The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

Rather than posting this in the Offseason thread, and since the Pens open camp tomorrow, play a preason game on Saturday, and open the regular season just into October...it was time for the OFFICIAL season thread.

One item of note in Pittsburgh:


Therrien declined to say whether he will shift Jordan Staal, a center by trade, onto Evgeni Malkin's left wing, filling the void created by the departure of Ryan Malone, but the consensus of others inside the organization is that using Staal there is Plan A.


I agree with the move. A top six:

Fedetenko - Crosby - Satan
Staal - Malkin - Sykora

Looks alot better than

Dupuis - Crosby - Satan
Fedetenko - Malkin - Sykora

I actually would even prefer Staal play alongside Crosby, and Fedetenko taking Malones position.
And it is reasonable with Max Talbot able to play 3rd line minute, rather than Staal at 3rd line C.

[watravaler]

The Blackhawks make the playoffs! Mark it down!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Ducks have placed D Mathieu Schneider on waivers.

He's got 1 year left at $5.75 and was pretty productive last year. Do LA and Atlanta still need to reach the cap floor?

[Neuqua]

For the first time ever, I read an NHL Season preview magazine. Am going to try to make it out for my first ever hockey experience this year as well.

[Pyser]

this thread = too soon


:)

[Chief Rum]

Ducks have placed D Mathieu Schneider on waivers.

He's got 1 year left at $5.75 and was pretty productive last year. Do LA and Atlanta still need to reach the cap floor?

Shit. I hate waivers. You can't tell me you can't move him for a pick at least. Jeez, Burke, first Bryzgalov, now Schneider? Yes, we do need Teemu on this team, but that doesn't mean just give good players away.

[Chief Rum]

For the first time ever, I read an NHL Season preview magazine. Am going to try to make it out for my first ever hockey experience this year as well.

Good timing. Old man Wirtz is dead, and the Hawks look pretty good.

[Chief Rum]

this thread = too soon


:)

IT'S NEVER TOO SOON!!! :D

[DeToxRox]

Shit. I hate waivers. You can't tell me you can't move him for a pick at least. Jeez, Burke, first Bryzgalov, now Schneider? Yes, we do need Teemu on this team, but that doesn't mean just give good players away.

The Bryzgalov one I totally agree, but no way someone deals for Scheneider knowing the cap hell Anaheim is in. Burke did this to himself.

[Chief Rum]

The Bryzgalov one I totally agree, but no way someone deals for Scheneider knowing the cap hell Anaheim is in. Burke did this to himself.

Not sure I agree, although I understand. Who needs a pricey, one-year defenseman? Not the dregs of the league, but the contenders. Who gets first shot in waivers? The dregs.

Now instead of tossing a pick or okay prospect to Anaheim for Schneider, said contenders will have to pay an arm and a leg to some non-contender with no reason to move Schneider.

[Pyser]

the kings would be smart to pick him up

[Chief Rum]

the kings would be smart to pick him up

That's what I have been saying. Schneider still has a place in Manhattan Beach, in fact.

But my brother (the diehard Kings fan) insists they don't need him to get to the floor because of a couple contracts they can still sign (O'Sullivan and one other). I think losing Blake means they could use Schneids as a guy to help tutor the kids while keeping them respectable, then deal him at the deadline. Can't lose there. It was even worth a pick to the Kings or an okay prospect (stupid Burke... :rant: )

[Chubby]

Rather than posting this in the Offseason thread, and since the Pens open camp tomorrow, play a preason game on Saturday, and open the regular season just into October...it was time for the OFFICIAL season thread.

One item of note in Pittsburgh:



I agree with the move. A top six:

Fedetenko - Crosby - Satan
Staal - Malkin - Sykora

Looks alot better than

Dupuis - Crosby - Satan
Fedetenko - Malkin - Sykora

I actually would even prefer Staal play alongside Crosby, and Fedetenko taking Malones position.
And it is reasonable with Max Talbot able to play 3rd line minute, rather than Staal at 3rd line C.

Satan on 1st line = fail

[Suburban Rhythm]

Satan on 1st line = fail

OK...We'll call the Malkin line the 1st line, Crosby's the 2nd. ;)

But honestly, I'll go out on a limb and say he'll be slightly more productive with Crosby than he was with Comrie/Weight/Sillinger/whoever the hell else centered his line on the island.

[Maple Leafs]

Anyone know of any good, free hockey pool cheatsheets?

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings' start their traning camp up in Traverse City later this week. Based on the most recent interview with Babcock, here's what the Wings' potential line-up could look like when the season starts:

Forwards:

Hossa-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Hulder-Zettberg-Franzen
Cleary-Filppula-Samuelsson
Draper-Maltby-Helm/McCarty/Leino/Kopecky/Downey

Who knows how long he will be able to keep Datsyuk and Zetterberg apart. They keep wanting to do that, but they always seem to end up playing together. Assuming Franzen picks up where he left off at the end of last season, or even at about 75% of where he left off, they will have at least two very dangerous lines and very good depth. I always envisioned the top two lines as follows:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Franzen-Filppula-Hossa

I guess we'll see how it all shakes out.

As for the "bubble" players, things will shake out during camp and on the pre-season. Despite how great Helm played as a rookie in the playoffs (he really added quite a spark with his speed), I think he'll be sent to Grand Rapids simply because he can. Leino, the top (or second) leading scorer in the Finish league last year, will be interesting. I doubt he makes the Wings' roster out of the gate, but if he can show he's got the skills to play in North America he could be quickly recalled. The Wings signed both Downey and McCarty to two-way deals. I like both players, but there really is only room (and need) for one of these guys on the roster. I think Kopecky, assuming he is and can remain healthy, will make the team.

Defense:

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Stuart-Kronwall
Lebda/Chelios/Quincey/Meech/Lilja/Ericsson

The top 4 are set.

The Wings have a bit of log jam after that, except for Lebda, who I also think is a given to make the team.

Both Quincey and Meech have run out of AHL options. They'd need to clear waivers if they get sent down, so I'd look for one of the two to get moved before the season starts. It's also possible that this could happen with Lilja as well.

I think Chelios will be on the team, but only see spot duty.

I think Ericsson has the most potential out of the bunch, but because he has at least another year left in the minors, he may get squeezed out and spend another year in Grand Rapids.

Goalies:

Osgood
Conklin/Howard

I think Conklin will beat out Howard for the back-up spot. Conklin is a great back-up and has proven he can handle the load in case of injury. Question marks always hang over the Red Wings' netminding situation, but I don't know what else Osgood has to prove. He's won two Cups and has been very solid in net the last couple of years, particularly during last year's playoffs. Still, if anything can derail the Wings it would be either injuries or spotty goaltending.

[Honolulu_Blue]

this thread = too soon


:)

IT'S NEVER TOO SOON!!! :D

Agreed. Besides, have you seen how awful Michigan football and the Detroit Lions have been this year? Hockey needs to get here and get here fast.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think Ericsson has the most potential out of the bunch, but because he has at least another year left in the minors, he may get squeezed out and spend another year in Grand Rapids.



I could be wrong, but I thought Ericcson has some designation, some type of restricted free agent, that he must remain on the Wings roster this season?

Edit-- I think I am wrong. I think he had to be offered a one-way deal, but can still can be sent to GR. He'll just earn the same salary.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I could be wrong, but I thought Ericcson has some designation, some type of restricted free agent, that he must remain on the Wings roster this season?

Edit-- I think I am wrong. I think he had to be offered a one-way deal, but can still can be sent to GR. He'll just earn the same salary.

Yes, the "Edit" is correct.

[DeToxRox]

The problem with Leino is he has an out in his contract where basically he has to agree to be sent down and if he is (he says he is with this mind you) he can opt out at years end assuming he doesn't see a future.

Chances are it doesn't matter anyway as he is fighting for the 13th spot and said he'll go to GR to work to start the year.

Anyway, Kopecky will probably be the 13th forward assuming his knee is alright, and from there it'll be a numbers game.

On D, I still think they're looking to deal Lilja for something to clear one mil off the books, and as you said, one of Quincy/Meech will be gone.

I think the 6th D will be Chelios for about 50 games and Ericcson for 30, though Ericcson and not Chelly will be the ones to fill in for injuries (cough Kronwall) if they know the guy will be out a while.

Chelly will do enough to get his name on the Cup assuming we win, and then I truly believe ride off into the sunset.

As far as in net, I hope it's Ozzy and Conklin, and then let Howard and Larsson start competing in Grand Rapids.

Hell Grand Rapids will be awesome this year to watch because of all the youth there: Abdelkader, Helm, Kindl, Howard, Larsson, etc.

[Wolfpack]

Well, it's not taking long at all for the injury bug to tear up Carolina again. Fresh off the news that Brind'Amour had some knee work done a few days ago to clean up his knee (ligaments OK, cartiledge not) that will leave him out until the start of the season, Justin Williams is essentially done for most of this year after rupturing an Achilles in a training session today.

Jeff O'Neill, come on down!

Man, that Erik Cole trade looks really smart right about now.... :(

[Suburban Rhythm]

Well, it's not taking long at all for the injury bug to tear up Carolina again. Fresh off the news that Brind'Amour had some knee work done a few days ago to clean up his knee (ligaments OK, cartiledge not) that will leave him out until the start of the season, Justin Williams is essentially done for most of this year after rupturing an Achilles in a training session today.

Jeff O'Neill, come on down!

Man, that Erik Cole trade looks really smart right about now.... :(

I hear the Lightning may have some spare forwards.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

The good Dr must be sleeping on this one, but Flyers named Mike Richards as captain, replacing Jason Smith.

As a Penguins fan, I have to say that Richards is much too young to be a captain.

:p

[DeToxRox]

Dola

The good Dr must be sleeping on this one, but Flyers named Mike Richards as captain, replacing Jason Smith.

As a Penguins fan, I have to say that Richards is much too young to be a captain.

:p

And as a Penguins fan, you must also have to say that Richards grows far too little facial hair to be a captain.

[RendeR]

Umm, Go umm...sabres?


I'm still recovering from the hangover that was 07-08.......Maybe we'll get better this year. We couldn't get much worse., well, we could....but then what would Toronto do? Play Lacrosse?

[Suburban Rhythm]

And as a Penguins fan, you must also have to say that Richards grows far too little facial hair to be a captain.

And he doesn't dive really well.

[Dr. Sak]

I can now get my Richards jersey with the C on it.

[johnnyshaka]

Man, that Erik Cole trade looks really smart right about now.... :(

Don't worry, I'm sure Cole won't be too far behind.

Something tells me that our first line is going to look different every month for one reason or another...whether it's injuries or just MacT's constant need to mess with things.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I can now get my Richards jersey with the C on it.

This one?

http://killerjerseys.com/files/canadiens_dark_big_0.jpg

[Dr. Sak]

Not for another 13 years for that one...

[Dr. Sak]

http://img802.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/09/03/pricebeachballxk9-4bqu2j4kz.jpeg

[MikeVic]

Whoa whoa whoa.

[MikeVic]

Wasn't Mike Richards the guy that made some racist remarks when doing stand-up comedy?


;)

[Logan]

No that's Pat Quinn.

[bbor]

ML...can we have a "My Leafs are looking good in preseason" thread?

[boberot]

Quick thoughts on the Sabres' season:
* First off, great job securing Jason Pominville to a long-term deal [just today].
* I'm actually excited about the team's new association with the minor league affiliate from Portland, coached by Kevin Dineen. Dineen is one of those guys I've always admired as an opponent.
* I'm in the minority of people in Western NY who see G Ryan Miller as more "middle-of-the-pack" than elite, but I feel and hope he can take his game to another level this season. That being said, I'm thrilled to have Patrick Lalime spelling him instead of Jocelyn Thibeaux.
* The defense last year was migraine-inducing, but I have hope that the addition of Craig Rivet, the maturing of Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera, the return to health of Teppo Numinen and a return to form for Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman can make for a pretty solid corps of blueliners.
* There probably aren't too many wingers on this year's squad that are household names outside of Buffalo and fantasy hockey geeks, but they've got a lot of young talent that should only perform better this year, and which still managed to finish 4th in scoring last season.

PREDICTION
I dont think they win the division, but they make the playoffs, win a round, and get bounced.

[Chubby]

Updated: 09/18/08 6:30 PM

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<!-- End /PubSys/Story/MediaBox/MediaBox.comp --><!--endclickprintexclude-->The Buffalo Sabres have agreed on a five-year, $26.5 million contract extension with high-scoring right winger Jason Pominville. The extension will keep the 25-year-old in Buffalo through the 2013-14 season.
Pominville, who would have become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2008-09 season, will make $4.5 million in 2009-10 and $5.5 million in each of the remaining four seasons.
A native of Repentigny, Quebec, Pominville finished second on the team in scoring last season, posting career highs in points (80) and assists (53), along with 27 goals. He was also a team-high plus-16 in 82 games. He has 178 points in 222 career NHL games in Buffalo.
He was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy.

[johnnyshaka]

Pre-season got underway last night and the Oilers lost in a shootout...which is unheard of. Souray apparently looked like he was worth every penny of that huge contract he signed last summer which is great to hear...now, just sit him down until the season starts!! Gagne and Cole each scored a goal...Souray had the other...and all accounts say the young guys (Gagne, Schremp, etc.) looked pretty good. Good start so far.

[rowech]

Does anybody know if HDNET is carrying games this year? I got into hockey for the first time last year and liked the Versus and HDNet games, especially having them every Saturday night. I ask, only because if they won't be on HDNET, I might consider getting the NHL package.

[Galaxy]

Quick thoughts on the Sabres' season:
* First off, great job securing Jason Pominville to a long-term deal [just today].
* I'm actually excited about the team's new association with the minor league affiliate from Portland, coached by Kevin Dineen. Dineen is one of those guys I've always admired as an opponent.
* I'm in the minority of people in Western NY who see G Ryan Miller as more "middle-of-the-pack" than elite, but I feel and hope he can take his game to another level this season. That being said, I'm thrilled to have Patrick Lalime spelling him instead of Jocelyn Thibeaux.
* The defense last year was migraine-inducing, but I have hope that the addition of Craig Rivet, the maturing of Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera, the return to health of Teppo Numinen and a return to form for Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman can make for a pretty solid corps of blueliners.
* There probably aren't too many wingers on this year's squad that are household names outside of Buffalo and fantasy hockey geeks, but they've got a lot of young talent that should only perform better this year, and which still managed to finish 4th in scoring last season.

PREDICTION
I dont think they win the division, but they make the playoffs, win a round, and get bounced.


I think that Miller is solid, but not elite. Of course, he got overworked last year and had no defensive help.

[DeToxRox]

Looks like the Pens may've lost Gonchar a good while. Gonna be a rough go early for the Pens but assuming he is back in January or so, it gives them a great chance to establish dance.

[Neuqua]

I heard the Blackhawks were 200 tickets away from having their first ever sold out preaseason game tonight.

[Draft Dodger]

ping: Pumpy

Colin "John" White? (http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/ES010006.HTM)

[General Mike]

I can now get my Richards jersey with the C on it.

me too.

So what's the over under date on when Mats Sundin signs somewhere?

[Dr. Sak]

me too.

So what's the over under date on when Mats Sundin signs somewhere?

I didn't know you were a Flyer fan.

[General Mike]

I didn't know you were a Flyer fan.

I don't really have a favorite team, but John LeClair is/was my favorite player so I do have a place in my heart for them. Plus Wachovia Center isn't hard to get to.

[GMO]

The Ottawa Senators will soon be going to Sweden to play a couple games.
I don't think it will help the Senators.
There are too many negatives for a NHL team to play some of their games in Europe.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Looks like the Pens may've lost Gonchar a good while. Gonna be a rough go early for the Pens but assuming he is back in January or so, it gives them a great chance to establish dance.

Still no MRI as of today, waiting for the swelling to go down, but officially out indefinitely.

Remember too, Whitney is already out til at least November, possibly as long as January.

So welcome to the Kris Letang show. He's going to get a bunch of minutes, especially on the PP. He played well as a 20 year old last year, and is a RH shot. Also, Alex Goligoski will no doubt make the team out of camp now. He broke the AHL playoff records for rookie and defensemen scoring last season.

[Chubby]

Sabres will be fine this year.

[Dr. Sak]

The Hockey News: Screen Shots: Screen Shots: Eastern Conference predictions (http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/18106-Screen-Shots-Eastern-Conference-predictions.html)

Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Washington Capitals
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. New Jersey Devils
6. Boston Bruins
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
8. Buffalo Sabres
9. Ottawa Senators
10. Florida Panthers
11. New York Rangers
12. Carolina Hurricanes
13. New York Islanders
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. Atlanta Thrashers

[Dr. Sak]

The Hockey News: Screen Shots: Screen Shots: 2008-09 Western Conference predictions (http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17945-Screen-Shots-200809-Western-Conference-predictions.html)

Western Conference

1. Detroit Red Wings
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Calgary Flames
4. Dallas Stars
5. Anaheim Ducks
6. Chicago Blackhawks
7. Minnesota Wild
8. Edmonton Oilers
9. Phoenix Coyotes
10. Nashville Predators
11. Columbus Blue Jackets
12. Colorado Avalanche
13. St. Louis Blues
14. Vancouver Canucks
15. Los Angeles Kings

[Travis]

Okay seriously, what teams below the salary cap floor need a backup goalie? I mean come on, somebody please be willing to take on Roli's real salary just to pick up his cap number to help them reach the floor. Pretty please.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Okay seriously, what teams below the salary cap floor need a backup goalie? I mean come on, somebody please be willing to take on Roli's real salary just to pick up his cap number to help them reach the floor. Pretty please.

LA is below the floor, I think, and still need a starting goalie.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Still no MRI for Gonchar, but being reported 6 weeks recovery for a separation. If the MRI eventually reveals surgery is needed, 6 months.

So, most likely the Pens will tank the season, sell off Satan, Fedetenko and others at the deadline...and draft Tavares 1st overall in 2009.

[sterlingice]

How did I miss this thread starting?

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Dola

Still no MRI for Gonchar, but being reported 6 weeks recovery for a separation. If the MRI eventually reveals surgery is needed, 6 months.

So, most likely the Pens will tank the season, sell off Satan, Fedetenko and others at the deadline...and draft Tavares 1st overall in 2009.

I wouldn't expect anything less from the Pittsburgh Tankers. If they do tank...will the wagon break from all the fans jumping off?

[Chief Rum]

Schneider to ATL for Klee, Brian Larsen and a prospect winger.

Welcome back, Teemu.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I wouldn't expect anything less from the Pittsburgh Tankers. If they do tank...will the wagon break from all the fans jumping off?

Don't worry, we'll make sure you get Danny Sabourin. Biron already has, what, 9 playoff wins? That is like triple what Chechmanek had, so he's got to be on his way out. You'll need a goaltender.

Side note: Take this with a whole shaker of salt. Sporting News had a ranking of top 50 NHL players, and it was done by Jay Feaster. So not exactly 2 beacons of hockey knowledge.

He had Mike Richards at 46. And Jeff Carter at 45.

[Dr. Sak]

Don't worry, we'll make sure you get Danny Sabourin. Biron already has, what, 9 playoff wins? That is like triple what Chechmanek had, so he's got to be on his way out. You'll need a goaltender.

Side note: Take this with a whole shaker of salt. Sporting News had a ranking of top 50 NHL players, and it was done by Jay Feaster. So not exactly 2 beacons of hockey knowledge.

He had Mike Richards at 46. And Jeff Carter at 45.

If it is for scoring...I wouldn't have a problem with it but I think Richards is one of the more complete players in the game. Carter is streaky...very inconsistent. When he wants to play he is good, but he'll disappear for games.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola
Still no MRI for Gonchar, but being reported 6 weeks recovery for a separation. If the MRI eventually reveals surgery is needed, 6 months.


Apparently the MRI revealed... surgery. Gonchar will be out for 4-6 months.

With both Whitney and Gonchar out of the line-up that makes an already thin Penguins blueline look anorexic. If Whitney and Gonchar make it back a bit ahead of schedule, however, maybe it will be one of those blessings in disguise. The Penguins should still be in the playoff race even without those two and this will give some youngs a chance to get some experience. Maybe one or two will flourish.

In unrelated news, the Blackhaws finally waived Khabibuhlin.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Apparently the MRI revealed... surgery. Gonchar will be out for 4-6 months.

With both Whitney and Gonchar out of the line-up that makes an already thin Penguins blueline look anorexic. If Whitney and Gonchar make it back a bit ahead of schedule, however, maybe it will be one of those blessings in disguise. The Penguins should still be in the playoff race even without those two and this will give some youngs a chance to get some experience. Maybe one or two will flourish.

In unrelated news, the Blackhaws finally waived Khabibuhlin.

Anorexic from a offensive standpoint, I'll give you. But they'll still be pretty strong in their own end. Not a top 5-7 grouping, but in the top 1/2 of the league, with Orpik, Eaton, Scuderi and Gill.

Kris Letang is going to breakout. Goligoski will be given his chance to show he belongs in the NHL- his size, speed and offensive skill have lent themselves to Brian Rafalski comparisons. And Darryl Sydor is still solid as a #7 guy.

Also, Whitney could be back as early as mid/late November.

I know, looking for any glimmer of hope. :(

[Maple Leafs]

Luke Schenn is the best defenceman in the NHL.

That is all.

[Dr. Sak]

Luke Schenn is the best defenceman in the NHL.

That is all.

Jeff Finger

[Maple Leafs]

Ping Chief. According to the Toronto Star:

"...the Leafs were willing to trade their 2009 first rounder on a conditional basis and a couple of prospects to Anaheim for Mathieu Schneider and youngster Bobby Ryan."

[johnnyshaka]

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet, the Bulin Wall is on waivers.

Took long enough.

[MikeVic]

Go Jets Go!

[DeToxRox]

Roberto Lulongo was named captain of the Canucks. Interesting to say the least.

[Chief Rum]

Ping Chief. According to the Toronto Star:

"...the Leafs were willing to trade their 2009 first rounder on a conditional basis and a couple of prospects to Anaheim for Mathieu Schneider and youngster Bobby Ryan."

Well, of course, the Leafs were willing. I would be, too, if I were them. Fortunately, Burke wasn't in the market to give away talent. :)

There were seven solid offers for Schneider, apparently, and two of them also included Ryan. But Burke said that was a non-starter.

Now, put on my "evil anal-yzer" cap. If Burke wants to go to Toronto, him not trading Ryan to Toronto must mean he thinks Ryan sucks, right? ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet, the Bulin Wall is on waivers.

Took long enough.

See post #60, supra.

[DeToxRox]

Chelios looks like he broke an ankle or leg or foot. Something looked jacked tonight. Interesting to see how it effects who gets waived if so.

Also, Darren Helm looks like a MONSTER. I cannot believe this kid probably won't make the team. On TSN they apparently said he'd be top 3 lines on 20 teams in the NHL and he's only what, 21?

[MikeVic]

Go Manitoban!

[DeToxRox]

Leino looked good for Detroit too. I suspect he'll make the team out of Camp, and Helm starts as the #1 center in Grand Rapids.

Helm is like a more skilled version of Draper. I am so excited to see this kid develope.

[Chief Rum]

Wings fan circle jerk!

[MikeVic]

I'm not a Red Wings fan, I just like Helm.

[DeToxRox]

Wings fan circle jerk!

Enjoy your last season with Burke ;)

[Draft Dodger]

Enjoy your last season with Burke ;)

I don't think this word means what you think it means.

[johnnyshaka]

See post #60, supra.

Ah, my bad. It will likely happen again, too.

[Chief Rum]

I'm not a Red Wings fan, I just like Helm.

Didn't stop ya from pullin' it out, did it? :)

[Chief Rum]

Enjoy your last season with Burke ;)

Heh...we'll live. Our assistant GM is one of the more well respected eyes for talent in the game (Dave McNab) and will probably get first shot at the job. Plus, he's been "learning" on the job now for three years from Burke.

And, no, Nonis ain't gettin' it.

[MikeVic]

What about Matt Millen? Maybe hockey is his forte.

[Chief Rum]

What about Matt Millen? Maybe hockey is his forte.

AWW DAMN, I COMPLETELY FORGOT! :D

Go offer him now, Samueli!

[samifan24]

The Canucks named Roberto Luongo as captain. It's the first time in something like 40 years that a goalie has been named captain although Luongo won't be able to actually "do" anything, those responsibilities fall to his alternates, Ohlund, Mitchell and someone else.

[Pyser]

General manager Lou Lamoriello said this morning that he has given Fedor Fedorov's agent permission to talk to other teams that might be interested in trading for him and the 25-year-old forward will not be play for the Devils. Lamoriello insisted that it was purely a numbers decision and he had promised Fedorov that if he wasn't one of the team's top 12 forwards, he could seek a deal elsewhere.

"We've given his representative time to talk to other teams," Lamoriello said. "When we spoke to him when he was coming this summer, if it looked like he wouldn't be one of the top 12 forwards, we would give his agent time to talk to other teams. He'll have a time frame. He's done nothing wrong. He's healthy. It's just a numbers decisions. We want to be proactive to that and give him the opportunity before training camp ended.

Asked if this meant Fedorov definitely would not be on the Devils this season, Lamoriello replied, "Yes."

If Fedorov's agent can't find a taker, the next step would be to place him on waivers.

[DeToxRox]

Fedor is only 25?

Jesus, it seems like he's been around forever.

[DeToxRox]

Sounds like with Chelios out 6 weeks that the Wings will use the same six D from last season, and go from there. What it means is Lilja won't be dealt anytime soon, but Meech will make the team for sure, and Quincy should be fine until Chelly is back, then someone has to be traded or clear waivers.

Holland also said Helm and Leino were the two best players at Camp, and throughout the exhibition season so far. So I assume Leino makes the big team out of camp, Downey goes to GR and Helm will be the first one called up if we have injuries.

[Suburban Rhythm]

After 1 game, Tyler Kennedy is on pace to score 164 goals!! :thumbsup:

[Logan]

Back to back 2-1 wins for the Rangers over Tampa to start the season out in Prague. Now get back home and rest up.

[DeToxRox]

Banner raising time

[DeToxRox]

Really, NHL? Your big musical act to get people hyped is Def Lepperd?

[DeToxRox]

Toskala is the captain for the Leafs, hadn't heard that until today.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING HB

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

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

[DeToxRox]

PING HB

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

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

I live 5 minutes from where I assume Hossa lives. I'll go on a jog later, and you know, check things out, make sure no one is messing around out there.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I live 5 minutes from where I assume Hossa lives. I'll go on a jog later, and you know, check things out, make sure no one is messing around out there.

His neighbors will like it if you wear a hockey mask too.
Ax optional.

[Honolulu_Blue]

PING HB

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

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

I'll see what I can do. Maybe we'll hook up with DeTox and kick it FOFC-style (which I'm sure Hossa would totally dig.)

His biggest concern should be not getting bit by my dog when I walk by his house. My dog's not great with strangers when out for a walk.

There's a risk...

[Honolulu_Blue]

I live 5 minutes from where I assume Hossa lives. I'll go on a jog later, and you know, check things out, make sure no one is messing around out there.

Thanks. I feel a little safer already. Keep it up. Marian and I appreciate it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

i am luke schenn andalusia
i am luke schenn andalusia
i am luke schenn andalusia
wanna grow
up to be
be a defenseman,(defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)

[DeToxRox]

i am luke schenn andalusia
i am luke schenn andalusia
i am luke schenn andalusia
wanna grow
up to be
be a defenseman,(defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)
defenseman, (defenseman)

That was beautiful.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Really, NHL? Your big musical act to get people hyped is Def Lepperd?

The NFL gets the Rolling Stones, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, and the NHL gets Def Lepperd... 2008 Def Lepperd.

[DeToxRox]

Oh and as an F you to Leafs fans ..

Wings draft their stud's in the 5th round, not with the 5th pick.

HA!

[Dr. Sak]

Your momma's so ugly they renamed Halloween...Yourmamaween

[DeToxRox]

The NFL gets the Rolling Stones, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, and the NHL gets Def Lepperd... 2008 Def Lepperd.

On the Leafs HF board someone said what has 9 arms and sucks? Def Lepperd.

I was near tears.

[Dr. Sak]

Oh and as an F you to Leafs fans ..

Wings draft their stud's in the 5th round, not with the 5th pick.

HA!

Come on..it isn't nice to make fun of the special olympics.

[DeToxRox]

It's remarkable how almost every time a Leafs player has the puck it's announced it's said players first NHL Game.

[DeToxRox]

Jamal Mayers still has remarkable eyebrows.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Forgot to mention

Penguins make a trade!!!!!

Mike Zigomanis from Phoenix...for the ever popular future considerations.
It makes no sense to me. He was on waivers last week, and they let him go unclaimed. Now, I know the future considerations will be like a 6th rounder...but why give that up if you could have had him for free last week?

In either case...I guess he becomes the 4th line center. He's a RH, which we have 1 forward whose a righty currently. And maybe he can win faceoffs.

[DeToxRox]

I could be wrong since he was on the bench but I am pretty sure that was all Lilja's fault.

[Draft Dodger]

On the Leafs HF board someone said what has 9 arms and sucks? Def Lepperd.

I was near tears.

you've never heard that before?

[Dr. Sak]

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO BRIAN ENGBLOM'S MULLET??

[DeToxRox]

you've never heard that before?

No because I tend to avoid Def Lepperd discussions.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Not season related truly, but wanted to post this.

Former NHL goalie recovering after shooting - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AqRBlAt1Ac892rLMB9xW9Q57vLYF?slug=ap-malarchuk-shootingaccident&prov=ap&type=lgns)


MINDEN, Nev. (AP)—Clint Malarchuk, the former NHL goalie best known for having his jugular vein slashed by a skate in a 1989 game with Buffalo, is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the chin with a rifle.
Wife Christy told sheriff’s deputies that the .22-caliber rifle discharged after her husband placed the butt on the ground between his legs. He had been shooting rabbits.
The 47-year-old former player, now a goalie coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/cob/), was flown by helicopter to a Reno hospital for treatment Tuesday.
“Our concern is with Clint and his well being,” the Blue Jackets said Thursday. “We are optimistic that he will have a full recovery very soon.”

[Sublime 2]

Last year's 7 game series against the Habs really has me amped again for Bruins hockey. I'm really excited to see the young guys develop, Kessel, Lucic, Krejci, Wheeler and Bergeron. I'd normally be dead asleep by 10:30, but I'm making the season opener tonight.

[bbor]

Wow.....the Leafs eh?

[Maple Leafs]

The Red Wings won the NHL championship.

The Leafs beat the Red Wings.

Therefore... The winner, and nnnneeeewwwwwwwww World Champion, the Toronto Maple Leafs!

(Cue 9,000 or so fans of other teams making the same "plan the parade joke" tomorrow...)

[Dr. Sak]

http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/g/gene/06.jpg

The winner, and nnnneeeewwwwwwwww World Champion, the Toronto Maple Leafs!

[Maple Leafs]

I was thinking Howard Finkle.

[Chief Rum]

I love it. Hockey is on. All is well in the world. Well, okay, not everything. But it's a good start.

[samifan24]

Last year's 7 game series against the Habs really has me amped again for Bruins hockey. I'm really excited to see the young guys develop, Kessel, Lucic, Krejci, Wheeler and Bergeron. I'd normally be dead asleep by 10:30, but I'm making the season opener tonight.

Well Bergeron hasn't looked too sharp on those two breakaways but Kessel and Wheeler have looked just fine. ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

That was a pretty exciting Bruins/Avs game.

[Draft Dodger]

That was a pretty exciting Bruins/Avs game.

it was. Tough to see the Avs lose, but I felt they played pretty well overall. The Bruins just seemed to get the bounces at the right time.

[samifan24]

That was a pretty exciting Bruins/Avs game.

Paul Stastny is a heck of a player. I rarely see the Avs play so I'm just learning this now. I'm glad I have him on my fantasy team.

[Pyser]

devs-isles tonight. i am psyched for this season. lets drop the puck already!!

[Hurst2112]

um...wow. Not only did Def Leppard sound horrible...Joey does this:

No one gave Def Leppard the Stanley Cup instruction manual? - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/No-one-gave-Def-Leppard-the-Stanley-Cup-instruct?urn=nhl,113984)

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nhl_experts__12/ept_sports_nhl_experts-561065154-1223608708.jpg?ymF2FJAD7XwiJOvf

[Pumpy Tudors]

Not season related truly, but wanted to post this.

Former NHL goalie recovering after shooting - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AqRBlAt1Ac892rLMB9xW9Q57vLYF?slug=ap-malarchuk-shootingaccident&prov=ap&type=lgns)
DUDE'S A SURVIVOR

[Maple Leafs]

Two excellent, if somewhat depressing, stories on the NHL's cap system:
globesports.com: Salary system can't save the have-nots (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081010.wspt_brunt11/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20081010.wspt_brunt11)
globesports.com: The giant sucking sound (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081010.wspt_nhlmain11/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20081010.wspt_nhlmain11)

So these are the spoils of victory.

Weak franchises teetering on the brink. Strong franchises unhappily pouring good money after bad. A salary management system in which payrolls increase even for teams that have barely benefited from the revenue streams that push the numbers ever higher. Some extremely grumpy owners at both ends of the spectrum.

Think maybe Gary Bettman would like to take a mulligan right now, and start all over?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Kings sign Anze Kopitar to 7 year/$47.6M ($6.8M per) extension

About a week after they sign Patty O'Sullivan to a 3 year deal worth $2.9M per.

[Draft Dodger]

Kopitar and Paul Stastny have almost identical career numbers. Stastny is due to get an extension this fall as well, and I'm guessing it will be right in that ballpark.

[Galaxy]

Quite a fight in the Sabres-Islanders game. The Islander guys look like they jumped the Sabres guys. I liking Rivet a lot.

[RendeR]

Sabres go up 4-0 in the 2nd. The Islanders try to start 3 fights on the face-off, lose all three fights terroibly to Sabre players (Kaleta literally body slammed his opponent to the ice) all 6 players fighting got tossed.

Por Islanders can't even win a frustration fight =)


GO SABRES!!!

[Galaxy]

5-0.

[RendeR]

5-0 Sabres, getting ugly on the island. I'm loving the Rivet pickup, the man simply knows how to get a team playing around him.

[samifan24]

Sabres go up 4-0 in the 2nd. The Islanders try to start 3 fights on the face-off, lose all three fights terroibly to Sabre players (Kaleta literally body slammed his opponent to the ice) all 6 players fighting got tossed.

Por Islanders can't even win a frustration fight =)


GO SABRES!!!

I'm looking at the NHL.com boxscore but I only see fighting majors to three Isles players. How do you get a one way fighting major?

[RendeR]

*high 5's Galaxy* GO SABRES!

[Galaxy]

5-0 Sabres, getting ugly on the island. I'm loving the Rivet pickup, the man simply knows how to get a team playing around him.

It's nice that we have a quality backup for Miller. It's going to help this team down the stretch. MSG absolutely blows.

[RendeR]

I'm looking at the NHL.com boxscore but I only see fighting majors to three Isles players. How do you get a one way fighting major?


They probably just haven't caught up yet. They tossed mair, Kaleta, and Rivet from buffalo as well.

[Galaxy]

They probably just haven't caught up yet. They tossed mair, Kaleta, and Rivet from buffalo as well.

Do you see any suspensions from either side coming? Hecht's injury has me worried.

[Galaxy]

Mair is back? Who exactly got tossed, and who just got fighting penalties?

[RendeR]

It's nice that we have a quality backup for Miller. It's going to help this team down the stretch. MSG absolutely blows.


MSG takes about a month to get their shit straight, after that the programing is pretty solid.

I'm impressed with lalime's play as well, though we'll have to see how he does over time. he's always beena decent goalie but he tends to be very streaky. It will make a huge difference for Miller if he can get 20 games off this season.

End of last year miller played 35 straight games and they were all playoff intensity which just wore Miller out.


UPDATE: Adam Mair for buffalo back from the locker room and sitting in the penalty box.

[RendeR]

Do you see any suspensions from either side coming? Hecht's injury has me worried.


Not sure what actually happened to hecht, he wasn't even on the ice at the time.

Mair and Thompson back on the ice for Buffalo/NYI respectively.

Not really sure WHO got what penalties at this point.

[Galaxy]

WTF is going on? Seems like refs are confused what the penalties are.

[RendeR]

Ok now Mair AND Thimpson have both been tossed back to the dressing rooms for....who knows what reason. no-one, including the official scorer (camera shot of him yelling at the referee) have a clue as to what should be what.

[Galaxy]

The refs must have been watching the end of the Cardinals-Cowboys game yesterday.

[Maple Leafs]

Top Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died during a game in the KHL.

He apparently collapsed on the bench after colliding with a teammate during a line change. Some reports say it may have been Jagr who ran into him.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

[TazFTW]

Top Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died during a game in the KHL.

He apparently collapsed on the bench after colliding with a teammate during a line change. Some reports say it may have been Jagr who ran into him.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

:(

Wow, that sucks. I was looking forward to seeing him play next year.

[RendeR]

God thats awful =(

[RendeR]

6-0

[Galaxy]

That's awful.

[Draft Dodger]

terrible news. is that the guy who was supposed to be a high pick, but dropped because of the transfer agreement mess?

[RendeR]

The Islanders are just having a total meltdown, another penalty for tripping.

[RendeR]

Thats really sad about the Ranger's player, I can't imagine how the other players are reacting to this. Gah.

[General Mike]

R.I.P. Alexei.

Islanders are tanking to get Tavares.

[samifan24]

Top Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died during a game in the KHL.

What a terrible tragedy. I was hoping we might see him in Hartford next year.

[Logan]

Wow this really hurts. Not just for us Ranger fans, but all hockey fans who will be missing out on someone who really could have been special. Feel terrible for his family.

[Galaxy]

R.I.P. Alexei.

Islanders are tanking to get Tavares.

I think they broke the 150 minute mark for penalties today.

Here's the fight (s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPudRyyhsE

[Suburban Rhythm]

Kyle Quincey picked up by the Kings off waivers-
And the Kings needed to grab someone, with Jack Johnson out up to 3 months with a shoulder injury.

Also, Flyers make a deal for Andrew Alberts from Boston-- give up Ned someone or other (I think one of the guys they got from the Kings in dumping Denis Gauthier this summer) and a conditional pick.

No confirmation on the rumor that Scott Hartnell was sent to pick up Alberts at the airport.

[Fidatelo]

The Cherepenov thing is a double whammy for me, as I'm not only a Rangers fan but I also had him in my keeper league.

I suppose this is also bad for his friends and family.

[Fidatelo]

Dola

The above is tongue-in-cheek, it's definitely a terrible tragedy.

[chrisj]

Very sad situation.

But I'm more concerned by the TSN story about it (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main) :

Sources in Russia told TSN that the ambulance that is normally at all games had already departed and had to be called back.

It is not clear exactly how long it took for Cherepanov to be transported from the rink to the hospital but one source in the arena told TSN it was, "probably 15 or 20 minutes."

There are also questions as to whether defibrillators at the arena were in good working order, though no further details are available.

[Logan]

Had a feeling something bad would come out about this...

[boberot]

Wow, I was going to get on here and rant about having to work through an unbelievable entertaining Sabres game . . . but this is just horrible news.

[bhlloy]

Ducks act is getting old really freaking fast. Honestly, I'm not above calling for Carlyle to be fired if they are still taking so many penalties by mid season. This team will be lucky to make the playoffs IMO.

[Chief Rum]

Ducks act is getting old really freaking fast. Honestly, I'm not above calling for Carlyle to be fired if they are still taking so many penalties by mid season. This team will be lucky to make the playoffs IMO.

Did you just yell at the TV like I did? I am extremely NOT happy with the Ducks and how they are playing. They seriously need to pull their collective head out of their collective ass.

[bhlloy]

Just the same stupid penalty over and over and over ad infinitum. Give the puck away -> bad defensive position -> hooking call. Has been the same way since the start of last season. At what point do you say thanks Carlyle for the cup, but if you can't get your players to stop taking the same penalty 5 times a game, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out?

Combine that with a much weaker blueline (Schneider and O'Donnell might not have been great, but they were 10x better than Montodor, Klee and MacIver put together) and I just have a real bad feeling about this season.

Oh, and next time you take a double minor penalty on a retaliation call, let's actually make somebody pay. Niedermayer should be smarter than that...

[Chief Rum]

Just the same stupid penalty over and over and over ad infinitum. Give the puck away -> bad defensive position -> hooking call. Has been the same way since the start of last season. At what point do you say thanks Carlyle for the cup, but if you can't get your players to stop taking the same penalty 5 times a game, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out?

Combine that with a much weaker blueline (Schneider and O'Donnell might not have been great, but they were 10x better than Montodor, Klee and MacIver put together) and I just have a real bad feeling about this season.

Oh, and next time you take a double minor penalty on a retaliation call, let's actually make somebody pay. Niedermayer should be smarter than that...

Yup, can't say it much better than that. If the backend of the blueline is going to continue playing like this, I say cut them all and bring up Salcido, Festerling and the kids. At least they might learn something from Niedermayer before he leaves.

And as I am typing this, they get another penalty. Ugh.

The turnover issues remind me a lot of 2003-04, when we were just awful in the year after we went to the Cup.

[bhlloy]

Yup. Looking at the way they came out and took another penalty and nearly gave the Kings 2 goals, Carlyle might not even last until the all-star break.

Pronger can fuck off as well. Trade his ass while he still has some value. He hasn't been the same player since the cup win.

[Chief Rum]

Yup. Looking at the way they came out and took another penalty and nearly gave the Kings 2 goals, Carlyle might not even last until the all-star break.

Pronger can fuck off as well. Trade his ass while he still has some value. He hasn't been the same player since the cup win.

Agreed. Really, few of the players on this team have played anywhere near the level they showed in 2005, and most of them are too young to use age as an excuse.

Love this latest penalty. Oh, wait, there we go, another Kings goal.

[Pyser]

i was at the kings-ducks game. you guys pretty much nailed it. not much to say about giving the kings 9 power plays. some of the kings kids look pretty good, for once i think this team has a decent future.

a funny moment happened at the end of the game, when the arena released purple streamers...and i had to stop and think, "are the streamers new, or have i never actually seen the kings win a home game before?"

[johnnyshaka]

So, did Lowe make the trip to Anaheim?

Chief Rum, is there a UFC ring setup outside the Pond??

[johnnyshaka]

Watching the BOS vs. MTL...fantastic game. Lots of end to end action...almost feels like a playoff game. Great to see this early in the season.

[Galaxy]

Glad to see the Sabres stay unbeaten and give the Rangers their first defeat on the season. Vanek has 5 goals in the first 3 games (2 of them are short-handed; and scored two games in two games). I hate Andrew Peters with a passion.

Great to see Patrick Kaleta does what he does best: Piss opponents off (while playing clean) and draw penalties. Paul Mara getting a game misconducted for just punching Kaleta was fun to watch. I wonder if Mara was thinking back to Kaleta's hit from last year, which sidelined Mara for 12 games with a fractures in his face.

[duff88]

Watching the BOS vs. MTL...fantastic game. Lots of end to end action...almost feels like a playoff game. Great to see this early in the season.

The crowd was kinda dead though, almost like if they were exhausted by the pre-game ceremonies and the first period.

[Sublime 2]

The crowd was kinda dead though, almost like if they were exhausted by the pre-game ceremonies and the first period.

Agreed, the fans just seemed out of it by the end of the game. Crazy bounce to help the B's tie it up and get the point, an OT win would have just been gravy. Savard and Ryder are looking good together, I'm still unsure about having Axe with them, but we'll see how it goes for now.

[Logan]

Glad to see the Sabres stay unbeaten and give the Rangers their first defeat on the season.

Was at the game, wish I wasn't. One of the worst games I've seen the Rangers play in years.

Great to see Patrick Kaleta does what he does best: Piss opponents off (while playing clean) and draw penalties. Paul Mara getting a game misconducted for just punching Kaleta was fun to watch. I wonder if Mara was thinking back to Kaleta's hit from last year, which sidelined Mara for 12 games with a fractures in his face.

That was insane, I've never really seen a guy refuse to drop the gloves and just sit there taking punches like that. Maybe Claude Lemieux back in the day. Forgot about any history between them.

[johnnyshaka]

Phewf. Been holding my breath for the last few minutes of the Oilers/Ducks game. Solid effort in the final two periods to take one in Anaheim. Garon once again standing on his head.

[johnnyshaka]

Oh, and Pronger is on Rome tomorrow.

[Galaxy]

Was at the game, wish I wasn't. One of the worst games I've seen the Rangers play in years.



That was insane, I've never really seen a guy refuse to drop the gloves and just sit there taking punches like that. Maybe Claude Lemieux back in the day. Forgot about any history between them.

I don't Kaleta even had a chance to respond. He turned around, still holding his stick and gloves still on, and Mara just started to punch the heck out of him. What was funny is Kaleta missed the check.

[Chief Rum]

Oh, and Pronger is on Rome tomorrow.

Oh good. I'll be at work. Can you do me a favor and call in and ask Pronger when he'll show up this season? 'K, thx.

[johnnyshaka]

Oh good. I'll be at work. Can you do me a favor and call in and ask Pronger when he'll show up this season? 'K, thx.

I saw him at the game tonight...in the penalty box a few times...with that ridiculous beard.

[Oilers9911]

Just who is this Pronger fellow you guys keep speaking of?

[Dr. Sak]

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard on Thursday and replaced him with Joel Quenneville.

[sterlingice]

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard on Thursday and replaced him with Joel Quenneville.

...

SI

[MikeVic]

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard on Thursday and replaced him with Joel Quenneville.

Don't like that 1-2 start, eh?

[samifan24]

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard on Thursday and replaced him with Joel Quenneville.

Why? What's the point? It's only been 3 games. If you didn't want him for the season, fire him in the off-season. This is ridiculous.

[johnnyshaka]

Must be something going on in Chicago...that simply doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

[Draft Dodger]

Quenneville is

1) defensive-minded
2) tough on young players
3) schizophrenic with his goalies

I'm sure there are teams more ill-suited for coach Q, but I can't think of one right now.

[johnnyshaka]

Sure, but 3 games into the season and after getting their first win?? Doesn't make any sense.

[Maple Leafs]

Isn't there new management in Chicago? I remember reading that they were going to fire Savard first chance they got, and Quenville was there for that reason.

[Hurst2112]

Quennville? There goes any chance of being above mediocre.

[boberot]

I don't Kaleta even had a chance to respond. He turned around, still holding his stick and gloves still on, and Mara just started to punch the heck out of him. What was funny is Kaleta missed the check.

I read a few quotes that definitely link it to the hit Kaleta laid on him last year and messed up Mara's face. Mara accused him -- both times -- of leaving his skates to throw the hit.

Allegedly, during this latest scrum, Kaleta asked him, "Hey, how's your face?"

Really pissed Mara off.

Kaleta is the new Matt Barnaby, apparently.

[Galaxy]

I read a few quotes that definitely link it to the hit Kaleta laid on him last year and messed up Mara's face. Mara accused him -- both times -- of leaving his skates to throw the hit.

Allegedly, during this latest scrum, Kaleta asked him, "Hey, how's your face?"

Really pissed Mara off.

Kaleta is the new Matt Barnaby, apparently.

Rangers back Mara's retaliation to Kaleta's hit -- Newsday.com (http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-sprnotes165885080oct16,0,1468336.story)

What makes Kaleta great is he can keep his emotions in check, read the emotions of opponents, and get under their skin. Kaleta's job is to agitate, make his checks in a clean manner (and he's very good at making hits), energize the team, and draw penalties. He does this very well.

[Maple Leafs]

Kaleta's job is to agitate
I really hate the fact that this is anybody's "job" in the NHL.

[Galaxy]

I really hate the fact that this is anybody's "job" in the NHL.

Pretty much every team has one. I just find it funny that Rangers fan are whining about him, when they've had Avery.

[RendeR]

I really hate the fact that this is anybody's "job" in the NHL.



This coming from the guy whose team has had the likes of Darcy Tucker and Tai Domi on the ice??

As long as you hate your own as much as you hate the other players on other teams, its all good.

[RendeR]

Pretty much every team has one. I just find it funny that Rangers fan are whining about him, when they've had Avery.


no kidding, and unlike kaleta, Avery was openly mouthy to everyone, he never played nice and clean, he was just a schmuck.

[Logan]

Pretty much every team has one. I just find it funny that Rangers fan are whining about him, when they've had Avery.

Um, where?

[RendeR]

Um, where?


;) He did say "fan" singular, somewhere in that teaming cespool of a city a fan has to be whining about it ;)

[Draft Dodger]

The Avs finally won...I didn't get to see it, thanks to the clowns at DTV changing the channel the feed was on (meaning I recorded dead air).

oh well, that's 2 extra hours of sleep for me. Avs are currently on pace to break the 300 goal barrier...for and against.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins shit the bed last night...go up 3-0, only to lose 4-3 to the Caps.

It didn't lose them the game (they did that on their own)...but replays of the Caps 4th goal, Hal Gill takes a high stick to the face, about 3 feet from the official. If he's not watching the puck 3 feet away from him, not sure what he's watching.

Crosby and Ovechkin yapping at each other on the ice after the buzzer sounded.

Also during the game, the new kid in town, Paul 'Biz-Nasty' Bissonette drops Matt Bradley with one punch. To his credit Bradley got right back up, only to get knocked down again. And he didn't look too pretty after.

[Dr. Sak]

Bradley was bleeding pretty good after that fight.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I am sure I'll get label a Penguins apologist or Crosby fan-boy...but Ovechkin proved out while he is a superior goalscorer, I don't think he's a better overall player than Crosby (or maybe Malkin even). He spent half his night on his side of the redline-great when the Caps have the puck, not great when he's cherry-picking.

The running around after Malkin...I read over and over last season how he's so improved defensively, I don't get how targeting one guy and trying to plow into him all night is great defensive play-- especially when the hit Malkin avoided along the wall, for any 3rd line player on any team in the league, would be an automatic charging call.

But the most selfish thing I saw all night was him shoot for the empty net from 70 feet away, miss, and give the Pens another faceoff. Nothing would have been better than to see them score directly from that faceoff.

[DeToxRox]

I am wondering if it's just me, but the Wings dominate the stat sheet every night, be it shots, time of possession, or what have you, but they look horribly flat. Obviously this is bound to happen, and considering Z didn't play last night, it isn't surprising, but they just look flat through the first week of the season.

It's no cause for concern, and I mean, it isn't like they're 0-5. It's just more an indication of how crazy good they'll be once everything is in motion.

PS to Don Cherry - The Wings 11th goal of the season was the first one scored by a North American. He has to be cringing right now.

[DeToxRox]

I am sure I'll get label a Penguins apologist or Crosby fan-boy...but Ovechkin proved out while he is a superior goalscorer, I don't think he's a better overall player than Crosby (or maybe Malkin even). He spent half his night on his side of the redline-great when the Caps have the puck, not great when he's cherry-picking.

The running around after Malkin...I read over and over last season how he's so improved defensively, I don't get how targeting one guy and trying to plow into him all night is great defensive play-- especially when the hit Malkin avoided along the wall, for any 3rd line player on any team in the league, would be an automatic charging call.

But the most selfish thing I saw all night was him shoot for the empty net from 70 feet away, miss, and give the Pens another faceoff. Nothing would have been better than to see them score directly from that faceoff.

I'd attribute a lot of that to Ovechkin starting off really slowly. He has a lot of pressure on him, and unlike Crosby, he doesn't have as much talent surrounding him. Still, his lapses this year have been pretty inexcusable, though the empty netter I don't mind as much because a lot of goal scorers need that first one to get rolling. He probably saw his chance and took it. I mean outside of his game vs Chicago, he has been pretty meh.

I still don't know who is better between he or Crosby. I like AO more, but Crosby does a lot for his team which gives him a slight edge. I think Ovechkin has shown he can be great defensivley if he can harness his intensity, but like you said last night, he still obviously can't.

I think in 2-3 years we'll know for sure, but for now I'll give it to Crosby since his team has played (and ahem lost) for a Cup.

[Fidatelo]

I think Crosby is the better player, but I like AO's personality more. I don't really think you can go wrong with either one. This is sort of like Gretzky-Lemieux for the new generation.

[Pyser]

well the devils new and improved offense has 6 goals in 4 games (but 3 wins). and now rolston has gone down with a high ankle sprain. awesome.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think Crosby is the better player, but I like AO's personality more. I don't really think you can go wrong with either one. This is sort of like Gretzky-Lemieux for the new generation.

True. Except for the fact that Zetterberg is better than both of them. :)

[Galaxy]

Um, where?

Just to note, I didn't mean you.

Here are just an example:

Mara worthless trash BUM - Rangers Team Talk - RANGERSnet Message Board - (http://iamaranger.rangers.nhl.com/kickapps/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=20434&w=153990&d=140427)

[johnnyshaka]

True. Except for the fact that Zetterberg is better than both of them. :)

Zetterberg isn't even the best player on his team. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Zetterberg isn't even the best player on his team. :)

I know. ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of great players, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Kyle Wellwood was just waived by the Canucks. Looks like daddy's Chubby Little Secret just couldn't get it in gear.

[MikeVic]

Speaking of great players, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Kyle Wellwood was just waived by the Canucks. Looks like daddy's Chubby Little Secret just couldn't get it in gear.

I feel bad for that girl in the NHL09 commercial now. Didn't she like the Canucks and Wellwood?

[johnnyshaka]

For those looking for a new NHL jersey check out nhl.com as they are having a one day sale where customization (name and number) is free.

In Canada be sure to use this link otherwise you won't be able to complete the purchase:

http://shop.canada.nhl.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3169596

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'd attribute a lot of that to Ovechkin starting off really slowly. He has a lot of pressure on him, and unlike Crosby, he doesn't have as much talent surrounding him. Still, his lapses this year have been pretty inexcusable, though the empty netter I don't mind as much because a lot of goal scorers need that first one to get rolling. He probably saw his chance and took it. I mean outside of his game vs Chicago, he has been pretty meh.

I still don't know who is better between he or Crosby. I like AO more, but Crosby does a lot for his team which gives him a slight edge. I think Ovechkin has shown he can be great defensivley if he can harness his intensity, but like you said last night, he still obviously can't.

I think in 2-3 years we'll know for sure, but for now I'll give it to Crosby since his team has played (and ahem lost) for a Cup.

I didn't even mean this in the 'who is the better player' argument way.

But I do agree that the overused cliche of he makes his team better holds true. Crosby had (arguably) one weakness heading into the season- faceoffs. He's at 54% right now, and has taken more draws than any player in the league. 54% isn't great, but I'd guess at the end of the season, that's in the top 25. Now, I see 20X the number of Pens games then I see Caps games. But the only times Ovechkin bothered to help deep in the defensive zone was when he was running around trying to smash Malkin. More often then not, he was leaving the zone looking for a breakout pass.

I'll also argue that, while it held true a few years ago, the talent disparity is not as great anymore. Ovechkin-Semin-Backstrom - Federov - Green - Clark compares pretty favorably to Crosby - Malkin - Staal - Letang - Sykora.

[RendeR]

Sabres looking like a powerhouse against the Canucks tonight, 3-0 with a little over 2 left in the first. 2 fights already and kaleta continues baiting the hapless opponents into stupid penalties.


GO SABRES!

[Galaxy]

Sabres looking like a powerhouse against the Canucks tonight, 3-0 with a little over 2 left in the first. 2 fights already and kaleta continues baiting the hapless opponents into stupid penalties.


GO SABRES!

5-2 finish tonight. Vanek nets another goal (6 in 4 games). Kaleta baits another guy to punch him, yet he keeps his globes on. You could see the Canucks were trying to run after him for the rest of the game. I just can't wait until we play teams like Ottawa, Philly, and Toronto. He got under the skin of Burrows for sure.

Have I mentioned how much I dislike Andrew Peters?

[johnnyshaka]

The Oilers are 3-0 after a solid effort in Calgary. The PP was the key tonight with 3 PP markers in the 2nd period. JDD, rookie goalie, had a pretty solid night for his first career win especially in a hositle environment in the first installment of the Battle of Alberta.

Of note, Souray left the game in the 2nd after getting tangled up with Bertuzzi. Speculation from the commentators is a knee injury. Fingers crossed this isn't a repeat of last season with Souray.

[Maple Leafs]

This coming from the guy whose team has had the likes of Darcy Tucker and Tai Domi on the ice??
You thought Tie Domi's role was to be an agitator? Really?

And Tucker's role wasn't to be an agitator, it was to be a first or second-line forward and occasionally to drop the gloves when he needed to. When he did that he was fine. When he played the Sideshow Bob role, I didn't like it any more than you guys.

[DeToxRox]

Agitators are retarded. Maltby tries that shit all the time after the play and I hope he gets decked. When a guy is known as an agitator, it's code for "he sucks". Even Avery isn't known as an agitator. He can play. He's just a dick.

[bbor]

Ya i would have a hard time saying Domi is an agitator.In my books an agitator is a rat who stirs up shit but never drops the gloves when the call comes.

[RendeR]

To be honest I never watched Domi play that often, its more a reputation of being a dirty player that followed him around after a number of things he did. The clearest one in my memory being the blatant elbow to the head of another player.

Tucker, as you say, is better if he shuts up and plays, but the sideshow routine just makes him look retarded.

If an aggitator is someone who causes trouble but never steps up to follow it through then Kaleta isn't that. he's dropped the gloves and body slammed people already this season. He's just smart enough to know that its better for the team if he chooses his battles and lets the other team be stupid.

It didn't help the Mara and Kaleta have a history, kaleta busted up mara's face pretty badly last year. And in an interview after the Vancouver game he said something along the lines of "Yeah, i wanted to smack them around but they were so eager it was simpler to let them take the penalties"

I really like Kaleta, he busts his ass, and other peoples every minute he's on the ice. For a team like buffalo he's helping to replace the "sot" reputation we've had with some brute force.

[Maple Leafs]

Domi was an enforcer, pure and simple. He had two cheap shot incidents, one bad (Niedermayer) and one maybe not so bad (Samuellson). Other than that, he was a pretty honorable player. Definitely not an agitator.

When I talk about agitators, I'm not talking about guys who go out and play physical and throw hits and draw penalties by being disciplined. That's fine. I'm talking guys like Ruutu and Avery who are always trying to get under a guy's skin, and then dive as soon as they're touched. Sure, you get a powerplay, but there's no honor in playing like that.

Really haven't seen Kaleta play so no idea what category he falls into.

[Galaxy]

When I talk about agitators, I'm not talking about guys who go out and play physical and throw hits and draw penalties by being disciplined. That's fine. I'm talking guys like Ruutu and Avery who are always trying to get under a guy's skin, and then dive as soon as they're touched. Sure, you get a powerplay, but there's no honor in playing like that.

Really haven't seen Kaleta play so no idea what category he falls into.

Kaleta is no Avery or Ruutu. Just curious, are you oppose to the idea of "fighting", or just dirty players like an Ruutu or Avery?


Sabres lost tonight's game in the SO. They were down 2-0, before climbing back to tie it late. Vanek scores his 7th goal on the season (leading the league), and has atleast one goal in all of first five games.

[johnnyshaka]

Oilers still haven't lost and once again it was a flurry in the 2nd period that sealed the win. Down 2-0 in the second period, newly acquired tough guy, Steve MacIntyre, goes out and crushes the Flames' hotshot rookie, Dustin Boyd (clean hit) and then was jumped. He wins that little bout and the crowd is fired up. A few minutes later, the Oilers score 3 goals in 4 minutes and that was that.

Fun to be an Oilers' fan right now...not like being a Devil Rays' fan, that's for sure!!

[Galaxy]

Sluggish start for the Sabres (Game is on VS).

[Suburban Rhythm]

Two reports per TSN-

NHL officials discussing the idea of a 2nd team in Toronto-- either an expansion team or relocating an exisiting team. (Oops, didn't see Detox's thread on this)

And, the Wild have already begun shopping Marian Gaborik, who is a UFA at the end of the season.

[Dr. Sak]

Do you think the Pens make a run at him given what Hossa did last season?

[RendeR]

Two reports per TSN-

NHL officials discussing the idea of a 2nd team in Toronto-- either an expansion team or relocating an exisiting team. (Oops, didn't see Detox's thread on this)

And, the Wild have already begun shopping Marian Gaborik, who is a UFA at the end of the season.


They need a first team don't they? ;)

[Maple Leafs]

They need a first team don't they? ;)

http://www.bubbleboxballoons.co.uk/uplimages/Anagram%202007%20290.jpg


... on being the 1,000,000th person to make this exact joke today.

[RendeR]

OOOH ballooons, I love balloons ;)

[Maple Leafs]

Leafs pulled Toskala for the shootout tonight, putting in Joseph cold from the bench. Didn't work, they lost their third shootout of the season.

[Galaxy]

Sabres took a 3-2 win in the SO.

I hate the idea of expansion when you have a handful teams that are floundering.

[Chief Rum]

Leafs pulled Toskala for the shootout tonight, putting in Joseph cold from the bench. Didn't work, they lost their third shootout of the season.

Hey, we gave you a point. What more do you want?

[Maple Leafs]

Hey, we gave you a point. What more do you want?
WE DON'T WANT POINTS THIS YEAR!!!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Do you think the Pens make a run at him given what Hossa did last season?

The Pens are allegedly one of the team interested, but I think it's a stretch at this point.

1) He turned down $85M/10 years from Minnesota. What are the chances he re-signs here?
2) Given that, how do you give up another decent prospect and 1st round pick (probably what it's going to cost) for a few months of him
3) Even this season, he's at $6.3M against the cap, not sure how they fit that once Gonch and Whitney return.
4) He'd be hurt on the plan from Minnesota to Pittsburgh.

So the answer is....sure why the hell not.

[General Mike]

Joe Thornton is the best all-around player in the league. [/fact]

[Dr. Sak]

If you put during the regular season, I might agree with that statement.

[Draft Dodger]

Leafs pulled Toskala for the shootout tonight, putting in Joseph cold from the bench. Didn't work, they lost their third shootout of the season.

that has to work wonders for Toskala's confidence

[Fidatelo]

Joe Thornton is one of the best all-around players in the league. [/fact]

Fixed that for ya.

[samifan24]

Joe Thornton is the best all-around player in the league. [/fact]

He's one of the best but not the best.

[bbor]

that has to work wonders for Toskala's confidence


Confidence??...You know he plays for the Leafs right??:)

But seriously....Toskala,Joseph and Wilson discussed this move a few days before it happened.

[DeToxRox]

Gaborik is going to Vancouver to play with his BFF Demitra.

[Galaxy]

Craig Rivet is out for at least 2 weeks after having knee surgery today??????????

[Pumpy Tudors]

Sadly, I've watched very little hockey this year so far. I think it's because I haven't bought the NHL Center Ice package. The reason I haven't bought it is because I don't think Comcast in my area shows any of the games in HD. Has anyone tried buying the online package? I think it's called NHL Gamecenter or something? I have a pretty strong broadband connection, and I can pay for it monthly instead of having to pay for the whole season at once. Does anyone here know if the online service is any good?

[Hurst2112]

Joe Thornton is the best all-around player in the league. [/fact]

I just spit my coffee all over my Hank Zetterberg jersey. :D

[MikeVic]

Sadly, I've watched very little hockey this year so far. I think it's because I haven't bought the NHL Center Ice package. The reason I haven't bought it is because I don't think Comcast in my area shows any of the games in HD. Has anyone tried buying the online package? I think it's called NHL Gamecenter or something? I have a pretty strong broadband connection, and I can pay for it monthly instead of having to pay for the whole season at once. Does anyone here know if the online service is any good?

Colin White is on pace to be a +65.

[Maple Leafs]

But seriously....Toskala,Joseph and Wilson discussed this move a few days before it happened.
Sure, but what's Toskala supposed to say?

Nice of Wilson to give him a heads up, but the fact that Toskala OK'ed it before hand doesn't mean much.

[samifan24]

Gaborik is going to Vancouver to play with his BFF Demitra.

Was he traded? I read this and looked on TSN and NHL.com and didn't see anything.

[DeToxRox]

He signed a 2 year deal this summer.

[Hurst2112]

Was he traded? I read this and looked on TSN and NHL.com and didn't see anything.

No. It was just a play on their dude love for each other.

[DeToxRox]

Was he traded? I read this and looked on TSN and NHL.com and didn't see anything.

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

[bbor]

Sure, but what's Toskala supposed to say?

Nice of Wilson to give him a heads up, but the fact that Toskala OK'ed it before hand doesn't mean much.


Just pointing out the fact that it did'nt just come out of the blue.The stats backed up what Wilson did.I guess you could liken it to the whole lefty/righty thing in baseball.

The team is shit in shoot outs...why not try something relativly unconventional?

[DeToxRox]

Just pointing out the fact that it did'nt just come out of the blue.The stats backed up what Wilson did.I guess you could liken it to the whole lefty/righty thing in baseball.

The team is shit in shoot outs...why not try something relativly unconventional?

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