindsight, but 1 of those regulation losses and both OT losses are games they led in the 3rd period-

4-3 to the Caps in regulation, after leading 3-0
2-1 to NJ in OT
3-2 to the Rangers in a shootout, after leading 2-0

In all those cases, they quit playing in the 3rd, dumping the puck, and quit playing offense, so I can't lay the blame on the D.

They'll only be better once Whitney returns in a month, and Gonchar in March. They, hopefully, should just be hitting their stride in April.

The one thing I think this team is still missing is a top 9 forward who at least scares someone, even a little, physically. Laraque sort of filled that role, but more so Roberts and Malone in the playoffs. Godard and Bissonette are holding up just fine in their 4 mins a game, but they won't see the ice very often in the playoffs.

Just as an example-- the Cap game, Ovechkin ran around and tried to nail Malkin about 7-8 times that game. Last year, even if it cost him a penalty, Roberts would have caught Ovechkin from behind one time, to at least put the idea in his head that he needs to keep his head up.

No idea who is going to be available in March, in the last year of his contract, on a bottom feeder...other than if Roberts wants to come back.

[samifan24]

Wow, Tim Thomas and the Bruins post back to back shutouts on the road.

[Pyser]

Wow, Tim Thomas and the Bruins post back to back shutouts on the road.

juliens a great coach. defense wins, no matter no how much the nhl wished it didnt.

[Sublime 2]

Wow, Tim Thomas and the Bruins post back to back shutouts on the road.

I imagine that cements Timmay in the #1 Goaltender spot until he hits a rough patch, then we can let Manny and him battle it out again. It's much more comforting knowing you have a legit #2 goalie who could step in and be a limited #1 for a length of time.

[samifan24]

I imagine that cements Timmay in the #1 Goaltender spot until he hits a rough patch, then we can let Manny and him battle it out again. It's much more comforting knowing you have a legit #2 goalie who could step in and be a limited #1 for a length of time.

Agreed, Thomas is and should be the #1 and Fernandez is a top quality backup. It's nice to have that luxury but this is Thomas' team.

[Maple Leafs]

Leafs are starting to get into that "hey, what's the matter with you kids, didn't anybody tell you you're not supposed to be good?" zone.

[DeToxRox]

Wings lose in OT tonight in a game they didn't deserve a point from, but they got screwed on the GWG. Clearly a high stick but how they played it prolly shouldn't have made it that far anyway.

[Pyser]

Leafs are starting to get into that "hey, what's the matter with you kids, didn't anybody tell you you're not supposed to be good?" zone.

shrug. i guess. they took a lot of shots and had some great perseverance. but they also gave up 5 goals on, what, 25 shots?

and the devils played one of their worst defensive games in god knows how long. i know the devils hadnt allowed 50 shots in 25 years or so...and the leafs had, what, 48?

6-5 shootout win. the nhls wet dream...and i thought it was a pretty bad game.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Blocked at work now (damnit!) so didn't post the other day.

Here's hoping going to the desert is what the doctor (not Dr Sak) ordered for the Pens...coming off that disgusting 11 shot effort vs. the Sharks.

In response to that, Therrien has switched up the lines again-

Fedotenko - Crosby - Dupuis
Cooke - Malkin - Sykora
Satan - Staal - Kennedy
Bissonette - Zigomanis - Godard

Yes...that's Matt Cooke...playing on the 2nd line. Talbot is out (undisclosed injury) currently, so who knows once he returns.

I am holding out a little hope...Staal has been much better the past few games, returning to C from LW. And Fedotenko has probably been the best forward overall the last 3 games.

[Galaxy]

Mair got fined $2500 for his role in Monday's game. Paul Gaustad and Henrik Tallinder will be back for tonight's game.

[Logan]

Wow, Colton Orr and Eric Boulton just exchanged punches for a solid two minutes. It was unreal.

[Fidatelo]

Am I alone in thinking that Therrien is a terrible NHL head coach?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Am I alone in thinking that Therrien is a terrible NHL head coach?

Two years ago all of Pittsburgh would have agreed.
Now? Hard to argue with the results.

I think he's an awful motivator, calling guys out in public. In-game, he'll juggle lines maybe a little too quickly and not always make adjustments between periods.

But he's tailored a great system to his players ability-- i'd bet most casual fans wouldn't know the names Mark Eaton & Rob Scuderi. But he used them for 3rd in GAA in the East last season.

And has (arguably) the best player in the world buying into it.

[Galaxy]

Sabres suck.

[Maple Leafs]

and the devils played one of their worst defensive games in god knows how long. i know the devils hadnt allowed 50 shots in 25 years or so...and the leafs had, what, 48?
An awful lot of teams seem to be mysteriously playing their worst game of the year against the Leafs.

[RendeR]

Sabres suck.


Its like someone flipped a fucking switch. Ugly ugly hockey.

[Galaxy]

Its like someone flipped a fucking switch. Ugly ugly hockey.

I mean, I can take a loss if they gave a 100% effort. These last two games have just been ugly.

[NoSkillz]

I mean, I can a loss if they gave a 100% effort. These last two games have just been ugly.

They *really* miss Rivet's presence on the backend.

[Draft Dodger]

I mean, I can a loss if they gave a 100% effort. These last two games have just been ugly.

hmmm
the Avs - Sabres game was a terrific game, and I blogged that I could easily see that as a preview of the SC Finals. The Avs have been terrible in the 2 games they've played since and it sounds like Buffalo is in the same boat. Odd.

[Pyser]

now andy greene is out for the devils with a broken hand. he had 6 points in 6 games on D. langenbrunners back, but 3 others are injured for a while. its a battle so far.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Crosby listed as day-to-day...but aren't we all?

[Galaxy]

Hopefully the Sabres can re-group against an Alexander-the-great-less Capitals tonight.

Ruff got on the team pretty good, with a 30-minute closed-door meeting before practice, and a pretty intense practice yesterday. Ruff barks after team plays without bite : Sports : The Buffalo News (http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/480666.html)

I see Lindy is changing the lines:

Kotalik-Roy-Vanek
MacArthur-Connolly (who will return tonight)-Pominville
Paille-Gaustad-Kaleta
Stafford-Mair-Max

Weber got sent back down to Portland.

A dumb question, but what's a bag skate?

[JonInMiddleGA]

A dumb question, but what's a bag skate?

I'll confess I didn't know this one either.
"bag skate" definition from Double-Tongued Dictionary (http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/bag_skate/)

Looks like at least two possible origins of the term, both meaning basically the same thing. One is where the pucks stay "in the bag" and the players are basically run ragged with skating drills & such, usually as a form of punishment for disinterested play. The other is the same sort of practice but so named because it goes until the players are exhausted or "bagged".

[Galaxy]

Sabres are 4-0 over Washington after 2. Vanek continues to add to his lead-leading goal count with two already.

[RendeR]

Sabres are looking sharper but they really need to work on puck control. Their ability to receive passes has been horrific lately. Much better defenswive push as well. two defensemen down low behind the net with a forward covering the front of the net is much better than the "where'd they go?" style o denfense they played the last couple games.

[Sublime 2]

Wow...hope someone else here just saw the Ference hit on Ott in the Bruins - Stars game.

[Sublime 2]

dola

It wasn't quite as sweet seeing it again, but still a great open ice hit.

[Pyser]

and now brodeur has left the devils game with an injury. this injury streak is nuts.

[Galaxy]

Sabres took a 5-0 win tonight.

[samifan24]

I had to work last night and missed the Bruins-Stars game but knew something was up when I saw the boxscore full of fights and Savard with a misconduct.

I just watched an eight minute clip from the action last night on Youtube. Steve Ott is gutless. He's out there hitting low and then won't drop the gloves when Hnidy challenged him. Avery was running around cheap shotting everybody, too. Hey, nice little pair they got down there in Dallas. I also blame the refs for letting things get so bad late in that game.

[DeToxRox]

Rick DiPietro's 15 year deal is looking awesome right now. He's doing it right by playing in 30 games a season to make sure he's ready for those last five seasons.

[Pyser]

Rick DiPietro's 15 year deal is looking awesome right now. He's doing it right by playing in 30 games a season to make sure he's ready for those last five seasons.

i still think it looks good. i mean, look at all the 7 yr, 49m deals being handed out lately...

[DeToxRox]

i still think it looks good. i mean, look at all the 7 yr, 49m deals being handed out lately...

Money wise it isn't bad .. Too bad DiPietro has bad knees and a bad hip.

[Wolfpack]

Weird game between Toronto and Carolina tonight which the Canes finally pulled out to salvage a brief back-to-back homestand (lost last night to Edmonton in Erik Cole's return to Raleigh). For almost two periods, Toronto seemed to be the dominant team as they pretty much muscled Carolina off the puck at will and generally had the Canes on their heels. #2 goalie Michael Leighton was in nets and wasn't playing very well at all. However, Carolina closed the second with a three-goal flurry to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead and then hung on for a 6-4 win. The normally anemic power play actually came through for once with a 3-for-6 effort (though the third one only counts in name only as it was an empty-netter at the end). Still, it feels like this team is playing with fire a bit too much right now.

[Galaxy]

Sabres are looking sharper but they really need to work on puck control. Their ability to receive passes has been horrific lately. Much better defenswive push as well. two defensemen down low behind the net with a forward covering the front of the net is much better than the "where'd they go?" style o denfense they played the last couple games.

I agree on the puck control. Hopefully the fix it, and carry over the effort from Saturday over tomorrow at New Jersey (Marty is not playing in net for the Devils.We seem to keep miss playing the top goalies this year so far). I think Rivet and Hecht will be back for Friday's game. It'll get interesting to see what Lindy will do with the lineups/scratches.

[Chief Rum]

Been an interesting week in Anaheim for the NHL. Surprised no one commented on Friday's game.

Wednesday, the Ducks took an exciting overtime game from the Wings, ending their streak, 5-4. Teemu got his 21st hat trick, which the active leader, and is now tied with Guy LaFleur on the all time goal scoring list with 550.

Then on Friday, the Ducks went up two on the Canucks, then allowed five straight goals, and then tied it up with three straight of their own--before the end of the second period!

This one went to 6-6 (Perry getting the game-tier with a minute to go) and a shootout--which took 13 rounds to finish before the Canucks finally won it.

Then tonight, they beat the Flames, 3-2, that should have been easier than it ended up being. This snapped the Flames' six game win streak.

Ducks have a seven game point streak going. Getzlaf got five points in Wednesday's game, and Perry five in Friday's; the first time two teammates have gotten that many points in consecutive games since Montreal in 1998 (Damphousse was one, forget the other). Getzlaf has a seven game point streak, and Perry and Teemu six.

Obviously, we'll ride this as long as it lasts.

[Lathum]

go figure, I can finaly watch a Devils game on Vs and Brodeur will probably sit out.

[Galaxy]

I had to work last night and missed the Bruins-Stars game but knew something was up when I saw the boxscore full of fights and Savard with a misconduct.

I just watched an eight minute clip from the action last night on Youtube. Steve Ott is gutless. He's out there hitting low and then won't drop the gloves when Hnidy challenged him. Avery was running around cheap shotting everybody, too. Hey, nice little pair they got down there in Dallas. I also blame the refs for letting things get so bad late in that game.

I watch the clip. Ott is taking cheap shots at guys who don't even have the puck (or just passed it). At least Avery stepped up and dropped his gloves.

[Galaxy]

Sabres get their captain back in Rivet!

[RendeR]

LETS GO SABRES!!!

[RendeR]

I just scared the shit out of 6 students when I screamed that out loud.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING Chief Rum

Where the hell was I...when did Bret Hedican end up in Anaheim?? :confused:

Is this recent? I am guessing sometime after moving Schneider?

[Galaxy]

I just scared the shit out of 6 students when I screamed that out loud.

LOL!

It worked against the Wild at the bar. :)

[Galaxy]

Millers get the first back-to-back shutout in five years in the NHL. 2-0 win.

[samifan24]

Millers get the first back-to-back shutout in five years in the NHL. 2-0 win.

Do you mean in Sabres history? Tim Thomas just had back to back shutouts for Boston last week.

[Galaxy]

Do you mean in Sabres history? Tim Thomas just had back to back shutouts for Boston last week.

Maybe I misheard the VS commentators.

[samifan24]

Maybe I misheard the VS commentators.

I'll agree that shutouts do seem rare in the post lockout NHL!

[Chief Rum]

PING Chief Rum

Where the hell was I...when did Bret Hedican end up in Anaheim?? :confused:

Is this recent? I am guessing sometime after moving Schneider?

Yup, you got it. The Schneider deal was about a week before the start of the season, and the Hedican signing was maybe 2-3 games in. Obviously, the Ducks didn't have a ton of confidence in the 4-6 blueliners' abilities to generate offense (after Nieds, Pronger, and Beauch), so they wanted to add another fairly competent point man.

[Chief Rum]

Hedican was just out there, BTW, casualty of the sal cap. It's the one thing about the cap I don't like--it can keep good players off of rosters they should be on (Shanahan, for instance, or Bobby Ryan having to play at AHL again, even though he would probably be a star on our second line right now).

[NoSkillz]

Do you mean in Sabres history? Tim Thomas just had back to back shutouts for Boston last week.

Yeah, it was the first back-to-backer for Buffalo in five years - Marty Biron did it last (three shutouts in a row IIRC).

[Dr. Sak]

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery Thursday and will be out three to four months, the team announced.

[Galaxy]

Yeah, it was the first back-to-backer for Buffalo in five years - Marty Biron did it last (three shutouts in a row IIRC).

I must of thought they said Marty Brodeur. I tend to tune out the announces on VS because they suck.

[Pumpy Tudors]

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery Thursday and will be out three to four months, the team announced.
Oh. Fuck.

I must of thought they said Marty Brodeur. I tend to tune out the announces on VS because they suck.
DON'T TALK SHIT ABOUT DOC

[Dr. Sak]

DON'T TALK SHIT ABOUT DOC

He still wears women's glasses.

[Pumpy Tudors]

He still wears women's glasses.
DAMMIT SAK DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE

[Pyser]

the curse of martys mask continues...

[Dr. Sak]

DAMMIT SAK DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE

He has a pearly string that attaches in the back! He isn't Doc Emrick...he's Grandma Emrick.

[samifan24]

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery Thursday and will be out three to four months, the team announced.

Might the Devils acquire one Manny Fernandez to fill their void in goal? We shall see...

[Pyser]

nope. weekes is the guy, maybe theyll get a backup to challenge clemmensen at best, i think

[Lathum]

brutal, he was so close to some big records.

[Travis]

nope. weekes is the guy, maybe theyll get a backup to challenge clemmensen at best, i think

Nonono, you don't understand, they *really* need Dwayne Roloson.

Desperately even.

We'd only want the Devils to cover his airfare to get him there.

[samifan24]

Nonono, you don't understand, they *really* need Dwayne Roloson.

Desperately even.

We'd only want the Devils to cover his airfare to get him there.

Yeah, what's the deal with the goalies up there in Edmonton? They have Garon, ok, he's fine as a starter, I guess. Then they have the kid with the really long name, the rookie, and supposedly they want him to play but can't send him down to the AHL or they risk losing him on waivers. Oh, and they also have Dwayne Roloson, why? Why is he there?

[Hurst2112]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Nm0A53ok2Yb/340x.jpg

those are chick's glasses. lol

[Travis]

Yeah, what's the deal with the goalies up there in Edmonton? They have Garon, ok, he's fine as a starter, I guess. Then they have the kid with the really long name, the rookie, and supposedly they want him to play but can't send him down to the AHL or they risk losing him on waivers. Oh, and they also have Dwayne Roloson, why? Why is he there?

Garon: Great pedigree when he was drafted, never seemed to live up to the hype. Was given some leash here last year and played *really* well. Then he had a hiccup and MacT went right back to Roli (who's one of MacT's boys). Could be the future goalie of the team (for 3-5 years at least) and is in a contract year. One would think they'd sink or swim with him this year to see what he's got to see if he's worth investing a big contract on.

Roloson: Got a stupid contract following the Cup run because everybody had a big hard on for him. People seemed to forget that he didn't play well down the stretch and the only reason the Oilers got into the playoffs that season was because Vancouver sucked worse than we did. He did play well in the playoffs but his numbers were inflated because of the system they were playing (tons of shots from the outside plus we had a really good defensive group at the time). Horrible at giving up rebounds or playing consistently well for a prolonged period of time, his contract is up after this season as well.

Deslauriers: Young kid they drafted fairly high who's been jerked around in the system. Oilers have another youngster (Dubnyk) who's getting the majority of the starts in the AHL this season (now that the Oilers have a farm team of their own) so not only could they lose Deslauriers if they tried to send him down, it'd just muddy up the goaltending situation there. Deslauriers played quite well in the A last year and is a big bodied guy who has potential.

Going into the season I was hoping for a 60-22 type split between Garon/Deslauriers to really test Garon and to give us an idea of what Deslauriers could do at the NHL level. Unfortunately we're not abusing the deep pockets of our new owner (I'm all for putting Roli through waivers, and if he clears, then buying out his contract) and instead apparently trying to increase the trade value of an old, overpaid backup. A hot streak isn't going to change any of those aspects, but I suppose there may be a GM or two that might see a decent string and decide to give us a pick for him, but in the end he's one of MacT's guys and that's why he already has 4 starts this season after Garon stole 2 of the first 4 games for the team then had a hiccup in a couple starts. MacT has never been a guy to ride a goalie through a tough stretch and let them play their way out of it unless it's one of his boys which apparently Garon just isn't yet.

I'm hoping that Roli is out of here before the new year so that there's at least a good portion of the season to find out if Garon or Deslauriers is indeed our goalie of the future or just a pair of backups. Be great to make the playoffs and a deep drive this season, but this isn't the sort of question you want an ambiguous answer to, so better to take the potential bad side now so they know exactly where they stand come the offseason.

11 games into the season the only question answered (again) is which goalie MacTavish likes best and it's the one that won't do the franchise a bit of good after this season.

So long rant short, Roli is still here (imho) because of MacT and the old boys club and their "respect" for him.

[MikeVic]

Gloria Vanderbilt collection.

[Dr. Sak]

Pumpy is going to be one pissed off Canadian when he see all of this!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sigh. You'd think I was in pretty good fantasy shape with a combo of Miller & Brodeur in goal.

[Logan]

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery Thursday and will be out three to four months, the team announced.

Aww, what a shame.











(did the requisite amount of time pass?)






(did I appear sincere?)





(can't hold it in...must...burst...out...)


HAHAHAHAHA GO FUCK YOURSELF MARTY. Still crying you whiny bitch? Nice to see your right arm is still okay so you can shake people's hands. Oh wait...

(I know it's bad to wish injury on anyone, and I'm not really a bad person, but I will never get over the lack of class he displayed last spring, so sue me)

Apologies to Pumpy.

[MikeVic]

I saw Mike Richter blowing Brian Leetch.

[DeToxRox]

http://www.prosportsmemorabilia.com/Images/Product/33-51/33-51364-P.jpg

[MikeVic]

Who's that?

[DeToxRox]

Who's that?

Boston Bruin legend Brian Leetch.

He played somewhere else too, but that was rather inconsequential.

[Pumpy Tudors]

1. I can't believe y'all are talking shit about Doc's sexy women's glasses.

2. In response to Logan, I'm actually not terribly pleased with Marty's behavior at the end of that Rangers series last season, either. I can't get mad at Logan at all over that one.

3. I want Sean Burke to come out of retirement and play for the Devils again. He's the reason I became a Devils fan. It'd be great to have him back. I don't care if he can't move and they just strap him to the goal or whatever. I don't expect much out of this season anyway, so some nostalgia would be fine. Not to play the doom-and-gloom card or anything, but I think it's pretty obvious that the Devils can't score goals. Without Marty in there to hold teams to 1 or 2 goals, the Devils are in a lot of trouble. So let's get Sean Burke back. Hell, bring out the green uniforms again, too. Let's roll back the clock.

[NoSkillz]

Jocelyn Thibault is looking for a team. Worked out real well for the Sabres last year.

Just sayin... :devil:

[Logan]

Boston Bruin legend Brian Leetch.

He played somewhere else too, but that was rather inconsequential.

People do tend to disappear in Toronto.

I was 100% for them sending him out, as it was well past that time on both sides. I'm all for legends, but I was pissed they never dealt him for Tkachuk about 3 weeks before he went on to break his ankle.

2. In response to Logan, I'm actually not terribly pleased with Marty's behavior at the end of that Rangers series last season, either. I can't get mad at Logan at all over that one.

This is why you're a classy broad Pumpy.

3. I want Sean Burke to come out of retirement and play for the Devils again. He's the reason I became a Devils fan. It'd be great to have him back. I don't care if he can't move and they just strap him to the goal or whatever. I don't expect much out of this season anyway, so some nostalgia would be fine. Not to play the doom-and-gloom card or anything, but I think it's pretty obvious that the Devils can't score goals. Without Marty in there to hold teams to 1 or 2 goals, the Devils are in a lot of trouble. So let's get Sean Burke back. Hell, bring out the green uniforms again, too. Let's roll back the clock.

Busting out the greens could improve uniform sales, which would aid the Devils' cash flow struggles:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/devils_must_pay_24m_rent_on_pr.html

[MikeVic]

What about Chris Terreri?

[Pumpy Tudors]

What about Chris Terreri?
I'm cool with Terreri, and he'd be cheaper than Burke. Yeah, let's go with him.

[Travis]

Dammit, would you guys focus, the Devils NEED Roloson.

He, uh, revolutionized the position, I mean he......bats the puck out of the air and, well, ermm, shakes his mask off when he needs a whistle!

Oh, and don't forget that he'll get you that extra time out early in a period when he has to go to the bench to get his skates re-stoned because apparently he forgot to between periods.

Totally worth the money.

[bbor]

Devils announce the signing of Chico Resch:D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Devils announce the signing of Chico Resch:D
This is going to be the worst 3-4 months of my life. :)

[Wolfpack]

Hedican was just out there, BTW, casualty of the sal cap. It's the one thing about the cap I don't like--it can keep good players off of rosters they should be on (Shanahan, for instance, or Bobby Ryan having to play at AHL again, even though he would probably be a star on our second line right now).

Actually, Carolina had (and still does have) room under the cap, so it wasn't a cap casualty thing. Basically, it was a parting of ways as Carolina wanted to get younger and Brett wanted to move back west where his wife's family is originally from. Couldn't get any takers from a west coast team until now.

At any rate, Carolina completes a sweep of back-to-backs with Toronto as Niclas Wallin is continuing his stellar early season play with an OT winner, 5-4. Something of a reversal of the last game other than the outcome as Carolina pounded the Leafs early, then let the Leafs catch up before winning in OT.

[bbor]

1982 - 2008

Craig Billington
Martin Brodeur
Sean Burke
Alain Chevrier
Scott Clemmensen
Jean-François Damphousse
Mike Dunham
Chad Erickson
Karl Friesen
Hannu Kamppuri
Ron Low
Shawn MacKenzie
Kirk McLean
Roland Melanson
Lindsay Middlebrook
Jeff Reese
Glenn Resch
Bob Sauvé
Corey Schwab
Rich Shulmistra
Peter Sidorkiewicz
Sam St-Laurent
Chris Terreri
John Vanbiesbrouck
Kevin Weekes

[Chief Rum]

Actually, Carolina had (and still does have) room under the cap, so it wasn't a cap casualty thing. Basically, it was a parting of ways as Carolina wanted to get younger and Brett wanted to move back west where his wife's family is originally from. Couldn't get any takers from a west coast team until now.

At any rate, Carolina completes a sweep of back-to-backs with Toronto as Niclas Wallin is continuing his stellar early season play with an OT winner, 5-4. Something of a reversal of the last game other than the outcome as Carolina pounded the Leafs early, then let the Leafs catch up before winning in OT.

Well, I wasn't talking about Carolina's situation (although I admit I didn't know why he was no longer there). I was talking about the league in general being up against the cap, and that leading to some players still remaining unsigned, even though they seem to have the talent to still be playing.

[Pumpy Tudors]

1982 - 2008

Craig Billington
Martin Brodeur
Sean Burke
Alain Chevrier
Scott Clemmensen
Jean-François Damphousse
Mike Dunham
Chad Erickson
Karl Friesen
Hannu Kamppuri
Ron Low
Shawn MacKenzie
Kirk McLean
Roland Melanson
Lindsay Middlebrook
Jeff Reese
Glenn Resch
Bob Sauvé
Corey Schwab
Rich Shulmistra
Peter Sidorkiewicz
Sam St-Laurent
Chris Terreri
John Vanbiesbrouck
Kevin Weekes
oh fuck me

[bbor]

Some of those names certainly bring back memories.....and nightmares.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just realized something about that list. If that list is complete, it means Ari Ahonen never played a game for the Devils. He was in their organization for several years, and I kept thinking that he'd eventually take over as the #2 goalie. They kept bringing in guys like Vanbiesbrouck, Reese, and Schwab, though. Ahonen ended up getting traded to the Kings, if I remember correctly, and now he's playing overseas. It hadn't occurred to me that he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Devils, though.

Wow. Just wow.

[Travis]

According to hockeydb you are correct. Point of fact the guy never played a single game in the NHL and only ever played for the River Rats in the AHL. Too bad for a guy who was a late first round pick.

Had to check after you mentioned his name because I remember him being a decent prospect in EHM that would sometimes pan out into being a pretty solid backup.

[Pumpy Tudors]

According to hockeydb you are correct. Point of fact the guy never played a single game in the NHL and only ever played for the River Rats in the AHL. Too bad for a guy who was a late first round pick.

Had to check after you mentioned his name because I remember him being a decent prospect in EHM that would sometimes pan out into being a pretty solid backup.
Now that you mention EHM, he might not have been traded to the Kings in real life. I might've traded him in an EHM game a couple of years back. :)

[Draft Dodger]

The Avs are reeling - 5 straight losses and a lot of lackluster effort all around.

as an added bonus, Darcy Tucker got called for clipping last night (the penalty created because of him) after a low hit on Nick Schultz. As an added bonus, Schultz says that earlier in the game, Tucker told him he'd take out his knees. Awesome. (not).

[MikeVic]

lol:
ESPN - New York Rangers seek compensatory pick after prospect Alexei Cherepanov dies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3688410)

[Pyser]

sweet satan goal last night, if anyone saw it

[samifan24]

The Avs are reeling - 5 straight losses and a lot of lackluster effort all around.

as an added bonus, Darcy Tucker got called for clipping last night (the penalty created because of him) after a low hit on Nick Schultz. As an added bonus, Schultz says that earlier in the game, Tucker told him he'd take out his knees. Awesome. (not).

Tucker and Steve Ott both play by a different set of rules. If the league had any sense, they'd kick out cheap shot artists like these guys before they do any more damage to other players.

[Travis]

sweet satan goal last night, if anyone saw it

Lots of nice goals in that game. Hemsky had a sweet one and Souray's not only made the game interesting but was awfully pretty too.

[Maple Leafs]

Tucker and Steve Ott both play by a different set of rules. If the league had any sense, they'd kick out cheap shot artists like these guys before they do any more damage to other players.
I haven't seen the latest Tucker incident, but it's not like he has a history of hitting low.

Yes, yes, the Peca hit... still not a cheap shot. Peca got his knees wiped out because he jumped in the air, not because Tucker went low on him. Peca himself even forgave and forgot on that one.

Other than that, you can call Tucker a sideshow or a diver or self-promoter, but he really hasn't been a cheapshot guy.

[samifan24]

I haven't seen the latest Tucker incident, but it's not like he has a history of hitting low.

Yes, yes, the Peca hit... still not a cheap shot. Peca got his knees wiped out because he jumped in the air, not because Tucker went low on him. Peca himself even forgave and forgot on that one.

Other than that, you can call Tucker a sideshow or a diver or self-promoter, but he really hasn't been a cheapshot guy.

Tucker has a reputation around the league nevertheless.

I wish the NHL policed itself the way the NFL does under Roger Goodell. If you are a repeat offender, you get a harsher penalty. A guy like Ryan Hollweg comes to mind. He has been in the league, what, two years? He has already been suspended for hitting from behind (twice, I think) and if he continues to do it after being suspended, then the league should have an option to throw him out of the league. If a guy severly injures a player with a cheap shot, he should be out for as long as that player is out. Randy Jones should have been suspended last year for as long as Patrice Bergeron was medically ineligible to play. If I were NHL commish, I would ban Todd Bertuzzi for the Steve Moore incident. There's no place for that in the game of hockey.

[Maple Leafs]

Tucker has a reputation around the league nevertheless.

Well, if the reputation isn't based on anything then it shouldn't factor into discipline, should it?

I mean, you can hate Sean Avery and still acknowledge that he doesn't go after guy's knees, can't you? Or is being a prick enough to get extra suspension time no matter what?

[Fidatelo]

Tucker has a reputation around the league nevertheless.

I wish the NHL policed itself the way the NFL does under Roger Goodell. If you are a repeat offender, you get a harsher penalty. A guy like Ryan Hollweg comes to mind. He has been in the league, what, two years? He has already been suspended for hitting from behind (twice, I think) and if he continues to do it after being suspended, then the league should have an option to throw him out of the league. If a guy severly injures a player with a cheap shot, he should be out for as long as that player is out. Randy Jones should have been suspended last year for as long as Patrice Bergeron was medically ineligible to play. If I were NHL commish, I would ban Todd Bertuzzi for the Steve Moore incident. There's no place for that in the game of hockey.

Tying suspensions to injuries is a terrible idea. Tie them to intent, sure, but not the outcome.

[samifan24]

Tying suspensions to injuries is a terrible idea. Tie them to intent, sure, but not the outcome.

Tell me how the current situation makes sense. Randy Jones slams Patrice Bergeron from behind. Jones was suspended for two games while Bergeron missed the rest of the season solely because of the Jones hit. How do you justify that?

[samifan24]

I mean, you can hate Sean Avery and still acknowledge that he doesn't go after guy's knees, can't you? Or is being a prick enough to get extra suspension time no matter what?

Yes, I acknowledge that but it is the NHL's call, not mine. If you have a reputation, that surely factors into the league's decision making.

[Dr. Sak]

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 6’0”, 205-pound defenseman Matt Carle and the San Jose Sharks’ third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Steve Eminger, Steve Downie and Tampa Bay’s fourth round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren.

[Wolfpack]

I feel like I'm on a roller coaster or, better yet, in the stock market. Carolina goes on the road yesterday to Washington, plays about as well as can be expected for 55 minutes, then watch Semin blast in two goals in the final three minutes to lose 3-2, the last one with 10 seconds left and Ward had a clean look only to totally misread the shot coming in. Ward's propensity for making spectacular saves and then allowing in shots that are either from steep angles or on breakaways or rushes where he has good line of sight is irritating to say the least and that basically sums up both of Semin's goals.

Still, Carolina got over it, but only slowly as they had a home game tonight against Ottawa. The Senators grabbed the lead in the second, but Carolina struck for two in the third to get the win. The winner was potted by Joe Corvo who's apparently decided that playing Ottawa is up his alley (he netted a hat trick in the lone meeting between the two teams after he got traded from Ottawa to Carolina last year). He also got an assist on Carolina's other goal by Dennis Seidenberg.

Still, it's not a positive development when both goals come from defensemen. Of late, Tuomo Ruutu has just about been the only Carolina forward who has played with any excellence up front of late, though his point streak ended tonight after five games. Gotta get that fixed, especially while they're in this stretch of seven home games in eight. Four divisional games coming up, including a return visit by Washington sandwiched by a home-and-home with Atlanta and then followed by a game at home against Tampa Bay.

[Fidatelo]

Tell me how the current situation makes sense. Randy Jones slams Patrice Bergeron from behind. Jones was suspended for two games while Bergeron missed the rest of the season solely because of the Jones hit. How do you justify that?

I'm not saying the current situation makes sense, I'm saying your solution doesn't make sense. If Jones hits Bergeron with the same hit and Bergeron is miraculously unhurt, does Jones get no suspension? What if Bergeron is only out 3 games, does Jones get 3 games? Why should his penalty vary for the exact same act?

Bottom line: if hitting from behind is deemed dangerous and 'has no place in the game' as you say, then the NHL should have a very strict penalty regardless of outcome. Make it 20 games, make it 40 games, I don't care. Just make it the same for everyone (maybe harsher for repeat offenders) and make it the same no matter if the guy on the receiving end bounces back up to score a goal or if he dies on the ice.

[samifan24]

I'm not saying the current situation makes sense, I'm saying your solution doesn't make sense. If Jones hits Bergeron with the same hit and Bergeron is miraculously unhurt, does Jones get no suspension? What if Bergeron is only out 3 games, does Jones get 3 games? Why should his penalty vary for the exact same act?

Bottom line: if hitting from behind is deemed dangerous and 'has no place in the game' as you say, then the NHL should have a very strict penalty regardless of outcome. Make it 20 games, make it 40 games, I don't care. Just make it the same for everyone (maybe harsher for repeat offenders) and make it the same no matter if the guy on the receiving end bounces back up to score a goal or if he dies on the ice.

You have to take the result of the play into effect. If you take chances by hitting a guy from behind, or in the head like McSorley did, then you take chances with your career. The league should institute a sliding scale based upon past suspensions and each incident but the penalties should not be the same for everyone. The league can certainly identify repeat offenders or guys that just won't play by the rules. These cases need to be handled much more severely than a first time offender because there's a pattern present.

To answer your question about Jones, I think he should be suspended indefinitely pending the results of a medical examination on Bergeron. So, Jones is suspended for four games or something as a first time offender but that can be changed to be as long as Bergeron is unable to play due to the Jones hit. Jones is responsible for Bergeron's injury so he pays for it.

If the league said that any player that receives a major penalty in which his opposing player is injured because of that penalty (checking from behind, slashing, kneeing, etc) would be suspended pending a medical examination on the other player, guys would be much more careful on the ice. My point is that the league can do more and should do more.

[Honolulu_Blue]

PING HB

Just reading in the SI NHL preview-- article about Hossa.

He's living in Royal Oak..maybe you can go drinking with him sometime. Preferably before they play then Pens.

So, I stopped into my local grocery store (Holiday Market) last night on my way home from work to pick up a case of Labbats for the weekend and ran into Marian Hossa as I was coming out and he was coming in. He was decked out in some Juventus warm up jacket and was with some slim, attractive European looking woman.

That's all.

[Maple Leafs]

Tell me how the current situation makes sense. Randy Jones slams Patrice Bergeron from behind. Jones was suspended for two games while Bergeron missed the rest of the season solely because of the Jones hit. How do you justify that?
Then it's a bad suspension for a dangerous hit. The length of the injury can't be the only factor.

Scott Neidermayer only missed a couple of games from the Domi elbow. Should Domi have only been suspended three games instead of 11?

[Fidatelo]

You have to take the result of the play into effect. If you take chances by hitting a guy from behind, or in the head like McSorley did, then you take chances with your career. The league should institute a sliding scale based upon past suspensions and each incident but the penalties should not be the same for everyone. The league can certainly identify repeat offenders or guys that just won't play by the rules. These cases need to be handled much more severely than a first time offender because there's a pattern present.

To answer your question about Jones, I think he should be suspended indefinitely pending the results of a medical examination on Bergeron. So, Jones is suspended for four games or something as a first time offender but that can be changed to be as long as Bergeron is unable to play due to the Jones hit. Jones is responsible for Bergeron's injury so he pays for it.

If the league said that any player that receives a major penalty in which his opposing player is injured because of that penalty (checking from behind, slashing, kneeing, etc) would be suspended pending a medical examination on the other player, guys would be much more careful on the ice. My point is that the league can do more and should do more.

I agree with your overall point (that the league can and should do more), but we'll have to agree to disagree on the punishment thing. I just can't understand why it should matter what happened to the guy you hit.

Look at the Bertuzzi incident as an example of my position. What he did is not uncommon. It has happened many times in the past, only most times when you sucker punch someone they just turn around and fight, or maybe fall to the ice and you get 5 minutes or a 1 game suspension or something. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Moore went down awkwardly and has never come back. But why is Bertuzzi any more of a thug than the dozens of other guys that came before him? Because he happened to pick the wrong guy at the wrong time?

Now, I'm not defending Bertuzzi. If the NHL feels that what he did should be removed from the game (which it should), then fine. Make it an automatic 40 game suspension. But apply that suspension to everyone, even the guy whose opponent whirls around and pummels the crap out of him. Don't let anyone off lightly. But also don't demonize someone for circumstances that others got away with completely.

[DeToxRox]

So, I stopped into my local grocery store (Holiday Market) last night on my way home from work to pick up a case of Labbats for the weekend and ran into Marian Hossa as I was coming out and he was coming in. He was decked out in some Juventus warm up jacket and was with some slim, attractive European looking woman.

That's all.

Holiday Market, FTW!

[samifan24]

Then it's a bad suspension for a dangerous hit. The length of the injury can't be the only factor.

Scott Neidermayer only missed a couple of games from the Domi elbow. Should Domi have only been suspended three games instead of 11?

I'm not saying the length of the injury should be the only factor, I'm saying it should be one of the most important factors, along with things like past suspensions history.

[samifan24]

I just can't understand why it should matter what happened to the guy you hit.

But why is Bertuzzi any more of a thug than the dozens of other guys that came before him?

But also don't demonize someone for circumstances that others got away with completely.

I think you have to take the result of the play into consideration here. Bertuzzi is guilty of more than the other guys because of what happened to Steve Moore because of Bertuzzi's cheap shot.

Here's what I want the league to do. If you cheap shot a guy and injury him so that he has to leave the game, you are automatically suspended some number of games plus an option of being suspended indefinitely or as long as the injured player is sidelined as a result of your cheap shot. That's it. I'm not saying the NHL has to do it but I strongly believe that if they tie suspension length to injury length they would see a strong downturn in the number of cheap shots throughout the league.

[Logan]

The problem comes when you have the situations where it's not 100% certain about which hits are "cheap shots." By definition it's subjective, and while some are hard to argue, there are plenty where you can't definitively state that there was intent to injure.

[DeToxRox]

Here is how you get rid of cheap shots:

Bye bye instigator rule.

We need frontier justice.

If Ott wants to run at lets say Kovalev, then Laraque should be able to come out, KO Ott and serve his 5, and come back. It's pretty simple.

[Fidatelo]

I think you have to take the result of the play into consideration here. Bertuzzi is guilty of more than the other guys because of what happened to Steve Moore because of Bertuzzi's cheap shot.

Here's what I want the league to do. If you cheap shot a guy and injury him so that he has to leave the game, you are automatically suspended some number of games plus an option of being suspended indefinitely or as long as the injured player is sidelined as a result of your cheap shot. That's it. I'm not saying the NHL has to do it but I strongly believe that if they tie suspension length to injury length they would see a strong downturn in the number of cheap shots throughout the league.

So lets pretend its the playoffs, and you and I are playing for different teams in a series against each other. You are an all-star forward, I'm a 5th defenceman. We're battling in front of the net and I cross-check you, so you retaliate with a slash. I go down, you get a penalty. After the game, the team doctor says I have an 'upper body injury' and I don't play the rest of the series. According to your rules, neither do you.

But wait there's more! Behind the scenes, I feel I could have played, but strategically the coach wants to keep me out because he knows it will mean you are also out, and since you are an all star and I'm just a schmoe, its a trade he'll make any day. So it's agreed that the injury is bad enough that I shouldn't play, and we both sit out the series.

[Draft Dodger]

no suspension for Tucker, fwiw

[Maple Leafs]

I kind of like John Ferguson Jr's suggestion after Janssen put Kaberle out for a month on a cheap hit. Don't suspend him for as long as Kaberle is out -- force him to play Kaberle minutes for as long as he's out.

Your minor league goon injures the other team's best player, guess what? He's on your first line now!

A smart-ass suggestion, sure, but it would be pretty funny.

[Maple Leafs]

no suspension for Tucker, fwiw
So he's still only been suspended once in his career for a "dirty" hit (on Gonchar, six years ago). His only other suspension was for diving into the Sens bench, which is much more "dumb" than "dirty".

That said, he's been on the carpet several other times (Peca, Hecht, Jansen). I wonder if the NHL takes that into account when looking at past history, or if no suspension = innocent.

[Draft Dodger]

So, I stopped into my local grocery store (Holiday Market) last night on my way home from work to pick up a case of Labbats for the weekend and ran into Marian Hossa as I was coming out and he was coming in. He was decked out in some Juventus warm up jacket and was with some slim, attractive European looking woman.

That's all.

Hossa is dating Valteri Filppula? SCANDALOUS!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Hossa is dating Valteri Filppula? SCANDALOUS!
:lol:

[Suburban Rhythm]

So, I stopped into my local grocery store (Holiday Market) last night on my way home from work to pick up a case of Labbats for the weekend and ran into Marian Hossa as I was coming out and he was coming in. He was decked out in some Juventus warm up jacket and was with some slim, attractive European looking woman.

That's all.

I believe it mentioned her in the same SI article about him living in Royal Oak. I think she was/is a tennis player or something like that. Or, I'm mixing him up with Federov.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Nutty finish on the Island.

Pens come back to tie the game in the 3rd. Scoreless through OT.

After 2 shooters per side, Pens lead shootout 1-0. Trent Hunter shooting for NY. The puck gets lost inside Dany Sabourin's pad, between his leg and the pad. About 90% of Sabourin's body slides back into the net. He reaches his hand down past his calf and retrieves the puck. Called no goal on the ice....reviewed...and upheld.

Just very odd. I guess had his leg completely crossed the goal line, they could have called it a goal. But not knowing where the puck was when he slides back into the net, there is no evidence whether or not the puck crossed the line.

[samifan24]

So lets pretend its the playoffs, and you and I are playing for different teams in a series against each other. You are an all-star forward, I'm a 5th defenceman. We're battling in front of the net and I cross-check you, so you retaliate with a slash. I go down, you get a penalty. After the game, the team doctor says I have an 'upper body injury' and I don't play the rest of the series. According to your rules, neither do you.

But wait there's more! Behind the scenes, I feel I could have played, but strategically the coach wants to keep me out because he knows it will mean you are also out, and since you are an all star and I'm just a schmoe, its a trade he'll make any day. So it's agreed that the injury is bad enough that I shouldn't play, and we both sit out the series.

I would want to league to handle things on a case by case basis. We may not agree on this but won't you agree that the NHL can take a page from Roger Goodell's NFL of late? He seems to be doing a pretty good job of keeping things in line and being fair.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I would want to league to handle things on a case by case basis. We may not agree on this but won't you agree that the NHL can take a page from Roger Goodell's NFL of late? He seems to be doing a pretty good job of keeping things in line and being fair.
Hines Ward may disagree with you.