Its' Here! NHL 2007-2008 Regular Season Thread

[Young Drachma]

How crazy if they go to overtime or the shootout.

[Young Drachma]

Wonder how much the Bills charged to rent the joint out for this game.

[Young Drachma]

http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/Notebooks/0607/hea_0513.htm

[Maple Leafs]

The Pens are just wearing these for this game. Those were their old jerseys and colors before they switched to the Black and Gold.
I don't understand NHL marketing. "This will probably be our most-watched game of the year, our one chance to really make an impression, and we have our marquee young player involved. Let's make sure he wears a uniform that's completely different from what he normally wears. We want to make sure that any potential new fan who watches today and happens on to another Penguins game some day has no idea it's the same team."

[Young Drachma]

I never thought about it like that. I think they just forced Pittsburgh to wear those jerseys because Buffalo wanted to shed the Buffaslug uniforms for one game. Plus, it's an excuse to sell jerseys to hockey fans who are already watching it.

But you make sense from the casual fan perspective. But those casual fans can't watch anyone, unless they have Versus. I always forget to turn there, because it's in the 400s.

That jacket with the classic Sabres logos that the coach is wearing is slick.

[highfiveoh]

http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/Notebooks/0607/hea_0513.htm

Wisconsin and Ohio State played a game at Lambeau a year or two ago.

[highfiveoh]

I don't understand NHL marketing. "This will probably be our most-watched game of the year, our one chance to really make an impression, and we have our marquee young player involved. Let's make sure he wears a uniform that's completely different from what he normally wears. We want to make sure that any potential new fan who watches today and happens on to another Penguins game some day has no idea it's the same team."

Because fans better relate to jersey colors and not cities and nicknames?

[Young Drachma]

Wisconsin and Ohio State played a game at Lambeau a year or two ago.

Yeah, I saw that and thought it was pretty sweet. I just hadn't heard about the Fenway thing until I was googling some stuff.

[MizzouRah]

Why even mention NHL and marketing in the same post?

[Young Drachma]

In their defense, the blue throwbacks actually have "Pittsburgh Penguins" on them. The actual ones don't say anything. So if Joanna CasualFan watches and wants to watch Sid The Kid play a lot because she thinks he's hot...they couldn't have made it any easier for her.

[stevew]

I'm going if they do this again next year. I suppose the Penguins would have to be playing.

[Young Drachma]

The storyline is that they'd do it every other year, if this is a success and this seems about as close to that as it could've been.

[Young Drachma]

I've never actually seen a shootout on TV. I hate the concept for the NHL, but for a game like this, I kinda think it would be neat to see it.

[Young Drachma]

Shootout.

[Young Drachma]

Sid the Kid wins it. 2-1 in the shootout. Imagine that.

[stevew]

Wooot!!!

[Booj]

I don't think the NHL would have dreamed up a better ending than Sidney Crosby scoring the winner in a shootout.

Crosby has a flair for scoring when the game is on his stick in a shootout, just like he did in his first NHL game against a Canadian team when he played Montreal his rookie year.

[Young Drachma]

And the thing is, he totally knew he had it too. He's really fun to watch.

[Maple Leafs]

Note to Ryan Miller: Next time you're standing around during the interminable delay before a shootout, and a TV analyst asks you what your strategy is going to be, just say "I'll tell you after the game."

[highfiveoh]

Now the real action begins. Seal and figure skating wrapped in one giant package!

[Dr. Sak]

They could have Mike Emrick doing commentary on a constipated dog trying to lick himself, and I would watch it, and I would be riveted.

I love Mike Emrick.

He wears women's glasses.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I hate the shootout too...but damn if it doesn't help the Pens out! Letang might be more automatic than Crusher, and he was 8/13 last year. Letang is now 4/4 this season.

Not bad when you can hold back Malkin in case you need a 4th shooter. ;)

I don't think the NHL thought they'd get the hardcore college football fans to switch over to this game. But "sports" fans in general, surfing channels, might have stopped for a minute and gotten hooked.

[Pumpy Tudors]

He wears women's glasses.
And no man makes women's glasses sexier.

[Draft Dodger]

I think Mike Milbury was one of the worst GMs in the history of the NHL, but I really liked his commentary between periods.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think Mike Milbury was one of the worst GMs in the history of the NHL, but I really liked his commentary between periods.

Also, great reason for them to show the clip of him beating a fan with his own shoe. That alone is a good reason to have him do that games.

[Draft Dodger]

Also, great reason for them to show the clip of him beating a fan with his own shoe. That alone is a good reason to have him do that games.

The Avs color guy is Peter McNab, but they never, ever, ever show that clip. :mad:

[Maple Leafs]

Dear Scott Clemenson...

Nice work. Eight months too late, asswipe.

Signed,
Me

[watravaler]

Another Blackhawk bites the dust...Jon Toews expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a knee sprain. This is probably the dagger to the gut for the Hawks '07-'08 season..

EDIT: Getting an MRI in LA, one could tell from the look on his face that the injury was fairly serious. The team promptly went down the tube once he left the game...19 and already the best player on the squad...

[bhlloy]

For those keeping score at home, Patrick O'Sullivan got kicked out of the Kings game last night for a McSorley/Simonesque tomahawk to the head in the last 3 minutes of a 9-2 game. Strangely though, not even a mention of this in the media report, no outraged blogs or articles by writers that wouldn't know a puck from their ass, and as of yet not a peep from Colon Campbell.

Just another day in the double standards league.

[Pumpy Tudors]

For those keeping score at home, Patrick O'Sullivan got kicked out of the Kings game last night for a McSorley/Simonesque tomahawk to the head in the last 3 minutes of a 9-2 game. Strangely though, not even a mention of this in the media report, no outraged blogs or articles by writers that wouldn't know a puck from their ass, and as of yet not a peep from Colon Campbell.

Just another day in the double standards league.
Well, it was the Kings and Blackhawks. I would just assume that nobody watched the game, so nobody knows about it.

[TazFTW]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/7628212?MSNHPHMA

The Penguins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/66315)-Sabres game in snowy Buffalo — the first regular-season outdoor NHL game in the United States — drew a 2.6 overnight rating and a 5 share on NBC. Those were the best numbers since a six-game regional telecast on Fox drew a 3.0 overnight rating and a 7 share on Feb. 3, 1996.

Powder blue jerseys = ratings.

[Booj]

That's impressive, considering it went head-to-head with a pretty good Capital One Bowl. It helps that more people watch TV on New Year's Day than any other day of the year...

[Dr. Sak]

For those in the States with the NHL Network, tomorrow at 130pm EST they are showing the World Juniors Semifinal game between the US and Canada. James vanRiemsdyk (Flyers first round pick) leads all scorers in the tournament with 4G and 6A.

[Honolulu_Blue]

For those in the States with the NHL Network, tomorrow at 130pm EST they are showing the World Juniors Semifinal game between the US and Canada. James vanRiemsdyk (Flyers first round pick) leads all scorers in the tournament with 4G and 6A.

I remember when the Center Ice Package used to carry some of these games...

[Galaxy]

Wonder how much the Bills charged to rent the joint out for this game.

Actually, it's owned by the county, not the Bills.

[Draft Dodger]

Another Blackhawk bites the dust...Jon Toews expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a knee sprain. This is probably the dagger to the gut for the Hawks '07-'08 season..

EDIT: Getting an MRI in LA, one could tell from the look on his face that the injury was fairly serious. The team promptly went down the tube once he left the game...19 and already the best player on the squad...

pfft.

The Avs will be without Joe Sakic for most of the year and just lost Ryan Smyth for 8 weeks with a broken ankle. They also are missing Tyler Arnason (broken wrist) and Kurt Sauer (concussion). At other points in the season, they've been without the services of Milan Hejduk, Brad Richardson, Ian Laperriere and Jordan Leopold. They have just 3 forwards who have played every game.

They were doing ok with a AHL-heavy roster for a while, but have been slipping lately with 4 straight losses, mostly due to a pitiful PP. They probably would need to pull off a trade to patch bolster their special teams, but Francois Giguere doesn't seem like he's anxious to make any moves.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Just got back from the Pens-Leafs game...good amount of those Candanian hosers travelled to Pittsburgh, eh?

Pens win 6-2, Malkin's first career HT. And fantastic fight between Darcy Tucker and Jarkko Ruutu...good minute plus of both firing punches. And Pens score 3 in 48 seconds , 3 minutes into the 3rd period. Kennedy with a sweet backhand, Malkin on a nice setup from Crosby, and Sykora, before they could even announce Malkin's goal. Good stuff.

[Maple Leafs]

From Deadspin:

http://deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/01/niceguysbhawks.jpg

http://deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/01/frodo_and_sam.jpg

[Wolfpack]

Hurricanes put backup goalie John Graehme on waivers (now sent back to AHL Albany) and bring up Michael Leighton, who had done well at Albany. Leighton's first start came tonight in Atlanta. Got off to a very rough start, giving up two first-period goals, but then settled in a little and gave up just a second-period goal while the rest of the Canes (plus a sizeable chunk of the River Rats recently called up with all the injuries) rallied in front of him to win, 4-3. It was a much-needed win as the SE lead had shrunk to three points, but is now five as Carolina got three points out of the back-to-back games with Atlanta with the Thrashers only getting two.

Still, this team as it stands has fallen a good ways from their hot start and is only in contention in the East because the SE has been generally mediocre this year. They've been too up-and-down and haven't ripped off any good winning streaks in a long while, so I'm not really expecting much, maybe a division title and one round in the playoffs before being bumped by whoever wins the Atlantic Division in the second round.

[Fidatelo]

They've been too up-and-down and haven't ripped off any good winning streaks in a long while, so I'm not really expecting much, maybe a division title and one round in the playoffs before being bumped by whoever wins the Atlantic Division in the second round.

As a Jets fan years like that are what we fondly remember as 'the glory years'. God I loved that crappy team.

[Pyser]

word in the devils locker room is hatcher BIT travis zajacs finger, through the glove, hard enough to require stitches

hatcher denies it, and says zajacs finger just ran along hathcers teeth and got cut

video replay shows zajac pull his hand away, and his glove stays...in hatchers mouth.

fucking flyers.

[Suburban Rhythm]

word in the devils locker room is hatcher BIT travis zajacs finger, through the glove, hard enough to require stitches

hatcher denies it, and says zajacs finger just ran along hathcers teeth and got cut

video replay shows zajac pull his hand away, and his glove stays...in hatchers mouth.

fucking flyers.

Just reading about this. Do we know if Hatcher's had all his shots?

[Dr. Sak]

If someone is face washing me and sticking his fingers in my mouth and pushing...I'm gonna bite him too.

Either way I hope Hatcher gets suspended. He serves the Flyers better on the bench.

[duff88]

Not NHL, but since it's hockey...

What a Gold Medal game between Canada and Sweden! OT now, can you ask for more? Hopefully someone scores in the 20 minutes, it'd suck to see it end in shootouts.

[MikeVic]

Whoo.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Not NHL, but since it's hockey...

What a Gold Medal game between Canada and Sweden! OT now, can you ask for more? Hopefully someone scores in the 20 minutes, it'd suck to see it end in shootouts.

Whoo.

Great TV moment during the Pens-Panthers game.

Bob Errey, Pens color guy, sitting between the benches. Coming back from the 2nd intermission, they are showing the Canada winner in OT. Errey talking about the WJC's, Malkin at the end of the bench, leans in to look at the monitor (side note, Malkin recently just did his first interview, on his own, in English). After showing the clip, Malkin turns to Errey and says "Lucky."

Also of note from today's game...Pens have won 6 in a row, and 7 or 8. All 7 of those wins are Ty Freaking Conklin's! He is 7-0-0, including 2 shutouts (today and Buffalo on 12/29) in their last 4.

[duff88]

Who would have thought Ty Conklin could be so dominant... TY CONKLIN! This is non-sense. Hell, I would have taken Dan Cloutier, Roman Cechmanek, Marc Denis and Jani Hurme on my team before Ty freaking Conklin.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Who would have thought Ty Conklin could be so dominant... TY CONKLIN! This is non-sense. Hell, I would have taken Dan Cloutier, Roman Cechmanek, Marc Denis and Jani Hurme on my team before Ty freaking Conklin.


I am pretty sure we looked into all those guys before signing Conklin. He was in the AHL, until Fleury got hurt. And then the plan was only to Conklin play a handful...actually, less than that...of games, just to keep Sabourin from playing having to play back to backs. Sabourin actually was more consistent than Fleury at the beginning of the year. He was great on the west coast trip after Fleury was hurt in Calgary...and then fell apart. Enter Conklin. Interesting problem for Pittsburgh once Fleury returns (after the all-star break most likely). Carry 3 G's? Conklin is on a two-way deal, but he's proving, thus far, he should be here. Try and send Sabu down, and hope he clears waivers?

PS- You forgot Tommy Salo

[Maple Leafs]

Either way I hope Hatcher gets suspended. He serves the Flyers better on the bench.
Good call. He KO'ed Lupul tonight on a leaping hit at center ice.

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[Wolfpack]

As a Jets fan years like that are what we fondly remember as 'the glory years'. God I loved that crappy team.

Heh. I guess that didn't come out right or something. :) After a poor year last season, it was great to see Carolina get out to such a good start, giving me some pretty high hopes. However, they've been more bad than good since then and I guess that decline was the source of my expectations being diminished to "just a division title and a second round exit". Didn't mean to make it sound so ho-hum-ish. I know I hate it when others think it's their God-given right to win something because it's the way it should be. Still, it is about where Carolina was expected to be based on what I saw in preseason pubs (SE winners, but Ottawa was East favorites).

At any rate, Leighton got a surprise back-to-back start against the Blues last night and seemed to play well, giving up just a goal midway through the first, but the offense was non-existent and got shut out, 1-0. Down the coaster again. Wheeee....

[Draft Dodger]

the Avs made an odd move on Friday, calling up defensemen Johnny Boychuk to replace forward Ryan Smyth. It gave the Avs 8 defensemen and 13 forwards...not all that odd, except that 2 forwards were hurt and 1 is Scott Parker, who the team almost never uses.

So, last night they dressed 10 forwards and 8 defensemen. 2 blueliners - both rookies (including Boychuk, making his NHL debut) - played at forward while poor Parker was a healthy scratch. How bad do you have to be to be sat in favor of a non-heralded rookie playing a brand new position?

To thicken the plot, one of the other "injured" forwards (Brad Richardson) was sent down today and he's reportedly 100% healthy. So it's possible the team had 2 healthy scratches at forward instead of one. No one can figure out why we didn't call up a forward instead of Boychuk.

The worst part is that we won, which means Joel Quenneville will probably try it again.

[bhlloy]

To be fair to Parker, he's one of the most one-dimensional goons/enforcers left still in the NHL, and without Simon there is no-one on the Isles that would warrant them giving Parker a game.

Still, there must be someone at forward in the minors that can give the Avalanche some solid minutes? Pretty strange.

[Draft Dodger]

Still, there must be someone at forward in the minors that can give the Avalanche some solid minutes? Pretty strange.

there are several. A few who would have to clear waivers (Wyatt Smith, Mark Rycroft, Eric Healy), but also a couple of young guys who would not - Chris Stewart and David Jones being the two most notable examples. It's an odd move to be sure. But, then again, our coach is the only guy in the world who doesn't realize that Jose Theodore is done.

[sterlingice]

Detroit finally beat Chicago tonight :(

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Detroit finally beat Chicago tonight :(

SI

It's about time.

[Maple Leafs]

Hockeybuzz posted a rumor that McGratton and Emery fought at practice today.

That would kick ass if it were true.

[Honolulu_Blue]

To be fair to Parker, he's one of the most one-dimensional goons/enforcers left still in the NHL, and without Simon there is no-one on the Isles that would warrant them giving Parker a game.

Still, there must be someone at forward in the minors that can give the Avalanche some solid minutes? Pretty strange.

I've always wondered about this strategy. It makes sense if the other team has a 'tough guy', that you'd want your guy in the line-up as well. However, even if the other team doesn't have a tough guy, I would think there's an advantage of having someone like that in your line-up, assuming they're not too much of a liability. Oiler friends of mine bemoan the lack of a true enforcer in Edmonton, especially when the likes of Booeogaard are running around levelling guys.

[bhlloy]

I've always wondered about this strategy. It makes sense if the other team has a 'tough guy', that you'd want your guy in the line-up as well. However, even if the other team doesn't have a tough guy, I would think there's an advantage of having someone like that in your line-up, assuming they're not too much of a liability. Oiler friends of mine bemoan the lack of a true enforcer in Edmonton, especially when the likes of Booeogaard are running around levelling guys.


A lot depends on the coach and the team I guess. The Ducks will dress Parros 80% of the time against anyone, which I love. How much does a 4th line winger contribute anyway? I know the Wild do the same with Boogard (and now Fedoruk as well)

I think the key is "not too much of a liability". Parker can barely even skate properly. Can't intimidate skilled players if they just keep skating around you.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I honestly believe the next wave of tough guys will not be Parros/Boogard type enforcers. Where before those guys got to "prove themselves" by fighting the established tough guys in the league, those types won't even get a sniff anymore. What does Boogard play, like 5 mins a night? With races so tight, wouldn't it be better to have a shootout guy on your bench most of the night and use him if needed? At least he'd help you earn a point.

Laraque can play (some) and guys like Chris Neil, who can put up 15 goals, will be the new tough guys.

[duff88]

Andrei Kostitsyn is finally coming into his own! I never gave up on him, but so many people did; you have to be patient with kids.

15 points in the last 14 games, 5 goals in the last 5 games and it seems we're only seeing the start as he's getting better as he's gaining confidence. And you have to remember he's playing on his off wing on the left side.

Nice goal against Washington coming in on the right side (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxxyBeNohCg)

I can't wait to see more of him and his bro, who ain't looking bad either!

[Draft Dodger]

from the Wow, That Guy Sure Lost It Department:

Sergei Samsonov has been claimed on waivers by the Hurricans.

[Honolulu_Blue]

from the Wow, That Guy Sure Lost It Department:

Sergei Samsonov has been claimed on waivers by the Hurricans.

Wasn't that on re-entry waivers? So it's 50% off for the Hurricanes?

Samsonov has totally taken a nosedive. I never really saw much of him until the playoffs back when Oilers beat the Wings in the first round two years ago. Despite the end result of that series, I thought Samsonov was pretty awful. He held onto the puck far too long, never shot it, and just didn't create much.

I can't imagine he'll do much in Carolina, but at half-price, I guess it's worth a shot.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins winners of 7 straight, and 8 of 9.

All 8 of those won by Ty the Conk-eror. 8-0-0 and a GAA hovering around 2.00

Nearly had back to back 3-0 shutout vs Florida before giving up a late SH goal. Still, 2 shutouts in those 8 games...which DOUBLED his CAREER total!

And...he plays the puck, something that is an adventure when Fleury tries.

[DeToxRox]

Yawn, Wings beat the Avs 1-0 yesterday. Really looking forward to the showdown in Ottawa Saturday however.

[Draft Dodger]

the Avs almost got shut out last night as well, finally scoring with just over 3 minutes left (they lost 2-1).

this season is going south in a hurry.

and, oh yeah, they sent down yet another forward - TJ Hensick (after one his his better games against Detroit) - in favor of using either Kyle Cumiskey / Johnny Boychuk at forward.

Last night, our 4th line was Tyler Arnason, Cody McCormick and Kyle Cumiskey...3 guys who have absolutely nothing in common with each other on the ice. It was, to say the least, painful to watch.

[Draft Dodger]

btw, congratulations on Chris Chelios who on Tuesday became the 2nd ugliest player to play in the NHL.




*taps ear piece*

I'm sorry, this just in. 2nd oldest player to play in the NHL.

[Honolulu_Blue]

btw, congratulations on Chris Chelios who on Tuesday became the 2nd ugliest player to play in the NHL.




*taps ear piece*

I'm sorry, this just in. 2nd oldest player to play in the NHL.

That's simply not fair. There have been a ton of uglier people than Chris Chelios. Mike Ricci and Garth Butcher immediately come to mind.

In other news, the Wings signed Osgood to a 3 year extension. He'll be making $1.5 million a year over that span. Not a bad deal at all. Osgood has been playing the best hockey of his career this year. He loves it here and the team likes him. He's comfortable with pretty much any role. If Hasek doesn't come back next year, I could see the Wings going with a Howard/Osgood combo, with Ozzie playing the bulk of the games while Howard learns the ropes.

While I don't really care all that much about any type of all-star/all-pro game, it was nice to see Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Lidstrom named to the first team. They all deserve it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Last night, our 4th line was Tyler Arnason, Cody McCormick and Kyle Cumiskey...3 guys who have absolutely nothing in common with each other on the ice. It was, to say the least, painful to watch.

This sort of sounds like when Dallas was playing Peirre Turgeon on its 4th line with guys like Jon Sim, only much less expensive.

[MikeVic]

btw, congratulations on Chris Chelios who on Tuesday became the 2nd ugliest player to play in the NHL.




*taps ear piece*

I'm sorry, this just in. 2nd oldest player to play in the NHL.

Who's the ugliest?

[Honolulu_Blue]

This story is pretty sweet on many levels and I can't even watch the video clip (Damn, youse work IT people!)

I love the quote by former psychotic NHL tough guy, now head coach Andrei Nazarov: “Ural nature does not suffer injustice.” If there was a Russian head coach whose team would be involved in this type of shananigans, it'd be Andrei Nazarov. I also like the random former NHLers involved like Andrei Nikolishin and Mikka Noronen.
A ’70s-Style Brawl in Russia

By Jeff Z. Klein (http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/author/jklein/)
<!-- end post-info -->
We’re filing this under “Championship Week” because Ak Bars Kazan are techinically a championship team, having won the Continental Cup (http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/article/ak-bars-kazan-wins-the-continental-cup.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=955&cHash=16714a98f7) last weekend in Riga. But look what happened upon their return to the Russian Superliga on Tuesday night — they started a full-fledged ’70s-vintage, bench-clearing brawl with Traktor Chelyabinsk, which you can see in its entirety on the Telekanal web site here (http://video.sportbox.ru//VideoStorage/20080108_hokkej_match_v_kazan), or, if you prefer, below:

<EMBED src=""http://www.youtube.com/v/Mlf4C0qNm0w&rel=1 width=425 height=355 type=application/x-shockwave-flash wmode="transparent"></EMBED>

This fight simply would not end. It all began with white-clad Ak Bars ahead by 7-5 with about 30 seconds left in the game …
[/URL]
… but down two men and Traktor with six attackers, when Traktor’s Aleksei Zavarukhin seemed to score on a scramble near the Ak Bars net. But referee A. Semenov waved off the goal — and when Zavarukhin turned to appeal, for some reason Ak Bars defenceman Aleksei Emelin flew in and leveled him. Traktor’s Andrei Nikolishin then flew in to level Emelin, and the donnybrook was on.

Everyone was in the corner fighting when a wave of Traktor players poured in from the bench, as Semenov and his linesmen Birin and Medvedev weakly urged them to go back. That wave was followed by a wave from the Ak Bars bench, and at some point in the ensuing melee Ak Bars goalie Mika Noronen emerged with a bad cut on his nose, apparently given him by Traktor goalie Sergei Mylnikov.

Other combatants of note as the brawl flickers out and reignites at various places around the Tatneft Arena ice before 4200 roaring Kazan fans: Ak Bars tough guy [URL="http://www.ak-bars.ru/player/?id=112"]Aleksandr Stepanov (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/) (30) attacking Traktor’s Denis Baev and flailing away at him long after he goes down (apparently because Baev had angrily flung an Ak Bars sweater into the bench area); and a half-naked Grigorii Shafigulin (http://www.ak-bars.ru/player/?id=130) pummeling a completely tied up Konstantin Kasyanchuk before skating off, arms triumphantly aloft.
Through it all, referee Semenov and linesmen Birin and Medvedev do nothing, even when a player pounds on a completely helpless opponent right in front of them. Never was there a stronger argument for police intervention, as used to happen in NHL and minor-league brawls back in the day.

In the end, the teams totaled a Russian record 378 penalty minutes — Shafigulin getting 49 of them, Stepanov 47, and Andrei Zubarev 35, all Ak Bars players. Baev of Traktor got 37.

The next day back in Chelyabinsk, Traktor coach Andrei Nazarov told the Russian daily Sport Express that his players poured off the bench to the aid of their teammates because “Ural nature does not suffer injustice.” But he also said something that made sense: the NHL rule imposing automatic longterm suspensions for clearing the benches, and even longer suspensions for doing so in the last minute of play, would have prevented the absurdities in Kazan.

Stay tuned to see if the Superliga imposes such a rule in the aftermath of Tuesday’s brawl. In the meantime, though, nine players have been suspended for a single game, and Stepanov and Shafigulin were each suspended two games, plus 30,000 rubles or an additional six matches.

[Draft Dodger]

the Stars gave Mike Ribeiro a 5 year, 25 million extension. which seems like a lot of money for a guy who was traded last year for Janne Niinimaa

[MikeVic]

This story is pretty sweet on many levels and I can't even watch the video clip (Damn, youse work IT people!)

I love the quote by former psychotic NHL tough guy, now head coach Andrei Nazarov: “Ural nature does not suffer injustice.” If there was a Russian head coach whose team would be involved in this type of shananigans, it'd be Andrei Nazarov. I also like the random former NHLers involved like Andrei Nikolishin and Mikka Noronen.
A ’70s-Style Brawl in Russia

By Jeff Z. Klein (http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/author/jklein/)
<!-- end post-info -->
We’re filing this under “Championship Week” because Ak Bars Kazan are techinically a championship team, having won the Continental Cup (http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/article/ak-bars-kazan-wins-the-continental-cup.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=955&cHash=16714a98f7) last weekend in Riga. But look what happened upon their return to the Russian Superliga on Tuesday night — they started a full-fledged ’70s-vintage, bench-clearing brawl with Traktor Chelyabinsk, which you can see in its entirety on the Telekanal web site here (http://video.sportbox.ru//VideoStorage/20080108_hokkej_match_v_kazan), or, if you prefer, below:

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This fight simply would not end. It all began with white-clad Ak Bars ahead by 7-5 with about 30 seconds left in the game …
[/URL]
… but down two men and Traktor with six attackers, when Traktor’s Aleksei Zavarukhin seemed to score on a scramble near the Ak Bars net. But referee A. Semenov waved off the goal — and when Zavarukhin turned to appeal, for some reason Ak Bars defenceman Aleksei Emelin flew in and leveled him. Traktor’s Andrei Nikolishin then flew in to level Emelin, and the donnybrook was on.

Everyone was in the corner fighting when a wave of Traktor players poured in from the bench, as Semenov and his linesmen Birin and Medvedev weakly urged them to go back. That wave was followed by a wave from the Ak Bars bench, and at some point in the ensuing melee Ak Bars goalie Mika Noronen emerged with a bad cut on his nose, apparently given him by Traktor goalie Sergei Mylnikov.

Other combatants of note as the brawl flickers out and reignites at various places around the Tatneft Arena ice before 4200 roaring Kazan fans: Ak Bars tough guy [URL="http://www.ak-bars.ru/player/?id=112"]Aleksandr Stepanov (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/) (30) attacking Traktor’s Denis Baev and flailing away at him long after he goes down (apparently because Baev had angrily flung an Ak Bars sweater into the bench area); and a half-naked Grigorii Shafigulin (http://www.ak-bars.ru/player/?id=130) pummeling a completely tied up Konstantin Kasyanchuk before skating off, arms triumphantly aloft.
Through it all, referee Semenov and linesmen Birin and Medvedev do nothing, even when a player pounds on a completely helpless opponent right in front of them. Never was there a stronger argument for police intervention, as used to happen in NHL and minor-league brawls back in the day.

In the end, the teams totaled a Russian record 378 penalty minutes — Shafigulin getting 49 of them, Stepanov 47, and Andrei Zubarev 35, all Ak Bars players. Baev of Traktor got 37.

The next day back in Chelyabinsk, Traktor coach Andrei Nazarov told the Russian daily Sport Express that his players poured off the bench to the aid of their teammates because “Ural nature does not suffer injustice.” But he also said something that made sense: the NHL rule imposing automatic longterm suspensions for clearing the benches, and even longer suspensions for doing so in the last minute of play, would have prevented the absurdities in Kazan.

Stay tuned to see if the Superliga imposes such a rule in the aftermath of Tuesday’s brawl. In the meantime, though, nine players have been suspended for a single game, and Stepanov and Shafigulin were each suspended two games, plus 30,000 rubles or an additional six matches.


It's a trap!

[Honolulu_Blue]

the Stars gave Mike Ribeiro a 5 year, 25 million extension. which seems like a lot of money for a guy who was traded last year for Janne Niinimaa

Apparently he's having a decent year, but I've never liked Mike Ribeiro.

[Draft Dodger]

Apparently he's having a decent year, but I've never liked Mike Ribeiro.

me neither. still better than Janne freaking Niinimaa though

[Honolulu_Blue]

me neither. still better than Janne freaking Niinimaa though

Yes, this is true, but that bar is very, very low....

Ribeiro always seemed to me like a punk bitch. I don't like punk bitches. Most of it stems from that time he feigned injury after a hit. I remember him lying on the ice like he was shot, peeking up to look around, and then pretending he was hurt again. It was a pathetic display.

A friend of mine is the Stars' TV producer. He travels with the team. I will have to ask him if Ribeiro really is a punk bitch.

[RomaGoth]

the Stars gave Mike Ribeiro a 5 year, 25 million extension. which seems like a lot of money for a guy who was traded last year for Janne Niinimaa

I don't care for Ribeiro either, but Montreal was idiotic to make that trade. Janne Niinimaa???? WTF? Everytime Niinimaa enters his defensive zone the stadium speakers blare out the tune from Iron Maiden, "Stranger in a Strange Land".......

[Dr. Sak]

Ovechkin is close to signing an extension with the Caps...rumors are 6 years 54 million.

[duff88]

Ovechkin is close to signing an extension with the Caps...rumors are 6 years 54 million.

Ovechkin reportedly signs a 13 years / 124M$ extension! (http://www.tsn.ca/news_story.asp?ID=226952&hubName=main)

[NoSkillz]

Ovechkin reportedly signs a 13 years / 124M$ extension! (http://www.tsn.ca/news_story.asp?ID=226952&hubName=main)

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

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's really beginning to look like Charles Wang was a visionary...

[Pyser]

crosby hasnt extended his deal yet, right?

yikes.

[Pyser]

no, wait, he did. nevermind. 5yr 45m. interesting.

[Fidatelo]

Remember when the NBA started doing this a decade or so ago? All you read about where 8 year max deals and whatnot.

Now all you read about is teams trading bad contracts, an things like the Allan Houston exception or whatever. Good job NHL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

crosby hasnt extended his deal yet, right?

yikes.

Crosby signed an extension this past offseason ( I believe the CBA stipulates, you can only negotiate with players on their entry level deal after the 2nd of the 3 years). $43.5 / 5 years = $8.7 per.

[MikeVic]

Niiiiice. These owners and shit are just soooo smart. Long live the NHL. :P

[Maple Leafs]

In fairness, signing a can't miss star to a super-long contract for a huge amount of money has only ever been a complete disaster for the Capitals once.

[Dr. Sak]

Speaking of the Rangers...the Flyers put a nice 6-2 whipping on them tonight!

[Travis]

So I was at the Oilers game tonight and saw a call for the first time. Well, two calls (one was a double cross checking penalty on one player during a single sequence that resulted in a pair of minor penalties, that one at least made sense).

The other was a 5 minute plus a penalty shot call against Souray who hacked Doan as he went in on a breakaway. Now I have no problem with a penalty or a penalty shot being called in that situation based on what Souray did, but can somebody explain to me why a 5 + penalty shot was called? I'm assuming intent to injure or something to that effect for the 5, but I don't understand why the penalty shot was tacked on as well.

And I don't know if this was addressed by the announcers at all, but for a guy of Souray's size/strength to take a slashing call that severe while Doan didn't even miss a shift (and in fact nearly got caught on the ice for a too many men penalty trying to line up on the ensuing faceoff when it was still 4 on 4) seemed more than a bit, well, over the top.

In the end it didn't matter and I had the section I was in quoting a lot of the lines from Bryzgalov's knob hockey episode up until they ruined my fun by pulling him, but I am curious as to the reasoning to the combo call.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pen's win in TB 4-1...Ty Fucking Conklin, 9-0-0!

Really poor missed (or made) call in this game too.

Paul Ranger got cut, Max Talbot heads off for 4 minutes. But the replay showed Talbot against the boards...and Marty St. Louis' stick actually clips Ranger. Pens kill the 4 min double minor, so no issue, but still...

[Suburban Rhythm]

So I was at the Oilers game tonight and saw a call for the first time. Well, two calls (one was a double cross checking penalty on one player during a single sequence that resulted in a pair of minor penalties, that one at least made sense).

The other was a 5 minute plus a penalty shot call against Souray who hacked Doan as he went in on a breakaway. Now I have no problem with a penalty or a penalty shot being called in that situation based on what Souray did, but can somebody explain to me why a 5 + penalty shot was called? I'm assuming intent to injure or something to that effect for the 5, but I don't understand why the penalty shot was tacked on as well.

And I don't know if this was addressed by the announcers at all, but for a guy of Souray's size/strength to take a slashing call that severe while Doan didn't even miss a shift (and in fact nearly got caught on the ice for a too many men penalty trying to line up on the ensuing faceoff when it was still 4 on 4) seemed more than a bit, well, over the top.

In the end it didn't matter and I had the section I was in quoting a lot of the lines from Bryzgalov's knob hockey episode up until they ruined my fun by pulling him, but I am curious as to the reasoning to the combo call.

Rule 25.6

Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending player or goalkeeper shall not be applied unless the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major, match or misconduct penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed for the particular offense shall be imposed.

Not saying I agree with the interpretation, but assume this was the basis of the call.

[Draft Dodger]

So I was at the Oilers game tonight and saw a call for the first time. Well, two calls (one was a double cross checking penalty on one player during a single sequence that resulted in a pair of minor penalties, that one at least made sense).


I flipped over to this game and Ferraro was babbling about some OTHER unique play, something (I think) involving Reasoner, an icing, and the penalty box. Whatever it was, though, I had just missed it.

[Fidatelo]

I think he got 5 + the penalty shot because the offense was deemed to be a major penalty, but it also interrupted a breakaway. Just giving the penalty shot would encourage people in the future to not just haul a guy down to stop him, but do it in the most painful way possible.

I'd liken it to how in the NBA you can intentionally foul someone and they go to the line for 2, but if you do it flagrantly they get extra shots plus the ball back (I believe, only a casual b-ball fan).

[Dr. Sak]

I flipped over to this game and Ferraro was babbling about some OTHER unique play, something (I think) involving Reasoner, an icing, and the penalty box. Whatever it was, though, I had just missed it.

Did it involve his wife and how she should've been on the last women's olympic team?

[johnnyshaka]

I flipped over to this game and Ferraro was babbling about some OTHER unique play, something (I think) involving Reasoner, an icing, and the penalty box. Whatever it was, though, I had just missed it.

Actually, what I believe you are thinking of, DD, is the situation the Oilers found themselves in to begin the 2nd period. Souray still had time left on his major penalty but there was nobody in the box to serve it. When time ran out on the penalty the only way the Oilers were allowed to get back to full strength was to wait for a whistle. So, still with only 4 guys on the ice but no longer being penalized, Reasoner iced the puck and icing was indeed called. Ferraro initially thought it was a botched call by the linesman but he'd be wrong. For instance, a team pulls their goalie and is playing with an extra man. If the other team, who is essentially shorthanded, ices the puck...it is still icing.

The Oilers have been playing well as of late but to be honest it just seems like the bounces have been going our way for a change.

[Maple Leafs]

The Globe and Mail in Toronto is reporting that Ferguson's firing is all-but-official, with a special board meeting to "discuss his future" in the next few days.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080111.wsptleafs11/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

[Simms]

The Globe and Mail in Toronto is reporting that Ferguson's firing is all-but-official, with a special board meeting to "discuss his future" in the next few days.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080111.wsptleafs11/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

They've also called up Justin Pogge after Toskala re-injured his groin relieving Raycroft last night.

Good times all around...

[bbor]

They've also called up Justin Pogge after Toskala re-injured his groin relieving Raycroft last night.

Good times all around...


BUT.....There is some good news...the Leafs claimed Domenic Moore off waivers...woohoo...Good job JFJ problems are all solved now.

All my life i have wanted to see Dom play.Now i get the chance.:rolleyes:

[Maple Leafs]

It's no great revelation at this point, but Scotty Bowman confirned on HNIC tonight that he was on the verge of taking the Leafs' president job last summer.

Apparently he had decided to accept the position, but was told he had to interview with Richard Peddie (the moron businessman who basically runs the show in Toronto) and then didn't hear back. It sounds like he was trying to be diplomatic but still send the message that Peddie screwed up the deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's no great revelation at this point, but Scotty Bowman confirned on HNIC tonight that he was on the verge of taking the Leafs' president job last summer.

Apparently he had decided to accept the position, but was told he had to interview with Richard Peddie (the moron businessman who basically runs the show in Toronto) and then didn't hear back. It sounds like he was trying to be diplomatic but still send the message that Peddie screwed up the deal.

Yeah, I saw that interview. It really sounded like Bowman was willing to go to Toronto, but they turned him down.

How do you turn down Scotty Bowman?

[bbor]

It's almost as if Ballard were still running the team.If Maurice shows up tonight to coach in a brown paper bag i'm out.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Ty Conklin Undefeated World Tour comes to an end. Pens fall to ATL, 3-2 in a SO. Still 9-1-0 with a GAA at like 2.00 ain't bad.

And the bitter irony...Crosby, Letang, Malkin, Kovalchuk and Hossa can't score...by Mark Recchi kills his old team.

[Dr. Sak]

That was funny...I told my friend before the game that Recchi was going to score the game winner. He laughed at me.

[Maple Leafs]

The other interesting thing about the Bowman interview was that he wouldn't rule out taking the job if he was asked this week.

I say there's a 50/50 chance Bowman is running the Leafs by next weekend.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The other interesting thing about the Bowman interview was that he wouldn't rule out taking the job if he was asked this week.

I say there's a 50/50 chance Bowman is running the Leafs by next weekend.

He certainly didn't. He did seem to hint at the fact that it may take a little more to pry him away from Detroit at this stage of the season than it would have before the season began.

I love the fact that there was some speculation that one of the reasons the board didn't offer Bowman that job was because they felt like they "knew" hockey, unlike the situation with the Raptors where, presumably, they didn't feel like they "knew" basketball well enough.

[Maple Leafs]

I love the fact that there was some speculation that one of the reasons the board didn't offer Bowman that job was because they felt like they "knew" hockey, unlike the situation with the Raptors where, presumably, they didn't feel like they "knew" basketball well enough.
It's a combination of two things:

a.) Like you said, they really think they're qualified to make decisions about NHL player personnel moves. That seems ridiculous on the outside, but Peddie at least really seems to believe it. This isn't all that shocking, actually -- if you spend any time around people who are very successful in the business/executive worlds, they tend to assume they know more than anyone else about just about everything. That's probably a benefit most of the time, but not here.

b.) They like being around the hockey organization. It's just fun. Makes them feel like big shots. They probably didn't get to hang out with the cool kids in high school, now they do. Tie Domi was the master at exploiting this sort of thought, which is why he had Tannenbaum in his back pocket for years.

It would be immature and disrespectful of me to call a group of well-respected businessmen "jock sniffers", but that doesn't mean I won't do it.

[Dr. Sak]

Wonder if the league will look into suspending Mats...

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[Maple Leafs]

Apparently the shoving incident wasn't listed in the official's report, and Shick said it was no big deal and they weren't going to pursue it.

[Draft Dodger]

Actually, what I believe you are thinking of, DD, is the situation the Oilers found themselves in to begin the 2nd period. Souray still had time left on his major penalty but there was nobody in the box to serve it. When time ran out on the penalty the only way the Oilers were allowed to get back to full strength was to wait for a whistle. So, still with only 4 guys on the ice but no longer being penalized, Reasoner iced the puck and icing was indeed called. Ferraro initially thought it was a botched call by the linesman but he'd be wrong. For instance, a team pulls their goalie and is playing with an extra man. If the other team, who is essentially shorthanded, ices the puck...it is still icing.

The Oilers have been playing well as of late but to be honest it just seems like the bounces have been going our way for a change.

that must be it. thanks for satisfying my curiosity.

the Avs finally won a freaking game, coming back to beat the Canes 5-4 last night. it's the most goals they've scored in a game since putting up 9 on the Blues on the 9 of December. since that game, their offense has been in hibernation.

[Fidatelo]

I'm guessing if Sundin was a rookie or his jersey was orange he'd be getting a suspension. He's getting away with that one because of who he is.

[Maple Leafs]

I'm guessing if Sundin was a rookie or his jersey was orange he'd be getting a suspension. He's getting away with that one because of who he is.
Maybe, but don't forget he was suspended for tossing a broken stick into the crowd, which seemed pretty innocent at the time. He didn't get any special treatment there.

A ten-game suspension (I think that's the standard "abuse of official" penaltyu) would actually be good news for the Leafs. It would help make sure we don't get a cheap win streak to fool us into thinking we're back in the race, and it would keep Mats healthy heading into the trade deadline.

[bhlloy]

Unreal end to the end of the Sharks-Ducks game tonight. Ducks pull Giguere with 1:30 left, Sharks nearly score into the empty net twice and then Weight just shoots it with 27 seconds left across the crease and it goes in off Semenov for the tying goal. Then with 2 seconds left Michalek walks right in and Giguere makes a huge save. 30 seconds into overtime Ducks win on a point blank shot from Beauchemin (who never seems to pinch in on the attack).

Definitely could be the turning point of the season for a very inconsistent Ducks team.

[Chief Rum]

Unreal end to the end of the Sharks-Ducks game tonight. Ducks pull Giguere with 1:30 left, Sharks nearly score into the empty net twice and then Weight just shoots it with 27 seconds left across the crease and it goes in off Semenov for the tying goal. Then with 2 seconds left Michalek walks right in and Giguere makes a huge save. 30 seconds into overtime Ducks win on a point blank shot from Beauchemin (who never seems to pinch in on the attack).

Definitely could be the turning point of the season for a very inconsistent Ducks team.

Well, most of tonight's game was crap, but actually the Ducks season has been turned for a month now (since Niedermayer came back). They have been much closer to their Cup-winning selves in that time.

We pulled tonight outta our ass, though.

[johnnyshaka]

Great game by the Oilers tonight to get to .500...not to mention that we beat the Flamers!!! We're on a 4 game winning streak and the last three wins have come in regulation...something very rare for the Oilers this year!!!

[Draft Dodger]

Last year, the Avalanche had one guy doing all the fighting - Ian Laperriere (if I remember right, Jeff Finger had 2 fights and Mark Rycroft had 1...Scott Parker, Brad May and George Parros all had none in their short stints with the team last year).

In just the last 3 games, 6 different Avs have been involved in 6 different fights. They and the Panthers had 3 fights in the first period of last evening's game alone (something that's highly irregular for both teams). Even Brett Clark and Ollie Jokinen got caught up in the pugilistic euphoria.

[Maple Leafs]

In just the last 3 games, 6 different Avs have been involved in 6 different fights. They and the Panthers had 3 fights in the first period of last evening's game alone (something that's highly irregular for both teams). Even Brett Clark and Ollie Jokinen got caught up in the pugilistic euphoria.
I always enjoyed hockey more when each team had a few guys had who would go if they needed to. You'd see two heavyweights square off and wonder who might be up next. These days, the two heavyweights have their meaningless fight early on, then you never hear from them again and there's no bad blood the rest of the game.

Then again, as predicted the crackdown on fighting has done wonders for the game's profile in the US, so I guess it was worth it

[Honolulu_Blue]

Then again, as predicted the crackdown on fighting has done wonders for the game's profile in the US, so I guess it was worth it

Totally. You can throw a stone around here without hitting some soccer mom who just loves hockey so much now that there aren't as many fights. She has her entire family involved in the game, kids playing youth hockey, family going to the games, watching it on TV. Hockey's never been hotter!

Fire on Ice!*


* That is the Wings' actual "official" slogan this year. Fire on Ice. It's incredibly original.

[Dr. Sak]

These days, the two heavyweights have their meaningless fight early on, then you never hear from them again and there's no bad blood the rest of the game.

I hate that. I was at a Pens/Caps game and within the first 2 mins Larque and Brasher fought. What for? Who knows...there was no need for it. If the game got chippy or people took liberties, I am all for fighting. But I hate meaningless fights like that.

[Draft Dodger]

I also am not a big fan of the pre-planned fights.

speaking of them, they interviewed Steve Montador during the first intermission last night. He had fought with Lappy in the first period (and yes, it was one of those "hey, wanna go" fights off the faceoff.) Anyway, Montador was already sporting a pretty decent black eye, and the interviewer asked if he tried to protect that eye during the fight, and his response essentially boiled down to "oh, that? it's just a little scratch".

coming a few hours after seeing LT laugh it up on the sidelines on Sunday because of his bruised knee, it really showed how tough these fucking hockey players are.

[Maple Leafs]

Maybe I'm just getting old and looking at things through my nostalgia goggles, but it used to be that if Baumgartner and Churla went at it off the opening faceoff, you thought "Oh boy, here we go, setting the tone. This is going to be a good one tonight!" Now if Belak and Brashear go, you think "OK, I guess that's out of the way, it will be a no-hitter from here on out."

[Fidatelo]

While I do think that hockey players are freakin' tough, in fairness to LT a knee injury isn't something to treat lightly for a running back.

Also, if he felt it would prevent him from doing his awesome LT moves, and therefore deminish his effectiveness, then he is doing the right thing for his team. Look at how Terry Glenn almost cost his team an interception because he was trying to play when he probably shouldn't be and ended up falling down on a comeback route.

[johnnyshaka]

After Belak and Brashear go there isn't anybody left on the ice who would dare drop them...definitely not the case back in the day.

Times have changed and so has hockey. I get it. But, what I don't get is how UFC can be one of the fastest growing spectator sports going and yet we have to clean up fighting in hockey??

[johnnyshaka]

While I do think that hockey players are freakin' tough, in fairness to LT a knee injury isn't something to treat lightly for a running back.

Also, if he felt it would prevent him from doing his awesome LT moves, and therefore deminish his effectiveness, then he is doing the right thing for his team. Look at how Terry Glenn almost cost his team an interception because he was trying to play when he probably shouldn't be and ended up falling down on a comeback route.

If you can't play because of injury then you shouldn't be laughing and having a good time on the bench...especially when you are in tough against the defending Super Bowl Champs in their house. Hit the showers and let the guys playing the game stay focused. Same goes for Rivers and his retarded antics yelling at fans all game long...that's bush league garbage...even more so when you are riding the pine.

[Fidatelo]

Agree on Rivers thing with the fans, but just because you are injured you should sulk in the locker room? I disagree with that. Be out there, support you teammates, and hell, if someone cracks a joke, it shouldn't be wrong to smile just because you can't play.

[johnnyshaka]

Agree on Rivers thing with the fans, but just because you are injured you should sulk in the locker room? I disagree with that. Be out there, support you teammates, and hell, if someone cracks a joke, it shouldn't be wrong to smile just because you can't play.

I guess you and I will have to agree to disagree, then.

"If you are too hurt to play, then you are too hurt to stay."

[bhlloy]

Maybe I'm just getting old and looking at things through my nostalgia goggles, but it used to be that if Baumgartner and Churla went at it off the opening faceoff, you thought "Oh boy, here we go, setting the tone. This is going to be a good one tonight!" Now if Belak and Brashear go, you think "OK, I guess that's out of the way, it will be a no-hitter from here on out."


Great post. Also a lot of the fights in the first few minutes of the game aren't necessarily staged - a lot of them are payback for things that happened a few games (or even a few months or seasons) ago.

I love the new wave of kids like Boll, Lucic, Voros, Clarkson coming in who can play and throw it down with the heavyweights if they need to. We seem to be going in the right direction if only we can get rid of that ridiculous instigator penalty.

Way to make me really nostalgic - I loved Shane Churla back in the day

[Maple Leafs]

Apparently, after all these years, the Leafs are finally ready to start listening to me. TSN is reporting that the team has done what I've suggested for months: asked Cliff Fletcher to come back to Toronto as interim GM until the end of the season (at which point they'd do a full search).

It would be just about a perfect fit. Fletcher is popular in Toronto, he knows how to handle the pressure of the job, he's available, and he wouldn't expect a long-term commitment. And despite the fact that Damien Cox will use the term "draft schmaft" in every single article he writes about him if this happens, Fletcher has actually done pretty well at rebuilding type deals. His fault was always that he waited too long to make the deals, but Clark-for-Sundin worked out pretty well and he got three very good NHLers (Jason Smith, Steve Sullivan and Alyn McCauley) for a veteran Doug Gilmour.

So, great idea. Can't wait to see how the MLSE board screws this up.

[miami_fan]

I guess you and I will have to agree to disagree, then.

"If you are too hurt to play, then you are too hurt to stay."

LT going back to the locker room and staying there instead of being on the sidelines supporting his teammates in any way possible? Yeah that would have went over really well amongst his teammates and in the media.:rolleyes:

EDIT: Sorry, didn't mean to interupt the hockey talk.

[bbor]

Apparently, after all these years, the Leafs are finally ready to start listening to me. TSN is reporting that the team has done what I've suggested for months: asked Cliff Fletcher to come back to Toronto as interim GM until the end of the season (at which point they'd do a full search).

It would be just about a perfect fit. Fletcher is popular in Toronto, he knows how to handle the pressure of the job, he's available, and he wouldn't expect a long-term commitment. And despite the fact that Damien Cox will use the term "draft schmaft" in every single article he writes about him if this happens, Fletcher has actually done pretty well at rebuilding type deals. His fault was always that he waited too long to make the deals, but Clark-for-Sundin worked out pretty well and he got three very good NHLers (Jason Smith, Steve Sullivan and Alyn McCauley) for a veteran Doug Gilmour.

So, great idea. Can't wait to see how the MLSE board screws this up.


Has JFJ been sacked?

[Maple Leafs]

Has JFJ been sacked?
No, of course not. They're letting him twist in the breeze, while they work on replacing him and immediately leak every closed door discussion to the media.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Maybe I'm just getting old and looking at things through my nostalgia goggles, but it used to be that if Baumgartner and Churla went at it off the opening faceoff, you thought "Oh boy, here we go, setting the tone. This is going to be a good one tonight!" Now if Belak and Brashear go, you think "OK, I guess that's out of the way, it will be a no-hitter from here on out."

Laraque and Orr went 7 seconds into last nights Pen-Rangers game. And that was about it for the game. Until the last 30 seconds, when Ruutu took a shot at Brandon Dubinksy, and Adam Hall and Marc Staal tangled along the boards.

Pens jumped out to a 3-0 in the 1st period. At one point they had 6 shots, 3 goals. End up winning 4-1.

Malkin's 2nd career HT...on Penguins toque night no less, so the ice was littered. Ty the Cok-eror now 10-0-1, GAA below 2, and a pair of SO's. Crosby ties Vinny for the scoring lead (63 pts) with a pair of assists, and the Pens tie NJ at the top of the Atlantic.

Edit to add - and Malkin STILL not good enough to get an All-Star invite. The league would rather have Marc Savard there.

[Honolulu_Blue]

His fault was always that he waited too long to make the deals, but Clark-for-Sundin worked out pretty well and he got three very good NHLers (Jason Smith, Steve Sullivan and Alyn McCauley) for a veteran Doug Gilmour.

Was Fletcher still around when the Leafs decided to waive Steve Sullivan and ship Jason Smith to Edmonton for 2nd (Kris Vernarsky) and 4th round (Jonathan Zion) picks?

[Fidatelo]

Edit to add - and Malkin STILL not good enough to get an All-Star invite. The league would rather have Marc Savard there.

I don't think that is so terrible, Savard is a terrific player, and doesn't have the luxury of playing with someone like Crosby to help his stats.

[Maple Leafs]

Was Fletcher still around when the Leafs decided to waive Steve Sullivan and ship Jason Smith to Edmonton for 2nd (Kris Vernarsky) and 4th round (Jonathan Zion) picks?
No, he was fired in 1997. Those were Dryden/Quinn moves.

[johnnyshaka]

I don't think that is so terrible, Savard is a terrific player, and doesn't have the luxury of playing with someone like Crosby to help his stats.


Agreed...I think Savard is a fine choice considering this is his first All Star appearance and he's been in the top 10 in league scoring the last two seasons...it's about time he got some recognition for his accomplishments. Besides, Malkin will have his opportunities for years to come.

[Dr. Sak]

If it wasn't bad enough for the Rangers, I just found out that Michael Nylander is out for the year.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If it wasn't bad enough for the Rangers, I just found out that Michael Nylander is out for the year.

Isn't Nylander on the Capitals?

[Dr. Sak]

Yeah I'm a moron....

[Draft Dodger]

somewhere, Kevin Lowe is smiling

[johnnyshaka]

somewhere, Kevin Lowe is smiling

You bet...Smyth and Nylander both out...and the Oilers playing .500 hockey...it could be much, much, worse.

[Travis]

You bet...Smyth and Nylander both out...and the Oilers playing .500 hockey...it could be much, much, worse.

Now if they could just catch/pass the Ducks in the standings, Lowe's head might explode.

[johnnyshaka]

Just when the knife in the back started to feel less uncomfortable, Pronger, via Jim Rome, wiggled it around a little bit:

http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/archive/2008/01/16/chris-pronger-s-nasty-allegation-they-burned-my-kid-s-crib.aspx


I would think something like this would've made headlines around the city just like everything else hockey related but this is the first I've heard of this anywhere. In one sentence he says that he wished Oiler fans would move on and accept things as they are but in the next he rekindles the fire with these allegations.

Classy, Pronger, very classy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just when the knife in the back started to feel less uncomfortable, Pronger, via Jim Rome, wiggled it around a little bit:

http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/archive/2008/01/16/chris-pronger-s-nasty-allegation-they-burned-my-kid-s-crib.aspx


I would think something like this would've made headlines around the city just like everything else hockey related but this is the first I've heard of this anywhere. In one sentence he says that he wished Oiler fans would move on and accept things as they are but in the next he rekindles the fire with these allegations.

Classy, Pronger, very classy.

I hate Chris Pronger.

Always have, always will.

[Draft Dodger]

pretty solid evidence there that Jim Rome is, in fact, an idiot.

[johnnyshaka]

I hate Chris Pronger.

Always have, always will.

Agreed...doesn't mean I wouldn't want him back on my team, though.

I'm over the whole ordeal and have been since the day it happened but when crap like this surfaces, whether it's true or not (and if it is true then that is a pretty tasteless "joke" or stunt), it just breeds negative press all over the place. Now every radio/TV station in Edmonton is obcessed with the accusations and I'm sure both the Sun and Journal will be littered with editorials about it over the following weeks. Not to mention how Pronger is going to be hounded about the comments over the next little while and the next time he comes to Edmonton. Serenity NOW!!!!

Seriously, I'd rather hear some more about when the Leafs are going to fire Fergie and how they are going to do it...and when...and all the reasons why...and who is going to get his parking space...and where he takes his suits to get dry-cleaned...and what kind of toothpaste he may or may not be using...please, TSN/Sportsnet, I need to know more!!!!!

[RomaGoth]

I hate Chris Pronger.

Always have, always will.

Same here. Maybe it is because of my Red Wings fondness, or maybe it is just because Pronger is a piece of garbage. He was always taking cheap shots at the Red Wing players when he played for St. Louis, and it was mostly because he could not keep up with the puck control game they played. What is Anaheim, his 4th team? HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa. Jerk.

[RomaGoth]

pretty solid evidence there that Jim Rome is, in fact, an idiot.

Why is Rome an idiot? Aside from his incident with "Chris" (Jim) Everett back in the 90's, he is a pretty smart guy. He has built a radio/tv empire on the premise of smack talk. Like him or not, that is good business sense. ;)

[johnnyshaka]

Same here. Maybe it is because of my Red Wings fondness, or maybe it is just because Pronger is a piece of garbage. He was always taking cheap shots at the Red Wing players when he played for St. Louis, and it was mostly because he could not keep up with the puck control game they played. What is Anaheim, his 4th team? HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa. Jerk.

I have the same sentiments for one of your current blueliners...a certain senior citizen who I absolutely can't stand but would love have on my team.

[RomaGoth]

I have the same sentiments for one of your current blueliners...a certain senior citizen who I absolutely can't stand but would love have on my team.

LOL. He is beyond the senior citizen status, he is playing hockey straight from the grave. For the record, I never really cared for Chelios until he came to the Wings in that trade. With that being said, I still don't really like the guy, it is more a matter of tolerance. :D

[Draft Dodger]

I have the same sentiments for one of your current blueliners...a certain senior citizen who I absolutely can't stand but would love have on my team.

there's a lot of players that I hate that I'd love to have on my team. Pronger is one of them. Chelios is certainly not.

[Chief Rum]

LOL. He is beyond the senior citizen status, he is playing hockey straight from the grave. For the record, I never really cared for Chelios until he came to the Wings in that trade. With that being said, I still don't really like the guy, it is more a matter of tolerance. :D

That bolded quote exemplifies my feeling on Pronger coming to the Ducks.

All that said, I entirely believe the crib story. Sorry, Pronger's a big time ass on the ice, but by and large he's quiet and introvertive off of it. He isn't a Moss or a TO where's going to make stuff up like this. I believe him, and I have seen indications from Oilers fans that they are capable of doing this, as they are a rabid fanbase (this is not necessarily a comment on the Oil fans here on this board, but everyone knows hockey is a passion for Canadians).

And this is completely outside of the fact that Kevin Lowe is in this franchise, and he is ironically the Lowest piece of shit in hockey.

[RomaGoth]

That bolded quote exemplifies my feeling on Pronger coming to the Ducks.

All that said, I entirely believe the crib story. Sorry, Pronger's a big time ass on the ice, but by and large he's quiet and introvertive off of it. He isn't a Moss or a TO where's going to make stuff up like this. I believe him, and I have seen indications from Oilers fans that they are capable of doing this, as they are a rabid fanbase (this is not necessarily a comment on the Oil fans here on this board, but everyone knows hockey is a passion for Canadians).

And this is completely outside of the fact that Kevin Lowe is in this franchise, and he is ironically the Lowest piece of shit in hockey.

I keep praying that Chelly will retire already. For crying out loud, the guy is like 140 years old, stop playing already!!! Go run your restaurant into the ground or something and leave the Wings to the younger players. Crikee.

[Honolulu_Blue]

there's a lot of players that I hate that I'd love to have on my team. Pronger is one of them. Chelios is certainly not.

Poor Chris Chelios. :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

I keep praying that Chelly will retire already. For crying out loud, the guy is like 140 years old, stop playing already!!! Go run your restaurant into the ground or something and leave the Wings to the younger players. Crikee.

Cheli's restaurants are doing quite well and are quite popular.

I like Chelios. He's pretty personable and has a pretty good sense of humor. He's solid enough in his own zone and has really cut back on bonehead plays. We used to "sponsor" our own "Chris Chelios Bad Pass Of The Game", but Andreas Lilja has taken over that title. Lilja is good for at least one complete inexplicable play per game that results in a fantastic scoring opportunity for the other team. It's like his brain simply ceases to function for like 2 seconds and he just throws the puck into the middle of the ice. It's terrifying.

Back to Chelios, he still plays with a bit of an edge, he's still a great competitor, and if the choice was between Chelios, Meech, Quincey, or Lilja in the line-up (which it currently would be), I'm going with Chelios every time. He also doesn't count much against the cap. There's very little downside to having him on the roster.

[RomaGoth]

Cheli's restaurants are doing quite well and are quite popular.

I like Chelios. He's pretty personable and has a pretty good sense of humor. He's solid enough in his own zone and has really cut back on bonehead plays. We used to "sponsor" our own "Chris Chelios Bad Pass Of The Game", but Andreas Lilja has taken over that title. Lilja is good for at least one complete inexplicable play per game that results in a fantastic scoring opportunity for the other team. It's like his brain simply ceases to function for like 2 seconds and he just throws the puck into the middle of the ice. It's terrifying.

Back to Chelios, he still plays with a bit of an edge, he's still a great competitor, and if the choice was between Chelios, Meech, Quincey, or Lilja in the line-up (which it currently would be), I'm going with Chelios every time. He also doesn't count much against the cap. There's very little downside to having him on the roster.

Well said.

[Fidatelo]

Chelios can't retire until one of his coaches allows him to play an entire 60 minute game without a break.

As for Pronger, I like him, but a lot of that is simply because he's from Dryden. I'd love to have him on my team though... if I had a team.

[johnnyshaka]

All that said, I entirely believe the crib story. Sorry, Pronger's a big time ass on the ice, but by and large he's quiet and introvertive off of it. He isn't a Moss or a TO where's going to make stuff up like this. I believe him, and I have seen indications from Oilers fans that they are capable of doing this, as they are a rabid fanbase (this is not necessarily a comment on the Oil fans here on this board, but everyone knows hockey is a passion for Canadians).


To a point, I agree with you...we do have a very emotional fanbase here in Edmonton...for both the Oilers and the Eskimos. Good or bad, that's the way it is and it won't change anytime soon. So, when I first heard about this story yesterday I immediately tried to recall any "promos" done by one particular radio station, The Bear, who do have a rep for going above and beyond "tasteless" when it comes to publicity stunts. I couldn't remember a single incident in the city regarding Pronger's furniture nor could anybody else that I've spoken to since yesterday afternoon. So, either Pronger "heard stories" from a terribly inaccurate source or he flat out made it up because if a city as passionate about their teams can't recall something this crazy happening...then it never happened.

[Chief Rum]

To a point, I agree with you...we do have a very emotional fanbase here in Edmonton...for both the Oilers and the Eskimos. Good or bad, that's the way it is and it won't change anytime soon. So, when I first heard about this story yesterday I immediately tried to recall any "promos" done by one particular radio station, The Bear, who do have a rep for going above and beyond "tasteless" when it comes to publicity stunts. I couldn't remember a single incident in the city regarding Pronger's furniture nor could anybody else that I've spoken to since yesterday afternoon. So, either Pronger "heard stories" from a terribly inaccurate source or he flat out made it up because if a city as passionate about their teams can't recall something this crazy happening...then it never happened.

I can udnerstand if the stories he heard were overblown, but how can a burnt crib be a "story"? He will have seen that, don't you think?

[johnnyshaka]

I can udnerstand if the stories he heard were overblown, but how can a burnt crib be a "story"? He will have seen that, don't you think?

According to his quote from the interview...he said he heard stories about it. After announcing he wanted out of town...via his agent...he reportedly was already sunning on the beach in Mexico or something and never set foot back in Edmonton until the following year...wearing a Ducks' jersey. So, if this indeed happened, he wasn't here to witness it unless he dropped by his old pad on game day last year.

[Chief Rum]

According to his quote from the interview...he said he heard stories about it. After announcing he wanted out of town...via his agent...he reportedly was already sunning on the beach in Mexico or something and never set foot back in Edmonton until the following year...wearing a Ducks' jersey. So, if this indeed happened, he wasn't here to witness it unless he dropped by his old pad on game day last year.

Wouldn't someone in the Pronger family, though, have been there? I mean, if there was a crib there, his family was there, right? Even if Pronger doesn't see it himself, someone in the "Pronger camp" will have seen this, I would think.

[Dr. Sak]

So Canadians burn cribs and people in West Virginia burn couches...

[johnnyshaka]

Wouldn't someone in the Pronger family, though, have been there? I mean, if there was a crib there, his family was there, right? Even if Pronger doesn't see it himself, someone in the "Pronger camp" will have seen this, I would think.

Well, let's say that's the case, somebody from the Pronger family was still living in the house when all of this supposedly went down...wouldn't you think something like this would make the local news...national news...and even international news? Of course it would...and yet nobody has ever heard of such a thing happening until now...after Pronger says he "heard stories" about it.

Now, it's common practice for players to rent a house/apartment and all the fixings for the first little while and that's exactly what the Prongers were doing, AFAIK. So, my guess, is that once the trade was done the Prongers had no intentions of coming back here and just had their belongings packed up, if they already weren't, and sent on to where ever their permanent home is...probably St. Louis. So, there would be no reason for anybody in the Pronger Camp to be in Edmonton following his trade to Anaheim.

[Chief Rum]

Well, let's say that's the case, somebody from the Pronger family was still living in the house when all of this supposedly went down...wouldn't you think something like this would make the local news...national news...and even international news? Of course it would...and yet nobody has ever heard of such a thing happening until now...after Pronger says he "heard stories" about it.

Now, it's common practice for players to rent a house/apartment and all the fixings for the first little while and that's exactly what the Prongers were doing, AFAIK. So, my guess, is that once the trade was done the Prongers had no intentions of coming back here and just had their belongings packed up, if they already weren't, and sent on to where ever their permanent home is...probably St. Louis. So, there would be no reason for anybody in the Pronger Camp to be in Edmonton following his trade to Anaheim.

It doesn't have to be someone living in the house right then and there. Moving was already in the process. Someone could have come on the scene after said damage and seen it, someone in the Pronger camp.

I'm not an NHLer, so I can't say much about the logistics of moves like these, but I would think at one point someone with the Prongers would be on hand to supervise a move and to make sure stuff isn't damaged, stolen, etc. So the damage could have been done when no one was there, but surely someone related to the Prongers would have been along at some point.

Really, it gets back to that I don't see Pronger making this stuff up. Heck, it's sorta out there, enough that I think it has to be abit true, don't you think? I mean, who thinks "let's burn furniture" to get back at someone?

[johnnyshaka]

Really, it gets back to that I don't see Pronger making this stuff up. Heck, it's sorta out there, enough that I think it has to be abit true, don't you think? I mean, who thinks "let's burn furniture" to get back at someone?

You are missing the point, regardless of whether he's making it up or not or whether he or somebody he knows witnessed it, it would have made the news one way or another especially in Edmonton and especially because of the circumstances surrounding who it involves and his situation in relation to the city of Edmonton at the time. That's why I find very hard to believe.

With that said....there are "over the top" fanatics in every walk of life and I wouldn't put it past a couple of fans who have a little extra cash to burn...pun intended...to do something this stupid. But, again, something like this would have definitely made the news.

Here's my guess as to what may have happened...maybe just prior to his return to Edmonton Pronger was talking to, I don't know...former teammates...local media guys that he may have had a decent rapport with...and they heard rumours of a local radio station buying some of his furniture (either through auction if the Prongers did indeed own the stuff or from the rental company...who knows) and were planning on burning it the day he made his return to Edmonton for the first time. The radio station who planned to do the burning may have backed off on the stunt without Pronger actually knowing it didn't go down but for all he knows, he thinks it did.

[Chief Rum]

You are missing the point, regardless of whether he's making it up or not or whether he or somebody he knows witnessed it, it would have made the news one way or another especially in Edmonton and especially because of the circumstances surrounding who it involves and his situation in relation to the city of Edmonton at the time. That's why I find very hard to believe.

With that said....there are "over the top" fanatics in every walk of life and I wouldn't put it past a couple of fans who have a little extra cash to burn...pun intended...to do something this stupid. But, again, something like this would have definitely made the news.

Here's my guess as to what may have happened...maybe just prior to his return to Edmonton Pronger was talking to, I don't know...former teammates...local media guys that he may have had a decent rapport with...and they heard rumours of a local radio station buying some of his furniture (either through auction if the Prongers did indeed own the stuff or from the rental company...who knows) and were planning on burning it the day he made his return to Edmonton for the first time. The radio station who planned to do the burning may have backed off on the stunt without Pronger actually knowing it didn't go down but for all he knows, he thinks it did.

No, I get the point on the news angle. What I think you're missing is that Pronger wouldn't alert the media about this (he was already under seige as it was, and wanted to move on), and the perpetrators didn't want to be arrested. So who else knows?

I can see what you suggest happen as a possibility except Pronger mentions a crib. Rather specific for rumors from local reporters on a story that, as you say, didn't get reported, don't you think? That tells me he didn't get this from innuendo. He got it from someone much closer to the action, someone who actually saw the damage done (and someone he trusts more than local media guys).

[Honolulu_Blue]

It doesn't have to be someone living in the house right then and there. Moving was already in the process. Someone could have come on the scene after said damage and seen it, someone in the Pronger camp.

I'm not an NHLer, so I can't say much about the logistics of moves like these, but I would think at one point someone with the Prongers would be on hand to supervise a move and to make sure stuff isn't damaged, stolen, etc. So the damage could have been done when no one was there, but surely someone related to the Prongers would have been along at some point.

Really, it gets back to that I don't see Pronger making this stuff up. Heck, it's sorta out there, enough that I think it has to be abit true, don't you think? I mean, who thinks "let's burn furniture" to get back at someone?

A friend of mine is a cop in Edmonton. I am trying to see what he knows about any of this...

[scooter]

I can see what you suggest happen as a possibility except Pronger mentions a crib. Rather specific for rumors from local reporters on a story that, as you say, didn't get reported, don't you think? That tells me he didn't get this from innuendo. He got it from someone much closer to the action, someone who actually saw the damage done (and someone he trusts more than local media guys).

I'm a neutral in all of this, but I do know that Chris Pronger is a bit of an ass. If you were Chris (an ass) and you knew what kind of furniture you had in your rental home in Edmonton, and you were telling the story to Jim Rome, would you pick out something average, like say a sofa, or would you pick out something a little more inflammitory, like a crib? Like I said, I'm a neutral, but I do know what he is capable of.

[johnnyshaka]

No, I get the point on the news angle. What I think you're missing is that Pronger wouldn't alert the media about this (he was already under seige as it was, and wanted to move on), and the perpetrators didn't want to be arrested. So who else knows?

I'm confused now. What do you think happened then?

Do you think somebody busted into the Pronger's home and burnt a bunch of furniture in their house? Did they break in, pile a bunch of furniture in the yard and burn it there? Do you think somebody hijacked the moving truck on the way out of town and burned the furniture on the side of the highway? Did they somehow get their hands on the furniture, bring to Rexall Place and burn it in front of a screaming mob of fans? If so, Pronger wouldn't have a choice about keeping something like that quiet.

I can see what you suggest happen as a possibility except Pronger mentions a crib. Rather specific for rumors from local reporters on a story that, as you say, didn't get reported, don't you think? That tells me he didn't get this from innuendo. He got it from someone much closer to the action, someone who actually saw the damage done (and someone he trusts more than local media guys).

Fair enough...so, a guy somehow gets a hold of Pronger's crib...burns it where nobody will be suspicious like outside of town on a farm or something...and only invites a close friend of Pronger to watch and swears him to secrecy...he can only tell Pronger about it...that's it. Could happen, I guess.

[johnnyshaka]

A friend of mine is a cop in Edmonton. I am trying to see what he knows about any of this...

Cool...keep us posted.

[Draft Dodger]

I'm a neutral in all of this, but I do know that Chris Pronger is a bit of an ass. If you were Chris (an ass) and you knew what kind of furniture you had in your rental home in Edmonton, and you were telling the story to Jim Rome, would you pick out something average, like say a sofa, or would you pick out something a little more inflammitory, like a crib? Like I said, I'm a neutral, but I do know what he is capable of.

the way I see this, he heard talk that people had burned his furniture, which hurt his feelings. then he realized that he had a crib in the house, and that mental image must have really hit him hard. Honestly, I can't really blame him for being upset if he thought it was true, even though chances are rather slim that this really happened.

The problem is that he really has no idea if it's true or not and so really has no business mentioning that story to anyone in the media. If anyone should know better than to toss careless rumors around, shouldn't it be Pronger? Good God, didn't that reporter he was boning in Edmonton teach him ANYTHING?

[Honolulu_Blue]

the way I see this, he heard talk that people had burned his furniture, which hurt his feelings. then he realized that he had a crib in the house, and that mental image must have really hit him hard. Honestly, I can't really blame him for being upset if he thought it was true, even though chances are rather slim that this really happened.

That's how I see this whole thing having been played out. He heard talk about the "Burn Chris Pronger Furniture Day", that hurt his feelings, he started thinking about it and the crib image came up.

I can just see the image of a saddened Chris Pronger walking aimlessly through the charred wreckage of his beloved furniture, eyes glazed over in disbelief muttering, "How? How could this have happened? Who... Who would have done such a... No," he spots the charred remains of something that looks like a crib.

He wanders closer, stepping over the charred remains of one of his baby's beloved teddy bears and half-melted photo from his wedding. "No..." Yes. There it is, the charred remains of his baby's crib. Pronger falls to his knees, grasping for the burnt and shattered remains of the very bed his babe once slept so peacefully on.

"Noooooooooo!!!!" He belows into the brutally cold, uncaringly clear Edmonton night sky...


The problem is that he really has no idea if it's true or not and so really has no business mentioning that story to anyone in the media. If anyone should know better than to toss careless rumors around, shouldn't it be Pronger? Good God, didn't that reporter he was boning in Edmonton teach him ANYTHING?

Heh!

[Draft Dodger]

for fuck's sake...

Paul Stastny is out for 2 to 3 weeks after having his appendix out.

[Dr. Sak]

for fuck's sake...

Paul Stastny is out for 2 to 3 weeks after having his appendix out.

Fuck...he's on my fantasy team.

[Draft Dodger]

fuck you, he's on my REAL team!

:)

[Travis]

fuck you, he's on my REAL team!

:)

I'd feel for you, but well a)I'm an Edmonton fan and b) Pitkanen is hurt again :(

[johnnyshaka]

I'd feel for you, but well a)I'm an Edmonton fan and b) Pitkanen is hurt again :(

Heard them say that Pitkanen was hurt...what happened?

[Travis]

Heard them say that Pitkanen was hurt...what happened?

He was gone by the time I got home from work, but they said groin, so I'm assuming nothing really major happened in the game, hopefully just a tweak. They also said Greene had been sent down on a conditioning stint so hopefully that means Tarnstrom gets dealt as soon as Greene is ready to get back in the lineup, then can send Grebeshkov to the press box as soon as Pitkanen is good (though hopefully he only misses a game or two).

[Dr. Sak]

I'd feel for you, but well a)I'm an Edmonton fan and b) Pitkanen is hurt again :(

I'd get use to that if I were you...

[Travis]

I'd get use to that if I were you...

I know you're referring to Pitkanen in particular, but as an Oilers fan, we're getting pretty used to injuries period at this point.

[johnnyshaka]

He was gone by the time I got home from work, but they said groin, so I'm assuming nothing really major happened in the game, hopefully just a tweak. They also said Greene had been sent down on a conditioning stint so hopefully that means Tarnstrom gets dealt as soon as Greene is ready to get back in the lineup, then can send Grebeshkov to the press box as soon as Pitkanen is good (though hopefully he only misses a game or two).

Saw that note about Greene earlier today...very good news, indeed.

About this game against the Caps...I've only seen the 3rd period...very entertaining game...a lot of end to end action.

OH MY...nice save by Rolly in OT on the breakaway!!

[johnnyshaka]

And Kolzig is up to the task as well...stops Stoll on a breakway!

Great game!!

[Travis]

Saw that note about Greene earlier today...very good news, indeed.

About this game against the Caps...I've only seen the 3rd period...very entertaining game...a lot of end to end action.

OH MY...nice save by Rolly in OT on the breakaway!!

First save over a difficulty of 6 he's made all night. Gave up one of his trademark goal line shots that caught him cheating off the post during a 4 goal second period by the Caps.

Great save for sure, but the Caps never should have seen OT.

[johnnyshaka]

That has to be the best OT period I've ever seen...wow!!! End to end action for five minutes highlighted by a couple of breakaways...Hemsky undressing two D-men with 10 seconds to go only to get stoned by Kolzig and Ovechkin get a shot from in tight with literally tenths of a second left. WOW.

[johnnyshaka]

First save over a difficulty of 6 he's made all night. Gave up one of his trademark goal line shots that caught him cheating off the post during a 4 goal second period by the Caps.

Great save for sure, but the Caps never should have seen OT.

Well, considering the way they've played in regulation I'm not surprised we let this game get away. But, good on them for battling back to pick up at least a point.

[Travis]

Nice to see Gagner stare at the pad before he slides it right along the ice.

[johnnyshaka]

I can't imagine there is any net to see behind Kolzig...that guy is friggin' HUGE!!

[Travis]

Somebody has to go high glove. First one to do it wins.

[johnnyshaka]

Holy stick side, BATMAN!!! Change it up, boys!!!

[Travis]

LOL

Classic Stoll deke (stick broke).

[Travis]

Can we each have 1.5 points?

[johnnyshaka]

Two posts...JEBUS!!!!!

[Travis]

Sucks not having Pitkanen around at this point, he'd be a nice option as the 12th shooter.

[johnnyshaka]

LOL!!! Friggin' Souray...what a buffoon.

[johnnyshaka]

Regardless...still one of the best 3rd periods, overtimes, and shootouts I've seen.

[Travis]

For such a great game and OT and to go to 12 shooters for both teams, I'm really surprised there weren't more quality chances in the shootout. A lot of fanned shots, missed nets, broken stick, falling over, etc. Even Moreau's off the post only looked half speed. Where's Malik when you need him.

[bbor]

2 in a row...BREAK UP THE LEAFS.

Peddy is phoning Cliff in Mexico and telling him to stay on vacation.

[TurnerONU22]

If you get a chance, check out Rick Nash's goal tonight against PHX. Phoenix scored on a 6 on 4 (on a penalty against Nash, no less) with 1:30 left in the 3rd to tie up the game. With about 30 seconds left in the game, Nash goes 1 on 2, undresses Morris, and beats Tellqvist to give the Jackets a 4-3 game.

This might be (because of the situation) one of the most amazing AND clutch goals all rolled into one that I've ever seen.

[Chief Rum]

I'm confused now. What do you think happened then?

Do you think somebody busted into the Pronger's home and burnt a bunch of furniture in their house? Did they break in, pile a bunch of furniture in the yard and burn it there? Do you think somebody hijacked the moving truck on the way out of town and burned the furniture on the side of the highway? Did they somehow get their hands on the furniture, bring to Rexall Place and burn it in front of a screaming mob of fans? If so, Pronger wouldn't have a choice about keeping something like that quiet.



Fair enough...so, a guy somehow gets a hold of Pronger's crib...burns it where nobody will be suspicious like outside of town on a farm or something...and only invites a close friend of Pronger to watch and swears him to secrecy...he can only tell Pronger about it...that's it. Could happen, I guess.

Well, curious, then, how do you figure it would have happened? I have been figuring all along someone knew where Pronger lived and broke in to burn stuff. How on Earth would they have gotten to the furniture? Obviously, anyone out there burning cribs and shit isn't right in the head anyway (on top of being a rabid Oilers fan), so trying to assess their actions rationally is kinda silly, don't you think?

[Chief Rum]

the way I see this, he heard talk that people had burned his furniture, which hurt his feelings. then he realized that he had a crib in the house, and that mental image must have really hit him hard. Honestly, I can't really blame him for being upset if he thought it was true, even though chances are rather slim that this really happened.

The problem is that he really has no idea if it's true or not and so really has no business mentioning that story to anyone in the media. If anyone should know better than to toss careless rumors around, shouldn't it be Pronger? Good God, didn't that reporter he was boning in Edmonton teach him ANYTHING?

So you go from figuring it's likely to have happened the way you say to assuming it is and ripping into him for it? Got it.

[Chief Rum]

Naw, you know what? I ain't fighting this fight. I think you guys are ripping on a victim here (in this specific instance), like blaming the rape victim for wearing a tight dress.

But Pronger is indubitably an ass, and even as a Ducks fan, I know that. So screw it. No one's gonna think differently about him anytime soon (nor do I think he will deserve to be thought of differently).

But I stand by that you guys are too willing to claim he's lying, when there could be some seriously messed up Oiler fans at the heart of this (not representative of Oiler fans as a whole, of course).

[johnnyshaka]

Naw, you know what? I ain't fighting this fight. I think you guys are ripping on a victim here (in this specific instance), like blaming the rape victim for wearing a tight dress.

Chief Rum, as soon as somebody finds some kind of proof of somebody burning his kid's crib I'll gladly eat crow.

Now, comparing him to a rape victim is certainly an interesting way to look at things...but I think I can see where you're coming from.
The Oilers bought him the most expensive tight dress they could find. They wined and dined him at the fanciest restaurant in town. And, they introduced him to all of their friends. He looks like he's having a great time and even tells several people that in fact our observations are, indeed, correct. But, even before the appetizers come he gets up to go to the washroom to freshen up and doesn't come back. Instead a waiter hands a note scribbled on a napkin to whoever is buying that says:

"Thanks for the dress, cya!!"

A year goes by without seeing the dress they spent so much money on when suddenly the owner of that dress files rape charges stating that after supper that night he was raped by the Oilers and their friends. Huh? Nobody remembers seeing the dress after dinner what the hell is going on?
Is this what you meant? :rolleyes:

I know...a little over the top...but, c'mon, a rape victim??

But I stand by that you guys are too willing to claim he's lying, when there could be some seriously messed up Oiler fans at the heart of this (not representative of Oiler fans as a whole, of course).

Well, let's go over his brief history as an Oiler. Gets traded to the Oilers and promptly signs a big, fat, long-term contract. Shows up with a big grin on his face and tells everybody how excited he is to be playing in Canada in front of a packed house every night. Leads the Oilers to the Cup Finals with a big grin from ear to ear. The week after the Cup Finals, while the Prongers were laying on some beach, the Oilers are the last ones to know that they aren't coming back. Sites family as his reason for pulling the Oilers' collective pants down and having his way with them...prison-style.

In the end, Pronger did what he thought was best for his family. I respect that. But, the lack of character he demonstrated during his finally days in Edmonton should speak volumes to you about what kind of person he is. So, is lying or exagerrating really that far fetched? Personally, I don't think so.

[Chief Rum]

Chief Rum, as soon as somebody finds some kind of proof of somebody burning his kid's crib I'll gladly eat crow.

Now, comparing him to a rape victim is certainly an interesting way to look at things...but I think I can see where you're coming from.
The Oilers bought him the most expensive tight dress they could find. They wined and dined him at the fanciest restaurant in town. And, they introduced him to all of their friends. He looks like he's having a great time and even tells several people that in fact our observations are, indeed, correct. But, even before the appetizers come he gets up to go to the washroom to freshen up and doesn't come back. Instead a waiter hands a note scribbled on a napkin to whoever is buying that says:

"Thanks for the dress, cya!!"

A year goes by without seeing the dress they spent so much money on when suddenly the owner of that dress files rape charges stating that after supper that night he was raped by the Oilers and their friends. Huh? Nobody remembers seeing the dress after dinner what the hell is going on?
Is this what you meant? :rolleyes:

I know...a little over the top...but, c'mon, a rape victim??



You didn't buy him that dress. He was an ass before he came to Edmonton, so caveat emptor. You shoulda known. And he isn't accusing the Oilers of anything. He's accusing their fans, a group you yourself acknowledge is passionate, and whom you know just completely hate him (the height of which is what right when this alleged crime would have occurred, too).

Try to get over the extremity of the analogy I made. I could just as easily say he's a crook in the past who is the victim here, but people blame him for this crime by others, because of his past.

Point is, you have no more evidence than I do (less in fact, I have Pronger's "testimony", you have, "well, where're the news reports?" blind supposition and character assassination), and you're crucifying the guy without a shred of proof. Ever heard of innocent til proven guilty? I know you're not American, but that concept can't be that foreign to you.

Well, let's go over his brief history as an Oiler. Gets traded to the Oilers and promptly signs a big, fat, long-term contract. Shows up with a big grin on his face and tells everybody how excited he is to be playing in Canada in front of a packed house every night. Leads the Oilers to the Cup Finals with a big grin from ear to ear. The week after the Cup Finals, while the Prongers were laying on some beach, the Oilers are the last ones to know that they aren't coming back. Sites family as his reason for pulling the Oilers' collective pants down and having his way with them...prison-style.

In the end, Pronger did what he thought was best for his family. I respect that. But, the lack of character he demonstrated during his finally days in Edmonton should speak volumes to you about what kind of person he is. So, is lying or exagerrating really that far fetched? Personally, I don't think so.

Dude, honestly, read this last paragraph and what I have written before this. Do you see me propping Pronger up as some paradigm of quality character? I have flat out said I don't like the guy. I know he can be an ass. On the ice and off of it. But, once again, I'm not going to blame the victim, as you are intent on doing.

You ask me to consider Pronger's quality of character? Okay, what about your fellow Oilers fans? The ones you acknowledge have so much passion. The ones you know have come up with so much hatred and vitriol towards this guy (not without provocation, but come on, you know this runs very deep). You apparently may have even had a radio station running a "burn Pronger's furniture" feature. You have here a passionate and angry mob at the height of its hatred for a specific target, and they know where he lives, and like any large group of people, there are a few oddballs.

Now, tell me, given all that, do you really think no one from that background is capable of this? Really, johnny?

You see this cuts both ways. Pronger isn't the only one with a past. So go ahead and assume he's lying. I'll assume (with much more historical evidence) that some twisted fuck arsonist from a large group of passionate individuals might have actually committed a crime wholely within his nature instead of keeping himself under control while the person he hates most tells him "Fuck you!" and hightails it outta town with all his hopes and dreams.

[Draft Dodger]

geez CR...

[Dr. Sak]

Who is this...Chris Pronger?

[TurnerONU22]

Here's the Nash goal from last night:

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EDIT: The HD video from NHL.tv has been removed for now, as it seems to have messed up the thread. Here is the URL:

http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?hlg=20072008,2,696&event=PHX709

[Fidatelo]

That goal is fucking sweet!!

[RomaGoth]

I can just see the image of a saddened Chris Pronger walking aimlessly through the charred wreckage of his beloved furniture, eyes glazed over in disbelief muttering, "How? How could this have happened? Who... Who would have done such a... No," he spots the charred remains of something that looks like a crib.

He wanders closer, stepping over the charred remains of one of his baby's beloved teddy bears and half-melted photo from his wedding. "No..." Yes. There it is, the charred remains of his baby's crib. Pronger falls to his knees, grasping for the burnt and shattered remains of the very bed his babe once slept so peacefully on.

"Noooooooooo!!!!" He belows into the brutally cold, uncaringly clear Edmonton night sky...

Ha. Isn't this the opening sequence of Max Payne?

[johnnyshaka]

Point is, you have no more evidence than I do (less in fact, I have Pronger's "testimony", you have, "well, where're the news reports?" blind supposition and character assassination), and you're crucifying the guy without a shred of proof. Ever heard of innocent til proven guilty? I know you're not American, but that concept can't be that foreign to you.

Hold on here, Pronger is the one pointing the finger and accusing the Oilers' fans of burning his kid's crib...aren't the fans supposed to be "innocent until proven guilty" and not the other way around? All the "evidence" you have is uncorroborated heresay from Pronger himself and the fact that the fans are passionate. Not much of a case if you ask me.

You ask me to consider Pronger's quality of character? Okay, what about your fellow Oilers fans? The ones you acknowledge have so much passion. The ones you know have come up with so much hatred and vitriol towards this guy (not without provocation, but come on, you know this runs very deep). You apparently may have even had a radio station running a "burn Pronger's furniture" feature. You have here a passionate and angry mob at the height of its hatred for a specific target, and they know where he lives, and like any large group of people, there are a few oddballs.

Now, tell me, given all that, do you really think no one from that background is capable of this? Really, johnny?

I've acknowledged all along that this could very well have happened because everybody knows that there are fanatics of all sorts out there...no city is without them. But, I don't take everything people say for gospel especially from a guy who has gone out of his way to alienate himself from the fans of...I believe he said he gets booed in about 20 arenas. I use the sniff test...if is smells like bullshit...it probaby is bullshit. And, maybe being at the eye of the storm means the smell is much stronger, I don't know.

[Simms]

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=b0e17703-3f5b-4e3c-bf46-ce704477d572

Key passages:


Pronger could not be reached for comment, but his agent, Pat Morris, said that in the summer of 2006, they read about an Edmonton radio station buying the furniture, then having people pay to come out to a bonfire and burn it, with the proceeds going to charity.


"If that stuff happened, that's ridiculous," Morris said of the alleged bonfire. "If it didn't happen, the rumours and innuendo, that's what got back to Chris."




While in Edmonton, Pronger rented much of his furniture from Insta-Rent.
All of it was returned in immaculate condition, none of it burned, including the crib, said Ken King, who was then vice-president of the Edmonton furniture rental company.

The most likely scenario is that an Edmonton radio station heard about Pronger's rental furniture being returned, then joked on air about buying the furniture and burning it, Griffiths said.

[johnnyshaka]

Thanks, Simms.

[Chief Rum]

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=b0e17703-3f5b-4e3c-bf46-ce704477d572

Key passages:

While it gives more credence to Pronger not investigating this fully, nothing in the article disproves the possibility that what Pronger said was true.

That said, this only confirms Pronger is very likely continuing to be a complete ass.

[johnnyshaka]

That said, this only confirms Pronger is very likely continuing to be a complete ass.

Agreed.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Crosby with the dreaded high ankle sprain. For now out indefinitely, but looking like 4 weeks. He didn't make the trip after the TB game last night to Montreal for tonight's game.

So...now can we get Malkin into the ASG?

[Dr. Sak]

They way he went down and had to get carried off the ice, it looked a lot worse than a high ankle sprain. At least he will be back playing again this year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

Yesterday (1/18) was the 50th anniversary of Willie O'Ree becoming the first black player in the NHL.

Article I was reading said: 52 TOTAL black players in NHL history, 14 currently.

I can come up with about about 6 right away...Laraque, Grier, Daley, Emery, Iginla, Mayers. And there are some I don't know if they count as "current" like Anthony Stewart and Shawn Belle, as I don't think they are NHL regulars at this point. And old guys I am pretty certain are no longer current - Kevin Weekes, JL Grand-Piere, Anson Carter (pretty sure he's overseas) - but they may be on a roster somewhere.

ETA - What about Peter Worrell, he anywhere? I know his twin Andreas Lilja is still around.

[johnnyshaka]

Brashear is another.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Brashear is another.


Shoulda had that one!

I am sure there is another obvious one or 2 I am missing

[Pyser]

weekes is still on the devils.

johnny oduya is black, too, on the devs.

[Cringer]

I am kind of pissed. I think about 80% of these posts should have used the spoiler tag. Have some respect for those of us who are waiting until summer before we watch this season of hockey.

Sorry, I am venting my hate of spoiler tags for a second

[Suburban Rhythm]

weekes is still on the devils.

johnny oduya is black, too, on the devs.


Didn't realize Weekes was still around...backup G in NJ is the worst job in sports, isn't it?

Oduya...would not have guessed him. But he is on this list:

http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2007/02/history-of-black-hockey.html

How did I forget Roman Ndur!?!?!?!?! :confused:

[Maple Leafs]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227906&hubname=nhl

Sources: Ferguson's tenure as GM over

TSN.ca Staff
1/22/2008 8:46:26 AM

John Ferguson Jr.'s tenure as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks as though it is coming to an end.

Sources tell TSN the Maple Leafs board of directors met on Monday and decided to make a change. A formal announcement is expected today.

Despite the fact the team has been on a bit of a roll lately with a 3-1 record in its last four games, the rumour mill has continued to churn concerning Ferguson's fate.

It's still possible that Cliff Fletcher - set to return from his vacation in Mexico - could become the team's interim general manager.

The Leafs contacted a number of hockey management types last week to gauge their interest in the job and asked Fletcher if he was interested in taking over for the rest of the 2007-08 campaign.

Fletcher, a Montreal native and Hockey Hall of Famer, was GM of the Leafs from 1991 to 1997.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I saw a report that Crosby could be out up to 8 weeks with the ankle injury.

That's a long time. It will be interesting to see if the Penguins can make the playoffs without him. This could work in the team's favor. If they can pull it together, make the playoffs, and then get Crosby back a week or two before they being, that'd be quite a boost.

[NoSkillz]

Fletcher back as Leafs GM huh? Talk about desperation just to get fans off their backs.

What do Brandon Convery, Kenny Jonsson, Landon Wilson, Eric Fichaud and Jeff Ware have in common?

They were the first round picks Fletcher made during his tenure. Jonsson was the only one who made an impact in the NHL.

Three of the years they didn't even have first round picks due to trading out. Their top picks in those years (1991, 1996 & 1997)? Yanic Perreault (best of the bunch without doubt), Marek Posmyk and Jeff Farkas.

Man...I suppose it can't get much worse than Ferguson but unless Fletcher has updated blackmail material on the current batch of GMs, I don't see him pulling off any robberies like he did in the Gilmour trade from Calgary or the Grant Fuhr trade to Buffalo.

[RomaGoth]

I saw a report that Crosby could be out up to 8 weeks with the ankle injury.

That's a long time. It will be interesting to see if the Penguins can make the playoffs without him. This could work in the team's favor. If they can pull it together, make the playoffs, and then get Crosby back a week or two before they being, that'd be quite a boost.

What the Pens should do is just tank the rest of the season. That way they can get another high draft pick to go along with Crosby, Malkin, and Staal. Plus they need to stockpile these young stars to replace the other ones they won't be able to re-sign in a few years.

[RomaGoth]

DOLA

Yesterday (1/18) was the 50th anniversary of Willie O'Ree becoming the first black player in the NHL.

Article I was reading said: 52 TOTAL black players in NHL history, 14 currently.

I can come up with about about 6 right away...Laraque, Grier, Daley, Emery, Iginla, Mayers. And there are some I don't know if they count as "current" like Anthony Stewart and Shawn Belle, as I don't think they are NHL regulars at this point. And old guys I am pretty certain are no longer current - Kevin Weekes, JL Grand-Piere, Anson Carter (pretty sure he's overseas) - but they may be on a roster somewhere.

ETA - What about Peter Worrell, he anywhere? I know his twin Andreas Lilja is still around.

Has anyone mentioned Tony McKegney?

[johnnyshaka]

Fletcher back as Leafs GM huh? Talk about desperation just to get fans off their backs.

Agreed. The MLSE would've been much better served to have canned Ferguson in the offseason and avoided all of this altogether.

[Dr. Sak]

What the Pens should do is just tank the rest of the season. That way they can get another high draft pick to go along with Crosby, Malkin, and Staal. Plus they need to stockpile these young stars to replace the other ones they won't be able to re-sign in a few years.

Did you miss the earlier part of this decade when they did this? ;)

[johnnyshaka]

Has anyone mentioned Tony McKegney?

He was trying to list the 14 current players. I don't think Tony should be on that list.

[RomaGoth]

He was trying to list the 14 current players. I don't think Tony should be on that list.

My mistake. Carry on. :cool:

[RomaGoth]

Did you miss the earlier part of this decade when they did this? ;)

The Pens will be hard pressed to hold onto Malkin, Crosby, Staal, Whitney, and Fleury after their contracts expire in the next few years. So I guess they need to just keep doing what they do best: play like crap, get a top #5 draft pick, and suck some more after the pick leaves in a few years. Hmmm....sounds a lot like the Florida Marlins.

[Dr. Sak]

Well Crosby and Whitney are locked up for a good part of the foreseeable future. I don't think Staal will demand as much money as people projected after his year last year. He has cooled off.

Malkin will get a good bit, I'd say around 5.5 to 7 per in today's standards and I think the jury is still out on Fleury. Like you said it could be rough, but I think they could do it. Hopefully (for them) when the new arena comes, it will increase their revenue stream and allow them to spend a lot closer to the cap than they are now.

[RomaGoth]

Well Crosby and Whitney are locked up for a good part of the foreseeable future. I don't think Staal will demand as much money as people projected after his year last year. He has cooled off.

Malkin will get a good bit, I'd say around 5.5 to 7 per in today's standards and I think the jury is still out on Fleury. Like you said it could be rough, but I think they could do it. Hopefully (for them) when the new arena comes, it will increase their revenue stream and allow them to spend a lot closer to the cap than they are now.

So the arena deal is for sure then? I have never been to the Igloo, but my dad has and he said it was a dive. Not to mention that a professional team, regardless of the sport, should NEVER rent a stadium in my opinion. That is soooo minor league. The Pens definately need some new digs.

Also, I thought Crosby was only signed for this year and next. Did they add some years or what?

[johnnyshaka]

He's locked up for a few more years, RG.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=213216&hubname

[Dr. Sak]

Yeah they are getting the arena. They are going to be getting revenue from parking and concessions that they weren't getting before and that should really help the team. It should be completed by the 2010 season.

Crosby just signed a 8.5 million per year that runs out in 2013.

[Travis]

Don't forget that then Pens also had Esposito fall to them in this past draft that could make up (assuming they can get him to live up to his potential) for losing one of their current guys.

[duff88]

Don't forget that then Pens also had Esposito fall to them in this past draft that could make up (assuming they can get him to live up to his potential) for losing one of their current guys.

Esposito is way overrated; there's a reason why he fell in the draft, hasn't made the WJC championship in three attempts and has yet to live up to his reputation even at the junior level.

Nicklas Bäckström has scored 8 assists in the last two games! :eek:

[Dr. Sak]

Pens fans can now stop crying conspiracy... ;)

Evgeni Malkin will replace Sidney Crosby in the All Star game this weekend.

[Dr. Sak]

Dola...

Crosby is out 6 to 8 weeks.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227909&hubname=

[MikeVic]

So, what will Fletcher do now?

[RomaGoth]

Dola...

Crosby is out 6 to 8 weeks.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227909&hubname=

I wonder if Crosby is going to be another Mario Lemieux. I always felt that Lemieux was a better player than Gretzky, but he played on some so-so to downright bad teams, and he was hurt a lot the last half of his career. For the sake of hockey in Pittsburgh and for the NHL, I hope Crosby is not injury prone.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wow...I didn't realize there was a Penguins lovefest going on here and I was missing it.

To comment on everything above -

Staal won't be getting nearly the $ people felt he would. Same for Fleruy. Heading into the season, both could have solidified big paydays, but Fleury has been shaky (and now injured) and Staal nowhere near the player he was last season (where, admittedly, he caught a bunch of people off guard, not so this season).

Crosby is actually signed for $8.7 a year beginning next season. Still on the 3rd year of his entry level deal.


Espo will play on the wing here. He doesn't need to be "the guy" here. Hell, he doesn't even need to ride shotgun here.

Malkin has exploded the past 2 games since Crosby's injury. He was clearly the best player on the ice in Montreal Saturday night. I would be ecstatic to get him at $5.5M! Think closer to $8M. Heatley got $7.7 I think. The fear would be someone offers him a bloated RFA deal. But that can't happen until July 2009. Pens will do everything they can to lock him up in July 2008.

Crosby is hardly injury prone. This is the first extended time he'll miss in his career. And he plays a much more physical game than Lemieux played. Crosby doesn't absorb hits, he initiates them. Think Forsberg.

Whitney has been a disappointment this year. But at $4M, he'll be a bargain at the end of that deal (5 more seasons after this) if he regains his form of last season.

Calling the arena a dive...is an insult to other dives! Where my seats are, I look up, and see exposed wirings, covered with about 2 inches of dust, hanging out of the walls.

[Maple Leafs]

Fletcher back as Leafs GM huh? Talk about desperation just to get fans off their backs.

What do Brandon Convery, Kenny Jonsson, Landon Wilson, Eric Fichaud and Jeff Ware have in common?

They were the first round picks Fletcher made during his tenure. Jonsson was the only one who made an impact in the NHL.
Not sure what this has to do with anything, since they'll likely have the new GM in place before the draft. Fletcher is here to trade the veterans for youth, something he was very successful at in his first run with the Leafs (although in hindsight he didn't do it enough).

[Maple Leafs]

Thought this was funny:
http://www.hockeydrunk.com/hockey/if-the-nhl-was-a-high-school

[Suburban Rhythm]

Fletcher back as Leafs GM huh? Talk about desperation just to get fans off their backs.

What do Brandon Convery, Kenny Jonsson, Landon Wilson, Eric Fichaud and Jeff Ware have in common?

They were the first round picks Fletcher made during his tenure. Jonsson was the only one who made an impact in the NHL.

Three of the years they didn't even have first round picks due to trading out. Their top picks in those years (1991, 1996 & 1997)? Yanic Perreault (best of the bunch without doubt), Marek Posmyk and Jeff Farkas.

Man...I suppose it can't get much worse than Ferguson but unless Fletcher has updated blackmail material on the current batch of GMs, I don't see him pulling off any robberies like he did in the Gilmour trade from Calgary or the Grant Fuhr trade to Buffalo.

Landon Wilson had a great 20 game run for the Pens in 2003. OK, great by Landon Wilson standards. Didn't he have some kind of freak eye injury (stick?puck?) early on?

[duff88]

I feel the need to brag; the Canucks may have the Sedin twins, well the Kostitsyn bros have arrived in Montreal!

Andrei scores against Washington (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWM9OMELpLk)

Andrei scores against Atlanta (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1n8KYsQHqM)

Andrei to Sergei against the Rangers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYwpsmUDyBs)

Sergei hits David Krejci (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwPT58Il5Ag)

Sergei hits David Krejci again, fights Chuck Kobasew (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XOuZQzhmRo)

Last 21 games:
Andrei Kostitsyn - 21GP - 11G - 10A - 21PTS
Sergei Kostitsyn - 18GP - 3G - 7A - 10PTS

[Dr. Sak]

Thought this was funny:
http://www.hockeydrunk.com/hockey/if-the-nhl-was-a-high-school

That was hilarious! It was right on with most of the cities.

[Wolfpack]

I give up trying to figure out Carolina anymore. They play superb defense in a pair of back-to-back road games (both 1-0, a win and a loss), come home and get run off the ice by New Jersey, then cough up a three-goal lead on Colorado, lose to a collapsing Toronto, get blown out by Ottawa, then annihilate Edmonton, rally past the Isles at New York on Monday, then turn around and give up three (count 'em, three--two on one power play, even) shorties to the same Islanders last night in Raleigh and lose 6-3. If it weren't for the fact that the Southeast has reverted back to the SouthLeast this year, they'd be struggling to make the playoffs right now. Actually, they still are, since it doesn't look like more than one team from the Southeast is even going to make it anyway. At the break, they're .500 (24-24-4) and that 11-4-3 start is a really distant memory.

[Maple Leafs]

Funny (?) sidebar to the Fletcher hiring. Fans and bloggers have noticed that when Fletcher delivers his prepared remarks, Peddie's lips are moving. Nobody knows if this means that Peddie wrote Fletcher's words for him, or if he just spent so much time approving them that he had them memorized, but we all agree that he is finding new and creative ways to embarass himself.

Check below, at around the 4:45 mark and beyond.

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[johnnyshaka]

Wow! That is absolutely ridiculous. Boy, is Fletcher setup to fail or what?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pens-Flyers tonight...No Sid, No Roberts, No Ben Eager. Anyone on Philly willing to go with Laraque?

Oh...they might play hockey too.

[Dr. Sak]

Pens-Flyers tonight...No Sid, No Roberts, No Ben Eager. Anyone on Philly willing to go with Laraque?

Are you making excuses already ;)

The only one I think that would fight Laraque is Cote, and I don't think he is that dumb to get his ass beat.

It will be interesting to see how the Flyers bounce back from that embarrassing 7-3 loss to NJ on Tuesday night.