The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

Thanks, SR!

I am shocked Helm is #1 mainly because Kindl always gets so much praise. I do agree with that list though as Helm is probably going to be on the 4th line come playoff time, and Ericcson might just be our 7th defensemen from here on out (assuming Lilja stays #6 when back)

The top 4 will all be in the NHL within 2 years, though I suspect Howard gets first crack at the backup job next year. His time in the A is a mixed bag but he has the talent.

Brendan Smith is a monster offensive defensemen but he's hurt all the fucking time. If he can stay healthy he is a perfect fit for the puck control game.

All in all its a solid list.

And that's where sometimes I am confused on the rankings. I don't think many would disagree Kindl has loads more potential than Helm. Helm is a nice player, but he's going to top out on the 3rd line.

If the object is to pick out the sure-fire NHLers, no doubt Helm is the best of the bunch. But if that's the case, again, I point to the McCollum/Howard rankings. Howard at least has a few NHL starts, where McCollum is probably 4 years away.

[DeToxRox]

And that's where sometimes I am confused on the rankings. I don't think many would disagree Kindl has loads more potential than Helm. Helm is a nice player, but he's going to top out on the 3rd line.

If the object is to pick out the sure-fire NHLers, no doubt Helm is the best of the bunch. But if that's the case, again, I point to the McCollum/Howard rankings. Howard at least has a few NHL starts, where McCollum is probably 4 years away.

Agreed. Helm is a young Draper. He can be a fixture for 10 years anchoring the 3rd line and the PK and add 20 goals occasionally. I'd go as far as to say he and Abdelkader are Draper/Maltby 2.0. That said, Kindal's skillset is that of a top 4 D which is far more valuable. The whole thing seems to be a mix and match of potential vs actual talent.

[Dr. Sak]

I didn't realize Cooke was brought in to be a 30 goal winger. Cooke-Staal-Kennedy has been the Pens best like from game 1 - to this point.

And we had "him" here. His name is Ryan Malone. Neither is worth $4M.

And what happened to Coburn? In the game vs Pittsburgh and the few other Flyers game I've watched, he's been pretty below avg.

But they did put Cooke up with Crosby for a few games, okay maybe he should've made fun of someone else they brought in to score 30...like Fedetanko or Satan...but he can't make fun of Satan since he's in the AHL.

Coburn has taken a step back this year. He has been better lately, I'm not sure if it is because he is playing with the human turnover machine, Matt Carle, or if he took a step back.

[Maple Leafs]

Sean, you've created a not-very-funny monster

There are over 50 fake NHL twitter accounts now.

I can't help by feel partially responsible.

[Travis]

There are over 50 fake NHL twitter accounts now.

I can't help by feel partially responsible.

I had a very hard time not creating a fake Horcoff account, but really, the material for that one would be entirely too easy so I left well enough alone.

And just to clarify, if there is a fake one for him already, it's not me and I haven't looked at it thus far.

I do still enjoy the Burke feed.

[Suburban Rhythm]

But they did put Cooke up with Crosby for a few games, okay maybe he should've made fun of someone else they brought in to score 30...like Fedetanko or Satan...but he can't make fun of Satan since he's in the AHL.

Coburn has taken a step back this year. He has been better lately, I'm not sure if it is because he is playing with the human turnover machine, Matt Carle, or if he took a step back.

Actually, in the games he played up there, he played well. He had something like 5 of his goals in those 8 games, including 2 vs Anaheim.

He could have said it to Fedotenko, but he saw what Feds did to Colby and wanted to part of him. Plus, Feds didn't want to break his hand on Hartnell's hair.

[Dr. Sak]

The Flyers aren't as bad as you might think...

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/emptynetters/archive/2009/03/23/scott-hartnell-an-alright-dude-3-23-09.aspx

As much as we rail against the Flyers in this forum and make jokes about their character and label them "puppy drowners," it is easy to forget these are just hockey players sometimes. Chances are, if they didn't wear orange and black or have a 267 area code, you wouldn't "hate" them. Rick Tocchet is the perfect example of that. He was a scoring winger for the Flyers who would drop the gloves without any hesitation. He was a natural for that market.

Then he came to Pittsburgh where he was equally beloved.

That brings us to Scott Hartnell, the Flyers fuzzy crash test dummy of a power forward. Since being acquired from Nashville, he's become the consummate Flyer. He combines physicality and scoring in a blend that just fits in well with the Flyers, just like Rick Toccet did. His play and unique appearance makes him an easy target for Penguins fans such as EN reader Steven Mazefsky who gained a little perspective on Hartnell yesterday:

"I know, I know... As a Western Pennsylvania hockey fan you are born and bred to HATE the Flyers. And I sure have. Years of being beaten by them have made the success the past couple of years extra sweet. During last year's playoffs I had this special jersey made so that I could attempt to irritate the subject of my aggravation as much as possible from my vantage point right next to the visitors' tunnel. Last year, the mission was accomplished! As I hung this jersey over the side of the rail and uttered some unmentionables. Scott Hartnell and a few others were happy to respond in kind, and worse! I hate to admit it at my age, that I found this fun, but frankly... I DID!!

This year, for whatever reason, this player decided that the jersey was funny. The ushers would tell me how he laughed when he saw it, and he would actually wave in the tunnel between periods of the home game, and the banter back and forth was... well, I hate to admit... FRIENDLY... Mike Richards even threw my daughter a puck as they came off the ice, despite the fact that she was with me before the last game. I decided that the banter with the jersey alone had gotten boring, so I went out to get an orange wig to match Hartnell's rather odd haircut/color and made a sign to up the ante. I was greeted today with friendly banter, laughter and again Mike Richards tossed a puck to my daughter as they came off the ice. A few minutes later, one of the Flyers trainers told me that Scott would love to autograph the jersey if I would like that. I told him that this would be great, but I did not really believe it, as players NEVER sign autographs there. Never.

With a couple minutes left in the game, they asked for my jersey to be sent down into the locker room, and despite my cynical nature, I took it off, and it disappeared into the tunnel. As the game ended, and he went through the tunnel, Scott Hartnell handed me the stick he used in the game, and a minute later the trainer brought out the jersey that he signed as the jersey read, 'To my biggest fan, your bud... Scott Fartsmell.'

Yes, he actually signed it, 'Fartsmell!'

I have to tell you that the fact that he took the ribbing in stride, joked back, and then took the time to sign this jersey in the manner that he did, left a very lasting impression. I will not say it too loudly here, but WHAT A CLASS ACT AND GOOD SPORT! The Flyers, more than other visiting team go out of their way to take care of their fans in our arena, but to go out of their way to interact with me, given my attire and loyalties was well above the call of duty to say the least. All three trainers and equipment managers for that team were just as fun to joke around with! Best wishes, and good luck Flyers, except when you play us. And THANKS for a fun time."

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think in general, hockey has alot of good guys, probably more than any other sport.

Sidney Crosby: Is It Too Easy to Hate the Kid? | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/113304-sidney-crosby-is-it-too-easy-to-hate-the-kid)


As I was watching the Rangers/Penguins game, an interesting story came up.
Without any fanfare or great production, Sidney Crosby arranged to get equipment for 800 kids in the Pittsburgh area who couldn't afford the equipment to play hockey.


Pittsburgh Penguins - Community: Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey Program (http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=28893)

He did kill 800 kids puppies afterwards though. He's not perfect.

[Logan]

Surely lots of elbow and knee pads for the falls.

[Maple Leafs]

Speaking of Crosby, anyone catch the story about the altercation between him and Marc Savard?

Apparently they exchanged words, Crosby asked if Savard wanted to go, and Savard told him to go take off his visor. So Crosby goes to the bench and has the equipment manager remove the visor. Next shift he challenges Savard, who backs down.

Probably not exactly the way it happened, but I like the story so much I'm just going to accept it as 100% true.

Bruins player wimps out after Crosby removes visor for fight - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bruins-player-wimps-out-after-Crosby-removes-vis?urn=nhl,149143)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of Crosby, anyone catch the story about the altercation between him and Marc Savard?

Apparently they exchanged words, Crosby asked if Savard wanted to go, and Savard told him to go take off his visor. So Crosby goes to the bench and has the equipment manager remove the visor. Next shift he challenges Savard, who backs down.

Probably not exactly the way it happened, but I like the story so much I'm just going to accept it as 100% true.

Bruins player wimps out after Crosby removes visor for fight - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bruins-player-wimps-out-after-Crosby-removes-vis?urn=nhl,149143)

Yeah, I read about that a few days ago. It's a great story and I totally agree, it's worth believing 100%.

Perhaps Marc Savard's status as Don Cherry's new BFF gave him a big head or something, thought he was all tough despite being quite wee.

[samifan24]

While I don't think the Crosby story is true, I do think Savard is a, shall we say, whiny player and I say that even though he's the #1 center on my favorite team. I get the impression that Savard complains a lot on the ice. He's much more of a team player now than he ever was earlier in his career but I still think he acts the same way sometimes.

[Draft Dodger]

why wasn't Crosby wearing a visor then?

[samifan24]

why wasn't Crosby wearing a visor then?

I have no idea. It could have been because he wanted to fight Savard or it could have been for an equipment problem. The whole story sounds like too much of a tall tale to me. As I said, I don't doubt some of the rumors I've heard about Savard's on-ice presence and reputation but it seems that people are making a lot out of this story and it almost seems too interesting to be true.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Can you imagine if Crosby hadn't done it?

While it happening is all conjecture as to the truth, had Sid left it on, places like HF would have 400 threads on Crosby being afraid of Savard.

[Logan]

2. I think the organization thinks more highly of Sauer, unless his play has dropped off recently.

NHL debut tonight.

[samifan24]

Can you imagine if Crosby hadn't done it?

While it happening is all conjecture as to the truth, had Sid left it on, places like HF would have 400 threads on Crosby being afraid of Savard.

Agreed. The reality is probably somewhere in between. I liked the story earlier in this thread about Crosby donating all that equipment to the Pittsburgh kids so they could learn hockey. The reality of the person behind the jersey number and the lights is always far different than the caricature we have of the player on the ice.

[Maple Leafs]

Summary of tonight's Caps/Leafs game:

- Boring as hell for 59 minutes, with Leafs holding 2-1 lead
- Caps score in the final minute to tie it, on a controversial goal that could have been called back due to interference
- Martin Gerber shoots the puck at the referee and gets ejected
- Curtis Joseph comes in cold and robs Ovechkin on a one-timer in the dying seconds
- Cujo makes eight more saves in OT, with crowd going crazy
- Leafs win a shootout when Cujo stops Ovechkin's deke on the final shot
- Cujo named first star for six minutes of work.

One of those great turn-back-the-clock moments.

[MizzouRah]

Good for Cujo.. still one of my favorite former Blues player.

[Dr. Sak]

Talk about not being able to hit water if he fell out of a boat...Matt Cooke missed TWO wide open nets last night.

[Draft Dodger]

the Avs have lost their last two home games by a combined score of 15-3.

[bhlloy]

That Avs team I saw against the Ducks last night was easily the worst team I have personally seen in the NHL since the expansion teams in the 90's. Having a drop off after injuries is one thing, but zero effort and pride is another. On Perry's second goal, they let him walk 10 feet towards the net, put a slapshot on goal and Clark (who is supposed to be one of the veterans) actually got out of the way of the shot - top corner. He wouldn't have a job tomorrow if I was running the team. Even worse than the Kings last couple of years.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Talk about not being able to hit water if he fell out of a boat...Matt Cooke missed TWO wide open nets last night.

I was there...maybe Hartnell was right in critcizing Cooke afterall.

Although, he did play most of the 2nd half of the game with Malkin and Sykora on the 2nd line.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Should be good game at 1 today- Rangers/Pens

Two teams that started the year sitting back and waiting to create turnovers to transition. Now, both teams are forcing the turnovers in the opposition's end and playing up and down hockey.

[Logan]

Should be good game at 1 today- Rangers/Pens

Two teams that started the year sitting back and waiting to create turnovers to transition. Now, both teams are forcing the turnovers in the opposition's end and playing up and down hockey.

Well that was interesting...Orr gets a 5 minute major for interference and a game misconduct because Eaton fell down as Orr was about to hit him.

And then an almost as bad call as Kunitz gets called for hooking when Staal stepped on his stick.

[Draft Dodger]

That Avs team I saw against the Ducks last night was easily the worst team I have personally seen in the NHL since the expansion teams in the 90's. Having a drop off after injuries is one thing, but zero effort and pride is another. On Perry's second goal, they let him walk 10 feet towards the net, put a slapshot on goal and Clark (who is supposed to be one of the veterans) actually got out of the way of the shot - top corner. He wouldn't have a job tomorrow if I was running the team. Even worse than the Kings last couple of years.

welcome to my hell.

[samifan24]

Well that was interesting...Orr gets a 5 minute major for interference and a game misconduct because Eaton fell down as Orr was about to hit him.

Ah ha, I thought they only gave majors for interference in the AHL. Seriously though, the ref gave a major for interference at the last AHL game I attended and I wondered "who gives a major for interference?" I guess now we know.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Well that was interesting...Orr gets a 5 minute major for interference and a game misconduct because Eaton fell down as Orr was about to hit him.

And then an almost as bad call as Kunitz gets called for hooking when Staal stepped on his stick.

Coincidence the Kunitz call was, what, 6 seconds after the Orr call?

That was definitely a case of reading the players jersey. Dubinsky, Callahan or Sjostrom makes that hit, it's 2. It was still from behind, falling or not. Add blood + Orr = 5.

At least we can beat Lundy now. Early in the year, we couldn't touch him.

[Logan]

It was still from behind, falling or not. Add blood + Orr = 5.

I don't see how the hell that was a hit from behind.

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[bhlloy]

It's not a hit from behind and it's typical NHL justice. I'm pretty sure Dubinsky, Callahan or Sjostrom makes that hit, it's 0, but that's a matter of opinion. Perfectly clean hit until Eaton decides to bite the glass at the last minute (yes he fell, it's not his fault :) ). But it's a guy like Colton Orr who we'd rather not be in the league at all, so give him 15.

The number of 10 minute misconducts I've seen this season given to guys that like to fight once in a while for nothing makes me sick. I don't know why I bitch about it any more or expect anything different. Ever since Jagr got a pat on the back for slashing somebody in the head while McSorley got crucified and ran out of the league (a guy who ironically made all of Gretzky's records possible in that era) I've wanted to just say to hell with Bettman's NHL, but I still can't ditch it. Maybe in 5 years when they finally elimate most of the big hitting and standing up for your teammates is gone I'll be able to spend my money elsewhere.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't see how the hell that was a hit from behind.



The impact of the hit is to Eaton's back. You can argue Eaton turned away, and I wouldn't say you are wrong. But the hit was to the back.

It's not a hit from behind and it's typical NHL justice. I'm pretty sure Dubinsky, Callahan or Sjostrom makes that hit, it's 0, but that's a matter of opinion. Perfectly clean hit until Eaton decides to bite the glass at the last minute (yes he fell, it's not his fault :) ). But it's a guy like Colton Orr who we'd rather not be in the league at all, so give him 15.


Here, I can't agree. That is, flat out, interference. Period. Eaton never played the puck, and Orr's intention was to not play the puck. That is the textbook definition of interference.

That's 2 min. Should be 2 on Orr, Dubinsky, Callahan or Sjostrom. I think it's just as bad that it probably would have been 0 with one of those guys, or in the other direction, Staal, Dupuis, or Kennedy. That should get called everytime. Otherwise, chip every guy who enters your zone, every single time, and we can have 2001 all over again.

[samifan24]

I have to say I might have given Orr two minutes for that play but no way should he have been given a major. My guess is that the refs saw the blood and the angle and assumed Orr nailed Eaton with his elbow. It was unfortunate timing for Orr.

[Suburban Rhythm]

NHL debut tonight.

What's the issue with Sauer and Mara? They played 1:59 and 5:14 respectively today. Is that Tortorella being Tortorella?

Especially when you take into account the 3 min PP after the Orr and Kunitz calls, when you rotate only 4 D, any coincidence they were dragging when Crosby scored what would be the winner.

[Chief Rum]

The impact of the hit is to Eaton's back. You can argue Eaton turned away, and I wouldn't say you are wrong. But the hit was to the back.

If by back you mean upper right shoulder, just behind the curve from the side of his upper arm, okay, yeah, that was a hit to the back.

Here, I can't agree. That is, flat out, interference. Period. Eaton never played the puck, and Orr's intention was to not play the puck. That is the textbook definition of interference.

That's 2 min. Should be 2 on Orr, Dubinsky, Callahan or Sjostrom. I think it's just as bad that it probably would have been 0 with one of those guys, or in the other direction, Staal, Dupuis, or Kennedy. That should get called everytime. Otherwise, chip every guy who enters your zone, every single time, and we can have 2001 all over again.

He wasn't arguing it wasn't interference. He was arguing it was a clean hit. As far as hits purely as hits go, that was pretty clean, and only looked bad because Eaton was at a bad balance point when Orr reached him.

Orr should definitely get two minutes for interference. The major and game misconduct? Who you kidding? That call was bullshit.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He wasn't arguing it wasn't interference. He was arguing it was a clean hit. As far as hits purely as hits go, that was pretty clean, and only looked bad because Eaton was at a bad balance point when Orr reached him.

Orr should definitely get two minutes for interference. The major and game misconduct? Who you kidding? That call was bullshit.

I think he was arguing the interference call, since he says it should have been 0, not 2.

NHL.com - Rules: Official Rules - Rule 56: Interference (http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26348)


56.4 Major Penalty - The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a major penalty (http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26301), based on the degree of violence, to a player or goalkeeper guilty of interfering with an opponent (see 56.5).
56.5 Game Misconduct Penalty – When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in an injury of an opponent, a game misconduct (http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26306) shall be imposed.


You can argue the point on the major. But when the major was called, the miscoduct must be called because there was an injury.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Rough weekend for officials all around. Eric Furlatt waves off two goals for the Flames, seconds apart, on the PP.

The Flames scored again, minutes later, to go up 3-2, which turns out to be the winning goal.

Both appeared to be the right call, but he would have had a rough time getting out of Calgary had the Flames lost.

[gstelmack]

Nice to see the Hurricanes charging into the playoffs rather than rolling over like they did the last few years. Looks like Cole brought some intensity back to this club that they've been missing.

[Logan]

What's the issue with Sauer and Mara? They played 1:59 and 5:14 respectively today. Is that Tortorella being Tortorella?

Especially when you take into account the 3 min PP after the Orr and Kunitz calls, when you rotate only 4 D, any coincidence they were dragging when Crosby scored what would be the winner.

I think it was because Mara made a bad play in the neutral zone while Sauer was out of position on Talbot's goal. Seemed to just be a very short leash. Staal ended up with almost 30 mins of ice time in the game that followed the worst of his career.

I think he was arguing the interference call, since he says it should have been 0, not 2.

When I saw it the first few times it looked to me that he was already falling, his left skate got caught on the boards, which started sending him down (I still kinda think that's what happened but I'll let it slide). But yes, Orr finished the check and attempting it in the first place, even without him maybe falling first, should have been interference.

[Fidatelo]

Couple things:

1) Orr's hit was interference, no more, no less. Should have been two minutes, and Eaton needs to learn to stay on his feet.

2) Unless the NHL has gone back to the rule from the late '90's (and I don't believe they have, but I've been wrong before), the first disallowed Calgary goal should have been allowed.

[Chief Rum]

I think he was arguing the interference call, since he says it should have been 0, not 2.

Actually, no. He was suggesting if a soft player made the hit, the refs would not have been inclined to call it (an arguable point). He never argued whether the move in and of itself was interference, just pointed out that official justice in the NHL is sometimes determined by the name on the back.

NHL.com - Rules: Official Rules - Rule 56: Interference (http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26348)



You can argue the point on the major. But when the major was called, the miscoduct must be called because there was an injury.

Why did you even bring this up? So what. I am obviously arguing against the major, which was ridiculous. Way to avoid the issue (like Crosby in a fight).

[DeToxRox]

Actually, no. He was suggesting if a soft player made the hit, the refs would not have been inclined to call it (an arguable point). He never argued whether the move in and of itself was interference, just pointed out that official justice in the NHL is sometimes determined by the name on the back.



Why did you even bring this up? So what. I am obviously arguing against the major, which was ridiculous. Way to avoid the issue (like Crosby in a fight).

Or like the Ducks in this years playoffs?

Thought I'd give it a shot.

[Chief Rum]

Or like the Ducks in this years playoffs?

Thought I'd give it a shot.

Ha! If they end up against the Wings in the first round, you might end up eating those words. ;) (Or not, we have sucked finishing our games against the Wings this year)

That said, I know when you're up at or near the top, you don't pay much attention to the pack behind you, but the Ducks are putting on a spirited fight right now. Losing to the Oil on Friday sucked, but that was after winning five in a row, and you had to see that game. We got done in solely by goaltending. Roloson was on one of those can't be beat stretches and the Ducks completely dominated the Oilers outside of the net. Disappointing loss, but we can get it back in EDM on Tuesday.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Orr should definitely get two minutes for interference. The major and game misconduct? Who you kidding? That call was bullshit.


Why did you even bring this up? So what. I am obviously arguing against the major, which was ridiculous. Way to avoid the issue (like Crosby in a fight).

I brought it up since you questioned the major and misconduct. The way the rule is written, if the major is called, the misconduct SHOULD be called.

I already said earlier anyone else makes that hit, it's 2. Orr reputation got him the 5. The rule got him an extra 10.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Watch Malkin make perogies with Alyonka Larionov (yes, Igor's daughter).
Cameo appearance of Kris Letang.

Hilarious

NHL Network Online - Pittsburgh Penguins: Cooking with Geno (http://penguins.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=18&id=37586)

[Chief Rum]

I brought it up since you questioned the major and misconduct. The way the rule is written, if the major is called, the misconduct SHOULD be called.

Again, what's your point? Because I wrote out both? I wasn't trying to separate the two. Stop trying to go with a Straw Man argument, building up a point that has never been argued, so that you can knock it down, because you don't have the ammo to knock down my main point, that calling a major there is bull.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Again, what's your point? Because I wrote out both? I wasn't trying to separate the two. Stop trying to go with a Straw Man argument, building up a point that has never been argued, so that you can knock it down, because you don't have the ammo to knock down my main point, that calling a major there is bull.

Post above edited to add, and already addressed in initial post.

Orr's reputation got him the 5.

[bhlloy]

I think he was arguing the interference call, since he says it should have been 0, not 2.



Actually I had thought it was a boarding penalty. Should read more carefully next time :D I don't argue that the interference was called wrongly. I think we are all basically in agreement here... should have been 2 not 5, BS call.

[Suburban Rhythm]

1) Orr's hit was interference, no more, no less. Should have been two minutes, and Eaton needs to learn to stay on his feet.


In Pittsburgh, we are more shocked that Eaton didn't shatter into 46 pieces upon impact.

[MizzouRah]

Note to Nash.. next time you try to knock Oshie on his ass, think again.

[TurnerONU22]

Note to Nash.. next time you try to knock Oshie on his ass, think again.

I hate to say it, but he is a beast. He did wake up Nash last night though, and helped us get a point. I still can't figure out why we play like crap against the Blues. We had a chance to basically lock up the playoffs and we choked it all away. Now we have the Preds coming up and that doesn't go well either.

I still don't know why everyone thinks that the Jackets are a lock for the playoffs. I expect them to choke it all away at this point.

[Chief Rum]

Thanks for showing up against the Preds, Wings. :rolleyes:

Nothing really solved tonight. The teams behind (Anaheim, Minnesota, St. Louis) won, the teams ahead lost (Edmonton, Nashville, Columbus).

Just gets tighter and tighter.

[Wolfpack]

Nice to see the Hurricanes charging into the playoffs rather than rolling over like they did the last few years. Looks like Cole brought some intensity back to this club that they've been missing.

La-la-la! I'm not listening! I'm not listening! :D

Dammit, I wanna really enjoy this recent stretch, but I can't totally do so. I keep waiting for that other shoe to drop. I'd feel a heckuva lot more confident if we didn't have to finish with the Rangers, Penguins, Sabres, Islanders, and Devils (the last on the road). I think I'm still a bit traumatized by what happened last year and by the various ugly losing streaks they've had this year.

[Maple Leafs]

Brian Burke just told the Toronto Star that he's going to sue my ass:
The Spin (http://thestar.blogs.com/thespin/2009/03/troubles-in-net-troubles-on-the-net.html)

[Dr. Sak]

I hope Cox tells him the person doing it is Mr Brown.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Brian Burke just told the Toronto Star that he's going to sue my ass:
The Spin (http://thestar.blogs.com/thespin/2009/03/troubles-in-net-troubles-on-the-net.html)

"Web pollution" versus "all fun."

I vote: All fun.

Maybe it's time to insure your ass just like J-Lo.

If he decides to sue you in America (which is unlikely), I'm a lawyer and would gladly take your case on Pro Bono.

If he sues you in Canada (more likely), I know some Canadian lawyers.

You're in good hands.

[DeToxRox]

LOL Amazing, ML.

[Chief Rum]

LOL Amazing, ML.

Wow, agreed. This is just fantastic. Most successful non-celebrity twitter evah! :)

[johnnyshaka]

Great stuff, ML...keep it up, Burke is a douchebag and he continues to prove it over and over again.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Sick shootout goal by Oilers prospect Linus Omark



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hmmm...embed not working...at least for me

YouTube - Linus Omark - Straffmål i träningsmatchen mellan Sverige - Schweiz 2009-03-31 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiawQpz9wGU)

[Travis]

Bah, MacT will have that sort of skill coached out of him inside of two years so enjoy it now ;)

[Fidatelo]

We've all seen where cool shootout goals get Oiler prospects... *cough*schremp*cough*

[Chief Rum]

Ping: UMichigan Frozen fans

The Ducks just signed D Mark Mitera, their 2006 1st round pick, to a three-year entry level contract. He was at the time of being drafted one of the best defenseman prospects in his class, but needed to develop some.

So I thought I would get your impressions on what the Ducks have here. Also, is he a step into the NHL guy or still a year or two away. Thanks.

[bhlloy]

Did anyone else catch the end of the Ducks - Oilers game. Oilers come and score 2 in the last 3 minutes to be only one goal down, and then McTavish tries to get a stick measurement against Selanne, loses it and puts Penner in the box for the delay of game penalty - basically ending their chances of winning. Doubly strange as Penner was a real force out there towards the end and is surely the guy you want parked in front of the net in the last minute. Not a good coaching move at all.

Still good win for the Ducks even if they did fall asleep at the end.

[DeToxRox]

Ping: UMichigan Frozen fans

The Ducks just signed D Mark Mitera, their 2006 1st round pick, to a three-year entry level contract. He was at the time of being drafted one of the best defenseman prospects in his class, but needed to develop some.

So I thought I would get your impressions on what the Ducks have here. Also, is he a step into the NHL guy or still a year or two away. Thanks.

Kid tore his ACL in September or October and was back in February. Was rusty obviously. Nice physical game but still has to develope on the offensive end. Will be a solid player.

[DeToxRox]

Logan is a bitch.

[Logan]

cmp smoked me a lot to a little. was a lot closer then the final score would indicate but I made awful decisions. I had 4 possessions inside the 10 and didn't score on any of them. Two fumbles, one pick six. Was just too careless but my freshman QB definetly played a part in it.

gg cmp.

Were you beat so badly that you couldn't find the right thread to put this in?

[TurnerONU22]

Raffi Torres is clutch. And Mexican.

That is all.

[Dr. Sak]

I hope Columbus makes the playoffs, I still have a soft spot for RJ Umberger.

[TurnerONU22]

I hope Columbus makes the playoffs, I still have a soft spot for RJ Umberger.

Umberger has been a great fit with this team, and since the Vermette trade, those two have developed some great chemistry together. Both have 10 points in 12 games (Vermette 6g4a, Umberger 5g5a). He just has a knack for scoring goals in front of the net, he had a great one last night to make it a 1-1 game, knocking in his own rebound.

What a great trade by Howson, turning Adam Foote into RJ Umberger and a 4th round pick.

[Dr. Sak]

RJ isn't flashy but he plays tough and you can play him on the PP and PK. I loved him as a Flyer and was sad to see him go, but it was a Cap casulity. However, I do like the guy (Sisba) they got for him from Columbus when the Blue Jackets shipped over their first rounder for RJ's rights in last year's draft.

[TurnerONU22]

While that trade by Howson has worked out excellent, this might be the best move of all:

Blue Jackets Xtra : Cancer patient's 1-day pact with Jackets priceless (http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/26/jackets_salmons.ART_ART_03-26-09_A1_3PDBUI8.html?sid=101)

This is the reason I'm proud to be a hockey and a Blue Jackets fan

Even better, he's in the team picture, right behind Steve Mason on the left:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S5wR6h0jmMs/SdIz4yLDJ6I/AAAAAAAAABE/AcKeBBU6xX0/s320/2009+CBJryan.bmp

[Draft Dodger]

JVR has signed with the Flyers, and is joining the Phantoms now

[Draft Dodger]

While that trade by Howson has worked out excellent, this might be the best move of all:

Blue Jackets Xtra : Cancer patient's 1-day pact with Jackets priceless (http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/26/jackets_salmons.ART_ART_03-26-09_A1_3PDBUI8.html?sid=101)

This is the reason I'm proud to be a hockey and a Blue Jackets fan

Even better, he's in the team picture, right behind Steve Mason on the left:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S5wR6h0jmMs/SdIz4yLDJ6I/AAAAAAAAABE/AcKeBBU6xX0/s320/2009+CBJryan.bmp


I really, really like that story

[Dr. Sak]

JVR has signed with the Flyers, and is joining the Phantoms now

Yeah he has a tryout offer with the Phantoms...his entry level deal doesn't start until next year.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Did anyone else catch the end of the Ducks - Oilers game. Oilers come and score 2 in the last 3 minutes to be only one goal down, and then McTavish tries to get a stick measurement against Selanne, loses it and puts Penner in the box for the delay of game penalty - basically ending their chances of winning. Doubly strange as Penner was a real force out there towards the end and is surely the guy you want parked in front of the net in the last minute. Not a good coaching move at all.
lots of words

McTavish tries to get a stick measurement against Selanne, loses it and puts Penner in the box for the delay of game penalty - basically ending their chances of winning. Doubly strange as Penner was a real force out there towards the end and is surely the guy you want parked in front of the net in the last minute. Not a good coaching move at all.
still a lot of words

McTavish tries to get a stick measurement against Selanne, loses it and puts Penner in the box for the delay of game penalty - basically ending their chances of winning. Not a good coaching move at all.
so many words

McTavish. Not a good coaching move at all.
Agreed.

[samifan24]

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nhl_experts__26/ept_sports_nhl_experts-134904126-1238564978.jpg?ymzRJCBDf1jQ2Tqz

I feel sick.

[Logan]

Oh shi

[Pumpy Tudors]

worst ever

[Wolfpack]

Ick. It just doesn't work at all. Red, white, grey, and black tend to work. Green, blue, and grey work. Red, white, black, green, blue, and grey don't.

Is that for real, even? It looks photoshopped to me. I hope so, anyway. April Fool's, maybe? *shudder*

[Chief Rum]

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nhl_experts__26/ept_sports_nhl_experts-134904126-1238564978.jpg?ymzRJCBDf1jQ2Tqz

I feel sick.

What is that?

No, seriously, what in the hell is that?

[samifan24]

What is that?

No, seriously, what in the hell is that?

I think it's a real jersey. They were talking about it in the Puck Daddy Yahoo Sports hockey blog (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Jersey-Fouls-Tears-to-Hartford-s-eyes-six-plus;_ylt=Aq1JiU1_9jU3i.cYGc3Ulap7vLYF?urn=nhl,152127).

[Fidatelo]

That looks very photoshopped to me, and given the date on the post above I'm giving it a 1% chance of being real.

[Draft Dodger]

the Avs are so decimated by injuries (real, or Hedman induced) that last night the Avalanche defenseman with the 3rd most NHL seniority was Michael Vernace. He has all of 7 games under his belt. 4 of the Avs 6 D in the game had made their NHL debut in the last couple of weeks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

the Avs are so decimated by injuries (real, or Hedman induced) that last night the Avalanche defenseman with the 3rd most NHL seniority was Michael Vernace. He has all of 7 games under his belt. 4 of the Avs 6 D in the game had made their NHL debut in the last couple of weeks.

What's going on with Colorado? This injury thing has been an epidemic over the last few years. It's really been out of control. Is it just a collection of incredibly fragile players, bad luck, poor conditioning?

[Draft Dodger]

What's going on with Colorado? This injury thing has been an epidemic over the last few years. It's really been out of control. Is it just a collection of incredibly fragile players, bad luck, poor conditioning?

I do think some of the recent injuries probably have more to do with where the team is in the standings (I bet there's 4 or 5 guys who would be playing right now if the games actually counted). but yeah, lots and lots of really bad luck in the last few years.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pumpy...I almost feel bad for what happened at Mellon Arena Wednesday night. Almost.

[Wolfpack]

Canes win their seventh in a row, beating the Rangers 4-2 at home...and that is all I have to say about that. Nope. Not gonna acknowledge the standings or anything. (Just once in my life, I'd like to experience utter confidence that things will go right for my teams, but I've felt so snakebit and jaded over the past two decades that it's nearly impossible to do it.)

[bbor]

Canes win their seventh in a row, beating the Rangers 4-2 at home...and that is all I have to say about that. Nope. Not gonna acknowledge the standings or anything. (Just once in my life, I'd like to experience utter confidence that things will go right for my teams, but I've felt so snakebit and jaded over the past two decades that it's nearly impossible to do it.)


Glad to see Maurice doing well......he really got the short end of the stick in Toronto.

[bhlloy]

I really think that the West is wide open this year. Don't think the Wings can be 100% confident with the way they are heading into the playoffs and I'll believe the Sharks are a playoff force when I see it... I can see the Flames or 'Nucks stealing a series from them and making it to the finals.

[Wolfpack]

Glad to see Maurice doing well......he really got the short end of the stick in Toronto.

The interesting part is that much of the fanbase here was very much unhappy he was brought back. Lots of words like "crony" thrown about. Maurice really had to win the fans back and he's obviously done so, though winning a ton of games certainly helps.

The one unfair thing I suppose about how Carolina fans treated his return was that in his prior stint before the lockout, Carolina was probably much more talent-poor than they are now (no Staal or Ward, for example) and so had to resort to a rather ugly style of hockey that relied on keeping things close and hoping to pull out a win, which work fabulously well right up to Game 2 of the '02 Finals, but the bottom fell out over the next couple of years when the lack of talent became glaring. Certainly, while this team isn't on a level talent-wise of Pittsburgh, Washington, or Boston, I think they'd blow the doors off the 2002 team. With the rules changes that have unclogged the game a bit and the salary cap spreading the talent around a little more, it's given Maurice I think a bit more latitude in playing offensive hockey while still retaining a strong defensive mindset. Granted, the offense has diminished a bit as Carolina's really been in a meat-grinder of a schedule recently and just about everyone fighting for a playoff spot is playing what amounts to playoff hockey, but it's hard to argue with a seven-game win streak and a team record 10 in a row at home. They also manfully battled back from that ugly stretch of games after the break where they got outscored something like 15-3 at home. It's hard to believe that this is the same team sometimes.

Regardless, I'm not going to celebrate anything until they get that spot nailed down. That collapse last year.... *sigh*

[bhlloy]

Crazy game going on in Vancouver tonight. Luongo and Hiller are getting shelled and it's 5-5 after 2 periods. Would be a huge point for the Ducks, never mind 2 if they can get the win.

[Fidatelo]

... I've felt so snakebit and jaded over the past two decades that it's nearly impossible to do it.)

What? The 'Canes won the cup, what, 3 years ago? Good grief man, how can you be jaded? Let your team win 1 playoff series in 20 years and lose several after being up 3 games to 1, then come talk to me about jaded. Oh ya, and then your team has to leave for a place where no one cares about them, but they still manage to get the greatest player of all time to somehow coach them, and yet still no one cares.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Pumpy...I almost feel bad for what happened at Mellon Arena Wednesday night. Almost.
The Devils are in the tank. Hopefully, they get all this crappy play out of their system now, and then they can go back to their regular winning ways when the playoffs begin.

I'm grasping for any straws I can reach right now.

[Chief Rum]

Crazy game going on in Vancouver tonight. Luongo and Hiller are getting shelled and it's 5-5 after 2 periods. Would be a huge point for the Ducks, never mind 2 if they can get the win.

How odd. Both teams knuckle down and shut each other out in the third and in OT, so after 10 goals in the first 40 mins, this one ended up going to a shootout. Perry scores a huge five hole shot in the shootout, and Hiller is huge stopping all three 'Nucks to get us another critical two points, and back into #7 (we lost it momentarily when the Blues won earlier tonight).

Now a showdown with the Sharks at the Tank on Saturday. We have four of a max four so far on this trip; if we can get anything out of the meet with the Sharks, that would be one heck of a terrific and clutch road trip.

[Sublime 2]

Bruins lock up Thomas for 4 yrs $20 million. Not a bad deal for the B's, but he is 35 and I'm now a little worried about keeping Kessel and Krejci (not to mention Lucic and Wheeler afterwards).

Hopefully Rask doesn't get pissed off either and demand a trade. My guess is they'll start to slowly work Tuuka into the rotation with Thomas next season.

But overall it's good news for an awesome guy! One of the top goalies in the league signs for a relatively cheap deal. :)

[Maple Leafs]

Hopefully Rask doesn't get pissed off either and demand a trade.
You'd have to be a total idiot to trade a guy like that.

[Sublime 2]

You'd have to be a total idiot to trade a guy like that.

Completely agree, but how willing is he to backup Timmay for another 4 years.

Granted I imagine by the 3rd year it will be more of a platoon, but if I'm a stud like Rask I want to be in that crease the majority of the time.

[Dr. Sak]

Trade him to the Flyers because after tonight I think Biron might get shot.

But with the way he is playing he'll dodge the bullet.

[samifan24]

I like Thomas but am also worried about his age. Apparently the Bruins included several clauses by which they can minimize the damage his contract does if his play deteriorates quickly over the next few seasons. Obviously they're not counting on that happening, though.

I agree that Rask will take over for Fernandez next season and still see a lot of action. The Bruins know he is the future and can't afford to trade him.

Since you mentioned Kessel and Krejci, I too am wondering which one the Bruins will keep. I don't know that they can afford both in the long term.

[Wolfpack]

What? The 'Canes won the cup, what, 3 years ago? Good grief man, how can you be jaded? Let your team win 1 playoff series in 20 years and lose several after being up 3 games to 1, then come talk to me about jaded. Oh ya, and then your team has to leave for a place where no one cares about them, but they still manage to get the greatest player of all time to somehow coach them, and yet still no one cares.

Well, I didn't say that anyone else couldn't be jaded or even more jaded than me, just that I was jaded. ;)

And yes, I probably shouldn't feel that way given what happened in 2006, but that's a very bright blip in an otherwise dismal sporting landscape for me in quite some time. I think I didn't make clear that I was referencing the overall picture of all my sports teams, which leads to my doubts about any of them doing well at any one time. Let's see....

*2006 Stanley Cup win and 2002 Finals appearance for Carolina, but otherwise, nothing much to speak of including horrid teams in the pre-lockout years after 2002
*2003 Super Bowl appearance and 1996 and 2005 NFC championship appearances for the Panthers, but otherwise blah since 1995 including a 1-15 season
*2007 NL championship for Colorado, but otherwise a losing franchise that has only one other playoff appearance since 1993
*The Hornets got good, then the owner got stupid, moved the team, and now we have the Bobcats...at least they seem to be trying this year
*Then we come to NC State. The high points: 1983 NCAA basketball championship (now 26 years ago tomorrow), demolition of (in hindsight an overrated) Notre Dame in the 2002 Gator Bowl. Otherwise, no ACC championships in basketball since 1987, no ACC championships in football since 1979. An utterly disastrous decade in the 1990s in both sports and neither sport has really threatened to do anything special since the 1980s except for 2002 in football.

Yes, it'd be so much easier for me to root for the Red Wings, Yankees, Patriots, Lakers, and Tar Heels, but I like a hard life, I suppose. :D

[Wolfpack]

Dola...

To be fair, though, at this point, I've caved to the inevitable and now think Carolina will make the playoffs since Florida lost tonight. They just need another Florida loss or two points in any of their last four games to clinch, so I think I can let myself believe it'll happen now. :D

[Suburban Rhythm]

Since you mentioned Kessel and Krejci, I too am wondering which one the Bruins will keep. I don't know that they can afford both in the long term.

Correct me if I am wrong, I don't follow Boston that closely. Wasn't Krejci racking up points early on, continuing through about December. Then has recently cooled (along with many other Bruins)?

Would this coincide with Bergeron missing time again, Kessel missing time, etc? Merely coincidence? Or, a sign that as opponent's roll more attention to him, he isn't producing like he was while flying under the radar?

This is not to say Krejci is a bust, I still think he's a nice player, still young (22?), and a good #2 center. But 20 year olds like Kessel don't come along everyday. He's a yearly 40 goal guy.

Also, don't they have other young centers- Marchand, Hamill-- who could fill that role?

[samifan24]

Correct me if I am wrong, I don't follow Boston that closely. Wasn't Krejci racking up points early on, continuing through about December. Then has recently cooled (along with many other Bruins)?

Would this coincide with Bergeron missing time again, Kessel missing time, etc? Merely coincidence? Or, a sign that as opponent's roll more attention to him, he isn't producing like he was while flying under the radar?

This is not to say Krejci is a bust, I still think he's a nice player, still young (22?), and a good #2 center. But 20 year olds like Kessel don't come along everyday. He's a yearly 40 goal guy.

Also, don't they have other young centers- Marchand, Hamill-- who could fill that role?

Yes and I suppose.

Krejci went cold when the entire lineup went cold. Kessel has been very streaky this year, too. When both guys were cold, the whole team was cold. But I wouldn't point to one or the other and say "because X wasn't playing well, Y wasn't playing well," especially since they usually play on different PP units.

Both players present a unique skill set: Krejci seems to be able to "slow the play down" and make other players on the ice better through passing and positioning and Kessel's blend of speed and scoring touch can really burn defenses.

I think the knock on Kessel has always been that he can become invisible at times if he's hounded physically throughout a game, at least that's my impression of him sometimes. He's already overcome a lot in his personal life (cancer) so I think the next step is to figure out how to fight through physical adversity on the ice. Krejci isn't a big banger by any means but he's been stepping up his physical game lately.

I answered "I suppose" about using prospects like Colborne and Marchant to fill Krejci's roster spot if he leaves because I don't know much about those prospects but my impression of both of them was that they are not playmakers. I thought that Colborne was more of a Joe Thornton-type and Marchant was more of an agitator and penalty killer-type.

Krejci seemingly came out of nowhere this year, though, so it's not to say that the Bruins system, which is loaded with young centermen, wouldn't be able to find similar success with a young player.

I do agree that Kessel would be more difficult to replace since top snipers don't grow on trees and are seemingly harder to develop. That being said, I don't know how the Bruins will approach negotiations with both Krejci and Kessel since they have to deal with both at the same time.

Sublime 2, care to chime in?

[TurnerONU22]

The Jackets might have the biggest game of their 9 years tonight, as they have a rare 5 point game against Nashville. Their magic # against Nashville is 5, as the Preds can max out at 92, while the CBJ sit at 88. If Columbus can win in regulation tonight, Preds can max at 90, while the Jackets are at 90, but Columbus wins the tiebreaker.

If Columbus wins, then 2 different games Sunday could put them into the playoffs, their game against the Blackhawks, or the Red Wings against the Wild. Their magic # would be 2 against Minnesota, so a CBJ win OR MIN reg loss OR CBJ OT loss + MIN OT loss would clinch.

[Galaxy]

With the Rangers falling this afternoon, the Sabres can get within two of the final spot (and have two games in-hand on the Rangers and one on the Panthers (who play tonight), going into tonight's game) by beating NJ tonight. If we can run the table, we're in (of course, I don't count on that). We hold the tie-breakers as well.

[Lathum]

Avery really is such a dick.

I have player hockey my whole life anf there is a difference between getting under your opponents skin and just being an asshole.

[Galaxy]

Avery really is such a dick.

I have player hockey my whole life anf there is a difference between getting under your opponents skin and just being an asshole.

Did something happen today in the Rangers-Bruins game?

[Travis]

Just saw the replay of what Avery did to Thomas today. What an absolute idiot and I really wish that somebody wouldn't bother giving him the choice when it comes to manning up. Just start dropping bombs and if he keeps trying to turtle make the officials save him.

What a waste of talent.

[Fidatelo]

Just saw it now, I love how he tries to pretend it's an accident. "Doo do doo, just skating along, minding my business... oops! well, these things happen, doo do doo..."

I love the Rangers, but dammit is that guy a douchebag.

[bhlloy]

WTF - this time I actually have a big problem with what Avery did. What a little douche. If I was coach of the B's I would have had Chara standing by the penalty box door for the last 5 secs of the penalty and then just pounding him when he came out, maybe with Montador and Lucic on the ice to make sure he didn't manage to skate back to the bench.

Hopefully one day can do what Domi did to Samuelsson to this guy, except Avery won't be able to keep on playing. I can dream right?

[NoSkillz]

With the Rangers falling this afternoon, the Sabres can get within two of the final spot (and have two games in-hand on the Rangers and one on the Panthers (who play tonight), going into tonight's game) by beating NJ tonight. If we can run the table, we're in (of course, I don't count on that). We hold the tie-breakers as well.

Way to go. You jinxed them. :banghead:

[samifan24]

Avery is a thug. How many more chances will he get?

[Maple Leafs]

For somebody who's so convinced that he's Hollywood, Avery is a terrible actor.

I can handle the dickish moves, but can the innocent routine. He has an entire open rink in front of him, and he happens to take the path that leads to him "accidentally" hitting a goalie in the head with his stick Does he think he's fooling anybody?

[Fidatelo]

Not to mention that his reaction seems wrong. If I accidentally did that, I'd turn and apologize. "Oh shit! Sorry bro!". Avery just shrugs and keeps skating.

[Wolfpack]

Dola...

To be fair, though, at this point, I've caved to the inevitable and now think Carolina will make the playoffs since Florida lost tonight. They just need another Florida loss or two points in any of their last four games to clinch, so I think I can let myself believe it'll happen now. :D

Woo-hoo! The inevitable is finally official as Carolina beats the Pens, 3-2 in OT. Ward was absolutely sick in goal. Without his efforts, we'd have gotten blown out badly, but he robbed a few goals, notably a Crosby breakaway in the first and stopping a Malking penalty shot in the third. It also pays to be lucky in his position as a Pens goal got waved off by a penalty that occurred just seconds before and then had a third period post-ringer that fell behind him that he was fortunate he didn't swipe into his own goal.

A weird situation now exists in that Carolina is in fifth but has clinched while Philly's in fourth but hasn't, based on more wins in fewer games, a tiebreaker that means nothing at the end of the season when everyone has 82 games. Florida loses any tiebreaker to Carolina on wins, while Florida has already clinched the head-to-head with Philly should they tie on points and wins, the only possible way for a tie to happen. Of course, Philly should inevitably clinch, but it is one of those weird things that happen with the way the point system and tiebreakers are set up.

Of course, all this had to come about on the night the Tar Heels won in Detroit in the Final Four, so the local news coverage was damn near wall-to-wall on that while the Hurricanes merited something equivalent to a backpage mention during the time devoted to the sports news (which was mostly a rehash of everything that was already discussed about UNC's win in Detroit). I understand basketball is far and away the most important team sport in this area (believe me, I live and very much die with it myself), but it'd have been nice to at least mention it at some earlier point in the newscast. (Yes, it's possible that my opinion is probably clouded somewhat by my eternal detestation of all things UNC, but I'm not going to let that stop me from complaining.... :D )

[Chief Rum]

The Western Conference playoffs are getting nuttier. Just still tight as heck, with 3-4 games left for all contenders. Columbus can't seem to put distance on the pack either, so now they have to see if they can hold onto 6th (although I think they're a lock for the playoffs).

Ducks got a huge win Saturday night in beating up on the Sharks in San Jose. Yeah, who called that one, eh? Same two teams meet tonight in the Honda Center, so hopefully the Ducks can do it again. With the way all the other teams are playing, every point counts right now.

BTW, the local paper has a columnist who's article always has a Top Quote sidebar, featuring some recent quote by or about sports. Today's quote? Brian Burke's quote "sueing his ass" to some fan impersonating him on the Internet.

Take a bow, Sean. You're even a hit out here. ;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Woo-hoo! The inevitable is finally official as Carolina beats the Pens, 3-2 in OT. Ward was absolutely sick in goal. Without his efforts, we'd have gotten blown out badly,

Bolded

That could have been very similar to what the Pesn did to NJ the other night. That easily could have been a 3-0 lead in the first for Pittsburgh.

Kind of shitty that Carolina, Philly and Pittsburgh, in some order, will be 4-5-6, and two of them will play in the 1st round, knocking out one of the better teams in the East in the 1st round.

[Wolfpack]

This is the Cam Ward we've been expecting to see since he won the Conn Smythe in '06. I don't know what's gotten into him, but it's a remarkable sea change from even earlier this year. His backup, Micheal Leighton, hasn't seen the ice since early in February when they upset San Jose on the road. His play especially lately has been eerily reminiscent of the 2006 playoffs.

The debate ongoing right now is that with the playoff spot bagged whether it would be a good idea to give Cam a break and let Leighton play against the Islanders in the next game. The problem is with Philly and Pittsburgh jostling with them for position, they're kind of stuck in the position of still having to win in order to perhaps capture home ice in the first round, so they may have to go all out against the Islanders anyway. I do worry that having played what has been essentially playoff hockey for probably a month now may cause a bit of fraying at some point. It's always easier to lead from the front than having to exert energy to catch up like they've had to do.

I've been torn for a little while on what position I wanted Carolina to finish should they make the playoffs. I think that if they couldn't finish fourth, it'd be almost better to finish sixth or seventh as I feel Carolina would have a better time, even with lack of home ice, against either New Jersey or Washington than having to battle Philly or Pittsburgh as the five seed. Chances are, though, that #5 is where they'll end up and play Philly in round one. If they survive that, I hope someone else clips NJ or Washington because Carolina has completely sucked against Boston this year (first time I think in the combined history of the Hartford/Carolina franchise that Boston swept the season from them).

[sterlingice]

Chicago makes the playoffs. Woo :D

SI

[Logan]

Great moment before tonight's Rangers-Montreal game. Officer Steven McDonald (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_McDonald) came out to announce the winner of the annual award given in his honor. Before his son announced who it was going to, he took a minute to say, "The rest of the NHL may think our season is over. I say, 'No friggin way!'"

Now on to our biggest game of the season. No excuse to lose this with it being Montreal's 3rd in 4 nights.

[Dr. Sak]

What has happened to the Devils?

[TurnerONU22]

Go Hawks and Yotes!

[Pumpy Tudors]

What has happened to the Devils?
I don't know, but I imagine that Lou will be the head coach by the end of the week. And I'm only mostly kidding.

[samifan24]

Nice of the Islanders to show up tonight. Wow, Carolina is on fire.

[Chief Rum]

Go Hawks and Yotes!

Heh...goes for both of us, although I am still hoping the Ducks can catch you guys. ;)

[Wolfpack]

Nice of the Islanders to show up tonight. Wow, Carolina is on fire.

I had mentioned on the NC State board that tonight's game with the Isles felt a lot different from the 9-3 win over Tampa earlier this season. With that one, Carolina just got an avalanche of goals in the second period to turn a close game into a rout. Even so, Tampa didn't really "quit" if you will. They still managed to bag a couple of goals in the third period to make a 9-1 embarassment a slightly less embarrassing 9-3.

Tonight's game was much more cold-blooded and ruthless. New York seemed to have bailed on the game after the first period, but Carolina didn't let them off the hook. How else to explain a 45-shot disparity in the game (57-12)? Carolina just kept coming and coming until the latter half of the third period when they did seem to finally throttle down. I've never really seen such a one-sided contest as this one was, especially in the second and early third periods.

A few franchise records got tied or broken tonight: shot disparity in a game (+45), Staal's fourth hat trick this year (new season record), Ward's 39th win (new season record), extending the current home win streak to 13, and tying the franchise mark for consecutive wins (9), done twice back in 2005-06.

Even with all this great play, they still can't overtake Philly as the Flyers essentially buried Florida with a 2-1 win tonight. Philly remains ahead on games-in-hand for fourth place. Florida, meanwhile, is now down three points after the Rangers knocked off Montreal tonight and will need a lot of help at this point to get in. Buffalo is essentially now done for as they'd have to win all their remaining games while the Rangers don't get any more points to force a tiebreak in their favor.

With everyone in the top six in the East aside from New Jersey playing great hockey down the stretch, it's going to make for great playoff matchups and some crushing disappointments for teams after a great stretch run to finish the season.

[DeToxRox]

I think the East is very weak this year and as of right now, Carolina is my team to come out of it.

Boston has the potential to be great but I still wonder where their scoring is going to come from when the games tighten up.

Washington has Jose Theodore. Next.

New Jersey is playing terribly, though if they start cranking I suspect they win the East. That said, by no means is that even a given to happen.

Philly is solid, but I cannot see them beating Carolina or Pittsburgh at this point in time.

Pittsburgh is going to be a dick to play, and I think they dispatch of Jersey, assuming that is the 3-6, rather easily considering how each team is playing right now.

Montreal is so banged up along the point, and doesn't have any pure goal scorer worth a lick right now, I think Washington just outscores them and dispatches them easily.

Rangers as an 8 are going to give Boston fits. They have the most talented goaler outside Brody, but Henrik needs to show it. The Rangers can make some things happen with Torts on the bench, but I think Boston over powers them.

Obviously with 2 games left for most teams the bottom 4 can change, but I stand by the fact Carolina is the most complete team in the East as of today and with Cam Ward playing well, and having done it before, they are my current pick to make it out of the East.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, as far as the Wings go, I sure hope Anaheim stays at 7. They're playing well, and have given us fits before, but I'd much rather face them then a Central team to start. The Ducks are still very undisciplined and have had shakier goaltending then Columbus, who I really would rather not face.

I wouldn't be adversed to the Blues, but not really liking a first round encounter with Columbus or Nashville.

[Wolfpack]

I think the East is very weak this year and as of right now, Carolina is my team to come out of it.

While it's nice to have the vote of confidence there, I think you're viewing the East a bit much from that lofty perch you've got in the West. I think the East is much more even than the West from 1-8, which I suppose could be interpreted as being "weak" inasmuch as parity is usually equated to weakness. The West has two super-teams in San Jose and Detroit, but after that, it's hard to say who could be a challenger to either of those teams. Of course, with San Jose's history in the playoffs, that's not actually an impossible task, but I digress. At any rate, to qualify in the East is likely going to take a minimum of probably 93 points (last year it was 94), but the West could potentially see a sub-90 team get in. There may not be a great team in the East compared to the West, but I believe there are more good teams, at least among the playoff contenders.

[DeToxRox]

While it's nice to have the vote of confidence there, I think you're viewing the East a bit much from that lofty perch you've got in the West. I think the East is much more even than the West from 1-8, which I suppose could be interpreted as being "weak" inasmuch as parity is usually equated to weakness. The West has two super-teams in San Jose and Detroit, but after that, it's hard to say who could be a challenger to either of those teams. Of course, with San Jose's history in the playoffs, that's not actually an impossible task, but I digress. At any rate, to qualify in the East is likely going to take a minimum of probably 93 points (last year it was 94), but the West could potentially see a sub-90 team get in. There may not be a great team in the East compared to the West, but I believe there are more good teams, at least among the playoff contenders.

I think the disparity in talent between the East and West is as big as ever. Chicago and Vancouver would probably be top 3 in the East if they played a full East schedule. The East is more wide open because there are not a lot of dominant teams, but the West is wide open because there are a lot of great teams.

I think the Eastern Conference Champion will have an edge in the SCF because it will be a war going through the West.

[USFLTecmo]

I'm hoping for a Flames-Canucks series somewhere in there, even if it takes some odd bounces to happen. They entertain me every time I see the two teams tangle.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola, as far as the Wings go, I sure hope Anaheim stays at 7. They're playing well, and have given us fits before, but I'd much rather face them then a Central team to start. The Ducks are still very undisciplined and have had shakier goaltending then Columbus, who I really would rather not face.

I wouldn't be adversed to the Blues, but not really liking a first round encounter with Columbus or Nashville.

The Ducks make me nervous, but, then again, based on how the Wings have played throughout the year almost any team will make me nervous. I can see them running into a hot goaltender and end up losing games 3-2 or 4-3 while out shooting their opponent 50-20.

The only advantage to playing a Central Division team is less travel and earlier games. Those 10:30 pm starts are killers to and older fella like me. I am just not all that productive anymore if I go to bed after 1 am or so.

[TurnerONU22]

Dear Chicago,

Can we just pass the puck around for 60 minutes? Thanks!

Sincerely,
Columbus

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm hoping for a Flames-Canucks series somewhere in there, even if it takes some odd bounces to happen. They entertain me every time I see the two teams tangle.

I'd like to see that series too.

As for the East, I really want to see some combination of Washington/Philly/Pittsburgh play one another. That'd be some high entertainment value. The Avery factor makes any Rangers series entertaining. New Jersey/New York is always fun. I am pretty ambivalent towards the rest.

Boston/Montreal is a classic, but with how poorly Montreal is playing and with all the injuries, I don't see that series as being all that great.

[Travis]

Oilers officially eliminated.

Do we really have to wait until after the season to fire Lowe and MacT?

Oh wait, just got a text message from Katz...

[Dr. Sak]

I want the Caps and Pens to play in the first round.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I want the Caps and Pens to play in the first round.

I think it's almost impossible since they have the Isles tomorrow night.
They'd have to start Garon for it to be close.

Assuming a win there, they can't finish any lower than 6th I believe.

Just like last season though, they are afraid of getting Philly in round one, and will tank the finale vs Montreal Saturday. :p

[Dr. Sak]

Yeah the Pens won't finish lower than 6th.

[TurnerONU22]

I'm man enough to admit that my eyes watered a little bit last night. Never thought that this day would actually come.

Go Jackets!!

[Dr. Sak]

I saw that Turner and forgot to post it. Congrats on Columbus making the playoffs!

[DeToxRox]

Congrats Turner!

Just don't somehow wind up 7th asshole. Please.

[molson]

The next "Winter Classic" will be held at Fenway Park:

Confirmed: Bruins to play at Fenway on Jan. 1 - The Boston Globe Bruins Blog - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/04/bruins_at_fenwa.html)

These things really don't look like great in-person spectactor events with the seats so far back, but this should look awesome on TV.

[Dr. Sak]

I think it's almost impossible since they have the Isles tomorrow night.
They'd have to start Garon for it to be close.

Assuming a win there, they can't finish any lower than 6th I believe.

Just like last season though, they are afraid of getting Philly in round one, and will tank the finale vs Montreal Saturday. :p

Hah...they are starting Garon tonight!

[Wolfpack]

Well, that was a resounding way to break up the win streak as Buffalo flogged Carolina, 5-1. It was a microcosm of all the bad losses this year: Cam giving up a breakaway goal, sloppy passing, lack of intensity, and occasionally just plain bad luck. It didn't help that Miller was pretty sharp. I'm sure there are a fair number of playoff teams right now that are happy that Buffalo didn't get in.

Carolina got bailed out by the Rangers beating Philly, though, which means home ice is still possible. Philly has to win on points because any tie goes to Carolina by wins. Carolina has 45 wins to Philly's 43 and the only way Philly can match is to win both which makes it moot because Philly would have more points overall. Therefore, if Carolina wins on Saturday at New Jersey and Philly loses one game in regulation of the remaining two, then Carolina would be #4. It's not likely against the Islanders, but could be possible in the finale against the Rangers.

Just checked and Montreal is now in because they got the point they needed against Boston which will shut Florida out since Montreal owns the tiebreaker on head-to-head. So, the Rangers do have something to play for on Sunday in getting a possible #7 and a matchup with Washington as opposed to Boston. They hold the tiebreak over Montreal on total wins.

So, the East as of tonight is something like this:
#1 Boston vs #8 Montreal OR NY Rangers
*The Rangers win any tiebreaker, so the only way the Rangers are eighth is if Montreal gets at least one point in their last game and the Rangers don't.

#2 Washington plays the other of whoever gets Boston above

#3 New Jersey plays #6 Pittsburgh OR Carolina OR Philadelphia
#4 ?? vs #5 ??
*Any tie goes to Carolina on wins, then to Pittsburgh. Carolina has one more than Pittsburgh and two over Philadelphia, so any combination of results where teams end up tied on wins results in Carolina losing on points anyway due to overtime losses for the other teams netting them extra points over Carolina.

Philadelphia finishes at the Islanders and then home to the Rangers, Pittsburgh is at Montreal, and Carolina is at New Jersey.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It sounds like the Wings have signed Franzen to an extension. 11 years... That's a long time. Not sure what the salary cap number is, but I am sure the length of the deal is designed to lower the per year cap hit, just like Zetterberg's.

[DeToxRox]

It sounds like the Wings have signed Franzen to an extension. 11 years... That's a long time. Not sure what the salary cap number is, but I am sure the length of the deal is designed to lower the per year cap hit, just like Zetterberg's.

Good thing he paces himself by only playing 65 games a year.

Love Franzen but the injuries are a huge concern.

[DeToxRox]

Looks like 3.9 per year cap hit

[DeToxRox]

Dola, Kenny Holland is exploting these contracts and I love it. Franzen gets a majority up front with the same cap hit and will be retired in 7 years.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola, Kenny Holland is exploting these contracts and I love it. Franzen gets a majority up front with the same cap hit and will be retired in 7 years.

He is definitely exploiting the contracts.

$4 million a year isn't half bad for a 30 goal scorer.

[Chief Rum]

Last thing I expected to read after seeing "Detroit player" and "11 year deal" was Franzen.

[Chief Rum]

Ducks clinched their spot last night. We apparently have the tiebreaker with the Bluejackets, too, from what I understand, so if we win tonight, and the Bluejackets don't get a point against the Wild, we will move into sixth.

[DeToxRox]

These deals are so against what the Cap is intended for it's hilarious. The rich get richer by spending loads of money up front, so teams like Nashville cannot possibly match. I wonder if this is the last year this kind of thing is allowed.

[DeToxRox]

Ducks clinched their spot last night. We apparently have the tiebreaker with the Bluejackets, too, from what I understand, so if we win tonight, and the Bluejackets don't get a point against the Wild, we will move into sixth.

No offense, but lose. Nothing against Anaheim but I REALLY don't want to see Columbus in the first round.

[Chief Rum]

No offense, but lose. Nothing against Anaheim but I REALLY don't want to see Columbus in the first round.

Yeah, I have seen you tout that line before, which makes me think you haven't see us play in a while. You'll probably get what you want.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah, I have seen you tout that line before, which makes me think you haven't see us play in a while. You'll probably get what you want.

Seen plenty of Anaheim. Problem is they still are undisciplined, and don't have a lot of front line scoring.

Columbus has the hottest goalie in hockey, a fantastic defensive minded coach, their first playoff appereance ever, a top 10 player in Nash and we'll have already played them 6 times.

Anaheim is good, but they have nowhere near the things Columbus has going for them vs Detroit.

[Chief Rum]

Seen plenty of Anaheim. Problem is they still are undisciplined, and don't have a lot of front line scoring.

Columbus has the hottest goalie in hockey, a fantastic defensive minded coach, their first playoff appereance ever, a top 10 player in Nash and we'll have already played them 6 times.

Anaheim is good, but they have nowhere near the things Columbus has going for them vs Detroit.

Not saying playing Columbus will be fun or won't provide the stiffer test. I'm saying that either way you go, you're not going to get a series you'll enjoy. And the Ducks now are a much different team than they were before, when they spent most of the season dealing with injuries and trying to find themselves.

[Chief Rum]

It should tell you something, BTW, that even with all that you have said about Columbus, which is true, that despite all that, the Ducks still have a very real chance to catch them tonight, after being well back just over a month ago.

[DeToxRox]

It should tell you something, BTW, that even with all that you have said about Columbus, which is true, that despite all that, the Ducks still have a very real chance to catch them tonight, after being well back just over a month ago.

Yes but it has nothing to do with comparing the two teams. It's as a Wings fan who I'd rather face. I am sure the 5 other playoff teams would choose Columbus over Anaheim, but for Detroit, I think it's the other way around.

[bhlloy]

I don't agree at all here. Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry has been by far the hottest line in hockey the last 15 games of the season. Infinitely better front line scoring than Nash and whoever else the BlueJackets have on their top line. In fact, Getzlaf has pretty clearly been better than Nash the whole season. The Ducks have also won 12 out of the last 15 games...

In terms of goaltending, Hiller has a better save percentage than Mason (which is the only stat that really matters to me TBH) and I'll take the goalie with more experience every time when playoffs roll around. Even if that's a little unrealistic, Hiller is very, very good.

As for undisciplined, things get called the Ducks way in the playoffs that don't get called their way in the regular season. This is how we won our first cup.

I don't think I can usually be called a homer, but I would be really worried about facing a team this hot and this experienced (did I mention we got Beauchemain back last night). I think we lose in 5 or 6 against San Jose, but the thought of Detroit or Chicago has me really confident (for a lower seed against a higher seed anyway). We'll see how it plays out.

[Chief Rum]

Yes but it has nothing to do with comparing the two teams. It's as a Wings fan who I'd rather face. I am sure the 5 other playoff teams would choose Columbus over Anaheim, but for Detroit, I think it's the other way around.

Interesting. Okay, I could see that, from an intra-divisional perspective.

Just saying either way you go, you're either looking at the intra-divisional rival you fear, or the hottest team in hockey. Not really a winner there for the Wings.

[Blade6119]

Interesting. Okay, I could see that, from an intra-divisional perspective.

Just saying either way you go, you're either looking at the intra-divisional rival you fear, or the hottest team in hockey. Not really a winner there for the Wings.

Technically the Blues were the hottest team over the second half of the season :p

[Chief Rum]

Technically the Blues were the hottest team over the second half of the season :p

Well, if you extend it over the full season, the Sharks were the hottest team. ;)

Blues have been very good as well. The Ducks' overall positive results are more compressed into recent games, although it's long enough now to see it's not just some lucky roll.

[Blade6119]

Im just euphoric that the Blues clinched the playoffs, as this team is really a few years away from reaching its potential. I was upset when they decided not to trade away a few older players at the deadline for prospects in order to make a playoff push, but now that they actually made it I do believe ive changed my mind. Positive signs of development from the new regime.

[Chief Rum]

Im just euphoric that the Blues clinched the playoffs, as this team is really a few years away from reaching its potential. I was upset when they decided not to trade away a few older players at the deadline for prospects in order to make a playoff push, but now that they actually made it I do believe ive changed my mind. Positive signs of development from the new regime.

Yeah, now that the Blues don't have as many people I dislike, and the one guy I massively dislike is hurt (Kariya), you guys get a positive vibe from me. Good story, hope they do well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I don't want the Wings to play Anaheim. I don't really fancy any of their first round match-ups. If I had to choose, I guess I'd prefer the Blues.

Both Columbus and Anaheim make me equally nervous, but at least the Columbus games will start earlier. I hate those 10:00/10:30 PM EST start times. Hate them.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, now that the Blues don't have as many people I dislike, and the one guy I massively dislike is hurt (Kariya), you guys get a positive vibe from me. Good story, hope they do well.

He could be back for the playoff push though. ;)

[Chief Rum]

He could be back for the playoff push though. ;)

Hah, well, then any liking I have of the Blues will instantly disappear, I'm afraid. ;)

If he's back for the first round (and seedings hold), I hope the Shark's "OMG that's such an ugly ass line" Line of Lemieux, Roenick and Shelley pound him hard. :D

[Suburban Rhythm]

How much interest would there be in some sort of playoff pool?

A straight team picks pool would be pretty simple to run.

I'd consider a player pool, but we'd be cutting in short on drafting time.

I'll pull some stuff together, see what kind of interest there is, run it out of Google Docs.

[DeToxRox]

I'm in for either.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, either sounds good to me. I'd love a player pool if we can get one done in time.

[Chief Rum]

I'm in for a team pool. I would have to think about a player one, as I am not sure I have enough time to really research it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm new with Google docs, hopefully these link works

Option 1- team pool.

Pretty simple, rank teams 1-16, 16 being your Cup winner. You receive points per each teams win.

Welcome to Google Docs (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pQrgStuPET7hJ4k9UCRDbXA&hl=en)

Option 2 - player based.

Since I don't think we'd get through a full draft, this is the next best option.

You'd chose 1 player from each grouping. In the case of forward 6 and defense 4, you can write in any player NOT in one of the other groups.

So everyone would field a team of 12, with some overlap in players.

The twist being, as teams are eliminated, you'll lose players. So while Ovechkin, Crosby, or Malkin will no doubt be important, picking the right guy in group 3 could make or break your team. If you take Ovechkin, and the Caps are out in round one, you are hurting.

Welcome to Google Docs (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pQrgStuPET7i4nvMNpBxKNA&hl=en)

[MizzouRah]

Hah, well, then any liking I have of the Blues will instantly disappear, I'm afraid. ;)

If he's back for the first round (and seedings hold), I hope the Shark's "OMG that's such an ugly ass line" Line of Lemieux, Roenick and Shelley pound him hard. :D

My dad does not like Kariya either.. so you're not alone. :lol:

[henry296]

Eastern Conference Matchups set:

Boston - Montreal
Washington - NYR
Devils - Hurricanes
Pens - Flyers

Flyers play Rangers tomorrow for home ice advantage in round 1 while Rangers have nothing to play for.

[Wolfpack]

Eastern Conference Matchups set:

Boston - Montreal
Washington - NYR
Devils - Hurricanes
Pens - Flyers

Flyers play Rangers tomorrow for home ice advantage in round 1 while Rangers have nothing to play for.

I don't know why DeTox said whoever was coming out of the East was going to have an advantage over the West rep. Any of these first round matchups could go seven games. Other than perhaps the Caps/Rangers series, the matchups feature a lot of rivalry/history angles that are going to ratchet up the intensity even more than they normally would, and I'll wager that Sean Avery can cook up something to get that series spiced up as well. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Neat thing, no idea whether other clubs do this or not. Thrashers wrap up the season with a win at home over Tampa and after the game it's the "Jerseys off our back" promotion. Season ticket holders and/or booster club members (I've never been sure which) are drawn and come on the ice for post-game to get the game worn jerseys right from the players. Been there for that a couple of times, I think that I've seen ever other one of them on TV. Just a neat hockey thing to me.

Almost hard not to feel a little better about the team considering how they finished the season, at least competing on most nights even when they didn't win.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't know why DeTox said whoever was coming out of the East was going to have an advantage over the West rep. Any of these first round matchups could go seven games. Other than perhaps the Caps/Rangers series, the matchups feature a lot of rivalry/history angles that are going to ratchet up the intensity even more than they normally would, and I'll wager that Sean Avery can cook up something to get that series spiced up as well. :)

Avery actually lights Ovechkin's stick on fire?

[Sublime 2]

Matt Gilroy watch begins. I'd love for him to sign w/ the B's, but I don't think they'll shell it out for the Hobey Baker winner.

[Wolfpack]

Neat thing, no idea whether other clubs do this or not. Thrashers wrap up the season with a win at home over Tampa and after the game it's the "Jerseys off our back" promotion. Season ticket holders and/or booster club members (I've never been sure which) are drawn and come on the ice for post-game to get the game worn jerseys right from the players. Been there for that a couple of times, I think that I've seen ever other one of them on TV. Just a neat hockey thing to me.

Almost hard not to feel a little better about the team considering how they finished the season, at least competing on most nights even when they didn't win.

Carolina does a similar thing as well. Just sucks the last couple of times they did this it was after a loss. At least this year they didn't have to do it wistfully considering they made the playoffs anyway. Last year, they lost to Florida in the final game and it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Florida was going to lose to Washington the next day to knock Carolina out of the playoffs. As a result, there was a certain grimness to the ceremony, kind of like waiting and hoping for a miraculous recovery of a terminally ill loved one, but there really wasn't any hope.

I can't tell you how much less I minded losing the last two games this year than last year, though. Even if the Canes don't go far in the playoffs, I'm still looking forward to it. The only thing that sucks somewhat is that I don't have a TV in my computer room anymore so it's harder to get to watch those 3 OT games that go until 1 in the morning. :D

[bhlloy]

Ugh - Ducks absolutely crap away the 6th seed by losing to the Coyotes in a shootout. Hiller's turn to be very shaky, Giguere looked good in the third before looking like crap and getting scored on 3 times in the SO.

Pretty controversial winning goal in the shootout that should at least been reviewed, and the refs had been on vacation in general the whole game. But can't complain too much - this should have been an easy win for the Ducks.

Only other thing of note is that the Coyotes take themselves out of the lottery with the win. If I'm Gretzky, I'm probably telling my players not to try too hard to score in the SO for that reason. Kudos for them for still trying and having some integrity.

[Chief Rum]

Eastern Conference Matchups set:

Boston - Montreal
Washington - NYR
Devils - Hurricanes
Pens - Flyers

Flyers play Rangers tomorrow for home ice advantage in round 1 while Rangers have nothing to play for.

These are all fun matchups to watch. Okay, except for Devils-Canes. Sorry Wolfpack, that matchup doesn't excite me at all.

The others, though, I would make time for.

And, yes, I would even match NJ-CAR if no other games were on. ;)

[Chief Rum]

Ugh - Ducks absolutely crap away the 6th seed by losing to the Coyotes in a shootout. Hiller's turn to be very shaky, Giguere looked good in the third before looking like crap and getting scored on 3 times in the SO.

Pretty controversial winning goal in the shootout that should at least been reviewed, and the refs had been on vacation in general the whole game. But can't complain too much - this should have been an easy win for the Ducks.

Only other thing of note is that the Coyotes take themselves out of the lottery with the win. If I'm Gretzky, I'm probably telling my players not to try too hard to score in the SO for that reason. Kudos for them for still trying and having some integrity.

Yeah, it was a frustrating game, and I'll admit, the bridge from Vancouver to Detroit is a large one, so it was a big point we lost there. All that said, we were eventually going to have to face Detroit or San Jose. Might as well get it over with now, while the team is playing well, and before Hossa's fully healthy (in Detroit's case).

[MizzouRah]

Wow, the Blues were like 15th back in February and finish 6th!!!

Should be interesting vs Vancouver!

[TurnerONU22]

Sounds like all the Wings fans got their wish :)

To be honest, I don't think that Detroit has much to worry about. The Jackets played their last 2 games like they were just happy to be in the playoffs, although they missed Huselius in both games, which really makes the Nash line click.

We're just playing sloppy with the puck, which is something that Detroit will take advantage of. Also, Mason is not on the top of his game right now, as he just looks a little worn out (which is understandable).

Although, I could be wrong, but my prediction is Wings in 5, with the Jackets getting a win in their barn.

I do agree with HB on one thing, I'm glad for the early starts, especially if the Jackets get to experience some of that magical OT playoff hockey.

[DeToxRox]

Sounds like all the Wings fans got their wish :)

To be honest, I don't think that Detroit has much to worry about. The Jackets played their last 2 games like they were just happy to be in the playoffs, although they missed Huselius in both games, which really makes the Nash line click.

We're just playing sloppy with the puck, which is something that Detroit will take advantage of. Also, Mason is not on the top of his game right now, as he just looks a little worn out (which is understandable).

Although, I could be wrong, but my prediction is Wings in 5, with the Jackets getting a win in their barn.

I do agree with HB on one thing, I'm glad for the early starts, especially if the Jackets get to experience some of that magical OT playoff hockey.

Honestly my biggest worry is a bunch of kids throwing caution to the wind. You can play a series with reckless abandon, but you can't win a Cup that way. You can however win a series that way and I think Columbus has a shot at that.

Plus, Rick Nash is apparently 7 men vs us because he has just flat out mauled Detroit.

I think Detroit wins a very tough 6 or 7 game series. Lots of physicality out of both teams, but whoever wins will be beat up heading into the second round.

[Wolfpack]

These are all fun matchups to watch. Okay, except for Devils-Canes. Sorry Wolfpack, that matchup doesn't excite me at all.

The others, though, I would make time for.

And, yes, I would even match NJ-CAR if no other games were on. ;)

I take no offense, really. Only fans of these two franchises really would dig the series beyond passing curiousity. However, within the series itself, there's been a lot of history over the last decade. This is the fourth time they've met in the playoffs since 2001 and the third time it's been in the first round (coincidentally, the same four years Carolina made the playoffs this decade). Carolina fans tend to point to the 2001 series where NJ was a #1 and Carolina a #8, yet Carolina pushed the Devils to six games as a turning point in the growth of the franchise in the Triangle. Carolina then beat them the next year on the way to the Finals and did it again when winning the Cup in 2006, so regardless of how NJ and their fans feel about the history, Carolina fans definitely have a lot vested in it. As the saying goes around here, "It wouldn't be the playoffs if we didn't play the Devils."

[TurnerONU22]

Honestly my biggest worry is a bunch of kids throwing caution to the wind. You can play a series with reckless abandon, but you can't win a Cup that way. You can however win a series that way and I think Columbus has a shot at that.

Plus, Rick Nash is apparently 7 men vs us because he has just flat out mauled Detroit.

I think Detroit wins a very tough 6 or 7 game series. Lots of physicality out of both teams, but whoever wins will be beat up heading into the second round.

Yeah, and the positive outlook is that this could be Hitch's opportunity to give the team a wake up call before the playoffs start.

While this sounds cliche, the goaltending matchup is probably the most intriguing part to the series. Osgood hasn't been great this season, but it seem as if Babcock is going with him. Mason has been great, but has seemed a little more human/tired in the past month or two.

I'm also anxious to see how some of these guys respond. I'd love to see Peca and Torres capture some of that Edmonton magic (although I'm sure the Wings fans wouldn't), and I'm interested in how Nash handles the playoffs.

Overall, I'm excited and have my tickets in hand for the first playoff game in the 'Nat. I'm anxious to see how many Wings fans end up in Columbus, because the tickets were sold out before the fans knew the opponent.

[DeToxRox]

As far as predictions.. I'll go like this

Eastern Conference

Boston over Montral in 7

I think this will be an epic series. Montreal has the talent but really hasn't put it together since the halfway point in the season. Boston is going to get all Montreal has, but Boston still has the deeper talent. A Montreal win here wouldn't shock me but I stll doubt it happens.

Rangers over Washington in 6.

Washington has Ovechkin, but on the flipside they also have Theodore. Something like 10 of the last 14 years a 2 has beaten a 7, and I think the trend continues this year. The Rangers have the goaltending edge, and can score those dirty goals when they need them. I really expect Avery to be a big difference in this series by getting under the Caps players skins, and drawing a few penalties. Ovechkin must be lights out because Theodore won't be and in the end that's the difference.

Carolina over New Jersey in 6.

Carolina is the hottest team in the East, and Jersey is one of the coldest. Carolina is a far more complete team who's core has done it before, and while Brodeur has got some rings, I just don't think Jersey can match firepower with the Canes.

Pittsburgh over Philly in 6.

Pittsburgh is scary right now. The rivalry will be renewed again and I bet this is the most fun first round series to watch. I expect some fights and a lot of close games, but again, I just cannot see Philly containing Pittsburghs firepower in a 7 game series.

Western Conference

San Jose over Anaheim in 7.

Anaheim is playing great, and has guys who've been here. I am a firm believer that these games between two teams in the same division are harder to have end in blowout series. The familiary is off the charts, and Anaheim has the D capable of shutting down San Jose. I just think San Jose takes advantage with their Special Teams and wins a very close series, one I think ranks second behind PHI/PIT as must watch.

Detroit over Columbus in 6.

My feelings are well known here. Detroit is playing a young team with a Superstar and a great coach and they have nothing to lose. Detroit will probably fall game 1, but storm back, only to drop game 4. It'll be dangerous if it is 2-2 going into game 5, but that's where the experience will win out for the Wings.

Vancouver over St. Louis in 5.

I just don't see STL cracking Lulongo. This is the series I would think is probably least watchable but it could be fun. STL shouldn't be here and I think they know they need to go out both guns blazing. If STL takes game 1, then I think this will be fun, but for them Game 1 is crucial because if Lulongo gets hot it'll become awfully demoralizing.

Chicago over Calgary in 6.

Chicago is young but playing well. Calagay has experience but is playing pretty bad. Kipper can win a series by himself, but unless that D turns it on from the get go, the young legs of Chicago should be too much for Calgary to handle. It'll be interesting to see how Kane and Toews respond to what will be a very physical series. I think they'll be just fine, but it'll be key for the Hawks that they continue playing beyond their years.

[Pyser]

i hate carolina and they worry me. but id still rather draw them than pitt or the rangers, so, here we go

[Honolulu_Blue]

Sounds like all the Wings fans got their wish :)

To be honest, I don't think that Detroit has much to worry about. The Jackets played their last 2 games like they were just happy to be in the playoffs, although they missed Huselius in both games, which really makes the Nash line click.

We're just playing sloppy with the puck, which is something that Detroit will take advantage of. Also, Mason is not on the top of his game right now, as he just looks a little worn out (which is understandable).

Although, I could be wrong, but my prediction is Wings in 5, with the Jackets getting a win in their barn.

I do agree with HB on one thing, I'm glad for the early starts, especially if the Jackets get to experience some of that magical OT playoff hockey.

Columbus makes me nervous. Nash has owned the Wings, they have some big forwards like Umberger and Torres who the Wings will have problems with around the net, and then there's Mason.

The Wings have backed into the playoffs. They lost two games in which they went into third period with a lead and then got shutout. They are the third worst defensive team (in terms of goals against) going into the playoffs and the worst in the Western Conference. Granted they have the best offense (in terms of goals for), but the Wings' history is littered with abysmal playoff failures of teams just like this.

Despite the time zone preference, I think another reason why this match-up is good is because nothing builds up a rivalry like a playoff series. Nothing. I always felt like the NHL had the right idea with their post-lockout schedule in which they tried to emphasize divisional match-ups (thought perhaps a bit too much). The problem was execution. If they really wanted divisional rivalries to get heated, they would have gone back to the old playoff format with intra-divisional series for the first two rounds. There are obvious flaws with that system, but it was what made the divisional rivalries so fierce. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a Wings/Jackets rivalry of some sort.

[Draft Dodger]

strange (to me) that the two worst PP teams - Columbus and Rangers - are in the playoffs.

[MizzouRah]

No way DTR... the Blues are hot and will beat Vancouver. Maybe I'm dreaming, but I think they are hot at the right time.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pittsburgh over Philly in 6.

Pittsburgh is scary right now. The rivalry will be renewed again and I bet this is the most fun first round series to watch. I expect some fights and a lot of close games, but again, I just cannot see Philly containing Pittsburghs firepower in a 7 game series.



I actually expect to see very few fights. Dr Sak can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Cote is done for the year. Which, IMO, makes it less likely Godard dresses for Pittsburgh.

You may see a fight, but it will be something like Asham - Guerin or Lupul - Kennedy, not a main event. I'd like to see Hartnell - Cooke go, if only because Hartnell is this year's Ryan Malone, and getting him off the ice as much as possible helps Pittsburgh.

[Wolfpack]

If they really wanted divisional rivalries to get heated, they would have gone back to the old playoff format with intra-divisional series for the first two rounds. There are obvious flaws with that system, but it was what made the divisional rivalries so fierce. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a Wings/Jackets rivalry of some sort.

I've actually spent time pondering what that would be like under the current division arrangement. Obviously, this means you'd end up with a "wild card" pairing to go with the division matchups, but given that such teams would almost certainly be seeded between 5 and 8 overall, they'd be pretty competitive (if not as good stylistically) and would create a chance for a Cinderella story in both conferences in the second round. If it were done for this year the pairings would be:

East
Northeast: (1) Boston vs (8) Montreal
Southeast: (2) Washington vs (6) Carolina
Atlantic: (3) New Jersey vs (4) Pittsburgh
Wild card: (5) Philadelphia vs (7) NY Rangers

West
Pacific: (1) San Jose vs (8) Anaheim
Central: (2) Detroit vs (4) Chicago
Northwest: (3) Vancouver vs (5) Calgary
Wild card: (6) St. Louis vs (7) Columbus

I remember going back and doing this over the years since the current division format was adopted and it was interesting to see that just about every year earlier this decade you'd have had Philadelphia and New Jersey going at it and Detroit and St. Louis going at it. There were some other repeat matchups over time, but those two stuck out to me as the most frequent pairings.

[Logan]

strange (to me) that the two worst PP teams - Columbus and Rangers - are in the playoffs.

If the Rangers were anything but #1 in the PK, we wouldn't be in the playoffs.

Very strange to see them at the top of PK and the bottom of PP. Extremely unlike what we have seen from the team since I've been following them at least.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I was hoping that the Devils would somehow end up playing Montreal or Philadelphia in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Philadelphia hung on to that #4 spot, and Montreal never got totally out of the tank. I haven't followed Carolina very closely this year, but I know that the Hurricanes are capable of beating the Devils.

Hey, I'm glad that Parise had a monster season and Brodeur is back, but it's the other guys on that team who worry me. The team really doesn't have much past its top two lines, but I think the offense can hold it together. That's not my biggest concern. This isn't easy for a Devils fan to say, but I have no faith in the New Jersey defense right now. They don't have a defenseman that really scares anybody, they don't have a real offensive threat on the blue line, and it's hard to trust no-names like Andy Greene and Mike Mottau in high-pressure situations.

I'll be watching the series because I'm a Devils fan, but I'm not terribly excited about it.

[molson]

I've actually spent time pondering what that would be like under the current division arrangement. Obviously, this means you'd end up with a "wild card" pairing to go with the division matchups, but given that such teams would almost certainly be seeded between 5 and 8 overall, they'd be pretty competitive (if not as good stylistically) and would create a chance for a Cinderella story in both conferences in the second round. If it were done for this year the pairings would be:

East
Northeast: (1) Boston vs (8) Montreal
Southeast: (2) Washington vs (6) Carolina
Atlantic: (3) New Jersey vs (4) Pittsburgh
Wild card: (5) Philadelphia vs (7) NY Rangers

West
Pacific: (1) San Jose vs (8) Anaheim
Central: (2) Detroit vs (4) Chicago
Northwest: (3) Vancouver vs (5) Calgary
Wild card: (6) St. Louis vs (7) Columbus

I remember going back and doing this over the years since the current division format was adopted and it was interesting to see that just about every year earlier this decade you'd have had Philadelphia and New Jersey going at it and Detroit and St. Louis going at it. There were some other repeat matchups over time, but those two stuck out to me as the most frequent pairings.

I'd love to just see 2 divisions in both conferences. I don't know why we're so adverse to larger divisions in American professional sports. I've never been able to follow the NHL/NBA quite the same after they expanded to 6 divisions, it's just so messy.

I miss the old divisional playoffs in the NHL - and that was when there were only 21 teams and the regular season was far more meaningless than it is now. These days, it would be so much better: two divisions of 7 and two divisions of 8, the top four in each division would be seeded 1-4 for the first two rounds. Divisional rivalries would really develop (I'll never forget when the Bruins FINALLY got past the Canadians in 1988, after losing about 20 consecutive playoff series against them - the last four in consecutive years under the divisional playoff format). In all, Boston/Montreal played each other 9 consecutive years in the playoffs - you could never get close to that today.

[Dr. Sak]

Suburban is right. Cote is done for the season (thankfully). That makes Stevens not be able to dress him.

I agree with Detox that it will be Pittsburgh in 6 but I don't agree with his assessment. The Flyers have 6 25 goal scorers (which does not include Briere) and IMO actually have more firepower than the Pens. Yes the Pens have the two better upfront men, but the Flyers depth at forward is 3 lines deep.

The Flyers are so inconsistent and rarely play 60 minutes strong. That is why they will lose. They are a much better team than last year but do not play with the intensity that last year's team did. The Pens are good, but beatable. But their pressing system will cause the Flyers to turn the puck over which will lead to chances.

[bronconick]

I'd love to just see 2 divisions in both conferences. I don't know why we're so adverse to larger divisions in American professional sports. I've never been able to follow the NHL/NBA quite the same after they expanded to 6 divisions, it's just so messy.

I miss the old divisional playoffs in the NHL - and that was when there were only 21 teams and the regular season was far more meaningless than it is now. These days, it would be so much better: two divisions of 7 and two divisions of 8, the top four in each division would be seeded 1-4 for the first two rounds. Divisional rivalries would really develop (I'll never forget when the Bruins FINALLY got past the Canadians in 1988, after losing about 20 consecutive playoff series against them - the last four in consecutive years under the divisional playoff format). In all, Boston/Montreal played each other 9 consecutive years in the playoffs - you could never get close to that today.


I'd love to see the two division and divisional playoff format again. Since I only really know the West, I'd probably move Dallas and Minnesota into the "Central" and move Colorado and the three western Canadian teams with Phoenix and the three California teams.

This year you'd get the same teams in, but flip the 3/6 and 4/5 matchups.

(1) Detroit vs. (4) Columbus
(2) Chicago vs. (3) St. Louis

(1) San Jose vs. (4) Anaheim
(2) Vancouver vs. (3) Calgary.

That's pretty much awesome.

[Draft Dodger]

Francois Giguere is out as Avalanche GM.

not shocking, except that I figured Granato would go first.

[watravaler]

I'd love to see the two division and divisional playoff format again. Since I only really know the West, I'd probably move Dallas and Minnesota into the "Central" and move Colorado and the three western Canadian teams with Phoenix and the three California teams.

This year you'd get the same teams in, but flip the 3/6 and 4/5 matchups.

(1) Detroit vs. (4) Columbus
(2) Chicago vs. (3) St. Louis

(1) San Jose vs. (4) Anaheim
(2) Vancouver vs. (3) Calgary.

That's pretty much awesome.

It is/was awesome, and it needs to come back. Screw 6 divisions and the current playoff/league format and point set-up. I'll still watch, but expansion has not been good for the game, imo, but the powers that be can fix the screw-ups of the late 90's/early 00's by going back to the old 4 division set up. It will make everything OK in my book...forgive and forget.

But the way it's set-up now? Minny and Detroit/Chicago not in the same division? DUMB

[Honolulu_Blue]

It is/was awesome, and it needs to come back. Screw 6 divisions and the current playoff/league format and point set-up. I'll still watch, but expansion has not been good for the game, imo, but the powers that be can fix the screw-ups of the late 90's/early 00's by going back to the old 4 division set up. It will make everything OK in my book...forgive and forget.

But the way it's set-up now? Minny and Detroit/Chicago not in the same division? DUMB

The biggest (and perhaps only) drawback to this system is that you're very likely to have teams that should be in the playoffs excluded and weaker teams included. I'd still be in favor of it.

[MikeVic]

I was hoping that the Devils would somehow end up playing Montreal or Philadelphia in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Philadelphia hung on to that #4 spot, and Montreal never got totally out of the tank. I haven't followed Carolina very closely this year, but I know that the Hurricanes are capable of beating the Devils.

Hey, I'm glad that Parise had a monster season and Brodeur is back, but it's the other guys on that team who worry me. The team really doesn't have much past its top two lines, but I think the offense can hold it together. That's not my biggest concern. This isn't easy for a Devils fan to say, but I have no faith in the New Jersey defense right now. They don't have a defenseman that really scares anybody, they don't have a real offensive threat on the blue line, and it's hard to trust no-names like Andy Greene and Mike Mottau in high-pressure situations.

I'll be watching the series because I'm a Devils fan, but I'm not terribly excited about it.

The Devils still have Colin White. I think I read some posts here before where you said he was basically your new Scott Stevens? Or am I mistaken there?

[molson]

The biggest (and perhaps only) drawback to this system is that you're very likely to have teams that should be in the playoffs excluded and weaker teams included. I'd still be in favor of it.

That would be a factor, but I don't think it would be a severe one - maybe the occasional #5 team better than the #3 in a another division. If you have an unbalanced schedule and focus on divisional games, such comparisons between divisions would be flawed anyway. And actually, the smaller the divisions, the greater the chance for such statistical anomalies (see the NFL). In the current NHL system it's pretty easy to have a division winner that's only the 6th or 7th best team in the conference.

It's funny, sometimes we (or really, the leagues) want a huge amount of small divisions, and sometimes we sound like we only want one big division. Some people complained about the Patriots, for example, not making the NFL playoffs over teams with worse records. The solution to that (if it's a problem) would be to have 1 division w/32 teams, and the top 12 making the playoffs.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Devils still have Colin White. I think I read some posts here before where you said he was basically your new Scott Stevens? Or am I mistaken there?
That's your ass.

[Logan]

Obligatory crosspost.

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=1992015&postcount=29)

[Chief Rum]

I'm new with Google docs, hopefully these link works

Option 1- team pool.

Pretty simple, rank teams 1-16, 16 being your Cup winner. You receive points per each teams win.

Welcome to Google Docs (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pQrgStuPET7hJ4k9UCRDbXA&hl=en)

Option 2 - player based.

Since I don't think we'd get through a full draft, this is the next best option.

You'd chose 1 player from each grouping. In the case of forward 6 and defense 4, you can write in any player NOT in one of the other groups.

So everyone would field a team of 12, with some overlap in players.

The twist being, as teams are eliminated, you'll lose players. So while Ovechkin, Crosby, or Malkin will no doubt be important, picking the right guy in group 3 could make or break your team. If you take Ovechkin, and the Caps are out in round one, you are hurting.

Welcome to Google Docs (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pQrgStuPET7i4nvMNpBxKNA&hl=en)

Hmm...tried to do this, but I can't seem to get access to the spreadsheets.

The team one seems pretty straightforward, so I will put it here. I would like to do the player one, but without the spreadsheet access, I can't see what the groupings looks like.

Team (16 to 1)

16 Wings
15 Sharks
14 Devils
13 Pens
12 Caps
11 Bruins
10 Hawks
9 Flyers
8 Ducks
7 Nucks
6 Flames
5 Blues
4 Bluejackets
3 Canes
2 Rangers
1 Les Habitents

[Travis]

Sportsnet is reporting that MacT has stepped down as coach of the Oilers. Tambellini has a press conference scheduled to start pretty soon so it should be confirmed (if true) in pretty short order.

If so, the question begging to be asked is whether or not the next coach is another member of the club (Buchberger/Huddy/etc) or if Tambellini is free to bring in somebody from the outside.

Please please please let it be the latter.

[Travis]

Confirmed by Tambellini, Craig MacTavish is now officially an ex Oilers head coach.

Hallelujah.

Now please don't name Buchberger the replacement.

[bbor]

New coach of the Oilers is Petr Klima!

:D

[Honolulu_Blue]

New coach of the Oilers is Petr Klima!

:D

That would be awesome.

DeTox's girlfriend's little brother plays on a team coached by Klima. Maybe Tambellini should talk to DeTox's girlfriend's little brother to see how he is.

Besides, who wouldn't want this guy as their headcoach?

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cs-edmontonjournal/CommunityServer.Components.PostAttachments/00/00/18/83/99/Petr+Klima.JPG?AWSAccessKeyId=0TTXDM86AJ1CB68A7P02&Expires=1239835427&Signature=rGtMmEFIoK0187PWKAZ7ySZ1dug%3d

[Travis]

Count me in for that. Seriously, I'd take him over Buchberger.

Sigh.

[DeToxRox]

That would be awesome.

DeTox's girlfriend's little brother plays on a team coached by Klima. Maybe Tambellini should talk to DeTox's girlfriend's little brother to see how he is.

Besides, who wouldn't want this guy as their headcoach?

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cs-edmontonjournal/CommunityServer.Components.PostAttachments/00/00/18/83/99/Petr+Klima.JPG?AWSAccessKeyId=0TTXDM86AJ1CB68A7P02&Expires=1239835427&Signature=rGtMmEFIoK0187PWKAZ7ySZ1dug%3d

He does yell in Czech a lot when he is mad at ref's.

I liken him to the Hawks coach in the Mighty Ducks. I am almost positive I've seen him pop his collar on his jacket a few times as well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am almost positive I've seen him pop his collar on his jacket a few times as well.

If you had hair like that, wouldn't you?

[DeToxRox]

If you had hair like that, wouldn't you?

If I had hair like that I wouldn't be on FOFC so much, I'd be on random women so much.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If I had hair like that I wouldn't be on FOFC so much, I'd be on random women so much.

That's true. That's a good point. You'd be missed.

[MizzouRah]

It's hockey time.

[MizzouRah]

Good game so far, I hate seeing Demitra in a Vancouver jersey though. :(

[DeToxRox]

Good game so far, I hate seeing Demitra in a Vancouver jersey though. :(

Ahem .. Playoff thread, Todd. We don't want those non playoff fans having any of this fun.

[MizzouRah]

Ahem .. Playoff thread, Todd. We don't want those non playoff fans having any of this fun.

:mad: Once we get done with Vancouver, we will be coming for yo ass!