Hockey Talk--Western Conference

[Chief Rum]

Well, the Eastern Conference has gotten a lot of talk in the Kovalev thread, so I thought it only fair to start one up for the Western Conference. :)

I was looking over the standings last night and noticed that things have really separated between the haves and the have nots in the West, and the playoffs don't look like such a muddy picture any more.

My Ducks are eighth with 61 points, and only Chicago, with 59, really has a good chance at catching them without a really good run in the very near future. The Kings, Phoenix, San Jose, Nashville, Calgary and Columbus are a little too far out (9+ points out of the playoffs) to make a likely run, although there's still plenty of season left to play that out.

But if that's the case, the rest of the season could just be a competition between two or three teams for that last spot, and jockeying for position elsewhere.

Dallas seems like a lock #1 the way they are playing. Vancouver and St. Louis are also pretty much in control, although Detroit is close enough to make noise for the top spot. Then Minnesota, Edmonton, Colorado, Anaheim and Chicago are all close enough to each other that a couple wins could vault any of them into fifth place, just like that.

I'll admit that I keep waiting for Minnesota and Edmonton to collapse and they never do. I just don't think they have the talent, but there they are. That's proof to the Rangers, BTW, that talent alone isn't going to do it in hockey.

Everyone is saying Colorado is now going to vault itself into the upper echelon of the conference. I guess that's likely with the kind of talent they have, but I hate it when a team takes the regular season off. And, yes, I am a Lakers fan (don't like it when they do it either).

It's not over for the guys in the back either, because I do believe San Jose or LA could make a run if they get their players back and play to their capabilities. But it might be too little too late.

So what do you guys think?

Chief Rum

[ice4277]

I haven't followed enough hockey to really have an opinion on most of the West, but I can say that the Wings got a big momentum builder with the win last night against the Sharks. Hull finally got 700, now they can put that mini-quest behind them; Fedorov looked decent, especially setting up Boileau's winner late in the third; and Chelios should be back soon, that will provide a HUGE boost to a defense that has had to rely too much on young, inexperienced players for too long this season.

I also think Colorado is starting to pick it up for the stretch run, but I think they made a mistake firing Hartley. In the end, I think it will be one of the usual suspects out of the West: Colorado, Dallas, or Detroit in the Finals. St. Louis is having a solid year but I need to see something from them in the playoffs before I become a believer.

[ACStrider]

I'm really surprised at Dallas this year. Who would have thought that such a technical, defensive team like they had under Hitchcock would become a free-skating, offensive powerhouse that they are now? I say more power to 'em, but I guess I'm a little biased. :)

[sachmo71]

And no matter what happens, Dallas will end up playing Edmonton in the first round. Ick.

I guess I would rather play them instead of Minnesota...too many ghosts there.

[primelord]

Well I think it is safe to say the Blues have shocked everyone this year including myself. I was very critical of them in the offseason when they didn't go after Guerin or Amonte. But I guess that's why Pleau makes the calls and I don't. They have 3 real scoring lines for the first time since I can remember.

Their biggest problem is which Johnson will show up in net on any given night. Sometimes he looks like a top tier goalie. Other times he looks awful. If he can get his mechanics together I think he can give the BLues a real shot in the playoffs, but I am not sure if he can do it.

On a side note you asked what we think. I think that argument you had over who got the better of the Arnott/Friesen deal turned out not to matter much. They both suck. ;)

[Draft Dodger]

I think SJ can still make a run, but they just don't seem to have that oomph this year. Nabokov just hasn't been "on" all year. Still, if they don't trade Nolan, they could still make a run of it.

I too think Dallas is the clear #1 - this is a solid, veteran team with Turco being the real deal in net.

On paper, Detroit should be the 2nd best option, but Cujo just doesn't seem to be comfortable in Detroit. Normally, if I had my choice of goalie for the playoffs, Cujo would be my 2nd choice (after Roy), but he just doesn't seem like he's happy there.

My Avs made a HUGE mistake firing Hartley - look how well he's done in Atlanta. They still have gobs of talent, but, sadly, I don't feel that they can pull it off without Hartley.

The Canucks are a nice team with an inconsistent goalie. That means they can get hot in the playoffs, but probably wont go all the way. Now, if they obtain a real goalie at the deadline...look out.

St Louis just seems to be a bland team - I have a hard time seeing them do much.

Minnesota should cool off - they have good players, but this is not a Stanley Cup team.

Edmonton is my "sleeper" - they just seem to have the something to get them far. Plus, I like Salo a lot.

Anaheim needs defense, and Ozolinsh isn't going to provide that. I've always liked Ozolinsh, but it's telling that he's been traded away from two very poor teams in the last 2 years...

Chicago? They still have a team?

So, I guess I agree - one of the big 3 in the finals, probably Dallas, but I'll be pulling for my Avs.

[DataKing]

I'm a Red Wings fan, so naturally this is going to be a little biased, but I still think that Detroit has to be the favorite to repeat. Dallas will be their stiffest competition, and I expect a D vs. D Western Conference finals.

A couple of things to consider here...

1. Eventually, Coach Lewis will realize that Manny Legace should be his starter, rather than an overpriced Cujo. Legace's save percentage is downright sick (.933).

2. The Wings are beat up right now, but should be getting a number of key guys back relatively soon. McCarty and Chelios are on top of the list, and I suspect big Jiri Fisher will be back for the playoffs as well.

3. The one person that a lot of people outside of Hockeytown seem to have forgotten about...Stevie Y! He's skating again, and is on track to be ready for the playoffs. Despite the impressive amount of experience and leadership the team already has in the locker room, Steve IS the Red Wings, and everybody knows it.

Just my two cents...like I said though...I'm biased. :D

[primelord]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
St Louis just seems to be a bland team - I have a hard time seeing them do much.

A bland team? They are second in the league in goals. Only two behind Ottawa. They are 3rd in the league on the power play. They play hard nosed defense. What do you want from them? :)

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by primelord
A bland team? They are second in the league in goals. Only two behind Ottawa. They are 3rd in the league on the power play. They play hard nosed defense. What do you want from them? :)

I don't know what it is - they just don't excite me. I'm sure with the way they are playing, they'll prove me wrong.

[Fidatelo]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
It's not over for the guys in the back either, because I do believe San Jose or LA could make a run if they get their players back and play to their capabilities. But it might be too little too late.


I'd say it's over for LA, the ownership is gonna bail on them soon and trade Palffy. Combine that with the injuries and it's just too much. It's a shame too, because that line of Palffy-Allison-Deadmarsh is so much fun to watch (when they are all healthy, of course).

San Jose isn't out of it, in my mind. They are too good of a team to be where they are in the standings. If they can pull it together and make the playoffs I wouldn't want to be the team that plays them in the first round.

All in all, I'd say it's Dallas or Detroit this year. Colorado just doesn't have the depth anymore, after years of trading their 2nd and 3rd liners for big names at the deadline. St. Louis isn't nasty enough for the playoffs, in my mind, especially without Pronger. And Vancouver, well, they need a real goalie.

[ACStrider]

Originally posted by sachmo71
And no matter what happens, Dallas will end up playing Edmonton in the first round. Ick.

I guess I would rather play them instead of Minnesota...too many ghosts there.

Yeah, then the Stars will play St. Louis and win, then play either Colorado and win or Detroit and lose.

[ACStrider]

Please forgive my lack of knowledge of other teams in the league outside of Dallas, but OMG the other night Modano was putting some sweet moves on the ice. It's as if he's 10 years younger! Scary! :eek:

[klayman]

I don't know why everyone is so down on Cloutier. I see no reason for the Canucks to grab a goaltender, and I'm pretty sure they'll run to the semi finals.

I agree with DD, St. Louis is just missing something. Perhaps it rhymes with 'longer'. I also think that Johnson isn't going to lead the Blues anywhere in the playoffs.

Dallas is tough. If Turco doesn't self destruct, they'll play the Canucks in the semis. Detroit could get there, but !) Stevie Y has to come back 100% (which I don't think is going to happen. Although he is skating, he needs a week rest after testing out his knee everytime. That doesn't sound like a player who's ready to come back.) and 2) Lewis has to go with Legace. Joseph blows. But he's got the big contract, and the Wings almost have to play him as their playoff goalie.

I don't see Minnesota holding on. Both Edmonton and Colorado will overtake them. Colorado is a weird team. I haven't been impressed with them this year. The Drury trade was a mistake. But still, Roy, Sakic, Forsberg, Blake...who could count that team out? Edmonton has a solid team. Nowhere near the top tier though. Not enough scoring to last through the playoffs. They could make a first round upset (I'm thinking St.Louis or Detroit) especially if Salo is hot, but they just don't have the talent to go very far with it. I'll puke if they play Dallas again. I'm getting sick of that playoff series. I long for the old Smythe division...Oilers and Flames, Oilers and Jets, Oilers and Kings every year. That was hockey.

As for the final spot, tough to say. Anaheim has the better team, Chicago has the better defense. I think LA and San Jose are done. It's pretty hard to make up 10 points in 25, unless both Anaheim and Chicago tank. Don't see it happening although Chicago has been cold of late.

klayman's picks - Dallas over Vancouver in 6 games in the Western Finals. Flame on :)

[mrushh]

Oh say can you see, by the dawns early light

What so proudly we hail, at the twilights last gleaming

Whose broad stripes and bright STARS ...

'Nuff said...but Detroit is Detroit until Stevie Y is ruled out, and Colorado is on fire, as is St. Louis.
But the stars rule. Any team that pushes their "we have 3 lines" blah,blah, your 3 lines aren't as good as Dallas'. Your keeper isn't, either.
The ONLY thing is, what will a playoff run and atmosphere do to Turco. I say no biggie.
It comes down to the annual Detroit purchase or trade before the deadline. Who gets what can be a BIG factor.

[Travis]

Well, just my 2 cents, but I think the Oilers are still the last team anybody wants to meet in the 1st round of the playoffs. Those of you who say the Oiler's don't have the talent to go far in the playoffs are wrong. We don't have the consistency to go far in the playoffs.

I'm hoping this year we can win a second round series, but judging from the looks of the team, next year could be very scary for the rest of the West as our younger core group (Hemsky, Pisa, Semenov, Comrie) will all have a full year under their belts.

Of course the whole arguement is a moot point if the CBA is crap in 2004, and unfortunately as our team stands now, that'd be just the time most of our players would be getting polished enough for us to seriously consider ourselves Cup contenders.

[Vince]

I guess this season shows you how much of a hockey fan I am...with the Sharks sucking it for the first half, I haven't been following at all :(

I think they have a chance...but like someone mentioned above, I think that some other team losing it will be a huge factor if they do.

The Stars are playing too well right now for me to think that anyone will beat them...but you never know. And I know very little about hockey :)

There you have my deeply informed opinion on the Western Conference of the NHL :)

[mrushh]

Stars just beat Carolina with 0:00.01 seconds on clock in overtime. I LOVE DirecTV. It was great.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Here's my take. From Belgium where when you start talking about hockey they all ask "Ice hockey?" It's shameful. It really is. I follow things through websites and have listened to a handful of Your 2002 Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Red Wings' on web-casts (the last two being not so great), so my impressions are so clear and concise as they once were.

1. Dallas. A strong team. They really have no weaknessses. Their defense is stacked. Hatcher, Mativichuk, Zubov, Sydor, Boucher. All solid players, some better offensively, some better defensively. It's a good mix. For forwards it's pretty simple. Modano is a great player. Guerin is solid. Lehtinen is incredibly dependable. Then you have the likes of Dahlen, Turgeon, Young, etc. The only question mark is Turco. I love the guy, being a fellow Wolverine and all. But, for whatever reason, goalies tend to crack in the play-offs. When was the last time a team went into the play-offs without a goalie who had some experience and played well? Nabokov, Turek, Cloutier, Chechmanek, etc, etc. Goalies need experience. Granted there is no way to get this play-off experience unless you play, but you have to be willing to let that happen. Then again, Turco could always pull an '86 Roy and take the team all the way to the promise land. Like I said, he's a fellow Wolverine so anything is possible.

2. Speaking of goaltending. Vancouver. Cloutier has played great. He is a solid goaltender. However, he lacks some mental toughness. I said this at the begining of the play-offs last year and it came true. That one bad Lidstrom goal did him in. If he's gotten over this (not the goal, but not being able to put things behind him) Vancouver should be in good shape. They have a decent defense (not great). Though they are a little too reliant on the big line: Naslund-Bertuzzi-Morrison (another Wolverine!). This line went cold against the Wings and they were done. This could very well happen again. It's another of those play-off phenoms that is just weird but happens. Naslund stunk in the first round last year.

3. Your 2002 Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Red Wings (the "Wings"). Things aren't great. No one is scoring. Not Fedorov. Not Shanahan. Not Robitaille (CERTAINLY not Robitaille). Not Hull (until recently). THe Fischer injury really hurt them. They were thin on the blue-line last year, though they had Hasek and Lidstrom/Chelios were playing all-world and Fischer was coming into his own. They dumped Duchense (who had a good play off) and replaced him with youngsters. Wooley has been a nice addition, but he doesn't take the place of Big Fischer. CuJo hasn't played well, but didn't have the D-support Hasek. Also, the team won the Cup, their old, and losing Bowman really does hurt. Lewis is a good coach, but he's no Scotty Bowman. No one is. I don't agree with the Legace is the answer campaign. CuJo hasn't played well. Hasn't looked comfortable. He's under a lot of heat, but he's still the best option. Come play-off time, he's your man. As for Stevie Y. If he returns and can play at his level it will be an incredible boost. It really will be. There is none higher. None. He even ranks higher on the "Top 10 Things Canada Has Given Us" rankings. He is #1, hockey #2.

4. Colorado. I hates the Avalanche. I hates them. That being said, I love Joe Sakic. He's sweet. This team is red hot at the moment and should be fine. They aren't as deep in the forward ranks as years past, but their defense is incredibly solid, and they have Patrick Roy. I hates him most of all, but when Patrick Roy is on, there is none better. It's the rare exception that a team goes further than their goalie can take them (see: Your 1998 Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Wings and Chris Osgood). Roy can take this team all the way. They still have Forsberg too.

5. Blues. They really aren't all that exciting. It's odd because you'd think they would be. They have played amazingly well. Given that 85% of their team is injured at any one time, they are in a great position. Weight's a great player. Tkachuk isn't as fearsome as he once was, but is no slouch. Jackman is the real deal. They seemed to have unearthed some gems in Cajarnek and Boogs. Their goaltending doesn't scare me, neither does a Pronger-less defense.

6. Anahiem. I have really liked what they've done. They have finally made an effort to get Kariya some help. I like Paul Kariya. The guy is an amazing talent. I guess Oates hasn't worked out all that well (apparently he is a disgruntled b*tch), but a healhty Rucchin and Sykora he finally has some talent. Getting Ozolinsh should spark the power-play. Giguere is a good goalie. They are definitely on the bubble and could go either way.

7. Edomonton. Poor Oilers. I guess Smith and Smyth were hurt last night. I love this team. Always have. The Dallas-Edmonton series over those few years were simply amazing. You have to respect a small market club who puts together a exciting, competitive, hard-working team. Salo is incredibly streaky and their forwards may lack some punch. Should be a fun ride, but I don't foresee getting past the first round.

8. Minnesota. They are what they are. A greatly coached team with some over-acheivers and a great talent in Gaborik. They play Lamaire's style of hockey and have gotten solid goaltending. Then again, those are one in the same. It's good to see an expansion team in the hunt. Especially given how poor the rest of them are.

9. San Jose. They screwed up at the begining of the season and never recovered. No Nabokov. No Stuart. They just went poop, stumbled, and have been playing desperate, catch-up hockey ever since. You can do that in the East (thanks, mainly, to the South East Division, the greatest division in hockey for me to poop on), but not in the West. They got their house back in order, but Nabokov still struggled (hard to come in cold). Scott Thornton's injury didn't help matters either. The guy is an important piece to the puzzle. Everyone also expected Marleau and Sturm to be lights out this year. Hasn't really happened. They have come on and played well in spurts, but not with the consistency expected. They have tried to right the ship by getting a new coach and shoring up their defense, but too little, too late I fear...

10. LA. Poor, poor LA. Ravaged by injuries. I have never witnessed anything like it. Not the old Washington teams or the last few seasons in Montreal (or even this year's Blues) seem to match up. They weren't the deepest team in the league to start with, but Allison has missed considerable time, Palfy has missed a bunch, Deadmarsh has barely played, Miller missed a ton of time, Potvin is down now. It goes on and on and on. It looks like they've given up hope and there could be a fire-sale. It's too bad really. A year or two ago they had a really fun, up and coming team.

I have to actually do some work, being at work and all. I miss hockey.

[Cards4ever]

The west is very intriguing, Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit or Colorado all could come out of the west, just depends on how things matchup in the playoffs.

The Wild will make the playoffs, I thought they would fall off too, but, the players are all buying into the system and the goaltending is solid.

I like Edmonton, but Salo is just not a clutch goaltender, I said it last year and I'll say it again, they need to get another goalie to get to the next level. They got a nice win last night in Toronto, but they need to stay healthy too.

25 games to go, better wake up Sharks! You are too good to be that far behind!

[WSUCougar]

I'll echo primelord's remarks. I think when you talk contention with the Blues it's all about goal-tending, and specifically Johnson. Bottom line is you can't succeed in the playoffs with Johnson doing what he's been doing. He doesn't have to be Patrick Roy (the old version) to give the Blues a shot, but he has to be consistent and not lose games on his own.

Without that, they don't have a prayer.

I, too, would counter that they are anything but bland. But everyone's entitled to their opinion. I think they have some psychological issues with certain teams (namely Detroit) that they will need to get over, too. Should be an interesting run either way.

[Blade]

Well, I feel I need to speak up on this, since hockey is my first true love (hey, my wife is not on this board).

I have to agree with Travis' sentiments in that I think the Oilers lack the consistency needed to make a serious run at the cup. But, we are also missing that one pure scorer that we really need. Unfortunately, we will never get that scorer if the CBA does not get reworked to help the small market teams out.

We have a lot of young talent, and they are really getting a chance for some playing time now, but they are still a year or two away from being major contributers.

I pray that the CBA works out well for us in 2004, but until then, I do not see a Stanley Cup in the Oilers future. Nevertheless, I will still be at the games, showering support on them, and hoping that we never see the Stars in the playoffs again! (Not that we couldn't beat them...just sick of seeing them...although, I will settle for the Stars if we can just make the playoffs again!)

[primelord]

I guess I can see how people who don't watch tme every game could see them as bland. They definately play disciplined hockey and stick within their system. And they don't play a wide open offensive game, but 1) the fact that they put the puck in the net pretty frequently to me is exciting, and 2) it is MUCH better than the dump and chase crap they were playing last year.

So I guess to me they are more exciting then they have been in recent years. I think they have the talent to contend with anyone. HB said Tkachuk isn;t as fearsome as he once was, but he has 11 goals in his last 13 games. I think he is playing as well as he ever has. They don't really have any big name guys on offense past Tkachuk, Weight, and Demitra but guys like Stillman (45 points) have really stepped up this year.

If Johnson can keep from freaking out I think they will do very well in the playoffs. And there is some talk they may deal for Sean Burke which would give them some nice options. Even without Pronger they are very solid on defense. Pronger can only help them and it looks like he will be back for the playoffs, but even if he isn't they don't need him to win.

[Cards4ever]

Didn't Weight get hurt last night?

[Blade]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
Didn't Weight get hurt last night?

He should only miss a game or two.

[sachmo71]

Did anyone see Aaron Downey of the Stars knock out the guy from Carolina with one punch?

Click on 1st Period Hilights from the Carolina Game! (http://attbroadband.dallasstars.com/multimedia/index.cfm?cont_id=33484&subnav_key=hi)

EDIT: Fixed period.

[mrushh]

Actually, try the 1st period highlights, i believe, and, yeah, WOWEE.

[ACStrider]

Yeah, and if you watch the second period highlights you get to see some more hits going on by Downey. But, My Goodness! I'm sure that Carolina player won't make the mistake of throwing the gloves off against Downey again. BTW...one thing that always cracks me up about hockey...when two players square off, without fail you can expect to see a ref standing idly by watching. It's like he's thinking to himself...hey, I deserve a break at some point right? You guys done yet? No? Okay...alright, got that out of your system? Good...back to the game. Now that's something you don't see in baseball!

[Travis]

heh, I wouldn't step between two NHL'ers ready to go at it until they tired themselves out swinging at each other.

Though I'm just waiting for the time a fight involves a guy that pissed off the ref, and the ref 'helps' by throwing a few himself.

Yes, I know he'd lose his job and get sued more than likely, but you know it'll happen at some point and I want to see it when it does.

[Karim]

At the start of the season I picked a Colorado vs. Philadelphia final with the Avs winning it all. Colorado is finally coming around and Sakic's injury might be a blessing in disguise since he'll be able to rest after playing so much hockey the past four years.

I really like Dallas though but as good as Turco has played, he still has to do it in the playoffs.

I think Detroit's run will come to an end this year. Joseph will have to play the playoffs because of the contract unless Lewis has some major b*lls.

Vancouver's question marks are Cloutier and secondary scoring beyond that big line.

I think Minnesota and Anaheim will make it. It'll be nice to see some new teams in there.

The Oilers, like always, will give a first round team more than a handful and probably so much so that the other team won't have enough left for the second round.

I still like Dallas...

[Cards4ever]

Dallas will be tough, but Turco needs to be healthy, I see that he is listed as "week to week?" with the ankle injury.

Minnesota just swept Philly in a home and home series and is now tied with Detroit for 4th in the west, wow! I don't think they will stay there, but they are going to be a tough opponent for someone in the playoffs.

[ACStrider]

Hey all, here's another video of the Downey fight. (http://web2.airmail.net/spears67/) It gives you more angles and overall play. Easily my NHL highlight of the week!

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by ACStrider
Hey all, here's another video of the Downey fight. (http://web2.airmail.net/spears67/) It gives you more angles and overall play. Easily my NHL highlight of the week!

Well, you are certainly living up to the southern stereotype about hockey.

[ACStrider]

Yeah...before you stereotype cards, you should know that my family lives in Minnesota.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by ACStrider
Yeah...before you stereotype cards, you should know that my family lives in Minnesota.

I'm not stereotyping anything, I said YOU were living up to the stereotype. A fight is the highlight of your NHL week? What about the win? Do you care who wins? Goals win games, not fights.

[ACStrider]

hehe...what, a guy can't enjoy a fight for once? I've been a Stars fan since they came to Dallas, and although they've been a very defense oriented team in the past, they have never really been seen as the brusiers of the league. My favorite player in that time has been Joe Nieweundyk (however you spell his name)...not exactly a tough player. I'd pick a Sydor or Zubov over Hatcher any day of the week. If I were to give my top 100 Stars highlights, it would be goal/win oriented and not fights/hits. One week out of a lifetime which highlights a fight isn't too much to ask.

[sachmo71]

Cards, I have to say that Minnesota looked great last night! That Gaborik is amazing, but I was more impressed with the "worker bees" and the overall toughness of the team. Is it illegal for a Dallas fan to root for Minnesota? That is, until they play each other? :)

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Cards, I have to say that Minnesota looked great last night! That Gaborik is amazing, but I was more impressed with the "worker bees" and the overall toughness of the team. Is it illegal for a Dallas fan to root for Minnesota? That is, until they play each other? :)

No, it's not illegal to cheer for a Minnesota team Satch, now if I could just get you up here so you can see how fun college hockey is or for our famous HS tourney.

We'll have to see how the playoff matchups are, but I'm getting this feeling that we will end up playing the Red Wings, and we will be out in the first round.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by ACStrider
My favorite player in that time has been Joe Nieweundyk (however you spell his name)...

You're not even sure on how to spell your "favorite" players name? You sound like a total bandwagon type of fan.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by ACStrider
Hey all, here's another video of the Downey fight. It gives you more angles and overall play. Easily my NHL highlight of the week!
Wow. Hadn't seen that before. What a strange fight. Does Downey usually try to fight without locking up? And what was with making such a big show of dropping the gloves? Seemed like they were half way across the ice when they decide to go. Was there some sort of altercation right before?

Downey looked like a real dick the way he carried himself before the scrap, but at least he didn't go off the ice playing to the crowd like some guys do.

[ACStrider]

The fact that I'm defending myself here is somewhat absurd. You obviously don't know me, and the fact that I don't have the spelling of "Nieuwendyk" memorized doesn't mean anything. Is spelling somehow a prerequisite for being a fan? Maybe you're just jokin' with me and I'm not seeing the humor.

[sachmo71]

I think the Wild's speed and toughness could give any team fits, and on top of that you have a hot goaltender. I could see the Wild giving anyone a run for their money.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by sachmo71
I think the Wild's speed and toughness could give any team fits, and on top of that you have a hot goaltender. I could see the Wild giving anyone a run for their money.

There's no doubt they could give anyone a tough battle, but the team is not playoff tested and really the plan is to build the team slowly, so playoffs this year is a bonus.

Watch out though, they haven't had a game that hasn't been sold out in their history and they are building a war chest of money. After the next CBA is signed they have a good chance to be a elite team.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
No, it's not illegal to cheer for a Minnesota team Satch, now if I could just get you up here so you can see how fun college hockey is or for our famous HS tourney.

We'll have to see how the playoff matchups are, but I'm getting this feeling that we will end up playing the Red Wings, and we will be out in the first round.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. A Wild-Wings first round match-up scares me. The Wild play a strong, disciplined defensive style that is tough to play against for any team, not to mention a team with little over all speed. There would be big hoopla, the aging champs against the young up-and-coming expansion franchise... It'd almost be like the Sharks-Wings series all over again. The horror... The horror... No me gusta.

Also, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a fight in hockey. It doesn't make you any less of a fan at all. If that's the only thing you enjoy about hockey then yes, you probably aren't a true fan of the game, but you can appreciate a good scrap as much as a goal. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with that all. And if a fella wants to make a KO fight his "highlight of the week" (in mid-February, aka "The Dog Days of the NHL Year"), I reckon I'm ok with that. Same as if a fella can't spell his favorite player's name, especially if that player's Joe Nieuwendyk. No worries there. Not everyone's a erudite. If spelling was really all that important God wouldn't have invented spell-checker and the internet.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
I wouldn't be so sure of that. A Wild-Wings first round match-up scares me. The Wild play a strong, disciplined defensive style that is tough to play against for any team, not to mention a team with little over all speed. There would be big hoopla, the aging champs against the young up-and-coming expansion franchise... It'd almost be like the Sharks-Wings series all over again. The horror... The horror... No me gusta.

Also, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a fight in hockey. It doesn't make you any less of a fan at all. If that's the only thing you enjoy about hockey then yes, you probably aren't a true fan of the game, but you can appreciate a good scrap as much as a goal. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with that all. And if a fella wants to make a KO fight his "highlight of the week" (in mid-February, aka "The Dog Days of the NHL Year"), I reckon I'm ok with that. Same as if a fella can't spell his favorite player's name, especially if that player's Joe Nieuwendyk. No worries there. Not everyone's a erudite. If spelling was really all that important God wouldn't have invented spell-checker and the internet.

I disagree about not knowing your favorite players name. If he is your favorite player, you know how to spell it, you know his number, etc.

My highlights are wins, aren't they yours? Or is it really more important to see someone get knocked out? I usually watching wrestling for that kind of entertainment. It's no secret that I'm a advocate for using the Olympic size ice and I think that would get rid of alot of goons right there. Fighting, IMHO is not necessary in hockey.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
I disagree about not knowing your favorite players name. If he is your favorite player, you know how to spell it, you know his number, etc.

My highlights are wins, aren't they yours? Or is it really more important to see someone get knocked out? I usually watching wrestling for that kind of entertainment. It's no secret that I'm a advocate for using the Olympic size ice and I think that would get rid of alot of goons right there. Fighting, IMHO is not necessary in hockey.

I certainly agree that fighting isn't a necessary part of hockey. There are a ton of leagues that thrive and survive without it. The best hockey (see: play-off hockey) is generally played sans-fights. So, clearly it's not necessary. Then again, for years neither were slap shots, goalie masks, face-shields, etc, etc. It's a part of the game. It certainly doesn't need to be part of the game, but it is. I don't mind a little bit of the rough stuff from time to time.

As for highlights. Well, if it's the Wings, sure, I'd rather see them win. That's the highlight. Even back in the glorious March 27, 1997 ("Bloodbath") the highlight of that game wasn't Vernon blooding Roy or McCarty pounding Lemieux or all that other stuff. It was McCarty winning the game 6-5 with a beauty of an overtime goal. That was the highlight. Rest of that stuff was pretty fun too, though.

But, for example, during all of that Islander-Maple Leaf play-off series craziness, I didn't really care who won or who lost. It was more or less meaningless to me. All of the drama, hits, scraps, wildness that was certainly the highlight of that series. The fact that Toronto advanced. Eh, I'll leave that bbor and "Maple Leafs." I also thought that series was the "highlight: of the Eastern Conference play-offs. The games were close, physical, intense. Great. play-off. hockey. Did those games "need" the fights to make them great? No. But added to the drama and excitement.


As for spelling. Eh, fella was just unlucky in that his favorite player has a hard name to spell. I've been able to spell "Yzerman" for going on 20 years now.

[ACStrider]

Cards, if I'm a bandwagon fan like you say, why would I (A) pick a my favorite player as one who isn't on the team anymore (B) pick a player who's not exactly the star of the team (Nieuwendyk never got the accolades that Modono did or Hull for that matter) and (C) travel to Nashville to catch a Stars game (two as a matter of fact)? During most of the time that I've been a Stars fan I haven't even lived in Texas, I've been in Tennessee and Kentucky (during their most successful years I might add). I don't go to hockey games or watch hockey highlights to see fights. I go because I love to watch the game. Am I the world's biggest fan, have my favorite player's name and number memorized and can I recite the line formations for all the shifts? No, but it doesn't determine my level of "fan-ship". Oh, and Neiuwendyk's number was #25, and I didn't have to look that one up.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by ACStrider
Cards, if I'm a bandwagon fan like you say, why would I (A) pick a my favorite player as one who isn't on the team anymore (B) pick a player who's not exactly the star of the team (Nieuwendyk never got the accolades that Modono did or Hull for that matter) and (C) travel to Nashville to catch a Stars game (two as a matter of fact)? During most of the time that I've been a Stars fan I haven't even lived in Texas, I've been in Tennessee and Kentucky (during their most successful years I might add). I don't go to hockey games or watch hockey highlights to see fights. I go because I love to watch the game. Am I the world's biggest fan, have my favorite player's name and number memorized and can I recite the line formations for all the shifts? No, but it doesn't determine my level of "fan-ship". Oh, and Neiuwendyk's number was #25, and I didn't have to look that one up.

Because they are a winning team? It's not hard to do all of what you say when they are winning. Not knowing the spelling leads me to believe you are a bandwagon fan. BTW, I never asked you to explain the neutral zone trap.

[SoxWin]

Anyone who thinks the Canucks need a new goalie simply doesn't see many Canucks games.

Rich

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by SoxWin
Anyone who thinks the Canucks need a new goalie simply doesn't see many Canucks games.

Rich

if Cloutier could ever take them farther into the playoffs, maybe we would see more Canucks games.

:D

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
if Cloutier could ever take them farther into the playoffs, maybe we would see more Canucks games.

:D


Should be a good one tonight Colorado v Vancouver

[SoxWin]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
if Cloutier could ever take them farther into the playoffs, maybe we would see more Canucks games.

:D

Rich

[Travis]

Heh, I didn't like Bertuzzi before, and now after seeing him wear a Yankee's cap, I can hate him even more.

[SoxWin]

Originally posted by Travis
Heh, I didn't like Bertuzzi before, and now after seeing him wear a Yankee's cap, I can hate him even more.

It's no big thing, he's just greeting the Av's before tonights game :D

Rich

[Cards4ever]

0-0 after 1, so far a pretty good game.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
0-0 after 1, so far a pretty good game.

wish I wasn't stuck at work - I'd love to see it.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
wish I wasn't stuck at work - I'd love to see it.

Turned out to be a great game, 2-1 Vancouver in OT, definitely a playoff type game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Draft Dodger
if Cloutier could ever take them farther into the playoffs, maybe we would see more Canucks games.

:D

Agreed. A goalie is really only as good as his performance in the play-offs. Both Chechmanek and Nabokov have been questioned because of play-off performances, though both have had outstanding regular seasons. Turek was the same. The poster-child, of course, was Capitol netminder Jim Carey. The guy plays absolutely stellar (wins a Vezina for crissakes) crumbles in the play-offs and that was pretty much all she wrote. Definitely not saying Cloutier is the second-coming of Jim Carey, but until he wins a play-off series and performs well question marks will hang over Canucks' goaltending.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Agreed. A goalie is really only as good as his performance in the play-offs. Both Chechmanek and Nabokov have been questioned because of play-off performances, though both have had outstanding regular seasons. Turek was the same. The poster-child, of course, was Capitol netminder Jim Carey. The guy plays absolutely stellar (wins a Vezina for crissakes) crumbles in the play-offs and that was pretty much all she wrote. Definitely not saying Cloutier is the second-coming of Jim Carey, but until he wins a play-off series and performs well question marks will hang over Canucks' goaltending.

Cujo has that reputation too! Feeling nervous yet?!

[SoxWin]

Wow, great game last night, sorry DD :D

I still don't get how the Nucks get no respect.

They've lost 2 games in a row 3 times this season

They have yet to lose 3 in a row.

They lead their division and have been consistently good all year

Yet I still hear we have only one line and an average goal tender.

Does anyone even watch Western teams play anymore?

Rich

[Cards4ever]

Big win for the Canucks tonight coming from 3-0 down to win in OT