The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Thread

[Pyser]

devils trade d brookbank to the ducks for a prospect.

not bad, picked him up on waivers last year, has been our 8th/9th d-man depending on which season you look at, but always stayed with the big club. from the outside the devils d sucks, but in reality, we havea very good top 7 d set...just no one youd say is obviously a top 4 (maybe martin, maybe salvadore, but both could be argued against). but a solid, solid d, no disrespect to brookbank for not playing

only played 15 games this year, and id say half of those were at right wing. big boy, not great skills wise, but serviceable. enjoy him, anaheim.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I won't miss Brookbank too much. I mean, he's fine on the third pairing, but I agree that there was just no space for him. I hope he gets a little more playing time with the Ducks.

Just to talk about the Devils a little more, I'm surprised that Jay Pandolfo is still a healthy scratch every night. I mean, I can see how Shanahan's arrival would push Pandolfo out for a game or two, but I expected Rupp or even Clarkson to end up getting scratched occasionally. Nope. Just Pandolfo. With the way New Jersey's been playing, I can't complain, but I feel kinda bad that a longtime solid player could spend essentially the rest of the season on the bench.

[samifan24]

Aren't Rupp and Clarkson now the same player? Clarkson used to fight and can't play. Rupp used to play and now fights. Am I missing something?

[Pyser]

rupp is bigger and always runs into the goalie for no reason

clarkson only knows how to toe drag and miss wrap arounds.

hope that clears everything up

[Pumpy Tudors]

Aren't Rupp and Clarkson now the same player? Clarkson used to fight and can't play. Rupp used to play and now fights. Am I missing something?
That's a pretty accurate assessment. Clarkson does have some skills on offense, but I really don't see the need to have both of those guys in the lineup every night. Throw Bobby Holik's name in there, and now you have three guys who you could really rotate with Pandolfo. None of these players are indispensible every night. Hell, I'd almost want Pandolfo in there a little more often because at least he'll stay out of the penalty box.

Anyway, I'm not the coach, and I'm not at practice or in the dressing room, so I don't claim to know the reasons. From the outside, it just seems a little sad that Pandolfo's the guy who's lost his job, especially considering that Clarkson, Rupp, and Holik don't really bring much to the table individually.

[Pumpy Tudors]

rupp is bigger and always runs into the goalie for no reason

clarkson only knows how to toe drag and miss wrap arounds.

hope that clears everything up
LOL

[Pyser]

by the way, pumpy...have you noticed parise is the best offensive player uh, maybe ever, for the devils? he's unreal this season.

he even makes fancypants elias look good, and they arent even on the same line.

and zajac exploded too. quite nice.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Yeah, Parise is on fire. I absolutely love him. It's been a long time since a Devils player was that exciting on offense. I guess Gionta that one year he blew up, but that was a fluke. Parise is no fluke.

Zajac has been a surprise. I was really starting to think that he'd be a Brylin-type player. Solid, not stupid, but not going to score a bunch for you. He's turning out to be better than that.

[bbor]

Lucky you don;t have to blog this shit tonight ML.What a horrid game.

[Wolfpack]

"Breakfasts come and go, Renee, but Hartford...the Whale...they only beat Vancouver maybe once or twice in a lifetime."

Unfortunately, there is some truth to this quote as the ex-Whale still can't beat Vancouver in Vancouver (hasn't happened in 10 years--granted the scheduling since the lockout has made this even harder to do, but even so).

Seriously, how else to explain giving up a shorty with just 82 seconds to go last night after battling back to tie it up at 3-all and getting a power play in the dying moments?

Right now I'm trying to decide if I want them to become cannon fodder for the Bruins in the first round or whether I'd rather them continue their historic streak of not making the playoffs after winning the Cup (now at two seasons and counting). Neither seems very appealing at the moment, but given the suckage that is NC State basketball and the spectacular implosion by the Panthers in the NFC playoffs, it's about all I've got to look forward to.

[Maple Leafs]

Lucky you don;t have to blog this shit tonight ML.What a horrid game.
Yeah. But I am doing Habs/Leafs on Saturday, which might be worse.

P.S. Where were you last week? No FOFC love at all during that blog.

[NoSkillz]

I'm hoping for Leafs fans sake that wasn't Luke Schenn's normal game. He looked as green as grass out there tonight.

Although, to be fair, it's not like anyone other than Pogge showed up for Toronto...

Considering the long trip out west, quite the dominating performance by Buffalo tonight.

[bbor]

Yeah. But I am doing Habs/Leafs on Saturday, which might be worse.

P.S. Where were you last week? No FOFC love at all during that blog.

I read the blog the next day...does that count?:D

I think if the wife is workin on Saturday night i should be able to drop a few lines on you :)

[Galaxy]

Just a horrible effort by Toronto. And talk about being stupid. They just kept taking penalty after penalty (I think they got 4 or 5 penalties right after the Leafs would go on a power play).

Buffalo played impressive, but it's hard to judge due to Toronto playing as poorly as they did. They just stood around all night.

[bbor]

Even allowing 5 goals,Pogge could have been the star of the game.

I would'nt be surprised if Wilson has them bag skating tommorrow morning even after playing back to back games.

[bhlloy]

Well, CR it looks like you were right and I was wrong. Watching the last couple of games Ducks are absolute shit. This is nowhere near a playoff team... very disappointing. And the Brookbank and Brown pickups make no sense whatsoever. Not sure which direction we are trying to go in right now. Ugh.

[Logan]

Posting this here as well as the Avery thread since I'm guessing it will result in actual hockey-related discussion:

RANGERS TRYING TO BRING FORWARD BACK - New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02062009/sports/rangers/rangers_trying_to_bring_forward_back_153777.htm)

I love the potential move. Love it. This team is dead as currently assembled and needs life added to it. When I was at the game Tuesday night there was an Avery chant going, the fans know he's needed too.

[Dr. Sak]

Hey Logan, what was the Crosby story you had to tell me?

[samifan24]

Posting this here as well as the Avery thread since I'm guessing it will result in actual hockey-related discussion:

RANGERS TRYING TO BRING FORWARD BACK - New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02062009/sports/rangers/rangers_trying_to_bring_forward_back_153777.htm)

I love the potential move. Love it. This team is dead as currently assembled and needs life added to it. When I was at the game Tuesday night there was an Avery chant going, the fans know he's needed too.

Hahaha. I love the possibility of seeing Sean Avery in Hartford.

[Logan]

Good memory man...

So I'm at the game Tuesday night and the team is playing like complete shit once the initial juice from the Graves ceremony left the building. I'm there with a buddy who has season tix and in the row directly in front of me are two guys around my age and sitting to the right of them are two guys probably around 30. Being that I've sat in these seats before, I know these two are pretty hardcore fans and know their shit (like 95% of hockey fans).

So one of the younger guys decides he's going to spend his night complaining about Tom Renney. Every few minutes he would try and get a "Fire Renney" chant going. Guys next to him give him a "WTF?" look. He continues chanting...guys next to him start dropping facts on him...is it Renney's fault none of our guys can score?...is it Renney's fault our guys can't even put the puck on net? The kid is clearly annoying them so they are getting louder and more animated.

Now during the whole game the kid was on his Blackberry every now and then, and since I'm right in between him and his buddy, I have a perfect view of his phone so I notice something on it.

I believe it was early in the 3rd, and Paul Mara made a horrible misplay...just gave the puck away. "Fire Renney!" Guy next to him flips, "Stop being a jackass!" They start yelling back and forth at each other. This is when I feel like it's time for me to step in. I tap the guy on the shoulder, "Hey man, don't bother with this clown...he claims to be a Ranger fan but (turning to kid) HE HAS A FUCKIN PICTURE OF SIDNEY CROSBY AS THE BACKGROUND OF HIS PHONE!" Everyone starts cracking up and people started the "asshole" chant at him. Kid didn't say a word the rest of the game and then left a few minutes before Naslund tied it up.

Tool.

[sterlingice]

Great story :D

SI

[Dr. Sak]

People like that annoy the crap out me at games. They are the same ones that yell "SHOOT" the entire time during a power play. Even though there is no clear shot to the net, they still want them to just fire it into a defenders leg.

[samifan24]

People like that annoy the crap out me at games. They are the same ones that yell "SHOOT" the entire time during a power play. Even though there is no clear shot to the net, they still want them to just fire it into a defenders leg.

Let's not generalize all fans that yell "shoot" during a power play. Some were scarred by years of Hartford Whaler "power plays" which involved a lot of passing and far too little shooting.

[Honolulu_Blue]

People like that annoy the crap out me at games. They are the same ones that yell "SHOOT" the entire time during a power play. Even though there is no clear shot to the net, they still want them to just fire it into a defenders leg.

This is one reason why I don't go to as many games as I do. I can't recall the last time I went to a Red Wings game and there wasn't some Red Wings fan in my immediate proximity who annoyed the living shit out of me. Back in the day it was guys who just whined and whined about how much they hated the Russians and how they should trade all 5 of them for Keith Tkachuck and someone else. There was the woman who just never stopped shouting at players and kept using their "nicknames" over and over "Come on, Drapes! Come on, Drapes! Skate, Mac! Move, Malts! Pass it, Stevie! Pass it!" And then there was the woman who everytime the puck got anywhere near the Wings' net she would scream at the goalie (Mike Vernon at the time) "Get back in the net! Get back in the net! Don't leave the net!"

I have said this before, but (present company excluded of course) I tend to find the majority of Red Wings' fans deeply fucking irritating.

[DeToxRox]

This is one reason why I don't go to as many games as I do. I can't recall the last time I went to a Red Wings game and there wasn't some Red Wings fan in my immediate proximity who annoyed the living shit out of me. Back in the day it was guys who just whined and whined about how much they hated the Russians and how they should trade all 5 of them for Keith Tkachuck and someone else. There was the woman who just never stopped shouting at players and kept using their "nicknames" over and over "Come on, Drapes! Come on, Drapes! Skate, Mac! Move, Malts! Pass it, Stevie! Pass it!" And then there was the woman who everytime the puck got anywhere near the Wings' net she would scream at the goalie (Mike Vernon at the time) "Get back in the net! Get back in the net! Don't leave the net!"

I have said this before, but (present company excluded of course) I tend to find the majority of Red Wings' fans deeply fucking irritating.

I've long since learned that a Wings fans IQ is directley related to if they are wearing a Wings Nut hat or not.

[bbor]

I tend to find the ALL of Red Wings' fans deeply fucking irritating.


I wholeheartedly agree:D:D

[Honolulu_Blue]

I wholeheartedly agree:D:D

Go eat a chalupa and STFU!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Does anyone wear his heart on his sleeve more than Manny Legace? Once again, poor ole Manny is back at it.

The Blues placed goaltender Manny Legace on waivers this morning, the Post-Dispatch has learned.

The team will know this weekend whether Legace has been claimed by another team.

If he is not, Legace will be sent to Peoria.

"It's extremely tough," Legace said this morning. "You play your heart out for a team, and the minute you hit a little bit of a rough patch, they dump on you.

"It was very hard to hear."


Poor Manny.

[Galaxy]

Let's not generalize all fans that yell "shoot" during a power play. Some were scarred by years of Hartford Whaler "power plays" which involved a lot of passing and far too little shooting.

The Sabres tend to do this. You need to find a balance.

[Pyser]

fucking rangers. watch a guy sign a 4 year deal and then about 9 months later get him back for free....at only $6m or so total. god i hate that team.

[gstelmack]

Let's not generalize all fans that yell "shoot" during a power play. Some were scarred by years of Hartford Whaler "power plays" which involved a lot of passing and far too little shooting.

The Hurricanes have almost got this figured out finally. Almost.

[MikeVic]

ESPN.com NHL Player Survey: Who tops players' lists - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?page=0809playersurvey)

Go Kerry Fraser! :p

[Dr. Sak]

Haha the answer to question #4

[Suburban Rhythm]

People like that annoy the crap out me at games. They are the same ones that yell "SHOOT" the entire time during a power play. Even though there is no clear shot to the net, they still want them to just fire it into a defenders leg.

You've been spending lots of time at the Mellon Arena?

People will yell shoot when Fleury is setting up a dump in behind the net.

[bbor]

ESPN.com NHL Player Survey: Who tops players' lists - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?page=0809playersurvey)

Go Kerry Fraser! :p

Oh man...ML is gonna spin.

He might quit hockey after this.

[Maple Leafs]

Oh man...ML is gonna spin.
Of course the players like Fraser. He lets them high-stick each other in the face without calling a penalty. He's like the awesome high school teacher who lets you smoke in class.

[DeToxRox]

Oof. Sorry Oil. 4-0 Wings in the first.

[DeToxRox]

5-0. Awful play by the Oilers at center ice, Z swipes it and feeds it to Dats for goal.

[DeToxRox]

First period stats:

Wings Goals: 5
Oilers shots: 5

[bbor]

LOL.you sure it's not the Leafs?

[Travis]

I normally don't cheer against my favorite teams, but combine MacT making a few more ridiculous roster decisions, Roli slashing Cleary in the groin and the Oilers needing a shakeup, I don't mind seeing Roli getting lit up today.

There's a lot of potential on this team, so sad that the coach is more concerned about playing favorites than putting the team in the best chance to succeed and the odds of actually firing him is just about 0.

But I mean hey, when you're looking for somebody to play at Hemsky's level, obviously the season long 4th line center is the answer.

[DeToxRox]

Travis, how did you not put your fist through a wall on that 5th goal? WTF was Brodz doing?

[Travis]

I like Brodziak, he's a good 3/4 liner, pretty good on the dot, but there he's trying to do too much. He's been thrown on the first line when all the talk is about how they need somebody to compliment Hemsky. He's not playing his game at that point because of a) being plugged in on the first line and b) the score of the game. Instead of making his usual play in that situation, he was looking to create and did, just not for the right team.

Not totally absolving him of the mistake, but that's on MacT as much as it is Brodziak.

The one I wanted to put my fist through the wall on was the first goal that set the tone for the game. Roli with a selfish penalty then can't stop an open look at Rafalski's shot.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hopefully the Wings used up their goal supply for the weekend there. Although I wouldn't mind seeing the Pens win 7-6 again tomorrow.

[Neuqua]

The Detroit Red Wings foreign scout flies to Baghdad to watch a
young Iraqi play hockey in the new American sponsored league, and is
suitably impressed and arranges for him to come over to the US.

Ken Holland signs him to a one year contract and the kid joins the
team for the preseason.

Two weeks later the Wings are down 4-0 to the Blackhawks with only
10 minutes left. Mike Babcock gives the young Iraqi the nod and he goes in.
The kid is a sensation - scores 5 goals in 10 minutes and wins the game for
the Wings! The fans are delighted, the players and coaches are delighted,
and the media love the new star.

When the player comes off the ice he phones his mom to tell her
about his first day of NHL hockey. "Hello mom, guess what?" he says in an
Iraqi accent. " I played for 10 minutes today, we were 4-0 down, but I
scored 5 goals and we won. Everybody loves me, the fans, the media, they all
love me."

"Wonderful," says his mom, "Let me tell you about my day. Your
father got shot in the street and robbed, your sister and I were ambushed,
raped and beaten, and your brother has joined a gang of looters, and all
while you were having such great time."

The young Iraqi is very upset. "What can I say mom, but I'm so
sorry."

"Sorry? You're sorry? !!" says his mom, "It's your fault we moved
to Detroit in the first place!"

[sterlingice]

I LOL'd :D

SI

[Wolfpack]

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in. After giving up the shorthanded game winner in Vancouver on Tuesday, Carolina manages somehow to win both their remaining games on the road trip out west, including a rather surprising SO win over San Jose even though it looked like they kinda-sorta waved the white flag for a bit by sending out backup goalie Michael Leighton for that one and then followed that with a whipping of the Coyotes over the last half of last night's game that turned a 2-2 game into a 7-2 rout. Kudos to the team for not rolling over after that horrid end to the first game of the trip. I still say they're not much more than a first-round victim for the Bruins right now, but at least they're going to try to do something with this year it looks like.

Carolina's now in eighth in the East and it looks like it'll be a three-horse race between them, Pittsburgh, and Florida for the last spot. With Pittsburgh getting dumped by Detroit today, Carolina has two points on the Pens and a game in hand, while Florida has a couple of games in hand on Carolina and lie a point back in ninth. Carolina's off until Thursday when they'll get to play the Panthers in Raleigh.

[samifan24]

I have to hand it to San Jose, they completely outplayed the Bruins in the 3rd period. It seems like Boston's forwards are all hitting a wall at the same time, Krejci and Wheeler especially. I think it's time the Bruins make a move and infuse the club with some new blood. I've heard Erik Cole's name floated and I like the deal as long as the Bruins don't move Hunwick in the deal.

[Maple Leafs]

Fun stat find from another forum:

Total career points:
Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky = 2,857 (regular) + 382 (playoffs) = 3,239
Every player who has dressed for the Coyotes this season = 2,995 points (regular) + 74 (playoffs) = 3,069

[Pyser]

devils get the bruins and sharks this weekend. pretty good test to see where they are really at right now, minus brodeur.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Gonchar could possibly dress tomorrow night vs the Leafs.

[samifan24]

Those Devils sure are frustrating.

[Galaxy]

What a game in Buffalo (and rather emotional considering what happened last night).

[Wolfpack]

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.

Never mind. I'm out. A team that gets outscored 10-1 in two home games with everything to play for doesn't deserve a playoff berth. I'm edging to thinking that the front office should just blow this team up and start a somewhat painful rebuilding period for the next couple of years.

[Chief Rum]

It has been a bit (last Wednesday) since this happened, but this is the first time I had the chance to throw it out there. A friend of mine plays ice hockey locally, and somehow his team and another team got the opportunity to actually play a league game against each other on the Honda Center ice.

The teams bought a group package for the Ducks game last Wednesday (we played and beat the Flames in an exciting overtime game, 3-2), and then they ran the Zambonis out, and we (probably about 100 of us) all filtered down from our nosebleed seats to the first level and watched my friend's team play. Terrific fun, and just a blast to see.

[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.

Just pulling these back up to say, I've changed my opinion.

[Dr. Sak]

Wow the Rangers stink.

[samifan24]

Wow the Rangers stink.

What an embarrassment!

[Logan]

DVRed the game and got through it in 45 minutes. Never a good sign.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'd like to think me bumping the post above earlier had some impact...

Pens fire Michel Therrien, replace him with WBS coach Dan Bylsma (yes, that Dan Bylsma). Andre Savard reassigned within the organ-eye-zation.
Gilles Meloche (goaltending) remains on the staff, and so does Mike Yeo who has done such marvelous things with the PP this year :mad: .

[Maple Leafs]

Wow, that's rough. Hard to fire a guy just for losing to The Unstoppable Force That is Jason Freaking Blake.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wow, that's rough. Hard to fire a guy just for losing to The Unstoppable Force That is Jason Freaking Blake.

It was three times.

[Wolfpack]

:banghead:

(Yes, I'm banging my head over a Carolina win, but it's the absurdity of the contrast between tonight's effort and the absolute lay-down they had in the last two home games that's killing me.)

[Pyser]

devils get the bruins and sharks this weekend. pretty good test to see where they are really at right now, minus brodeur.

huge, huge wins for the devils. won with offense (6-5) and defense (1-0). hard not to like this team right now.

and as blasphemous as this is....who needs brodeur right now? kinda worried he can become a distraction when he comes back, seeing as how the devs are the top team in the league this calendar year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mattheiu Schneider goes from Atlanta to Montreal for an '09 2nd round pick that originally belonged to Anaheim.

Thrashers also get Montreal's third round pick in 2010 while Montreal will get either a 3rd/4th/5th pick from Atlanta in 09.

[Draft Dodger]

Mattheiu Schneider goes from Atlanta to Montreal for an '09 2nd round pick that originally belonged to Anaheim.

Thrashers also get Montreal's third round pick in 2010 while Montreal will get either a 3rd/4th/5th pick from Atlanta in 09.

steep price.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If Waddell is to be believed (and at this point I'd check my watch if he told me the time), the deal was now or never, as Montreal was going to acquire Schneider or another veteran d-man from someone in the next 48 hours come hell or high water. Atlanta wanted at least one significant minor league prospect, Montreal refused to deal anyone the Thrashers were interested in, so they settled on this deal instead.

[Travis]

Hell of a game going on between Edmonton and San Jose. Good ole #1 center Horcoff helped SJ out on two of their goals (as did Souray). 5 on 5 the Oilers are playing right with the Sharks, but getting spanked on the special teams.

[DeToxRox]

Holy fuck. Ovechkin does it again. What a fantastic fucking goal.

[DeToxRox]

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[Dr. Sak]

He's the best player in the league.

[DeToxRox]

Marian Hossa did battle with Ryan Suter.

Needless to say he didn't do well but it wasn't awful either. He got a game through because his jersey wasn't tied down.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Marian Hossa did battle with Ryan Suter.

Needless to say he didn't do well but it wasn't awful either. He got a game through because his jersey wasn't tied down.

Good to see, but really made me a bit nervous.

The Wings just scored their 5th power play goal. Franzen looks to have recovered from his injury.

[cartman]

Yeah, that Ovechkin goal was simply ridiculous. I saw nothing those defenders did that was wrong.

[johnnyshaka]

Yeah, that Ovechkin goal was simply ridiculous. I saw nothing those defenders did that was wrong.

I think #44 knows he should've played the body instead of trying to play the puck...especially against a guy like Ovechkin. Now he'll get to see himself looking like a peewee house league player on highlight reels until next season starts.

[duff88]

Shit is hitting the fan in Montreal. Apparently some players will face criminal charges that will be announced in newspapers tommorow. There has been tons of speculations and the city is going insane...

God I hate all the media surrounding the Canadiens. Things are going down the drain again... :rant:

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[DeToxRox]

Shit is hitting the fan in Montreal. Apparently some players will face criminal charges that will be announced in newspapers tommorow. There has been tons of speculations and the city is going insane...

God I hate all the media surrounding the Canadiens. Things are going down the drain again... :rant:

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

What's the speculation?

[duff88]

What's the speculation?

It's all confusing right now. There has been a lot of stories about Price, Higgins and S. Kost partying, and now it appears it's either going to be about drugs or some sexual scandal. The way it's talked about everywhere makes it sound like it's a huge deal.

[Maple Leafs]

It sounds like everybody in the Montreal media now knows the story but is afraid to say it out loud due to legal implications if it turns out to be wrong.

Sounds ugly, whatever it is.

[DeToxRox]

From trolling around HF, sounds like it's all the young guys on the Habs. Very ugly.

[Maple Leafs]

OK, somebody who would know just e-mailed with what he's hearing. Named three names.

If he's right, the 2008-09 Habs are completely fucked.

[DeToxRox]

Oh come on ML .. teasers! Can I at least get a PM? I'll keep it under wraps.

[Draft Dodger]

I don't understand why everyone who "knows" is keeping it a secret

[Neuqua]

Especially those who know on a message board, I love it.

[Draft Dodger]

1,961 users in the HF Boards MTL forum right now.

[Draft Dodger]

"a sportwriter friend of mine, from a Canadian newspaper, has told me that APPARENTLY a number of Habs players will be linked to a prostitution ring. Take it for what it's worth. Hopefully it's all BS."

[Maple Leafs]

I don't understand why everyone who "knows" is keeping it a secret
They "know" what's going to be reported in the newspaper. But if they talk about it publicly then they're reporting it too, with all the legal liability that goes along with that.

[bbor]

OK, somebody who would know just e-mailed with what he's hearing. Named three names.

If he's right, the 2008-09 Habs are completely fucked.


C'mon ML....what did Ek tell you :)

[duff88]

I'm praying right now that the usual suspects in the Montreal media (110%, Rejean Tremblay, L'Antichambre) are simply sinking to a new low with their over reactions, a bit like the Hossa glove last year.

The way they are talking about it, it looks like this could rank among the darkest days in the team's history...

[DeToxRox]

Habs fans are tracking the teams flight on HF to see if guys get arrested when the plane lands.

Wow.

[duff88]

Well HFBoards are down...

[Maple Leafs]

Look, I'm not going to speculate and I'm certainly not going to start dropping hints. Nobody deserves to be drug into something like this. At any price. I mean, these guys are like brothers.

[DeToxRox]

Look, I'm not going to speculate and I'm certainly not going to start dropping hints. Nobody deserves to be drug into something like this. At any price. I mean, these guys are like brothers.

10/10

[Logan]

Awesome.

If it's prostitution, I think these guys will be just fine.

[duff88]

Look, I'm not going to speculate and I'm certainly not going to start dropping hints. Nobody deserves to be drug into something like this. At any price. I mean, these guys are like brothers.

No way, Andrei can't be involved in this... :(

[DeToxRox]

Awesome.

If it's prostitution, I think these guys will be just fine.

WTF you need prostitutes in Montreal for? I mean .. seriously.

[Logan]

Yeah isn't that called Tuesday?

[bbor]

It must be more than just prostitutes....i mean really...is that such a big deal?

[Maple Leafs]

It's not prostitutes.

(e4)

[DeToxRox]

I went to a random Habs forum and it's insane how people are freaking out.

One guy says Price ran over a girl and flead and Georges was with him.

I don't buy it obviously, but is this how the Media is portraying it? Like someone was killed by these guys?

[bbor]

It's not prostitutes.

(e4)

aHaHaHaHa

[DeToxRox]

(e4) is over my head .. Is it in connection with Zellers?

[DeToxRox]

Here is a good one from HF:

Rumours of the hour according to a journalist friend of mine who works at TVA

habs management been in meeting since 8pm

team meeting tonight at bell center

3 players are awaited by police to be arrested for **** charges

3 careers finished

price higgins skost.

[Logan]

I love me a good caper.

[DeToxRox]

Duff - Is it true about the radio station saying police at the airport waiting for the plane?

[Logan]

Announcement at midnight?

[DeToxRox]

I am bored and this is intriguing shit: Here is another great speculation post

atest from insiders in the media (still just rumors at this point but we'll be fixed tomorrow):

- habs brass in meetings since 8pm tonight
- team meeting scheduled at midnight or whenever they arrive
- bettman en route for montreal
- police waiting for the players at the airport to arrest 3 (allegations rape & drugs)
- probable end of the career of the 3

[cartman]

who was it here that figured out the gay NBA player? Get them on the case, stat!

[Logan]

I'll go ahead and call BS on any early "career over" worries...unless whatever it is was caught on tape, or there is a preponderance of, ahem, physical evidence.

[bbor]

Careers over in MTL but not in the NHL.

[Logan]

From HFBoards:

"This team needs to hire Vic Mackey..."

[DeToxRox]

From HFBoards:

"This team needs to hire Vic Mackey..."

Yes. Tonight Montreal is fucked, then tomorrow, Montreal is at peace but Shawn Horfcoff turns up dead in Edmonton.

[Travis]

Yes. Tonight Montreal is fucked, then tomorrow, Montreal is at peace but Shawn Horfcoff turns up dead in Edmonton.

Okay, now you've got my attention? How is this going down?

[Travis]

dola, and how do we add MacT to the hit list?

[DeToxRox]

dola, and how do we add MacT to the hit list?

Ha I figured you'd pop up and be a fan of that.

[johnnyshaka]

...but Shawn Horfcoff turns up dead in Edmonton.

That would be sad...especially if three thugs from Montreal go down for it because we'd do it ourselves...no need for the youngsters to take the fall.

Actually, MacT not getting off the plane from Dallas would really do this city wonders.

EDIT: LOL @ Travis

[DeToxRox]

Apparently someone said police are waiting to get on the plane and there will be a full story at 2?

[Travis]

But what you're saying is, if something mysteriously happens to MacT or Horcoff, it'll probably just get blamed on the guys in Montreal?

Where/when do you want to meet Johnny? I'm thinking the 34/30 bat will work, may as well start trying to get my swing back while being productive.

[DeToxRox]

All I know is how ironic is it if 3 guys from Montreal run away from the Police?

/rimshot

[DeToxRox]

Apparently people are confirming police are waiting at the airport.

[johnnyshaka]

But what you're saying is, if something mysteriously happens to MacT or Horcoff, it'll probably just get blamed on the guys in Montreal?

Where/when do you want to meet Johnny? I'm thinking the 34/30 bat will work, may as well start trying to get my swing back while being productive.

More importantly, do we do the steaming "fake muffin" thing we talked about the other day just to see how it goes over before I try it on my boss?? Couldn't hurt as the results would be a benefit to me and then I'll give you the first swing so you can knock that smug look off of MacT's face.

Deal?

[samifan24]

This is getting interesting...

[Travis]

More importantly, do we do the steaming "fake muffin" thing we talked about the other day just to see how it goes over before I try it on my boss?? Couldn't hurt as the results would be a benefit to me and then I'll give you the first swing so you can knock that smug look off of MacT's face.

Deal?

Would you call this his smug look? Seems pretty similar to his deep though, angry, excited and how else can I get Horcoff on the ice looks.

Either way, sign me up.

[DeToxRox]

Boo. HF and the other forum died. Something musta come out.

[johnnyshaka]

Would you call this his smug look? Seems pretty similar to his deep though, angry, excited and how else can I get Horcoff on the ice looks.

Either way, sign me up.

I think that look is more the "Why the FUCK did Lowe trade for this douchebag, Cole" look.

[DeToxRox]

Kostitsyn brothers and Hamrlik are frequenting a known criminal and drug dealer, or something like that, something from the AXE operation.
So basically this criminal was often talking with the Kostitsyns and partying with them.

If this is it .. I'm so miffed. I mean this shit happens every day in the NFL for chrissakes.

[Logan]

Brothers and Hamrlik are buddies with drug dealers.

Goodnight.

[bbor]

Kostysin bros and Hamrlik were hanging around gangbangers was the last i read on hfb

[Logan]

This is more proof of why Canada sucks.

[DeToxRox]

Leave it to the French press to be scared by a story.

[bbor]

ML is this what you were hearing?

[johnnyshaka]

Found this...could it be a taste of what might be about to explode??

hxxp://www.canada.com/Compromising+photos+price+cause+concern/1294672/story.html (http://www.canada.com/Compromising+photos+price+cause+concern/1294672/story.html)

EDIT: I really need to refresh prior to posting.

[Logan]

Extremely disappointing to not even have this thread bumped since I went to sleep last night.

[Maple Leafs]

ML is this what you were hearing?
Not really, what I heard was worse. The stuff in the paper doesn't actually seem all that bad.

[cartman]

So, buddy, this was much ado aboot nothing, eh?

[samifan24]

So Hamrlik and the Kostitsyn brothers know a drug dealer? Is that it? What I've seen is far from "career ending" or even "career threatening" unless more will be revealed.

[Maple Leafs]

It was more than just knowing him. Apparently the police have lots of correspondence and phone calls between them, and the guy was hooking them up with cars, etc.

But nothing illegal done by the players that I can see.

[Neuqua]

And here I was getting all exciting about the NHL. Dang.

[Dr. Sak]

And here I was getting all exciting about the NHL. Dang.

Keep the trash in the NBA please.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Kostitsyn brothers and Hamrlik are frequenting a known criminal and drug dealer, or something like that, something from the AXE operation.
The AXE operation? They got caught talking to a body spray dealer?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Keep the trash in the NBA please.
THAT'S RACIST

[DeToxRox]

THAT'S RACIST

Shut up. You listen to Sevendust! You've lost FOFC Mike Grier status I am afraid.

[DeToxRox]

BTW - Wings recall G Jimmy Howard for tonight and tomorrow. He'll backup Conklin tonight and get the start tomorrow. The Wings are telling Ozzie to stay home and work on his game and re-focus for the stretch.

Good idea assuming Ozzie doesn't let his ego get in the way, which with him, I doubt happens. He needs the break.

[Draft Dodger]

BTW - Wings recall G Jimmy Howard for tonight and tomorrow. He'll backup Conklin tonight and get the start tomorrow. The Wings are telling Ozzie to stay home and work on his game and re-focus for the stretch.

Good idea assuming Ozzie doesn't let his ego get in the way, which with him, I doubt happens. He needs the break.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/49532/LeoproneBeatsOsgood.jpg

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/49383/wolski.png

[DeToxRox]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/49532/LeoproneBeatsOsgood.jpg

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/49383/wolski.png


So which top 5 pick will be playing with Wolski next year?

[Maple Leafs]

Great line from coxbloc.com:

So a no-doubt Hall of Famer returns to a town where he's dominated in the regular season, scored vital goals in playoff wins, been the best player on the ice for over a decade - and instead of the cheers he's always heard from the fans that fill the rink, he's greeted by boos? It's unbelievable how things can change.

Yeah, it sure must have been tough for Mats Sundin in Ottawa last night.

[Pyser]

The Islanders sent Comrie and defenseman Chris Campoli to Ottawa on Friday for forward Dean McAmmond and a first-round draft pick.

[samifan24]

The Islanders sent Comrie and defenseman Chris Campoli to Ottawa on Friday for forward Dean McAmmond and a first-round draft pick.

Why would either team make this move? They're both way out of playoff contention. It doesn't make much sense to me. I also had no idea that Comrie played in Ottawa before.

[Galaxy]

Very strange trade.

[johnnyshaka]

At least the first rounder going to NYI isn't a lottery pick...it's SJ's pick.

Regardless, I don't get the deal at all.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Shut up. You listen to Sevendust! You've lost FOFC Mike Grier status I am afraid.

WTF? Two Sevendust references in my life in a matter of like 4 hours? Again I say "WTF?"

The first conversation about them came this afternoon when to my amusement I discovered that they're opening for Black Label Society at an upcoming gig in suburban Atlanta. Nothing funny about that you say?

They're playing at Wild Bill's, best known as a country bar billing itself as "America's Largest Dance Club and Concert Hall".

[Pumpy Tudors]

I love Sevendust.

[MikeVic]

I love Colin White.

For shame.

[johnnyshaka]

I've seen several references to this and I've obviously missed something along the way so I'll just ask...Pumpy, why all the hate for Colin White?

Before you answer, keep in mind, I picked White and my little brother up at about 3am and had "breakfast" at Denny's with them the night/morning after they won the Memorial Cup. I won't deny that he's got some screws loose, but he was friggin' fun to watch in Junior because there wasn't a tougher guy on the ice and he wasn't afraid to fill in anybody's face. Also on that team was Peter Worrell, another great kid who loved hockey but really hated that he was as big as he was because he'd rather score goals than smash faces...how ironic.

[samifan24]

Also on that team was Peter Worrell, another great kid who loved hockey but really hated that he was as big as he was because he'd rather score goals than smash faces...how ironic.

Sorry...don't you mean Andreas Lilja?

[johnnyshaka]

Sorry...don't you mean Andreas Lilja?

Not sure I follow...:confused:

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've seen several references to this and I've obviously missed something along the way so I'll just ask...Pumpy, why all the hate for Colin White?

Before you answer, keep in mind, I picked White and my little brother up at about 3am and had "breakfast" at Denny's with them the night/morning after they won the Memorial Cup. I won't deny that he's got some screws loose, but he was friggin' fun to watch in Junior because there wasn't a tougher guy on the ice and he wasn't afraid to fill in anybody's face. Also on that team was Peter Worrell, another great kid who loved hockey but really hated that he was as big as he was because he'd rather score goals than smash faces...how ironic.
I made the following post on March 9, 2006:

I can tell you why I hate Colin White. First of all, the stupid penalties. Perhaps he doesn't take as many anymore, but he has literally cost the Devils a handful of games over the past few seasons singlehandedly. He's big and can hit people, but that's to be expected. What he needs to do is learn how to use his big frame in front of the net, and after all this time, I don't think he's figured that out yet.

Like most Devils fans, I loved Ken Daneyko. He wasn't going to score goals, but he was a heartbeat for the defense, even with Stevens and Niedermayer around. Colin White has given me more "cringe" moments in the past two seasons than Ken Daneyko ever did. Since all the coaches seem to love him, I'm sure that he'll get enough chances to be "our new Daneyko", and more power to him if he gets that reputation. I just don't like it because I don't feel that he deserves it. Ultimately, Colin White plays like an idiot far too often for a guy who's supposed to be the best pure defenseman on the team (and while I don't think he IS the best, he's supposed to be).

What I don't understand is that the Devils defense had pretty much been Stevens, Niedermayer, and Daneyko throughout the 1990's, and the team would just fill the other three D-men spots with guys who were past their prime (Doug Bodger, Lyle Odelein, Dave Ellett, Ken Sutton) or guys who never had a prime (Shawn Chambers, Brad Bombardir, Kevin Dean, Sheldon Souray). It worked for them. Now they're trying to pull off the same kind of thing by bringing in people like Malakhov, Matvichuk, and Klee, but they don't have any first-class defensemen anymore to pick up the slack. Rafalski isn't "defensive" enough, and Colin White doesn't have the smarts to carry that torch either. If White was being tagged as one of those "fill-in" guys, fine. Unfortunately, they're trying to make him the face of this defense, and he's nowhere near the guys who preceded him.

To me, the only thing Colin White and Ken Daneyko have in common is a big hole where their front teeth should be.

[johnnyshaka]

Fair enough, Pumpy, I guess that's answers my question.

Oddly enough, again going to back his time in junior, I do recall on several occassions talking to whoever I was driving home from a game and his name coming up in the same vein as you've described. He did seem to end up with at least one stupid penalty a game but those teams never had a problem scoring goals so I guess his antics were more entertaining than a detriment to a team because they would still win easily.

[samifan24]

Not sure I follow...:confused:

A few years ago, Peter Worrell made headlines when he was pulled over during a traffic stop. Worrell, who is black and about 6'8", did not have his ID with him and repeatedly identified himself to police as Andreas Lilja, his former teammate with the Panthers who is white and about 6'4".

[johnnyshaka]

A few years ago, Peter Worrell made headlines when he was pulled over during a traffic stop. Worrell, who is black and about 6'8", did not have his ID with him and repeatedly identified himself to police as Andreas Lilja, his former teammate with the Panthers who is white and about 6'4".

Ah...my bad, must have missed that story...or at least it's not ringing any bells right now.

[bbor]

Hockey day in Canada is HERE!!

WooHOOO!!.

See you guys in 12 hours.

[bbor]

Dola...in case our freinds down in the states don't know what hockey day in Canada is......From Wiki

Hockey Day in Canada is an annual special broadcast to celebrate the game in Canada that includes features all afternoon, leading up to a tripleheader of NHL action featuring the six Canadian teams (Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks). Lead commentators, Don Cherry and Ron MacLean broadcast from a remote area. The broadcast includes live broadcast segments from smaller communities right across the country and features panel discussions on issues facing "Canada's game" at both the minor and pro levels. The day is usually in mid-February, but was broadcast in early January in 2002 and 2006 due to the 2002 Winter Olympics and 2006 Winter Olympics, respectively; the 2007 event was also held in January (January 13), though no sporting events key to Canada were scheduled.

Hockey Day in Canada has also featured special events, such as world-record all-night pick-up hockey games from Red Deer, Alberta (in 2001) and Windsor, Nova Scotia (2002). Viewers got to see the games after the CBC ended regular programming for the night, without commentary.

Hockey Day in Canada also reached out to other ethnic groups as well – the 2007 event on January 13, 2007 featured Italian language commentary of the Vancouver Canucks / Toronto Maple Leafs matchup, which was seen on the Telelatino (TLN) cable channel, with special features and commentary by Alf De Blasis, who hosts soccer games for TLN. This was the first time Hockey Night in Canada was presented in Italian.[7] The following year, three of the four matches were presented in Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Hockey Day in Canada has fast become a tradition among Canadian hockey fans, taking on the role of an unofficial holiday. In some communities, such as the case with 2006's location, Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, it is said that Hockey Day is "bigger than Santa."

The 2009 version of Hockey Day in Canada will take place on February 21st, 2009. Ottawa will faceoff with Montreal at the Bell Centre, Vancouver visits Toronto at the Air Canada Centre and in the night-cap, Calgary and Edmonton renew the Battle of Alberta at Rexall Place. CBC will broadcast mainly from Campbellton, New Brunswick.

[samifan24]

That sounds pretty cool.

[Logan]

I can't believe johnny brought up Colin White AND Peter Worrell in the same Pumpy-related post.

[sterlingice]

That's great. I wish they could pipe in the feed on some channel here. It's not like Versus is doing anything today

SI

[Draft Dodger]

HDIC is on the NHL Network.

I love it and watch it every year.

[sterlingice]

You have to subscribe to get the NHL network here :(

Not only that, but they list Anaheim-Detroit on the FIOS guide

SI

[samifan24]

I'm enjoying the free preview of NHL Center Ice on Comcast. Great first period between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia today. Does anyone know if this is the last day of the free preview?

[Dr. Sak]

I thought I've seen it all with Flyers goalies...and Biron just took it to a whole new level of stupidity.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I thought I've seen it all with Flyers goalies...and Biron just took it to a whole new level of stupidity.

I work with a guy from Philly who wasn't going to be able to watch the game. I tried to text him re: that play. Needed 3 msgs to fully explain it.

The idea wasn't so bad. The execution was the problem.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Toskala to Philly at the deadline?

:devil:

[Pumpy Tudors]

I can't believe johnny brought up Colin White AND Peter Worrell in the same Pumpy-related post.
Yeah, I'm pretty much just going to kill myself in a couple of minutes.

[samifan24]

Dola

Toskala to Philly at the deadline?

:devil:

They need a goalie, that's true.

[Dr. Sak]

I work with a guy from Philly who wasn't going to be able to watch the game. I tried to text him re: that play. Needed 3 msgs to fully explain it.

The idea wasn't so bad. The execution was the problem.

Right. Why not just skate up and hit the puck with your stick? Or hell...take the damn 2 minute penalty.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Right. Why not just skate up and hit the puck with your stick? Or hell...take the damn 2 minute penalty.

Looked like a magic trick-
"Nothing up my sleeve!!"

Maybe he had a flashback and thought Dupuis was Laraque.

[johnnyshaka]

Yeah, I'm pretty much just going to kill myself in a couple of minutes.

Glad I could be of service.

[johnnyshaka]

Best hit of Hockey Day In Canada...Boyd and Moss collide for an open ice beauty. Oh, they both play for the Flames.

[JPhillips]

Nice bit of draft value analysis from TSN. The sample size is too small and going up to 2004 skews it, but there does seem to be a pretty small chance of getting even a mediocre NHL player after the first thirty picks.

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=267960&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

[Maple Leafs]

If anyone ever did a formal study (or even put some serious thought into) how much success and failure in hockey is due to plain random chance, it would probably make the sport a lot less fun to follow.

[Logan]

You know what else won't be fun? The Rangers-Leafs game I'll be at tonight.

[samifan24]

The Bruins lose to Tampa 4-3 a day after being shut out by Florida 2-0. This team needs some new blood. They're limping toward the finish line in the worst possible way.

[Galaxy]

The Bruins lose to Tampa 4-3 a day after being shut out by Florida 2-0. This team needs some new blood. They're limping toward the finish line in the worst possible way.

How many times in NHL history has a top seed got beat by the 8th seed?

[Wolfpack]

How many times in NHL history has a top seed got beat by the 8th seed?

It's happened a few times. Most recent I recall was '06 when Edmonton beat Detroit in the first round, which catapulted them into the SCF that year where they lost to Carolina (that seems like so long ago now....).

[Suburban Rhythm]

How many times in NHL history has a top seed got beat by the 8th seed?

I am sure there are a handful of others, but the three standing out in my head are 94-95 (strike year) NYR beating the Nordiques (granted they were 8 and 1 based on 48 games), Habs beating Boston in 2002, and the Oilers beating the Wings in 2006. 2006, in the West, all 4 opening series were won by the lower seeds (5-8).

[Galaxy]

Cool.

Boston just seems like they could be one of those teams, depending on who gets the 8th seed.

[samifan24]

Cool.

Boston just seems like they could be one of those teams, depending on who gets the 8th seed.

Not really. Sure, they're struggling lately but their roster is top to bottom solid. I hope they make some key trades to bulk up for the playoffs and get out of their current funk but just because they're struggling now doesn't mean I think a #8 seed will beat them in a playoff series. Any team can beat any other team in a single game (*cough Super Bowl *cough) but when you play in a series I think the likelihood of that happening goes down, especially against a team of Boston's caliber.

[Logan]

Rangers have fired Renney.

Sather needs to be next.

[Dr. Sak]

The Rangers are last year's Senators. Fast start and sinking faster than the Titanic.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I can't say that I am really panicking, but the Wings' goaltending situation is a bit dicey at the moment. Well, it's been pretty dicey all year, it's just that as we move closer and closer to the trade deadline and the start of the playoffs, with no resolution in sight, it's becoming a bit more of a concern.

Conklin has been the Wings best goalie hands down. It's not even close really. Osgood has started 31 games, won 18, his goals against is a 3.29 and his save percentage is .897, and he has no shutouts. Awesome numbers if it was like, 1989/1990. Unfortunately, those days are long since past, and his GAA and Sv% numbers are the worst in the league for a regular starting goalie. Conklin has started 30 games, won 21, GAA is 2.32, Sv% .915, 6 shutouts. He's not lighting the world on fire, but with those numbers and the team in front of him, the Wings will win much more often than not. The Wings brought Jimmy Howard (who was, but I don't think any longer, the goalie of the future) up for a game on Saturday. He let in 4 goals and was sent back to the AHL.

Osgood has been given every chance. He was injured a bit last month or so and everyone was convinced all he needed was a some time off to focus on his game and get his groove back. It looked like that was about to happen and then it didn't. He's now in the midst of a 10 day "rest" period to go back and work on his game. Again. He should start again Friday night. Who knows if he'll rebound. The Wings have given him every chance to work through this.

So, assuming Osgood's play doesn't improve, where does that leave them? I guess you have to start Conklin in the playoffs. The biggest concern is that, he has all of, what, 6 minutes of playoff experience during the 2006 Finals and that didn't go all that well. Can he recover? Osgood is a proven playoff performer, but can he pull out of his season long funk? It's possible the Wings do what they did last year. Start Osgood and if he's shaky, pull him and put Conklin in. A very risky move. You just never know how a goalie will play in the playoffs. Seems like a totally different animal.

To me, the knock on Conklin was that he was a great backup, but lacked the starter's mentality. (Is that right, our good Edmonton peoples? What was his issue?) I fear that if he's thrust out there as the starter in the playoffs, he'll wilt. That could be what's happening to Osgood this year. He was pretty comfortable in his back-up role, everything was cool. Even when he became the default starter last year during the playoffs, he was still sort of the "back up" rescuing the team. I dunno...

These kinds of problems are really the Wings own making. They have decided to spend their money up front and along the blue line. If you're going to go cheap in net, these types of issues are bound to arise. If the Wings sign either (or both) of Franzen and Hossa (I still don't think both will happen), this problem will plague the Wings for a while. Then again, other than 2002 with a still healthy Hasek, the Wings have always been a bit unsettled in net. You're not going to get solid, consistent goaltending for what they have slotted for the position.

It's crazy how jam packed the bottom 10-11 teams in the West are. Should be a very exciting end to the season.

[samifan24]

Rangers have fired Renney.

Is it Ken Gernander time on Broadway? The Rangers can bring Gernander and Avery up at the same time!

[Dr. Sak]

Conklin did well for the Pens last year when MAF was out.

[MikeVic]

Sign Bob Essensa.

[Travis]

Conklin has been a streaky guy. His play in the Olympics for the US (or was it a Worlds, I can't remember for sure) seemed to be a turning point for him against pretty elite competition, then he came back to Edmonton and ended up losing his job.

Being a part of the 3 goalie rotation didn't help. MacT was actually rotating the backup during the playoffs, so instead of just telling one guy that he'd be in the pressbox for the playoffs unless there was an injury while getting the other guy as ready as possible, he split the backup practice reps between two guys. Not that that is necessarily the reason behind the brutal miscommunication that cost Edmonton that goal, but it sure wasn't helping.

He's always had the talent, just seems like more of a mental thing with him. Given the team ahead of him and how he's played to this point in the season I really hope he does get a shot in the playoffs as it seemed pretty horrible for him to go out the way he did with Edmonton. Would like to see him get a series win (unless it's against the Oil, heh).

[Logan]

The Rangers are last year's Senators. Fast start and sinking faster than the Titanic.

It would be great if they even had 1/10th of that talent.

[bhlloy]

Assuming the Ducks end up having the fire sale they are rumored to be having, anyone think the Wings might take a look at Giguere? I mean the salary might be problematic, but I expect there is some way to work around it. He plays his best in the postseason and would clearly put the Wings back ahead of the Sharks as the best team in the West IMO.

I'm even more convinced than I was a couple of months ago that the future is Hiller. This team is in rebuild mode next year anyway, if they lose Pronger at the deadline and possibly Selanne and Niedermayer in the offseason.

[DeToxRox]

For the Wings to make any move for a goalie, it'd have to be a trade involving Franzen.

Make no bones about it, if Buffalo did not re-up with Ryan Miller, he'd be a Red Wing next season.

[Galaxy]

For the Wings to make any move for a goalie, it'd have to be a trade involving Franzen.

Make no bones about it, if Buffalo did not re-up with Ryan Miller, he'd be a Red Wing next season.

Thankfully, they did. :)

Speaking of Miller, is out after suffering a high ankle sprain Friday night. They called up Jhonas Enroth to backup Lalime.

Did anyone see the play of the Gomez-Miller contact?

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Rangers are last year's Senators. Fast start and sinking faster than the Titanic.

Actually the Pens are last year's Senators, sadly.

Runner up in Cup prior season, hot start the following year...and collapse around Thanksgiving.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Tortorella to NY.

[Pyser]

sad to say, thats probably a good signing by the rangers

[TurnerONU22]

So, ML, is "BrianBurke" still going to be around?

[Logan]

Tortorella made a lot of sense from the very beginning. He should bring some discipline to the team.

[Chief Rum]

Assuming the Ducks end up having the fire sale they are rumored to be having, anyone think the Wings might take a look at Giguere? I mean the salary might be problematic, but I expect there is some way to work around it. He plays his best in the postseason and would clearly put the Wings back ahead of the Sharks as the best team in the West IMO.

I'm even more convinced than I was a couple of months ago that the future is Hiller. This team is in rebuild mode next year anyway, if they lose Pronger at the deadline and possibly Selanne and Niedermayer in the offseason.

I think the salary is a big deal. I don't see anyone taking him now. Maybe in the offseason. Even then, I think it would be a hard sell here in the OC, given how most of the fanbase feels about Jiggy. I still like Jiggy a lot myself. I am thinking Hiller might be the guy we need in net more often, though (like you).

For about two weeks now, really, I have actually been hoping we would have afire sale. It's the perfect time to do it. We have a ton of players with playoff experience who aren't going to help us much, if at all, in the future, and I think we can get some pretty good young, developing talent with some of the guys we can have available.

The great thing about it (other than the crap that has been this year) is that I feel the Ducks have had some solid drafts recently and picked up some good young talent that isn't that far off. Plus, they already have Getzlaf, Perry and Kunitz locked up and young, and Ryan isn't going anywhere for a while, and I like some of the D-man kiddies we have, although the blueline is still going to be pretty poor after moving the vest.

So we can bounce back this pretty quick, I think, and also have a good deal of cap room to bring in help where needed in the offseason.

[bhlloy]

Oh, I've been hoping they have a fire sale for at least 3 weeks now (probably since the all star break) If we play lights out until the end of the season, we get a 7 seed and a sweep by the Red Wings, and then Pronger, Niedermayer and Selanne can all possibly leave for nothing. There's really nothing to gain from hanging onto them right now.

When you look at the core of the team, the forwards look better than any time since Selanne and Kariya were together, defense is going to be shaky for a couple of years but some very promising kids back there (think Festerling is a top 2 guy and impressed with Mikkelson as well) and if Beauchemin comes back healthy, he's very underrated and should really shine as "the guy" back there. Goaltender could be the biggest problem (or at least controversy), do you stay with the popular declining veteran or give Hiller a chance to see if he's a true #1?

If they can pick up a decent young NHL ready defenseman and a first round pick, I'd trade Pronger in a heartbeat. His heart wasn't in Anaheim since the cup IMO and it's time to move on. Selanne could also get a decent return - at this point he's pretty much a situational PP guy but he can make a playoff team much better in that regard. Listening to the GM yesterday, it's clear the fire sale is coming. Just hope that we get decent returns and he hasn't overplayed his hand.

[Maple Leafs]

So, ML, is "BrianBurke" still going to be around?
Seems like it. Through all the craziness the past few days, nobody from MLSE or Twitter has actually contacted me about it.

[Dr. Sak]

Hurry up and legally change your name to Brian Burke.

[NoSkillz]

Seems like it. Through all the craziness the past few days, nobody from MLSE or Twitter has actually contacted me about it.

Congratulations on the publicity. I saw the article on Yahoo last night - your hit counter must be going through the roof!

I couldn't be more ambivalent about the Leafs but I still check out your blog daily. Keep up the great work.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Congratulations on the publicity. I saw the article on Yahoo last night - you're hit counter must be going through the roof!

I couldn't be more ambivalent about the Leafs but I still check out your blog daily. Keep up the great work.

+1

[samifan24]

Seems like it. Through all the craziness the past few days, nobody from MLSE or Twitter has actually contacted me about it.

Wow, so I just read about the Brian Burke Twitter thing; that's you? They'll probably let you keep the account but make you change your Twitter ID to "FakeBrianBurke" or something.

[Maple Leafs]

Congratulations on the publicity. I saw the article on Yahoo last night - you're hit counter must be going through the roof!

There was lots of traffic yesterday, but 99% of those guys will never stick around. It was all probably a lot more trouble than it was worth.

[Fidatelo]

I think the BrianBurke thing is hilarious.

I also read Down Goes Brown pretty regularly, although usually in clumps (like 5-6 posts at a time rather than every day). It's probably my favorite blog.

[Draft Dodger]

true story: when I read the BrianBurke tweets yesterday (because of Eklund's OUTRAGE), my first thought was that ML was behind it. terrific stuff!

[Draft Dodger]

the hockey cousin of baseball prospectus has launched today: http://www.puckprospectus.com/

and, yes, yours truly will be involved.

[Honolulu_Blue]

the hockey cousin of baseball prospectus has launched today: http://www.puckprospectus.com/

and, yes, yours truly will be involved.

Awesome!

Though, DD, considering you're an Aves fan, I think you're probably a lot more qualified to write the "Under The Blade" report than Will Carroll.

[Draft Dodger]

Awesome!

Though, DD, considering you're an Aves fan, I think you're probably a lot more qualified to write the "Under The Blade" report than Will Carroll.

this is absolutely true!

[samifan24]

the hockey cousin of baseball prospectus has launched today: http://www.puckprospectus.com/

and, yes, yours truly will be involved.

Very cool. It will be interesting to see what kinds of analysis are done and how and if they change the game of hockey in the future.

[Maple Leafs]

the hockey cousin of baseball prospectus has launched today: http://www.puckprospectus.com/
Sweet! Will they do the predictions like the baseball guys?

It will be fun to know that the Leafs are going to finish last in the off-season, instead of 10 minutes into the first pre-season game.

[Pyser]

great, great work ML. i'm following

[Galaxy]

Sabres host the Ducks (7 PM EST on VS) tonight. With our backup goalie taking over for the injured Miller, and the extremely physical, gritty play of the first game last month, it should be a fun one to watch.

[Dr. Sak]

Nice win for the Flyers tonight. They were down 2-1 in the 3rd and scored 3 goals in 3 minutes to beat the Caps in Washington.

[samifan24]

The Bruins bounce back in a big way with a 6-1 rout of the Florida Panthers. All lines contributed to the win and the Bruins really turned it on in the 3rd period.

[Maple Leafs]

great, great work ML. i'm following
Cool. Thanks for the kind words everyone, didn't realize FOFC was following the blog.

[Pyser]

i meant the twitter, but, yes, all around well done

[Pumpy Tudors]

Cool. Thanks for the kind words everyone, didn't realize FOFC was following the blog.
So where exactly was your post on FOFC telling us that you were doing the whole BrianBurke Twitter thing? Because I wish I had known about it before a couple of hours ago.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Cool. Thanks for the kind words everyone, didn't realize FOFC was following the blog.

I've tried to leave a comment or two in the past, but for some reason, I can't. I will have to look into again.

[Fidatelo]

I'm pretty sure I've left a couple comments in the past, but I probably used my Blogger account so they'd appear under my real name.

[Dr. Sak]

I just like to leave comments on DGB like...aren't you glad JFJ didn't want to trade Kaberle for Carter and a 1st?

[bbor]

I just like to leave comments on DGB like...aren't you glad JFJ didn't want to trade Kaberle for Carter and a 1st?


Die!


Slowly.......bastard

:devil:

[MikeVic]

I read Down Goes Brown sometimes, but my NHL interest has gone down a lot each years since the Jets left. The Leafs were my 2nd fav team when they had Gilmour, Potvin, and Clark...

[TurnerONU22]

So where exactly was your post on FOFC telling us that you were doing the whole BrianBurke Twitter thing? Because I wish I had known about it before a couple of hours ago.

I don't know if he mentioned it on here, but I noticed it on HFBoards. That's when I made the connection back to ML on here.

[Maple Leafs]

I've tried to leave a comment or two in the past, but for some reason, I can't. I will have to look into again.
Yeah. we have an anti-Wings fan filter that works pretty well.

[Maple Leafs]

So where exactly was your post on FOFC telling us that you were doing the whole BrianBurke Twitter thing? Because I wish I had known about it before a couple of hours ago.
I don't think I mentioned it. I didn't really promote it anywhere other than one screencap on another blog. I wanted to see if/how it would grow on its own.

[Pyser]

brodeur returns tomorrow. for the first time since rolston went down october 16th, the devils will have their entire lineup healthy. should be interesting.

[DeToxRox]

Wings/Sharks tonight. Should be a blast.

[kingfc22]

How is that not a major penalty?

[kingfc22]

Ugh. Nabby lets in a soft goal.

[DeToxRox]

Nabby is a great goalie but there will be so much pressure on him this post-season. He has yet to win anything worth a damn and this is a year he has to step it up.

[kingfc22]

Big goal for SJ right after DET went up 2-0.

[DeToxRox]

Goal disallowed. Good call as the whole puck didn't cross the line.

[Galaxy]

Lalime might be out for the Sabres tomorrow after coming down with the flu.

20-year-old Swedish goalie Jhonas Enroth may get his first start (and first NHL action) tomorrow in Carolina.

[Dr. Sak]

The Pittsburgh Penguins have cleared up a bit of their log jam along their blueline as they have traded Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

[Travis]

Q for the Ducks fans on the board, does this pretty much open the door for a Pronger deal or are they still more likely to try and wait until the offseason to deal him?

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers place Ossi Vannanen and Glen Metropolit on waivers. This is all to make room for Briere on Friday. I'm glad the didn't end up sending Powe down.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Pittsburgh Penguins have cleared up a bit of their log jam along their blueline as they have traded Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

I hate not having access at work anymore.

Whitney has been awful since coming back from injury. He's shown none of the little toughness he did show in the playoffs last year. He fumbles the puck all the time. He does make a beautiful outlet pass, but he's regressed in the last 18 months from that 59 point season.

Flyers place Ossi Vannanen and Glen Metropolit on waivers. This is all to make room for Briere on Friday. I'm glad the didn't end up sending Powe down.

I thought Vaananen had been playing well?

[JPhillips]

If DC isn't looking at Pronger they should grab Vaananen. He'd certainly be an upgrade over their current 4-6 defensemen.

[samifan24]

The Bruins destroyed the Ducks 6-0 tonight. They've outscored the opposition 12-1 over the last two games. It's about time.

[Maple Leafs]

Looks like Brendan Witt will be facing a suspension...

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[Chief Rum]

Q for the Ducks fans on the board, does this pretty much open the door for a Pronger deal or are they still more likely to try and wait until the offseason to deal him?

They were skirting the edge as it was, and this trip was crucial. They won two and lost two already on a trip they needed to sweep to really have a chance to make a difference in the playoffs. And Murray more or less said just last week he didn't see any value in finishing 7th or 8th either.

So, yes, I am sure Pronger is available right now. But if a team wants him now instead of the offseason, they're going to need to pay through the noise.

FTR, I hate this Whitney deal. Cannot stand it. Kunitz is a solid two-way player with speed, youth, a reasonable contract and a proven player on offense. Tangredi is a terrific looking power forward prospect. Whitney might not even be better than the three kids the Ducks are playing on the blueline right now (Mikkelsson, Festerling, Salcido). Just a crap deal. :(

I miss Burke. He wouldn't have made this deal.

[Dr. Sak]

I thought Vaananen had been playing well?

He became a victim of the cap more than anything. Briere is suppose to play tonight and between Ossi and Glen I think they make a combined 2.3 million which is about what the Flyers need to get Danny in the lineup.

When Ryan Parent became healthy and came up, he was really solid. Ossi was hurt at the same time so he became the 7th defenseman when he came back. Right now their pairings are:

Timonen - Parent
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Jones

I think those are three solid parings. Coburn isn't playing as well as last year but he's still good. I just wish Matt Carle would quit turning the puck over so much.

[Dr. Sak]

Vaananen was claimed by the Canucks and Metropolit was claimed by the Habs, who the Flyers play tonight.