The OFFICIAL 2009-10 NHL Regular Season Thread

[Dr. Sak]

I don't buy this at all. When Cooke/Ott/Tootoo/Kaleta do the same thing, people make the assumption they are doing it on purpose, because they aren't 60 goal scorers. Scoring 60 goals doesn't make him any less dirty, just means he can do something else well while playing dirty.

And if we hold the guys listed above to a different standard because they have history, so does Ovechkin now.

Watch what you say because one of your superstars has a history of getting away with dirty stuff. Heck he even got a free pass to play in a game in which according to the rules he should've been suspended, but because who he was he got a reprieve.

[RomaGoth]

I don't buy this at all. When Cooke/Ott/Tootoo/Kaleta do the same thing, people make the assumption they are doing it on purpose, because they aren't 60 goal scorers. Scoring 60 goals doesn't make him any less dirty, just means he can do something else well while playing dirty.

And if we hold the guys listed above to a different standard because they have history, so does Ovechkin now.

I don't think any of those guys you listed are dirty players, nor have I ever said otherwise. Now, a guy like Laraque, Worrell, and Brashear? I consider them dirty because they have little to no hockey skills.

[gstelmack]

At least Ovechkin's penchant for knee-on-knee hits bit him this time.

[samifan24]

I don't think any of those guys you listed are dirty players, nor have I ever said otherwise. Now, a guy like Laraque, Worrell, and Brashear? I consider them dirty because they have little to no hockey skills.

I can see you making an argument for any of those players but Steve Ott. Come on, Steve Ott? He isn't a dirty player? Have you not seen him play? I think this is something fans of the other 29 teams can agree on.

[Galaxy]

I can see you making an argument for any of those players but Steve Ott. Come on, Steve Ott? He isn't a dirty player? Have you not seen him play? I think this is something fans of the other 29 teams can agree on.

+1

[RomaGoth]

I can see you making an argument for any of those players but Steve Ott. Come on, Steve Ott? He isn't a dirty player? Have you not seen him play? I think this is something fans of the other 29 teams can agree on.

I admit I have not seen much of him play.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I don't think any of those guys you listed are dirty players, nor have I ever said otherwise. Now, a guy like Laraque, Worrell, and Brashear? I consider them dirty because they have little to no hockey skills.

Peter Worrell can't still be in the league, can he? Brashear's hit on Betts in last year's playoffs was dirty.

I don't think Laraque is a dirty player at all. Sure, he had that hit on Kronwall, but I don't think that was intentional and certainly didn't fit his pattern of play. If anything, I think people would prefer Laraque to be a little dirtier of a player.

Just because a tough guy doesn't have hockey skills doesn't necessarily mean they are a dirty players. Sure, goons can be dirty, but not all goons are.

I can see you making an argument for any of those players but Steve Ott. Come on, Steve Ott? He isn't a dirty player? Have you not seen him play? I think this is something fans of the other 29 teams can agree on.

Steve Ott is a dirty player.

[Galaxy]

I admit I have not seen much of him play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG6wQRnnT8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV3KedAI95M&feature=related

Two examples.

[Dr. Sak]

It's those guys who play on the edge who borderline dirty. Daniel Carcillo, Matt Cooke, Jarko Rutuu...Sean Avery. There is a fine line between dirty and clean and sometimes those guys cross over.

[Galaxy]

Peter Worrell can't still be in the league, can he? Brashear's hit on Betts in last year's playoffs was dirty.

I don't think Laraque is a dirty player at all. Sure, he had that hit on Kronwall, but I don't think that was intentional and certainly didn't fit his pattern of play. If anything, I think people would prefer Laraque to be a little dirtier of a player.

Just because a tough guy doesn't have hockey skills doesn't necessarily mean they are a dirty players. Sure, goons can be dirty, but not all goons are.



Steve Ott is a dirty player.

I never thought of Laraque is dirty. You just don't want to have to face Laraque.

[MikeVic]

I don't think any of those guys you listed are dirty players, nor have I ever said otherwise. Now, a guy like Laraque, Worrell, and Brashear? I consider them dirty because they have little to no hockey skills.

What about Grant Fuhr, Jarome Iginla, and Pokey Reddick?

[Sublime 2]

Savard Re-signs (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/news/story?id=4703503)

Boston Bruins center Marc Savard has agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth around $4.2 million per year, according to a TSN report, which cited unnamed sources.

Huge extension for the B's and Savard to get done! Awesome cap hit for a top playmaker in the NHL.

[samifan24]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG6wQRnnT8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV3KedAI95M&feature=related

Two examples.

I remember that Bruins-Stars game well. I never paid attention to or saw much of Ott until that game and hated him after that. I loved the way the Bruins went after him and he just took the coward's way out. I also love Jack Edwards on the play-by-play. He's absolutely a homer but he gets so into it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

What about Grant Fuhr, Jarome Iginla, and Pokey Reddick?
BRYCE SALVADOR IS DIRTY AS HELL

[Dr. Sak]

SCOTT STEVENS IS DIRTY AS HELL

you said it

[Pumpy Tudors]

you said it
why you gotta play me like that

[Suburban Rhythm]

Watch what you say because one of your superstars has a history of getting away with dirty stuff. Heck he even got a free pass to play in a game in which according to the rules he should've been suspended, but because who he was he got a reprieve.

The rule is if the player is deemed to be there by the officials only to "send a message"...you know, like butt-ending someone on a faceoff.

I don't think any of those guys you listed are dirty players, nor have I ever said otherwise. Now, a guy like Laraque, Worrell, and Brashear? I consider them dirty because they have little to no hockey skills.

Peter Worrell can't still be in the league, can he? Brashear's hit on Betts in last year's playoffs was dirty.

I don't think Laraque is a dirty player at all. Sure, he had that hit on Kronwall, but I don't think that was intentional and certainly didn't fit his pattern of play. If anything, I think people would prefer Laraque to be a little dirtier of a player.



This. Eric Godard is 1/2 the fighter Laraque is, but he's a SOB about it. Laraque is often described as gentlemanly.

His skating is just bad...he slipped and crashed into Marty Biron that one time.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

2 games for Ovechkin. He's on the same level as Cooke now.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Laraque is often described as gentlemanly.

A couple of friends of mine are big Oilers fans and they were always bemoaning Big Georges for not being mean enough. They didn't think he had to proper temperment to really "flash the badge" effectively.

Besides, Laraque is an ethical vegan! He doesn't eat any animal products, at all, becuase he feels bad for the animals. (This has made him Lady H_B's favorite hockey player.)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Peter Worrell can't still be in the league, can he?

It appears his career finally ended after the 05-06 season with a stint for the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers.
Peter Worrell hockey statistics & profile at hockeydb.com (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=26800)

I had the pleasure of razzing his no talent hack ass for 3 periods on a couple of occasions that season when they came to play Gwinnett. By that point he didn't even lead the team in PIM, that role went to eventual Oiler/Panther Steve MacIntyre while Worrell was reduced to basically the 3rd string enforcer.

[Suburban Rhythm]

A couple of friends of mine are big Oilers fans and they were always bemoaning Big Georges for not being mean enough. They didn't think he had to proper temperment to really "flash the badge" effectively.

Besides, Laraque is an ethical vegan! He doesn't eat any animal products, at all, becuase he feels bad for the animals. (This has made him Lady H_B's favorite hockey player.)

That is how he was in Pittsburgh too. There was a clip of him at a Boys & Girls Club talking about hockey, and the kids ask him about fighting. He said he doesn't like it, but it's his job. And I think that is the difference. Guys like Godard etc, sort of enjoy it.

During the 07-08 season, one of his many fights with Riley Cote, he helped him up and asked if he was OK after knocking him on his ass. Who does that?

This is the most un-gentlemanly thing he's done:

Has Georges Laraque's sexy drink ad really offended anyone? - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Has-Georges-Laraque-s-sexy-drink-ad-really-offen?urn=nhl,195721)

[Dr. Sak]

The rule is if the player is deemed to be there by the officials only to "send a message"...you know, like butt-ending someone on a faceoff.
.

I guess dropping your gloves and hitting a player with 2 or 3 shots before he can defend himself isn't dirty. Or butt ending someone with his stick in the boards or elbowing to the face isn't dirty.

But I agree other than Laraques incident with Biron...I don't consider him dirty.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I guess dropping your gloves and hitting a player with 2 or 3 shots before he can defend himself isn't dirty. Or butt ending someone with his stick in the boards or elbowing to the face isn't dirty.

But I agree other than Laraques incident with Biron...I don't consider him dirty.

Or biting someone's finger? Or running the goaltender at the end of the game?

Let's be honest, there are very few players who don't do a little extra. I don't think Briere is close to being considered a dirty player, he was just suspended, but ALL players push the envelope.
Ovechkin/Malkin/Crosby/Richards, it's overlooked because of everything else they can do. Ruutu/Cooke/Ott it's noticed because it's a bigger part of their overall game.

For Ovechkin, the reckless play ( won't even use dirty) is happening more often.

[Galaxy]

I think the NHL needs to get rid of its instigator rule.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I think Dr. Sak and Suburban Rhythm should pool their money, buy a huge table, and wrestle each other on it. If it would help the action, maybe they can pretend they're wrestling their girlfriends Mike Richards and Sidney Crosby.

Ponder that while I sit here and daydream about Zach Parise.

[MikeVic]

I think Dr. Sak and Suburban Rhythm should pool their money, buy a huge table, and wrestle each other on it. If it would help the action, maybe they can pretend they're wrestling their girlfriends Mike Richards and Sidney Crosby.

Ponder that while I sit here and daydream about Zach Parise.

Maybe it should be a triple threat match. Or a threesome, whatever floats your boat.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think Dr. Sak and Suburban Rhythm should pool their money, buy a huge table, and wrestle each other on it. If it would help the action, maybe they can pretend they're wrestling their girlfriends Mike Richards and Sidney Crosby.

Ponder that while I sit here and daydream about Zach Parise.

You'll guest referee, right? I've got the perfect idea.

http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/m/mrt/01.jpg

[Dr. Sak]

Or biting someone's finger? Or running the goaltender at the end of the game?

Let's be honest, there are very few players who don't do a little extra. I don't think Briere is close to being considered a dirty player, he was just suspended, but ALL players push the envelope.
Ovechkin/Malkin/Crosby/Richards, it's overlooked because of everything else they can do. Ruutu/Cooke/Ott it's noticed because it's a bigger part of their overall game.

For Ovechkin, the reckless play ( won't even use dirty) is happening more often.

The finger biting incident...he could've bit him but Letang also could've jammed his finger in his mouth. And Richards was just doing his best George impression but he forgot the slide tackle part :)

I actually don't mind more suspensions even if it is to players like Briere or Ovechkin. Maybe that will send a message that no one is protected and everyone has to play by the same rule. Funny concept isn't it?

[Maple Leafs]

Hi, we're the Toronto Maple Leafs and we have only two good young players on the entire roster, and one of them has a bad case of explody heart.

[TurnerONU22]

Hi, we're the Toronto Maple Leafs and we have only two good young players on the entire roster, and one of them has a bad case of explody heart.

I guess this means that the Jackets get to face Toskala on Thursday.

This will be my first time (I think) watching the Leafs play live, since they rarely come to Columbus and I didn't have tickets the last time they were here.

P.S. - Please don't try and kidnap Rick Nash and bring him back to Toronto after the game. We'd appreciate it. If you try to, we'll put him in an R.J Umberger jersey and we know Burke won't have anything to do with him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hi, we're the Toronto Maple Leafs and we have only two good young players on the entire roster, and one of them has a bad case of explody heart.

That really stinks. Depending on what the issue is, there may be nothing anyone can do about it. A similar type of condition essentially ended Jiri Fischer's and Greg Johnson's careers.

[TurnerONU22]

Yeah, that's just not good. I'm glad that they were overly cautious about that, as you don't want to see a guy keel over during a game. Hopefully it wasn't anything serious and wasn't related to his earlier problems.

EDIT: I just noticed that MacDonald came in for Gustavsson. Is Toskala injured or "injured"?

[Maple Leafs]

I just noticed that MacDonald came in for Gustavsson. Is Toskala injured or "injured"?
He's out with a groin problem. Not sure when he's expected back, but I don't think he's playing on Thursday. They'll go with MacDonald as starter. Backup goalie will be putting two sticks across the net and having a "no raisies" rule.

[DeToxRox]

He's out with a groin problem. Not sure when he's expected back, but I don't think he's playing on Thursday. They'll go with MacDonald as starter. Backup goalie will be putting two sticks across the net and having a "no raisies" rule.

Shooter Tutor IYAM.

[DeToxRox]

I think Dr. Sak and Suburban Rhythm should pool their money, buy a huge table, and wrestle each other on it. If it would help the action, maybe they can pretend they're wrestling their girlfriends Mike Richards and Sidney Crosby.

Ponder that while I sit here and daydream about Colin White.

Fixed.

[TurnerONU22]

Backup goalie will be putting two sticks across the net and having a "no raisies" rule.

I think that's a sound strategy if the game goes into the shootout after the Jackets 1-11 effort last night.

[bbor]

Great thing about this is what ML says is true.....the Leafs won't have a back-up for the Columbus game.

Monster-??
Toskula-Injured
AHL regular starter Macdonald
AHL Back up Riemer-Injured
AHL emergency starter -Munro....was signed to a tryout contract when Macdonald was called up.

I don't even know who the AHL emergency back up who will now be the AHL emergency starter is.

Is Curtis Joseph still around?:)

[Dr. Sak]

The Leafs should try and sign Robert Esche

[Suburban Rhythm]

Ping CR

Looks like Crusher Christensen is no longer your problem. Picked up by the Rangers, who waive Valiquette in the process. Don't understand that. Who the hell is the back in NY now...Dan Blackburn?

Also, Duck pick up Kyle Chipchura from the Habs for a pick.

[bbor]

Ping CR

Looks like Crusher Christensen is no longer your problem. Picked up by the Rangers, who waive Valiquette in the process. Don't understand that. Who the hell is the back in NY now...Dan Blackburn?

Also, Duck pick up Kyle Chipchura from the Habs for a pick.

Wonder if the Leafs will grab Valiquette.

[bhlloy]

Thank God. Another marginally talented energy guy was just what this team needed.

Meanwhile Mikkelson is sent down and Festerling brought up to replace him. We couldn't move that 4th round pick for a real NHL defenseman and get rid of Eminger instead? And what the hell happened to Sbisa looking like a future star?

Not sure if CR will agree but I've basically decided that the 3rd D pairing is the absolute downfall of this team. So many bad things happen with Eminger and Mikkelson out there it's not even funny. I'm sure Festerling will do so much better. Add in the fact that Niedermayer doesn't give a shit any more and Boynton is very average and the Ducks are basically playing with 1 decent defensive pairing where they used to have 3 very above average pairings. So no surprise the team is struggling.

[RomaGoth]

Gustavsson is having another heart procedure, although it appears to be non-surgical (same as the one he had done in training camp).

Toronto Maple Leafs' Jonas Gustavsson to have second heart procedure - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4709875)

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Leafs trade Jiri Tulsty to Carolina for Philippe Paradis (Carolina's first round pick this year).

[bbor]

The Leafs trade Jiri Tulsty to Carolina for Philippe Paradis (Carolina's first round pick this year).


My underacheiver for your underaveiver

[Dr. Sak]

John Stevens days in Philly are just about over.

[Maple Leafs]

Phil Kessel, apparently bored with scoring goals (two more tonight), just got in his first career fight.

[bbor]

If Kessel keeps scoring like this i'd give up another 1st for him.Not only that but the guys is actually backchecking like a demon.Did he do this in Boston?

[Wolfpack]

My underacheiver for your underaveiver

Not sure what an "underaviever" is, but that aside, it's a rather weird trade. Carolina was pretty well derided for choosing Paradis in the first round, but Rutherford was wanting to get bigger and tougher all around and that included the draft. I wonder if the flaming wreckage of this season has convinced him the roster strategy wasn't going to work out and suddenly made the Paradis choice expendable. From what I've read, Paradis hasn't been excelling in juniors so far this year while Tlusty's been playing well.

The reaction down here's been a bit scattered, mostly ranging from "we wasted yet another first round pick" to "JR's got something else planned--either Tlutsy or a vet is going to be shipped out for someone else".

At this point, the fanbase has pretty much written off the season and are actually somewhat kinda-sorta-not-quite-hoping that Carolina will suffer enough this year to be in the draft lottery, rather than somehow finally put it all together, make a charge in the second half, and end up something like 10th in the East at the end, leaving the team with a middling first round pick rather than anything at the top of the order.

[Galaxy]

Sabres just destroy Montreal 6-2 tonight.

They send backup goalie Patrick Lalime to a 2-game conditioning assignment with Portland (AHL) for this weekend. With 15 games in 27 days coming up (outside of Christmas Eve and Christmas, they'll play at least every other night).

[RomaGoth]

The inconsistency shown by the Red Wings this season is frustrating. I give the team a mild pass due to injuries and free agent defections, but when you are playing at home, against an Oilers team with even more injuries than you, and you lose 4-1 and look terrible doing it, something is wrong. The team appears to lack chemistry, which is not a huge surprise considering we have 2/3 of the Grand Rapids Griffins on the team right now.

Just very disappointed in the effort some nights, and not accustomed to it. We Wings fans have been very spoiled over the past dozen years.

*sigh*

[DeToxRox]

The inconsistency shown by the Red Wings this season is frustrating. I give the team a mild pass due to injuries and free agent defections, but when you are playing at home, against an Oilers team with even more injuries than you, and you lose 4-1 and look terrible doing it, something is wrong. The team appears to lack chemistry, which is not a huge surprise considering we have 2/3 of the Grand Rapids Griffins on the team right now.

Just very disappointed in the effort some nights, and not accustomed to it. We Wings fans have been very spoiled over the past dozen years.

*sigh*

Honestly the most frustrating thing is watch Dats get saddled with stiffs. I really hope when Fil gets back they just move him to play wing with Dats. He needs someone out there who can skate with him.

[RomaGoth]

Honestly the most frustrating thing is watch Dats get saddled with stiffs. I really hope when Fil gets back they just move him to play wing with Dats. He needs someone out there who can skate with him.

Actually, I think a line of Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Cleary works very well. However, with all the injuries Babcock has to keep Zets and Dats on separate lines.

[Maple Leafs]

If Kessel keeps scoring like this i'd give up another 1st for him.Not only that but the guys is actually backchecking like a demon.Did he do this in Boston?
At this point I think the Leafs should just give the Bruins their 2012 first rounder too. Sort of like tipping the waiter after a great meal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, the Flyers fire John Stevens?

I guess expectations were pretty high going into this year.

What's the issue in Philly? I figured it be goaltending, but I haven't seen enough Flyers' games to know whether that's really the problem.

[Chief Rum]

The inconsistency shown by the Red Wings this season is frustrating. I give the team a mild pass due to injuries and free agent defections, but when you are playing at home, against an Oilers team with even more injuries than you, and you lose 4-1 and look terrible doing it, something is wrong. The team appears to lack chemistry, which is not a huge surprise considering we have 2/3 of the Grand Rapids Griffins on the team right now.

Just very disappointed in the effort some nights, and not accustomed to it. We Wings fans have been very spoiled over the past dozen years.

*sigh*

Yeah, I hear ya. The parallels between the Wings and the Ducks are oddly similar, although you guys are holding up better than we are, IMO, and I think you'll be fine in the long run.

Meanwhile, in related news, Teemu broke his hand last night. $#@!&!!

[Dr. Sak]

So, the Flyers fire John Stevens?

I guess expectations were pretty high going into this year.

What's the issue in Philly? I figured it be goaltending, but I haven't seen enough Flyers' games to know whether that's really the problem.

Effort... accountability...any sort of offensive scheme...the inability to adjust during the game. They are still making the same mistakes as in previous years.

[Dr. Sak]

Peter Laviolette is the new coach.

Kevin McCarthy leaving Carolina to assist Laviolette in Philly.

[samifan24]

Bruins-Canadiens on right now. Honestly I'm more excited about tomorrow night's Bruins-Leafs game with Kessel and Komisarek. Should be a good game, too bad Lucic can't renew his rivalry with Komisarek this time out.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Even though he's essentially been retired since the end of last year, Darren McCarty has officially called it quits today.

It was definitely time -- it was probably time a few years ago -- but, as far as role players go, he was a huge part of the Wings' success in the late 90's and early '00's.

Obviously, his role in the whole Claude Lemieux affair is legendary. He also scored a number of big goals in that time, including the OT in that March 26th game (a game he should have been kicked out of) and, of course, his Cup clinching goal in 1997. The radio call of that goal was on my answer machine for a few months thereafter.

[RomaGoth]

Peter Laviolette is the new coach.

Kevin McCarthy leaving Carolina to assist Laviolette in Philly.

Is it normal for a currently employed coach to switch teams mid-season? I don't recall seeing that in the NHL.

[MikeVic]

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[Wolfpack]

At long last, Carolina gets their first road win of the season, a 3-2 win over...Pittsburgh? Wait, what?

[Galaxy]

At long last, Carolina gets their first road win of the season, a 3-2 win over...Pittsburgh? Wait, what?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Dr. Sak]

Is it normal for a currently employed coach to switch teams mid-season? I don't recall seeing that in the NHL.

No idea. I do know the Flyers have been after him for some time though (McCarthy). He was a first round pick of the Flyers in the 70s.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've always liked Brendan Witt. Sure, he's a bit off, but that's part of why I like him. This story does nothing to change that:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=301565

ISLANDERS DEFENCEMAN WITT HIT BY CAR; WILL STILL PLAY TONIGHT

Go ahead, make his day.

New York Islanders defenceman Brendan Witt (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/?name=brendan+witt) was hit by a car in Philadelphia on Tuesday, according to Newsday. But Witt reportedly picked himself up off the road and, after a few profanities, assured everyone he was all right before continuing on his way, prompting one witness to say, "it was like seeing Clint Eastwood, but in hockey."

Witt was crossing Arch Street to get a cup of coffee when a gold Yukon truck made an illegal turn and hit the 34-year-old. Newsday says Witt tried to jump on the hood of the vehicle before being thrown to the ground as he was struck.

"I'm okay," Witt told the crowd as he dusted himself off, according to Newsday. "I've got to go play some hockey. I'm a hockey player. I'm okay. No big deal."

The onlooker was impressed.

"Boy that guy is tough," he said.

The 6'2, 219-pound blueliner downplayed the incident.

"I just got lucky," said Witt, who oddly enough had declined an offer for a drive to Wachovia Center from the team's medical staff just prior to the accident. "Fortunately nothing bad happened. I'm just a little sore."

The Humboldt, Saskatchewan native chose not to call police or get medical care, and was at the Isles' morning skate just a few hours later. He will play tonight against the Flyers.

Witt has two goals, one assist and 35 penalty minutes in 26 games for the Isles this season, and has no plans to star in any action films in the immediate future.

[sterlingice]

Ok, that's cool and kindof scary all at once

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Carcillo should know better than to violate his suspension like this.

[bbor]

Emory out 6 weeks...ouch.....

[Suburban Rhythm]

Peter Laviolette is the new coach.

Kevin McCarthy leaving Carolina to assist Laviolette in Philly.

My question in all of this-- who the hell is Carolina hiring when they fire Maurice now? Doesn't Laviolette know how this is supposed to work?

At long last, Carolina gets their first road win of the season, a 3-2 win over...Pittsburgh? Wait, what?
Yeah, that was....sad.

Maybe it was me, but I swear I saw a few guys jumping near the Canes bench. I know guys will hop over the boards, etc...but these guys seemed really happy to get that win.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Emory out 6 weeks...ouch.....

Dola

Does Neckbeard have an out clause with the KHL Sak?

[Dr. Sak]

Dola

Does Neckbeard have an out clause with the KHL Sak?

I don't think. It doesn't really matter who is in net right now with the way the team is playing.

[Wolfpack]

My question in all of this-- who the hell is Carolina hiring when they fire Maurice now? Doesn't Laviolette know how this is supposed to work?


Yeah, that was....sad.

Maybe it was me, but I swear I saw a few guys jumping near the Canes bench. I know guys will hop over the boards, etc...but these guys seemed really happy to get that win.

On the first point, the expectation is it's either Ron Francis (I hope not) or Jeff Daniels, the current coach down at Albany.

As to the celebration, well, you'll have to forgive them since it was their first road win period and just the seventh win this year. They're still having to crane their necks back some to look up at Toronto in the standings.

[MikeVic]

Bloge Salming: A Look Into The Future. (http://www.blogesalming.com/2009/12/look-into-future.html)

Lol, got this link from DGB. Funny stuff.

[Maple Leafs]

Bloge Salming: A Look Into The Future. (http://www.blogesalming.com/2009/12/look-into-future.html)

Lol, got this link from DGB. Funny stuff.
That whole site is gold.

[RomaGoth]

Bloge Salming: A Look Into The Future. (http://www.blogesalming.com/2009/12/look-into-future.html)

Lol, got this link from DGB. Funny stuff.

Epic. "You're the reason I hate Novia Scotia" :lol:

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings get shutout 1-0 at home against Conklin and the Blues (their 3rd shutout at home this year) and... they lose Dan Cleary with separated shoulder for a month.

So, between free agency and injury the Wings are down:

Hossa, Hulder, Samuelsson, Franzen, Cleary, Filppula and Williams. Taking Williams out of the equation, that's 6 of the Wings' top 9 forwards last year.

Good times!

[bbor]

Bring back Petr!!!!

[RomaGoth]

The Wings get shutout 1-0 at home against Conklin and the Blues (their 3rd shutout at home this year) and... they lose Dan Cleary with separated shoulder for a month.

So, between free agency and injury the Wings are down:

Hossa, Hulder, Samuelsson, Franzen, Cleary, Filppula and Williams. Taking Williams out of the equation, that's 6 of the Wings' top 9 forwards last year.

Good times!

I watched part of the game. Didn't realize Cleary's injury was that serious. Geesh, if it wasn't for bad luck they would have no luck at all.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Bring back Petr!!!!

Fuck Yeah!!!!!!

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cs-edmontonjournal/CommunityServer.Components.PostAttachments/00/00/18/83/99/Petr+Klima.JPG?AWSAccessKeyId=0TTXDM86AJ1CB68A7P02&Expires=1260477947&Signature=Plm%2bRJzu9lYsBsZGUZTunRYAsgA%3d

[bbor]

Fuck Yeah!!!!!!

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cs-edmontonjournal/CommunityServer.Components.PostAttachments/00/00/18/83/99/Petr+Klima.JPG?AWSAccessKeyId=0TTXDM86AJ1CB68A7P02&Expires=1260477947&Signature=Plm%2bRJzu9lYsBsZGUZTunRYAsgA%3d



I that the X-mas card he sent you?:D

[Galaxy]

Sabres get themselves together by holding off the Caps 3-0. Miller is without question the best goalie in the league right now.

[sterlingice]

http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=300811

Didn't notice anything on this, but another stupid 13 year extension earlier this week. I guess the Blackhawks aren't worried at all about that cap situation next year because I think they think there won't be any cap. Or something...

SI

[sterlingice]

Speaking of the Caps a couple of post before, I'll be going to my first NHL game tomorrow night (Caps-Canes), as odd as that is to say. I've never lived remotely near anywhere that had a team (Houston/Kansas City) so I never had a chance to see anything more than an exhibition and thought it too expensive to go for a preseason game.

(As sad as this is- my little quandary is what to wear as I have no jersey from either team and none of the ones I have would really be appropriate. I have no qualms about wearing, say, my Royals gear into any other stadium as I could hold my own in any baseball conversation but I'm just not that good about hockey so I would feel a little odd about wearing my Blackhawks jersey there...)

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Just wear a red or black tee-shirt.

[Honolulu_Blue]

http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=300811

Didn't notice anything on this, but another stupid 13 year extension earlier this week. I guess the Blackhawks aren't worried at all about that cap situation next year because I think they think there won't be any cap. Or something...

SI

The Blackhawks have some pieces they can move. I don't see how they trade Campbell or Huet, but they might just put 'em on waivers and bannish them to the AHL. They also may look to move one or more of Sharp, Barker, Byfuglien, Bolland etc.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of the Caps a couple of post before, I'll be going to my first NHL game tomorrow night (Caps-Canes), as odd as that is to say. I've never lived remotely near anywhere that had a team (Houston/Kansas City) so I never had a chance to see anything more than an exhibition and thought it too expensive to go for a preseason game.

(As sad as this is- my little quandary is what to wear as I have no jersey from either team and none of the ones I have would really be appropriate. I have no qualms about wearing, say, my Royals gear into any other stadium as I could hold my own in any baseball conversation but I'm just not that good about hockey so I would feel a little odd about wearing my Blackhawks jersey there...)

SI

Just bring your blackberry or whatever and whenever someone asks you a question post it here and we'll respond for you. It will be just like Cyrano De Bergerac, except we're a lot more pretty. Well, some of us at least. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Based on NHLNUMBERS.COM numbers, the Blackhawks have 9 forwards, 5 defensemen and 1 goalie under contract for 2010-11 and their cap hit is already $60 million (above the current cap).

Pieces will have to be moved, but they hit the salary cap sweet spot like the Wings did last year. It's best just to try and ride it out and hope for the best.

[Galaxy]

Based on NHLNUMBERS.COM numbers, the Blackhawks have 9 forwards, 5 defensemen and 1 goalie under contract for 2010-11 and their cap hit is already $60 million (above the current cap).

Pieces will have to be moved, but they hit the salary cap sweet spot like the Wings did last year. It's best just to try and ride it out and hope for the best.

Blackhawks will need to free up cap space - NHL News - FOX Sports on MSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/10505126/Blackhawks-will-need-to-free-up-cap-space)


What is the projected cap for next year?

[henry296]

Last I heard about the same as last year... which I think is around $55MM.

[sterlingice]

Wow. So I went to stubhub and checked out what seats are going for with the game we're going to tomorrow night. Glad I got them in advance- they were $20 apiece for, admittedly, pretty crappy tickets but it got us in the door. Said crappy nearby tickets are going for $65 each. Glad I got these back in October.

SI

[Wolfpack]

Hope si had a good time at the game. Somewhat of a microcosm of Carolina's season again. We get guys hurt, we make bafflingly idiotic plays, we play hard, we lose.

I am still trying to figure out Cam Ward's line of thinking on the goal he surrendered with less than a second left in the second period. The Caps got a late breakaway and a shot off the wing that Ward stopped, but instead of smothering or making a strong effort to clear, he got himself stuck awkwardly on the ice and could only muster a weak paddle that went straight to Alexander Semin, who only had to lift it over Ward and back into the goal to tie the game. If he makes a better play, the Canes may have won in regulation (then again it's Carolina in 2009-10...they probably would have found another way to lose).

At any rate, the "Tim Gleason for Next Captain" bandwagon picked up a fair number of passengers tonight. Gleason took a puck to the face deflecting an Ovechkin shot early in the game. He took a humongous number of stitches (estimates have reached 30), got a fully shielded helmet, went back out and played. He then got a bit of karmic justice by bagging a surprising short-hander that tied the game in the third period. Regardless, a real gutsy performance, especially considering it would have been easy to pack it in for the night for him since the Hurricanes aren't going anywhere this year. More and more, I'm really glad we traded Jack Johnson for him.

In addition, our prospect-for-prospect trade with Toronto panned for a night as Tlusty got called up from Albany due to injuries to Cole and LaRose and potted a goal.

Should have been better, but not the worst night, I suppose. Frankly, they've done well on this rather rugged road trip, with three points from games against the Pens, NJ, and the Caps. One more tomorrow in Ottawa.

[Suburban Rhythm]

At any rate, the "Tim Gleason for Next Captain" bandwagon picked up a fair number of passengers tonight. Gleason took a puck to the face deflecting an Ovechkin shot early in the game. He took a humongous number of stitches (estimates have reached 30), got a fully shielded helmet, went back out and played. He then got a bit of karmic justice by bagging a surprising short-hander that tied the game in the third period. Regardless, a real gutsy performance, especially considering it would have been easy to pack it in for the night for him since the Hurricanes aren't going anywhere this year. More and more, I'm really glad we traded Jack Johnson for him.


More importantly, did he try and run Ovechkin?

[Wolfpack]

More importantly, did he try and run Ovechkin?

Nah. Didn't seem to be any long-term animus over what happened. Of course, getting a puck to the face early in the game probably took away much of any chance for that to happen.

At any rate, I must say that whatever deal with the Devil that Karmanos, Rutherford, and Maurice made last spring must have missed a few repayments because the interest rate is getting out of hand. Carolina gamely fought hard in Ottawa and had it tied 2-2 with a few minutes left before Joni Pitkanen commits a spectacularly assinine holding penalty. Ottawa capitalized as Jay Harrison collapsed towards the goal to stop a pass to a wide open senator and wound up kicking it in. The Sens would ice it with an empty-netter later on.

I know the season is gone and that there's no hope for now other than seeing if they can win the lottery and in the meantime get the Albany kids up for some experience. Doesn't make these kinds of losses hurt much less. :banghead:

[DeToxRox]

Jonathan Ericsson just left the Wings game after a knee to knee hit. Unreal.

[RomaGoth]

Jonathan Ericsson just left the Wings game after a knee to knee hit. Unreal.

Yeah he looked really hurt too. Just what we need, another injury. Geesh.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah he looked really hurt too. Just what we need, another injury. Geesh.

Well, Kindl will get a long look now cause E looks like he is missing a lot of time.

[bbor]

Why are'nt they calling up Tatar.The kid is playing well in GR.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Why are'nt they calling up Tatar.The kid is playing well in GR.

He's still only 18 and he's heading out to play for the Slovakian team at the World Juniors. It certainly may come to that if things keep going as they have.

Kris Newberry scored a goal in his first game with the Wings. Thanks, Toronto!

[DeToxRox]

Why are'nt they calling up Tatar.The kid is playing well in GR.

I almost suspect he'll get a call up at some point. Potentially after the Olympics where I suspect he'll have a shot at making the Slovak roster.

[Galaxy]

Sabres pull out a 4-3 win in Montreal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You know it's a bit of a different Red Wings team when your goal scorers are Kris Newberry, Patrick Eaves and Derek Meech.

[sterlingice]

Hope si had a good time at the game. Somewhat of a microcosm of Carolina's season again. We get guys hurt, we make bafflingly idiotic plays, we play hard, we lose.

I am still trying to figure out Cam Ward's line of thinking on the goal he surrendered with less than a second left in the second period. The Caps got a late breakaway and a shot off the wing that Ward stopped, but instead of smothering or making a strong effort to clear, he got himself stuck awkwardly on the ice and could only muster a weak paddle that went straight to Alexander Semin, who only had to lift it over Ward and back into the goal to tie the game. If he makes a better play, the Canes may have won in regulation (then again it's Carolina in 2009-10...they probably would have found another way to lose).

At any rate, the "Tim Gleason for Next Captain" bandwagon picked up a fair number of passengers tonight. Gleason took a puck to the face deflecting an Ovechkin shot early in the game. He took a humongous number of stitches (estimates have reached 30), got a fully shielded helmet, went back out and played. He then got a bit of karmic justice by bagging a surprising short-hander that tied the game in the third period. Regardless, a real gutsy performance, especially considering it would have been easy to pack it in for the night for him since the Hurricanes aren't going anywhere this year. More and more, I'm really glad we traded Jack Johnson for him.

I thoroughly enjoyed the game. Caps looked dead for a period and a half but, talking to a couple of fans around- this was their only home game in almost 3 weeks (19 days, I think). The goal being waived off changed the complexion of the game as it took about a minute to go from 3-1 to 2-2.

A couple of thoughts on the Caps
-They're just a ridiculously fun team to watch. Yeah, they have the best player in the game, but that entire line is pretty darn good. They looked bored and tired, but never really out of it. If it had gone to 3-1, tho, I think that mountain might have been really tough to climb.
-Their defense is prone to bouts of stupid. It's hard to say how good they really are as it seems like 2/3rds of the game is spent in the other team's end. It's like an NFL team with a prolific offense where the defense looks like they are better than they are because they're always put in a position to succeed and not on the field that long.
-Wow do they need help in the net. Theodore reminds us all why he got kicked out of Montreal. And Colorado. The shot total that night was something like 40-15 in favor of Washington but the game was tied 3-3 going into OT. And a couple of those goals were soft goals.
-After Theodore gave up soft goal #2 (goal #3), the team went back on its heals the rest of regulation. They were just so worried that if they didn't stay back and help, he couldn't stop a shot from my 5 year old nephew. The Canes knew it too and at that point started throwing stuff from the blue line at him, just to see if he could even stop it... and he almost let one by.
-I love the NHL atmosphere. Again, been to lots of minor league hockey but never the NHL. It reminded me of minor league fans only more energetic and more into the team. Whereas football fans are fat, beer-swilling, semi-belligerent guys who occasionally bring their family to games, hockey fans are the closest things we have to soccer hooligans: fairly lean, even more beer-guzzling, extremely belligerent folks who bring their kids to games to teach them how to kill. Oh, and female hockey fans are some of the coolest people on earth, albeit typically a smidge (or more) crazy.

SI

[johnnyshaka]

-I love the NHL atmosphere. Again, been to lots of minor league hockey but never the NHL. It reminded me of minor league fans only more energetic and more into the team. Whereas football fans are fat, beer-swilling, semi-belligerent guys who occasionally bring their family to games, hockey fans are the closest things we have to soccer hooligans: fairly lean, even more beer-guzzling, extremely belligerent folks who bring their kids to games to teach them how to kill. Oh, and female hockey fans are some of the coolest people on earth, albeit typically a smidge (or more) crazy.

SI

C'mon...extremely belligerent while NFL fans are only semi-belligerent?? You're kidding, right?? And comparing NHL fans to soccer hooligans...again, you're kidding right??

[henry296]

I was just looking at the Pens-Flyers box score and saw three fights in 16 seconds.

Sak / Suburban - what was going on?

[Dr. Sak]

I was listening on the radio and it was just one staged fight after another.

[sterlingice]

C'mon...extremely belligerent while NFL fans are only semi-belligerent?? You're kidding, right?? And comparing NHL fans to soccer hooligans...again, you're kidding right??

And to think I said that lovingly ;)

SI

[Wolfpack]

You know it's a bit of a different Red Wings team when your goal scorers are Kris Newberry, Patrick Eaves and Derek Meech.

On the other end of that long-ago deal that eventually put Eaves in Detroit, Carolina sent Aaron Ward through waivers. Yeah, that deal worked out well....

I admit taking the stupid pill on this one...we didn't have a puck-stopping d-man last year and I thought someone like Ward, who was pretty solid for us in '06, would be what we needed. Then we traded to get him back, so I thought problem solved. Well, it's been three years and Ward also had Chara on the other side last year. Evidently those two facts conspired to deliver to us an old, slow d-man who's got an Arctic level of +/- so far--not Rod Brind'Amour bad, but still.

[Dr. Sak]

Man the Flyers suck.

Rumors are flying that Carter is banging Hartnell's wife.

[bbor]

Man the Flyers suck.

Rumors are flying that Carter is banging Hartnell's wife.

LOL

This is shades of 80's Leafs when Leeman was banging Iafrates wife.

[NoSkillz]

Man the Flyers suck.

Rumors are flying that Carter is banging Hartnell's wife.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3648775440_dd7d06b1c5_o.jpg

Again, the theory that hockey players score the best girls is proven.

[boberot]

Sabres get themselves together by holding off the Caps 3-0. Miller is without question the best goalie in the league right now.


The most impressive thing about this, to me, is that he matter-of-factly said before the season that his goal was to elevate his game to elite status. Then, he just went ahead and did it.

And the fact that he's dominating at almost the exact same size as me [6'1" 175] really blows me away.

:)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Again, the theory that hockey players score the best girls is proven.

I concur.

If this is true, Tiger Woods could learn a thing or two from Jeff Carter about standards.

[Galaxy]

Is Hartnell related to Carrot Top?

[Galaxy]

The most impressive thing about this, to me, is that he matter-of-factly said before the season that his goal was to elevate his game to elite status. Then, he just went ahead and did it.

And the fact that he's dominating at almost the exact same size as me [6'1" 175] really blows me away.

:)


Yeap. I never quite saw him as an elite goalie, but he proving me wrong. I just hope they don't wear him down (with the Olympics as well).

[Draft Dodger]

LOL

This is shades of 80's Leafs when Leeman was banging Iafrates wife.

or, still in Philly when rumors were that BrindAmour was traded after he found out Lindros was banging his wife

[Galaxy]

or, still in Philly when rumors were that BrindAmour was traded after he found out Lindros was banging his wife

Does Philly not have an ample supply of women?

[Galaxy]

Ugh...Sabres lost 2-0 to Sens tonight. They need to get the PP figured out.

Is it requirement to show Carrie Underwood every time she is at the game?

[Dr. Sak]

or, still in Philly when rumors were that BrindAmour was traded after he found out Lindros was banging his wife


Can you really blame her in that case? Rod is UGLY.

[boberot]

Ugh...Sabres lost 2-0 to Sens tonight. They need to get the PP figured out.

Is it requirement to show Carrie Underwood every time she is at the game?

Sens still have our number.

Some of our "top flight" guys better damn well start playing like top flight guys.

[johnnyshaka]

Can you really blame her in that case? Rod is UGLY.

You for forgot the "F" in FUGLY. :)

[Travis]

You for forgot the "F" in FUGLY. :)

The correct answers were Circus Ugly, or Ricci Ugly

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[Galaxy]

Sens still have our number.

Some of our "top flight" guys better damn well start playing like top flight guys.

They just seem tired. Of course, I saw some of the players good food sickness the night before in an Ottawa Steakhouse.

The NHL needs to end the instigator penalty. The cheap hits across the league is getting pathetic. I know the Rangers coach is being more vocal about it. Of course, Bettman and his cronies can't figure out 2+2=4, so I don't see much out of them.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I was just looking at the Pens-Flyers box score and saw three fights in 16 seconds.

Sak / Suburban - what was going on?

I was there...and like Sak said, all staged pretty much.

Asham-Rupp 2 seconds after a faceoff. After that ended, next faceoff, Pens put Godard out, Flyers send Cote...everyone in the building knew what was coming (side note, Cote had 31 seconds of ice time...his fight lasted longer). about 8 seconds after that one, after the next faceoff, Adams - Carcillo.

The 2nd and 3rd periods, comparatively, were pretty boring actually.

Saw this great jersey at the game

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4188276219_55f3f0ef8d.jpg

[Maple Leafs]

I was there...and like Sak said, all staged pretty much.
I officially hate the term "staged fight".

Gino Reda on TSN went on a little rant about the Flyers/Pens game, and how embarassing it was to have all those "meaningless" fights that were staged.

Really? Really? Two teams with an intense rivalry, one of whom is desperately trying to break out of a death spiral, play a game with three straight fights between known tough guys... and that's "staged" and "meaningless"? We're all going to pretend we can't understand what's happening, and just lump it in with the typical dumb Brian McGratton "pad my stats" fight?

We're now at a point where two teams sending out their tough guys to set the tone for an entire game is "meaningless", but two guys deciding to fight after the bump into each other during the latest Predators/Thrashers game is somehow really profound and important.

Fake outrage over fighting should be considered legal grounds to run over a media guy with your car.

[Honolulu_Blue]

And... down goes Zetterberg. He got knocked out of the game by a clean, hard hit by Ohlund. He drove himself to the hospital to get an MRI on his shoulder. Awesome.

Tonight's goal scorers: Drew Miller, Todd Bertuzzi, Patrick Eaves. Your 2009-2010 Detroit Red Wings!

They beat an incredibly listless Tampa Bay team. Jimmy Howard got his first career shutout, so that's something.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Zetterberg has a slightly separate shoulder. Out for a minimum of 2 weeks.

So, for your scorecard at home, players out with injury include:

Franzen, Filppula, Williams, Cleary, Zetterberg, Helm (minor), Kronwall, Ericsson, and, let us not forget, Lilja.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This is taken from (apparently) the third Malcolm Gladwell-Bill Simmons internet discussion thing:

SIMMONS
That reminds me: A Toronto reader just e-mailed me expressing his dismay that (A) Roy Halladay was traded, and (B) Chris Bosh is a mortal lock to be playing somewhere else next season. By August, he believed Canada's best non-hockey player would be either Hedo Turkoglu or Aaron Hill. I thought that was jarring. How is it possible that the Blue Jays and Raptors cover all of Canada for baseball, football and basketball? Shouldn't the country have more teams? And if your counter-argument is "No, actually, Canada is good, we only care about hockey," then why doesn't Canada have more NHL teams? What about my idea that the NHL should cut back to 24 teams, then go a 12-team American conference and a 12-team Canadian conference? Could Canada handle 12 NHL teams? Am I overrating Canada? Am I the only one who cares? I feel like I am.

GLADWELL
If the question is can Canada support 12 teams that are at least as successful as the Phoenix Coyotes and the Nashville Predators, the answer is of course. I suspect my high school could draw more fans than the Coyotes. I'm with you on the 24-team, Canadian-American conference idea, particularly since it turns the Stanley Cup finals into a border war every year. I was once in Brazil when Brazil was playing Argentina in soccer, and the entire country was in a state of advanced hysteria. I was at a conference and they stopped the proceedings, in the middle of the day, so everyone could go watch the game. Unbelievable. That's what happens when you combine sports and national loyalties. Can you imagine this happening every spring? I have a half a mind to march uptown to the NHL offices and pitch the idea to Gary Bettman personally. Oh, wait. I just checked. He's out. He's in Phoenix trying to figure out a way to skate on sand.

SIMMONS
Speaking of crazy theories, what about the idea that Stern planted Bettman in the NHL knowing he would screw the league up? Follow this timeline.

Fall 1992: Stern sees the NHL coming on strong: Gretzky in Los Angeles; a potential Lemieux/Jagr dynasty in Pittsburgh; Lindros looming in Philly, Messier leading the Rangers back to prominence; three other potential superstars (Alex Mogilny, Pavel Bure and Steve Yzerman); and four major markets (Detroit, Boston, Montreal and Chicago) contending for the Cup. Well, he has to sabotage this immediately. When the NHL owners come to him for a recommendation, he pushes his assistant Bettman on them. It's like Michael Corleone convincing Moe Greene to let Fredo run his casinos. No, really, he'll be great!

Feb 1, 1993: Bettman takes over. At this point, he is saying all the right things (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1137441/index.htm) and not hinting at his desire to overexpand, lower the number of Canadian teams and effectively destroy the soul of the league.
June 1994: The league finishes its greatest 18-month run ever -- Montreal beating Gretzky's Kings in the '93 finals, then the Rangers ending a 54-year drought by winning the '94 Cup -- and if that's not enough, Jordan "retires" (sorry, I have to use quotes) and baseball has its damaging strike. Sports Illustrated cements hockey's coming-on-strong status with its memorable "WHY THE NHL'S HOT AND THE NBA'S NOT" (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/cover/featured/9437/index.htm) cover. Even in video games, the NHL was crushing it: That year, "NHL '94" became the single biggest time-waster other than the O.J. trial. There was no cooler/hipper/hotter sport.

Looking back, how can you screw that up? Bettman did it. Forget about all the other reasons the NHL fell off a cliff for 12 years (only recently have there been signs of life) and concentrate on this one: The league had 24 teams when Bettman took over, including eight in Canada. Now they have a whopping 30 teams, including more warm-weather American teams (L.A., Phoenix, Nashville, Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Atlanta, Anaheim) than Canadian teams (only six). Here's Canada, the country that loves hockey more than anyone loves anything … and it only represents 20 percent of the National Hockey League. This is the single dumbest true fact in sports right now. And it happened on Bettman's watch.

GLADWELL
It's incredible, isn't it? What I don't understand is how a country that is obsessed with hockey and supplies the lion's share of players and diehard fans to the NHL allows its national sport to be run by an American working out of New York City. It's as if the Super Bowl were moved, permanently, to Winnipeg. I think the Canadian teams should simply secede from the league and start over. And we'd take any northern American teams that wanted to come as well, particularly those in the upper Midwest and greater Ohio Valley which, if you'll remember your War of 1812 history correctly, is an area that really ought to belong to Canada anyway. But maybe that argument is best left for another time.

[bhlloy]

I would love to see a challenger to the NHL that went back into the old NHL markets, with some of the other markets that really want an NHL team also included (KC, Vegas, Seattle, maybe put a team back in SD)

If you start with a 12 team league (6 US, 6 Canadian) you would be looking at something like:

Winnipeg
Quebec City
Hamilton
Saskatoon?
Kitchener?
London/Windsor?
(my canadian geography is crap, some of these might not make any sense)

Kansas City
Vegas
Seattle
San Diego? (questionable but the Gulls were pretty popular and a big TV market)
Hartford
Cleveland

Get rid of the instigator and the shootout, get a deal with a TV station that is at least carried on Direct TV and cable and I think you have a pretty solid market among old school hockey fans. If nothing else it would be fun to watch Bettman squirm.

[Dr. Sak]

Have the Leafs become so poor that they can't fix that hole in Toskala's glove?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pens can not solve the Devils this season...and Brodeur gets shutout #104.

So, please Marty, go play in the Olympics, and about another 40 games in the regular seasons, so you are worn out come April.

[Dr. Sak]

Pens can not solve the Devils this season...and Brodeur gets shutout #104.

So, please Marty, go play in the Olympics, and about another 40 games in the regular seasons, so you are worn out come April.

And your announcers never cease to amaze me...

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[Pumpy Tudors]

I got to see the Toronto Marlies play at Hershey on Sunday. Hershey won 5-1, and the Bears dominated the whole game. The best part of the game was Toronto goalie Joey MacDonald taking a double roughing minor because he just felt the need to start punching a Hershey player who got taken down in the crease. I believe the score was 4-0 at the time, and MacDonald just started throwing punches after the whistle. Loved it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

And your announcers never cease to amaze me...


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I was wondering if you saw that or not

When I caught it last night, I took it as "that was a really stupid thing to say"...and the more I thought about it, I realized people were going to blow it up to be bigger than it was.

Sure, it was stupid, and I guess tasteless. Me personally...meh. But I can understand someone finding it distasteful.

At least give Errey some credit, for the first time in 3 years, he didn't laugh at Steigy's joke.

[SackAttack]

I would love to see a challenger to the NHL that went back into the old NHL markets, with some of the other markets that really want an NHL team also included (KC, Vegas, Seattle, maybe put a team back in SD)

If you start with a 12 team league (6 US, 6 Canadian) you would be looking at something like:

Winnipeg
Quebec City
Hamilton
Saskatoon?
Kitchener?
London/Windsor?
(my canadian geography is crap, some of these might not make any sense)

Kansas City
Vegas
Seattle
San Diego? (questionable but the Gulls were pretty popular and a big TV market)
Hartford
Cleveland

Get rid of the instigator and the shootout, get a deal with a TV station that is at least carried on Direct TV and cable and I think you have a pretty solid market among old school hockey fans. If nothing else it would be fun to watch Bettman squirm.

I dunno. Just intuitively, looking at the North American list, the only one that makes any sense to me is Hartford, possibly Seattle (with Vancouver right across the border, you're challenging the NHL on what's essentially their turf).

KC, though, has got Denver to the west and St. Louis to the east. I'm not sure what their niche would be.

[Dr. Sak]

</P>
I was wondering if you saw that or not

When I caught it last night, I took it as "that was a really stupid thing to say"...and the more I thought about it, I realized people were going to blow it up to be bigger than it was.

Sure, it was stupid, and I guess tasteless. Me personally...meh. But I can understand someone finding it distasteful.

At least give Errey some credit, for the first time in 3 years, he didn't laugh at Steigy's joke.

He's just an idiot. I'm not outraged or anything but it was just stupid and i think it makes FSN look bad. I love listening to Lange on the radio and still have a pipe dream that maybe they'd move him back to TV.

[bronconick]

I would love to see a challenger to the NHL that went back into the old NHL markets, with some of the other markets that really want an NHL team also included (KC, Vegas, Seattle, maybe put a team back in SD)

If you start with a 12 team league (6 US, 6 Canadian) you would be looking at something like:

Winnipeg
Quebec City
Hamilton
Saskatoon?
Kitchener?
London/Windsor?
(my canadian geography is crap, some of these might not make any sense)

Kansas City
Vegas
Seattle
San Diego? (questionable but the Gulls were pretty popular and a big TV market)
Hartford
Cleveland

Get rid of the instigator and the shootout, get a deal with a TV station that is at least carried on Direct TV and cable and I think you have a pretty solid market among old school hockey fans. If nothing else it would be fun to watch Bettman squirm.

Would a second league in Canadian cities be impressive enough to be a draw over current Major Junior teams in London, Kitchener, Saskatoon, Quebec City (QC actually draws 11k for MJ) etc? I ask because I think any new league will be even more reliant on Canadian money for starters.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He's just an idiot. I'm not outraged or anything but it was just stupid and i think it makes FSN look bad. I love listening to Lange on the radio and still have a pipe dream that maybe they'd move him back to TV.

You and 99.9998% of the Pittsburgh area...his brother is still around, and his mother is in her 80's (he refers to her every so often in a broadcast).

After that...yeah, we are all with you.

The reason always given is, coming out of the lockout, they wanted to appeal to a younger fanbase. I wonder if Lemieux really pushed FSN on it, what would happen (Lange and Bourque, as the radio guys, are Penguin employees, Steigy and Bob, FSN employees). But FSN also knows there is no other local option.

Errey...I like, but agree he's over the top. Almost like listening to John Madden and his incoherent ramblings.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I haven't seen the video that Dr. Sak linked yet (blocked at my work). I don't think Steigerwald is great or anything, but I don't get all the love for Mike Lange. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Of course, my favorite broadcaster wears women's glasses, so what do I know.

[Chief Rum]

Nice. And yet another unsuspecting fanbase gets to entertain the incredulous query... "Who the #$%@!&! is Dan Sexton?!?"

[Galaxy]

The Penguins, in town to play Buffalo tomorrow, had to push their bus that got stuck, on the way to the hotel downtown tonight (due to the bad weather).

Penguins Battle Blizzard in Buffalo - Pittsburgh Penguins - Features (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=511393)

[Wolfpack]

The Caps and Canes played and the scoreboard was somewhat predictable, 6-3. However, the numbers were beside the wrong names or something. Carolina got its second road win of the season, the other being at Pittsburgh a little while ago. Makes sense.

[chrisj]

Oilers lose 7 in a row. They are now only 7 points behind the Hurricanes in the race for Taylor Hall.

As an Oilers fan - I'd love to see Hall and Eberle play together. Those two have looked great at the World Juniors so far... (including the exhibition games, not just the 16-0 and 5-0 blow outs :)).

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Penguins, in town to play Buffalo tomorrow, had to push their bus that got stuck, on the way to the hotel downtown tonight (due to the bad weather).

Penguins Battle Blizzard in Buffalo - Pittsburgh Penguins - Features (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=511393)

So I can use the excuse of them being tired if they get beat up tonight?

I actually really hope Miller plays tonight, just to see these 2 teams go head to head with all the pieces in place.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

WE HAVE A TRADE

Caps get Jason Chimera

Jackets get Chris Clark, Milan Jurcina

My analysis:

Washington clears cap space, to be used at the deadline and/or gives them some room (Clark due $2.6M, Chimera $1.8M next year) towards the new deal they just gave Semin ($6M) or re-signing Nik Backstrom.

Also, Chimera gives them a guy with speed, who fits that offense. However, from what I can tell, he doesn't have much after speed-- not really a fighter, weak hands, and doesn't know how to use his skating ability. I guess that falls under "hockey sense". Possibly the Caps have the new improved version of Rico Fata.

Columbus gets two guys, that, really, I don't understand. Clark has been a 4th liner in Washington. He was the captain, so maybe he'll motivate the guys in Columbus. Jurcina isn't what the Jackets need either, he's an inconsistent 3rd pairing guy sometimes forced onto the 2nd pair. If he was a true #4 guy, Washington wouldn't be moving him.

[Maple Leafs]

What's a "trade"?

Signed,
NHL fans since the lockout.

[Dr. Sak]

Eklund called this trade weeks ago.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings have been shutout in three of their last four games. They scored 2 goals in that one game. So, over the last 4 games, they are averaging 0.25 goals a game.

[Dr. Sak]

Congrats to Maple Leafs for being Puck Daddy's Story of the year!

Year in Puck Daddy 2009: Best stories, videos and Jersey Fouls - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Year-in-Puck-Daddy-2009-Best-stories-videos-an?urn=nhl,210930)

[Galaxy]

So I can use the excuse of them being tired if they get beat up tonight?

I actually really hope Miller plays tonight, just to see these 2 teams go head to head with all the pieces in place.

:)

Miller should play tonight. Lalime played Sunday, and the Sabres got off until New Year's Day.

[Pyser]

The Wings have been shutout in three of their last four games. They scored 2 goals in that one game. So, over the last 4 games, they are averaging 0.25 goals a game.

thats some fuzzy math right there

[Honolulu_Blue]

thats some fuzzy math right there

or 0.5 goals per game for you detailed oriented types...

[samifan24]

Any Blues fans here? Why did St. Louis healthy scratch Erik Johnson the other night? Isn't he the future cornerstone of that franchise or has the Blues front office soured on him already?

[Maple Leafs]

Congrats to Maple Leafs for being Puck Daddy's Story of the year!

Year in Puck Daddy 2009: Best stories, videos and Jersey Fouls - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Year-in-Puck-Daddy-2009-Best-stories-videos-an?urn=nhl,210930)
Woot.

Interesting week. I also had the CBC "borrow" one of my bits on HNIC this week. (They apologized for via twitter for not giving credit.)

[Galaxy]

What a game. Down 3-0, Miller gets pulled and the Sabres climb back to win 4-3.

[NoSkillz]

What a game. Down 3-0, Miller gets pulled and the Sabres climb back to win 4-3.

That comeback was like something out of 2005/06 for Buffalo. Thrilling win...now if Stafford could only play like that every game. He has ridiculous power forward potential but just can't bring that effort every night.

And Lalime...damn! :D

[Galaxy]

That comeback was like something out of 2005/06 for Buffalo. Thrilling win...now if Stafford could only play like that every game. He has ridiculous power forward potential but just can't bring that effort every night.

And Lalime...damn! :D

Lalime is showing that he is more than capable of being the No. 2 goalie. Miller was just off tonight (of course, he didn't get a lot of help in front).

[Suburban Rhythm]

I told you wanted Miller...and no part of Lalime!

;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Congrats to Maple Leafs for being Puck Daddy's Story of the year!

Year in Puck Daddy 2009: Best stories, videos and Jersey Fouls - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Year-in-Puck-Daddy-2009-Best-stories-videos-an?urn=nhl,210930)

That's awesome! I have now had two friends randomly send me things from Maple Leafs' blog. One was the Heatley thing and I forget the other. Each time I began a response explaining that I "sort of" know the guy because we've been posting on a forum dedicated to a football text sim that I haven't played since 2004...

I start the response, but then end it, because there's just no real good way to explain that.

[DeToxRox]

Watching the Canadian Olympic Team announcement. Just goalies so far, but no shockers as it's Brodeur, Lulongo and MAF.

[DeToxRox]

D is coming up next and the hosts are already talking about surprises. I suspect Doughty makes it, and he damn well should. That kid is a monster.

[DeToxRox]

Here comes the 7 D:

- Dan Boyle
- Drew Doughty
- Duncan Keith
- Scott Neidermayer (C)
- Chris Pronger (A)
- Brent Seabrook
- Shea Weber

[DeToxRox]

You can for sure see the Wings blueprint on that D pairing. Canada is never going to give the puck up.

[DeToxRox]

Forwards:

1. Patrice Bergeron
2. Sidney Crosby (A)
3. Ryan Getzlaf
4. Dany Heatley
5. Jarome Iginla (A)
6. Patrick Marleau
7. Brendan Morrow
8. Rick Nash
9. Corey Perry
10. Mike Richards
11. Eric Staal
12. Joe Thornton
13. Jonathan Toews

[Chief Rum]

Awesome, glad to see Perry there. He deserved it.

[DeToxRox]

US roster announced:

Roster:

Backes
Brown
Callahan
Drury
Kane
Kesler
Kessel
Langenbrunner
Malone
Parise
Pavelski
Ryan
Statsny

E. Johnson
J. Johnson
Komisarek
Martin
Orpik
Rafalski
Suter

Miller
Quick
Thomas

Really hate seeing Drury and Komisarek on the team, but outside of that it's nothing I didn't see coming considering it was a Burke team.

If Ryan Miller plays sensational and the scorers score consistently (Kane, Ryan, Parise etc) they can do damage. They will for sure be fun to watch fly around out there though.

[Suburban Rhythm]

US roster announced:

Roster:

Backes
Brown
Callahan
Drury
Kane
Kesler
Kessel
Langenbrunner
Malone
Parise
Pavelski
Ryan
Statsny

E. Johnson
J. Johnson
Komisarek
Martin
Orpik
Rafalski
Suter

Miller
Quick
Thomas

Really hate seeing Drury and Komisarek on the team, but outside of that it's nothing I didn't see coming considering it was a Burke team.

If Ryan Miller plays sensational and the scorers score consistently (Kane, Ryan, Parise etc) they can do damage. They will for sure be fun to watch fly around out there though.

Nice to see Pittsburgh born Ryan Malone make it, he is having a monster year, earning that big payday Tampa gave him last year.

Orpik is quietly having a real solid season. He'll never put up points, but he'll hit and is an excellent skater for a big body.

What will most likely be the checking line for the US, of Backes-Kesler-Brown, will be a bitch to play against.

[samifan24]

US roster announced:

...

If Ryan Miller plays sensational and the scorers score consistently (Kane, Ryan, Parise etc) they can do damage. They will for sure be fun to watch fly around out there though.

I figured Tim Thomas would be the starting goalie and that assumption isn't just based on the fact that I'm a Bruins fan. If anything I thought they might rotate Miller and Thomas but not play Miller over Thomas. Tim has been off and on this year but I thought he'd be the #1 by default because of the Vezina. I thought it would be his job to lose.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I figured Tim Thomas would be the starting goalie and that assumption isn't just based on the fact that I'm a Bruins fan. If anything I thought they might rotate Miller and Thomas but not play Miller over Thomas. Tim has been off and on this year but I thought he'd be the #1 by default because of the Vezina. I thought it would be his job to lose.

Given how well Miller's played this year (perhaps the best goalie in the NHL to date), I figured that, assuming he continues to play at or near that level, he'll be the number one without a doubt.

[bbor]

Miller most Def is the starter.I would be very surprised if it were otherwise.

[DaddyTorgo]

for shame no Brian Gionta!

[Chief Rum]

I'm really trying to figure out why Ryan Whitney, tied for #1 in scoring among American defensmen (IIRC) is not even listed as one of the 6-7 alternates, much less on the team. That makes no sense to me.

[bbor]

I think D will be the downfall of this team IMHO.

[Chief Rum]

I think D will be the downfall of this team IMHO.

Just an overall talent issue? Or do you see a specific issue? Generating offense? Playing soundly in their own end? Issues with playing points on the power play?

I would say, if you think any of the above except for playing soundly in own end, leaving Whitney off makes even less sense. I wouldn't say he's some defensive dynamo, though, so if that's the issue you see, his addition probably wouldn't be any better than those already on the list.

[bbor]

Just an overall talent issue? Or do you see a specific issue? Generating offense? Playing soundly in their own end? Issues with playing points on the power play?

I would say, if you think any of the above except for playing soundly in own end, leaving Whitney off makes even less sense. I wouldn't say he's some defensive dynamo, though, so if that's the issue you see, his addition probably wouldn't be any better than those already on the list.

It just seem like there is any elite defnsman on that list.

E.Johnson is very young and inexperienced
J.Johnson same
Komisarek....i don't get this pick at all
Martin has only played 9 games this season
Orpik..Steady but not spectacular,does he have the speed for this level?
Rafalski..Point production is way down this season
Suter...I like this guy a lot.

I suppose the Johnsons ,Rafalski and Suter will be the top 4...not bad but 2 of the 4 are very young.Whitney definatly should be here instead on Komisarek.

Looks like a changing of the old guard team(although i would have included Modano instead of Drury to add a bit of veteran leadership).

[Suburban Rhythm]

Not even going to pretend I understand this move, sami maybe you can give some insight, but...

Bruins sign Miro Satan

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

I wonder what impact playing on NHL size ice, as opposed to international, had on the D selection?

Orpik is a really good skater for his size, but he's awful with the puck. But on the smaller ice, maybe that was seen as more important. Same reason for having Komisarek.

Whitney's skating and puck-moving probably wins out over those guys on the larger ice surface?

I do wonder about the point on the PP-- Rafalski and ??? EJ or Suter I guess.

I've always seen Rafalski as more of a complimentary (weak side) PP guy, not the QB. He's always had another guy- Lidstrom and Niedermayer-- filling that role on teams he was on.

[samifan24]

Not even going to pretend I understand this move, sami maybe you can give some insight, but...

Bruins sign Miro Satan

Bruins are desperate for scoring because they've been in the bottom five or six in goals for the entire season. I don't think Satan is the answer but if he provides an offensive spark on the cheap it could be worth it for the Bruins. The way I see it this is a very low risk proposition for Boston...they know they need more offense. Satan could help them a little bit and this move is far more conservative than the Kovalchuk trade many fans in Boston seem to be clamoring for, especially as the season wears on.

[samifan24]

I'm not a fan of the USA blueline either. Suter and the two Johnsons are good but I don't like the rest of the group. Rafalski is ok but old. Orpik and Komisarek are big bruisers that hit everything that moves. That style plays well in the NHL but I doubt it will have much impact on the more European style of an Olympic tournament. Paul Martin? Really? There's no one else? It would be interesting to see the pool of defensemen available to Team USA that were not chosen. I find it hard to believe Martin was one of the better guys available.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm not a fan of the USA blueline either. Suter and the two Johnsons are good but I don't like the rest of the group. Rafalski is ok but old. Orpik and Komisarek are big bruisers that hit everything that moves. That style plays well in the NHL but I doubt it will have much impact on the more European style of an Olympic tournament. Paul Martin? Really? There's no one else? It would be interesting to see the pool of defensemen available to Team USA that were not chosen. I find it hard to believe Martin was one of the better guys available.

Outside of only playing like 10 games this year, Martin seemed like an easy pick. He's vastly underrated. He doesn't do anything great, but does everything really well.

Off the top of my head, I can't come up with too many US born guys. Whitney was mentioned. Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill (know this from their Pens days). Tyler Myers and Zach Bogosian, but there are already 2 young guys in EJ and JJ.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

This is the full version of the Crosby commercial partially shown during the Classic today. Talbot is just amazing.

Single Video Player (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid24928316001?bctid=59647089001)

Also, saw this for the first time. As good as Talbot is in those A&L Motors commercials ("superstar treatment!"), this is excellent. Screams of of the Happy Gilmore Subway commercial!

(Sorry, I don't know how to embed!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hs8x8amts4

[bbor]

I'd take Myers or Bogosian over Komisarek in a heartbeat.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'd take Myers or Bogosian over Komisarek in a heartbeat.

Hmmmm...not sure now about this. I know Myers was born in Texas, but apparenty he played for Canada in the WJC last year? How the hell does that work?

So maybe one less option, but two other names: Keith Ballard and Tim Gleason. But even if you like those guys, D is the weak spot for the US, no question.

[samifan24]

I'd take Myers or Bogosian over Komisarek in a heartbeat.

I'd take Bogosian, too. He's logging major minutes on that Atlanta blueline this season. He's playing in all game situations. He's more mobile than Komisarek, too. Maybe you keep both Orpik and Komisarek even though they're similar players but I don't understand why you keep Bogosian off the roster.

[NoSkillz]

Hmmmm...not sure now about this. I know Myers was born in Texas, but apparenty he played for Canada in the WJC last year? How the hell does that work?

Myers has dual citizenship after spending much of his teen years in the Calgary area. He decided to represent Canada because, as he put it, he wouldn't be the player he is now without the training he received there.

Therefore, not eligible for the US.

[bbor]

US D is weak...but they may have the best G in the tourny in Miller.He may cure a lot of ills.

[samifan24]

Miller most Def is the starter.I would be very surprised if it were otherwise.

I stand corrected, Miller's numbers have been fantastic this season. I don't follow Buffalo and had no idea he was playing so well.

[DeToxRox]

Boogosian has been awful all month. I agree Whitney ought to have made it over Komisarek but yeah Boogosian probably blew his chance this month by playing horrendous.

[Chief Rum]

For reference:

Currently listed as alternates for the US team D:

- Matt Niskanen (Dallas)
- Ron Hainsey (Atlanta)
- Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh)
- Matt Carle (Philadelphia)
- Rob Scuderi (Los Angeles)

Not up above or on the team but attended this past summer's camp:

Tom Gilbert (Edmonton), Tim Gleason (Carolina), Ryan Whitney (Anaheim)

There are guys on the alternate list who weren't at the camp in August (Niskanen, Goligoski, Carle).

[Dr. Sak]

I'm still a little peeved that RJ Umberger didn't get much consideration.

[samifan24]

Matt Carle has been very good for the Flyers this year, right? Any idea why his performance wasn't taken into consideration?

[Maple Leafs]

That alternate list (and the camp invites this summer) tell you all you need to know about how Burke and Wilson feel about Jason Blake and Lee Stempniak.

[Dr. Sak]

Matt Carle has been very good for the Flyers this year, right? Any idea why his performance wasn't taken into consideration?

He's cooled off a bit since the early part of the season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Gologoski is in the same boat as Carle-he started out hot in the first 15-18 games. He had 6 goals and like 15 points at that point, and something like +14.

Since that point, he missed a couple weeks with an injury, and has been replaced by Malkin on the offside point on the PP because much like everyone else in Pittsburgh, he realized it's much cooler to pass the puck around on the PP than actually shoot.

[bhlloy]

I agree, some really weird decisions on that blue line for the US. Scuderi or Gleason should have been there over Komisarek who is just going to look like a dinosaur against the best players in the world and I don't how you can justify taking Martin - 2 assists in 9 games this season, even before the injury he looked pretty bad. Goligoski, Whitney or Carle would have been a much better choice for an offensively minded defensemen.

It's a shame, I really like the makeup of the US forwards as they should have 2 decent offensive lines and 2 very good shutdown lines, and they have great goalies. But the defense is just very meh.

[Pyser]

i love all the martin haters. 2 assists in 9 games, dear god, he must be terrible

hes been one of the devils top 2 d-men for what, 3 seasons? and been on a team with a top 5 d for basically his whole career. hes a smooth skater, smart passer, and can play the point on the pp. i dont know what else youd want, really. d isnt all about stats.

that said, i think he'll end up missing the games because of his injury. but picking him was an absolute no brainer, and i cant believe how many people here think its outrageous he was selected.

[DeToxRox]

i love all the martin haters. 2 assists in 9 games, dear god, he must be terrible

hes been one of the devils top 2 d-men for what, 3 seasons? and been on a team with a top 5 d for basically his whole career. hes a smooth skater, smart passer, and can play the point on the pp. i dont know what else youd want, really. d isnt all about stats.

that said, i think he'll end up missing the games because of his injury. but picking him was an absolute no brainer, and i cant believe how many people here think its outrageous he was selected.

I agree. Martin is going to be a top 4 D for the US, with Rafalski and the Johnson's. He has to be there.

[Young Drachma]

I would love to see a challenger to the NHL that went back into the old NHL markets, with some of the other markets that really want an NHL team also included (KC, Vegas, Seattle, maybe put a team back in SD)

If you start with a 12 team league (6 US, 6 Canadian) you would be looking at something like:

Winnipeg
Quebec City
Hamilton
Saskatoon?
Kitchener?
London/Windsor?
(my canadian geography is crap, some of these might not make any sense)

Kansas City
Vegas
Seattle
San Diego? (questionable but the Gulls were pretty popular and a big TV market)
Hartford
Cleveland

Get rid of the instigator and the shootout, get a deal with a TV station that is at least carried on Direct TV and cable and I think you have a pretty solid market among old school hockey fans. If nothing else it would be fun to watch Bettman squirm.

That league would scream minor league.

You'd have to get into bigger markets somehow and find a way to poach a few young stars a la USFL. Otherwise, it'd be boring. Sure, people fondly look back on the Whalers and Brass Bonzana now that they're gone, but short of the initial woo-hoo of their return, few are going to be interested in seeing a bunch of minor leaguers skate in Whalers duds unless the team managed to be the best in the league and had personalities or something. Or were owned by Jon Bon Jovi.

Or unless you could convince LeBron to own the Cleveland team and lace up the skates for them.

[DeToxRox]

Reminder that tomorrow night, the USA and Canada face off for Gold in the WJC. They had a sensational game last week which Canada won, and one can only hope that they can have another great one tomorrow.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Reminder that tomorrow night, the USA and Canada face off for Gold in the WJC. They had a sensational game last week which Canada won, and one can only hope that they can have another great one tomorrow.

Is it on the NHL Network? If so, do you know what time?

[Fidatelo]

Reminder that tomorrow night, the USA and Canada face off for Gold in the WJC. They had a sensational game last week which Canada won, and one can only hope that they can have another great one tomorrow.

Canada's late comeback in that game was the inspiration for our comeback later that same night in a great game of men vs. women Cranium. We just kept saying "we're down 4-2, but we can win this!" and sure enough we made a massively improbable comeback to win.

[samifan24]

Bruins sleepwalked through the first 50 minutes of the game tonight against the Rangers, then wake up to tie it at 2 and then Rask gives up a bad goal in the last 2:00 to cost the Bruins a point. This Bruins team needs more offense anyway and now Bergeron has to go back to Boston for tests on his hand. This is not good, not good at all.

[Dr. Sak]

Is it on the NHL Network? If so, do you know what time?

Yeah it is on the NHL Network at 730pm.

[MikeVic]

Now this is a fucking hockey game!! Props to the U.S. defense though, they've been blocking shots like crazy. I hope all hockey fans are watching this exciting gold medal game.

[sovereignstar]

suck it, you hosers!

[Young Drachma]

Nice work for the kids to rebound after losing that 3rd period lead.

[Dr. Sak]

U S and A....U S and A!!!

[MikeVic]

Great game, hard fought by both sides and congrats to the U.S.!

[Fidatelo]

That was an awesome game. My family took to calling overtime "Sudden Eberle" but unfortunately his heroics apparently have limits. So much fun to watch those teams play each other though, wicked fun!

Can't wait for the Olys!

[Karlifornia]

Went to my first Sharks game of the season last night. They layed an egg, but my buddy and I went down to the front row for the last 5 or so minutes, and got to see a big check right in our faces. Awesome!

[chrisj]

Canada vs US was a great game - but I do really wish we could have all of the NHL/AHL juniors in the tournament. There are quite a few who couldn't play for Canada and Russia (and I suspect the US and other countries) who would have really upped the talent level of the tournament.

[Fidatelo]

Canada vs US was a great game - but I do really wish we could have all of the NHL/AHL juniors in the tournament. There are quite a few who couldn't play for Canada and Russia (and I suspect the US and other countries) who would have really upped the talent level of the tournament.

Ya that tournament is so void of talent otherwise.

[chrisj]

Ya that tournament is so void of talent otherwise.

:rolleyes: Yeah, because that's exactly what I said.

All I am saying is that the tournament with John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Steven Stamkos all playing would have really been amazing (and that's just looking at a handful of names I recognized - I know Russia had quite a few guys not playing as well).

[Fidatelo]

I know, I was mostly poking fun. That said, I think I like it better the way it is. Those kids all shine in the NHL (and had their shot or two at the WJCs already). This way some spotlight falls on a few kids that might otherwise never be heard of, and who it probably means a whole lot more to in the long run. And even the last guy on each squad is an extremely talented hockey player, it's not like anyone is embarrassing themselves out there.

[Maple Leafs]

That Carlson goal was ridiculous. I know it wasn't some end-to-end rush with a crazy deke, but the skill involved is incredible.

Put it this way: imagine how much hockey skill it takes to snipe a shot top corner like that. OK, now imagine doing it without looking: Carlson's "No Look" Shot in 20*Frames - Japers' Rink (http://www.japersrink.com/2010/1/6/1236434/carlsons-no-look-shot-in-20-frames)

[Dr. Sak]

Carlson is property of the Capitals...how did they get him you ask? They got him with the pick the Flyers traded them for Steve Emminger.

Fuck you Paul Holmgren!

[Honolulu_Blue]

That was a great game. Very exciting and wonderful atmosphere. Carlson's goal was pretty fantastic. Allen really struggled. I think 4 out of 5 goals he let in were bad goals. He was screend on Carlson's first goal on the powerplay and didn't really have a chance at that. The US goalie who was pulled didn't play much better.

I have always been very adamant against going to 4-on-4 for sudden death OT playoff hockey, but that OT was pretty great. I am not sure if it changed my mind on the subject, but it did show the potential.

[Chief Rum]

Carlson is property of the Capitals...how did they get him you ask? They got him with the pick the Flyers traded them for Steve Emminger.

Fuck you Paul Holmgren!

Eminger, eh? The gift that keeps on giving. He is continuing his sucky ways in Anaheim this season.

[Dr. Sak]

Eminger, eh? The gift that keeps on giving. He is continuing his sucky ways in Anaheim this season.

I mean in the grand scheme of things it wasn't too bad because the Flyers traded Eminger and head case Downie to Tampa Bay for Matt Carle. But it was just a start of things to come trading first round draft picks away.

[Dr. Sak]

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[bronconick]

That was a great game. Very exciting and wonderful atmosphere. Carlson's goal was pretty fantastic. Allen really struggled. I think 4 out of 5 goals he let in were bad goals. He was screend on Carlson's first goal on the powerplay and didn't really have a chance at that. The US goalie who was pulled didn't play much better.

I have always been very adamant against going to 4-on-4 for sudden death OT playoff hockey, but that OT was pretty great. I am not sure if it changed my mind on the subject, but it did show the potential.

I think I'd riot if I saw 4x4 in the NHL playoffs, but in a situation where you're only going to have one full overtime followed by a shootout (tournaments and such where you have multiple games on a single sheet per day), I think the 4x4 opens it up enough that it lessens the # of shootouts, and while neither is "true" hockey, 4x4 is a hell of a sight closer than a shootout.

[Fidatelo]

"true" hockey is actually 6-on-6. This 5-on-5 crap we've been putting up with for the last 100 years or so is a mockery. Bring back the rover!

[Galaxy]

I think I'd riot if I saw 4x4 in the NHL playoffs, but in a situation where you're only going to have one full overtime followed by a shootout (tournaments and such where you have multiple games on a single sheet per day), I think the 4x4 opens it up enough that it lessens the # of shootouts, and while neither is "true" hockey, 4x4 is a hell of a sight closer than a shootout.

Doesn't playing on an international-sized rink (instead of the NHL-sized rink) play a big role in that?

[DeToxRox]

Ugh. Two steps forward, one step back, as Zetterberg and Cleary are in the lineup tonight vs LA, but yesterday during practice Holmstrom broke his foot working on tips and is out 3-4 weeks.

[DeToxRox]

Wings beat the Kings 2-1 when Darren Helm scores a goal Jonathan Quick we'll wish he had back with 17 seconds left. This was huge as the Wings got dominated, but Jimmy Howard was unreal turning away 51 shots in the best game he has played in his professional career.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wings beat the Kings 2-1 when Darren Helm scores a goal Jonathan Quick we'll wish he had back with 17 seconds left. This was huge as the Wings got dominated, but Jimmy Howard was unreal turning away 51 shots in the best game he has played in his professional career.

I was actually able to stay up to watch this one. Great game by Howard, but it was odd to see the Wings get so thoroughly dominated like that. I can't recall barely any sustained pressure in the Kings defensive zone other than a few shifts by the top line.

A very odd goal by Helm, but, like all his goals, it was created by his speed.

Despite the Wings' obvious fall back into the pack, the emergence of Jimmy Howard is really impressive and could go a long way for the franchise in the future. Then again, you just never know about goalies. NHL history is littered with goalies who have come on strong their first year only to fade in the playoffs or the following year. The only thing that gives me a little hope on this front is that Howard isn't some 20 year old kid. He's been in the minors for a while and a little more battle-tested. We'll see what happens...

[Galaxy]

Toronto is just horrible tonight.

And the Sabres can't seem to understand that you have to play 60 FULL minutes.

[Chubby]

BLOW LEAFS BLOW :)

Sabres played a bad last 10 minutes but 6 wins in a row is still pretty good!

[NoSkillz]

I heart Tyler Myers.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Trap was not working, Brodeur gives up 3 goals....Lou turns out the lights.


Devils-Lightning game suspended by light problem - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AtiL9gksIxaAk21z6G5PRWd7vLYF?slug=ap-lightning-devils&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[Galaxy]

I heart Tyler Myers.

:D


I like Miller's post-game comments.

[DeToxRox]

I was actually able to stay up to watch this one. Great game by Howard, but it was odd to see the Wings get so thoroughly dominated like that. I can't recall barely any sustained pressure in the Kings defensive zone other than a few shifts by the top line.

A very odd goal by Helm, but, like all his goals, it was created by his speed.

Despite the Wings' obvious fall back into the pack, the emergence of Jimmy Howard is really impressive and could go a long way for the franchise in the future. Then again, you just never know about goalies. NHL history is littered with goalies who have come on strong their first year only to fade in the playoffs or the following year. The only thing that gives me a little hope on this front is that Howard isn't some 20 year old kid. He's been in the minors for a while and a little more battle-tested. We'll see what happens...

I agree 100%. I think Howard is a bit different then say Steve Mason, but at the same time, there is nothing definitive to say he will be a stud. I will say this, he has a ton of confidence right now and is showing he can win games by himself.

I don't know how it will all play out but tonight vs the Sharks will be interesting. This is the biggest game for the Wings so far this year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Really nutty sequence in the Pens-Leafs tonight.

Gonchar with a rocket, initially ruled off the post. Leads to a breakaway at the other end of the ice for Ponikarovsky, who is hooked from behind, signal for a penalty shot.

During the stoppage, they review Gonchar's shot, which is a goal.

I was under the impression when a played is reviewed, clock is rewound, and everything happening post-goal never existed. I guess the rule is no goals would count, but penalties do carry over. The argument being to prevent someone from taking a cheap penalty, but to me that's pretty weak, as nobody was certain it was a goal yet.Because of a rule stating you can not have two goals at the same stoppage, initial of a penalty shot changed to a 2 min hooking minor.

To make it all more confusing, the guy taking the hooking call.......Gonchar. So box score shows:

14:44 Sergei Gonchar (6), power play, Slap Shot. Assist: Malkin, Guerin
14:44 Gonchar, 2 min, Hooking

Then to add to the fun, Gonchar scores again when he gets out of the box.

[henry296]

Nice one-handed goal by Crosby last night.

[DeToxRox]

Huge win by the Wings last night. Might have been their best all around game in a long time. A huge 3-1 West coast trip. Now they need to finish business on the road Tuesday vs the Isles.

[Chief Rum]

Huge win by the Wings last night. Might have been their best all around game in a long time. A huge 3-1 West coast trip. Now they need to finish business on the road Tuesday vs the Isles.

Same for the Ducks. After getting the Wings their one loss on their West Coast trip (;)), they beat the Blues at home and got a key win on the road last night in Nashville.

The chance is small they can play their way back into things, but hopefully they can. It's weird to see the Wings and Ducks both trying to play their way into the playoffs.

Tonight will be tough. Going to Chicago.

[DeToxRox]

Same for the Ducks. After getting the Wings their one loss on their West Coast trip (;)), they beat the Blues at home and got a key win on the road last night in Nashville.

The chance is small they can play their way back into things, but hopefully they can. It's weird to see the Wings and Ducks both trying to play their way into the playoffs.

Tonight will be tough. Going to Chicago.

Agreed. I was nervous after that Ducks game which was just awful, having to play the Kings and Sharks, and hell, we didn't deserve the Kings game, that was all Jimmy Howard, but they for sure earned yesterday.

I think the West is still very wide open since a lot of young teams are in the hunt and no one knows how they will fare as crunch time upon us.

[Dr. Sak]

In the Pens-Flyers game on Thursday Simon Gagne scored a SHG that was later overturned because their was no evidence of the puck crossing the line. However after the no-goal review was announced, FSN Pittsburgh showed a view where the puck was clearly over the line. So why wasn't this seen by Toronto?

“… An NHL executive said last night that replay officials in Toronto were not given the proper replays by Fox Sports in Pittsburgh on Thursday, when they ruled that Simon Gagne’s goal did not count against the host Penguins … "

[bhlloy]

In the Pens-Flyers game on Thursday Simon Gagne scored a SHG that was later overturned because their was no evidence of the puck crossing the line. However after the no-goal review was announced, FSN Pittsburgh showed a view where the puck was clearly over the line. So why wasn't this seen by Toronto?

That's an ugly situation and while I'm sure not intentional, it brings up a bunch of very interesting questions. Can you imagine if it happens in a late season game in which a team needs to win to make the playoffs, the local broadcast station has a pretty clear incentive to "lose" the replay footage.

In this day and age it's pretty incredible that the NHL can't afford their own cameras at each arena to make goalline calls (hell you only need 10-12 sets because there are never more games than that on the same day), hopefully they take a look at this after the season. Would hate for there to be a really controversial situation one day because of something like this.

[Suburban Rhythm]

In the Pens-Flyers game on Thursday Simon Gagne scored a SHG that was later overturned because their was no evidence of the puck crossing the line. However after the no-goal review was announced, FSN Pittsburgh showed a view where the puck was clearly over the line. So why wasn't this seen by Toronto?

Wonder what the rule is as far as what feed must be used, because this was also shown in the US (outside of Pittsburgh market) on NHL Network, not using the FSNP feed. Watching highlights (or for that game, lowlights) on NHL on the Fly, it was not the FSNP call being used.

No idea, is there a rule as far as the home team supplies the video feed?

[Fidatelo]

I always assumed that the NHL had direct access to the footage being recorded by all cameras within the arena. I figured the Fox team would be running the cameras and whatnot, but that the NHL team would be able to tap into every camera and whatever it has recorded at any time. It seems pretty goofy that they would have to rely on a network to actively provide them with footage.

[Chief Rum]

Ducks net another absolutely huge win by going into Chicago and beating the #1 team in the West. That's the kind of tough game they're going to need to continue to win, with the hole they've dug themselves. Hopefully they can keep it up.

[Honolulu_Blue]

In the Pens-Flyers game on Thursday Simon Gagne scored a SHG that was later overturned because their was no evidence of the puck crossing the line. However after the no-goal review was announced, FSN Pittsburgh showed a view where the puck was clearly over the line. So why wasn't this seen by Toronto?

I was watching that game on the NHL Network and was totally baffled by the call. It was clearly a goal.

The NHL has to figure out a better way to handle this stuff. I like the idea of the "Toronto War Room", but that place needs to have access to every possible angle available and not simply rely on whatever network is broadcasting the game is willing to send them.

That was the second worst call I have seen this season, following only the inexplicable no-goal call on Brad May's only "goal" of the season when apparently the referee "intended" to blow the whistle the moment Brad May shot the puck.

[samifan24]

I always assumed that the NHL had direct access to the footage being recorded by all cameras within the arena. I figured the Fox team would be running the cameras and whatnot, but that the NHL team would be able to tap into every camera and whatever it has recorded at any time. It seems pretty goofy that they would have to rely on a network to actively provide them with footage.

I assumed this was the case as well. I'm surprised the league has to rely on the networks to show them the footage. I doubt this is the case with the NFL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

NHL investigating FSN Pittsburgh | Frequent Flyers | 01/11/2010 (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/frequentflyers/NHL_investigating_FSN_Pittsburgh.html)


The NHL is investigating Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh for not sending all available camera angles to league headquarters in Toronto for Simon Gagne’s apparent goal that was under review against the Penguins last Thursday, league spokesman Gary Meagher confirmed to the Daily News.
FSN Pittsburgh, who had the game’s only video feed, sent all of the camera angles of the replay except the one that clearly showed the puck over the goal line.
Comcast SportsNet elected to not use their own video feed during the game, one CSN employee said on Monday. CSN would have been able to send their own replays to the NHL's War Room in Toronto if they had used their own feed.
"Hockey Operations did not have a definitive replay that showed the puck in the net - and weren't aware that one existed - until after they made their ruling," said John Dellapina, another NHL spokesman. "Once the puck dropped, their ruling became permanent."

[Suburban Rhythm]

FSN Pittsburgh employee suspended in goal replay flap (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10012/1027693-100.stm)


CALGARY, Alberta -- FSN Pittsburgh has suspended an employee and the Penguins have reacted to an incident from a game last week against the Philadelphia Flyers at Mellon Arena.
A review of a play to determine whether the Flyers' Simon Gagner scored shorthanded in the second period of a 7-4 Philadelphia win turned up inconclusive evidence of a goal, and so the initial no-goal call by on-ice officials stood. However, FSN Pittsburgh had a replay that showed the puck crossing the goal line as Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson smothered it. That replay was not forwarded to the NHL review booth in Toronto and was not aired until after the review was concluded.
Once the review is concluded and play resumes, NHL rules do not allow for a reversal of a call.
FSN Pittsburgh has indefinitely suspended a member of its telecast staff, Lowell MacDonald Jr., son of former Penguins player Lowell MacDonald.
In a statement, FSN Pittsburgh -- the local broadcasts rights-holder for the Penguins -- said, "There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game. During last Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, a definitive replay of a Flyers goal was not aired prior to the conclusion of the official review and, as a result, a Flyers goal was not awarded. Fortunately, this did not change the outcome of the game. Nonetheless, FSN Pittsburgh's failure to provide video to the league officials in a timely fashion was wholly unacceptable. FSN Pittsburgh has addressed this matter and has taken steps to ensure that such a failure does not occur again."
The Penguins followed with a statment: "We fully support FSN Pittsburgh in its reaction to this issue. The integrity of the game is paramount."



I don't understand is why you release that replay on TV at all, if you aren't sending it to Toronto. There are thousands of images a night that don't make it to air, why not leave this in a dumpster with those of guys in the crowd with their shirts off and little kids with their faces painted?

Obviously not connected to the Penguins officially, this guy couldn't even cheat properly.

[Honolulu_Blue]

F
I don't understand is why you release that replay on TV at all, if you aren't sending it to Toronto. There are thousands of images a night that don't make it to air, why not leave this in a dumpster with those of guys in the crowd with their shirts off and little kids with their faces painted?

Obviously not connected to the Penguins officially, this guy couldn't even cheat properly.

I was watching this game when it happened. I sort of remember seeing a far away shot of the replay that made it look like a good goal. It wasn't the close up that they showed after play resumed, but it was the same angle and it looked like a goal.

Still, if the guy was holding that angle back on purporse that's pretty bad. Maybe he "inteded" to send the replay right before play resumed, but just didn't, thus negating the whole issue.

[Wolfpack]

Uh-oh. The Canes are in serious jeopardy of falling out of last place and reducing their odds of getting Taylor Hall. Third win in a row tonight in beating Toronto 4-2. Did it in under 20 shots, no less. Not sure what's up with the shooting, but the team has been struggling mightily to get any shots on goal the last couple of weeks, so this three-game streak is somewhat bizarre all things considered.

[Galaxy]

Ouch...Wings lose 6-0 to the Isles?

[Young Drachma]

Woo Devils. Way to beat the Rangers. Both goalies were getting at it, but Marty was his usual brilliant self.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ouch...Wings lose 6-0 to the Isles?

I suppose this is the silver lining to the fact that I am still at work...

edit: You know, that I didn't get to watch this game. I saw at one point in the middle of the 3rd the shots were 29-12 for the Islanders. That's pretty sad.