2011-12 NHL Regular Season Thread

[DeToxRox]

Pre-season is over. The real fun begins. About damn time.

[DeToxRox]

Also, here is one that is sure to rile up fans in the West:

The Winnipeg Jets are content to sit and smile while NHL decision-makers work on realignment formulas.

The Jets would prefer to be shifted to the Northwest Division next season, joining Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and a geographic rival in the Minnesota Wild.

Playing more games in Canada not only has obvious rivalry benefits but has its financial advantages because it's less costly flying principally in Canada than in the U.S.

A shift to the Central Division is also a strong possibility for the Jets; with Detroit, Nashville and Columbus all eager to move east.

The Red Wings will continue to quietly campaign for a move, perhaps, seeking support from influential Eastern Conference teams like Toronto, Philadelphia and the New York Rangers to help sway the vote at the December board meetings.

Detroit, however, has offered a concession.

The Wings are willing to stay in the West, providing they travel to Western Canada once instead of twice and far West into the United States once instead of twice per season.

Eastern Conference teams don't see a need for a drastic change and all clubs remain concerned over the uncertainty of the Phoenix Coyotes and the potential for future realignment.

The perfect scenario would see the Coyotes ownership issues resolved prior to the December vote.
In any case, the Winnipeg Jets will be keen observers of the process.

http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/darren_dreger/?id=377001

[DeToxRox]

Fabian Brunnstrom earned (well, nothing official yet) a contract with a great pre-season. It didn't hurt that Mursak is out three months but he is an intriguing guy to make the roster. Has some offensive upside, we'll see if he can be another Wings reclamation project.

Also, Gustav Nyquist was amazing this pre-season. The Wings farm system is just so loaded right now with solid prospects, but Nyquist has superstar potential.

[Fidatelo]

It seems like the most obvious re-alignment move is:

Winnipeg to the Northwest
Minnesota to the Central
Nashville to the Southeast

As a Caps fan, it would please me to see David Poile's blissfully unexciting hockey back in town.

I'm not sure what will happen, but I think it would be a better idea to keep Winnipeg and Minnesota in the same division somehow. To me it seems goofy to put Winnipeg in the same division as Calgary, Edmonton, and especially Vancouver. We are closer to cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, and also share their timezone. It also keeps from having some kind of strange defacto "Canadian" division that I don't think would be a good idea for the league.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Daniel Carcillo may get a suspension from taking a run at Alex Semin's head today. What's more telling to me is that absolutely none of Semin's teammates came to his aide and nobody picked a fight after that. That's with DJ King in the freaking lineup. Matt Bradley's words seem to be ringing even truer about the feeling in the locker room toward Semin.



And Steckel....and Shaone Morrisonn...

[RomaGoth]

I'm not sure what will happen, but I think it would be a better idea to keep Winnipeg and Minnesota in the same division somehow. To me it seems goofy to put Winnipeg in the same division as Calgary, Edmonton, and especially Vancouver. We are closer to cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, and also share their timezone. It also keeps from having some kind of strange defacto "Canadian" division that I don't think would be a good idea for the league.

Agree with this.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yup. Watching the game again, it wasn't Carcillo though. The hit came from Peter LeBlanc, who jumped and reached with an elbow, and was served by Carcillo. Not a single player even moved towards where the hit happened while Semin was laid on the ice.

I think you can add Olie Kolzig to the list of guys who left and had a few words about Semin. Matt Cooke as well. Hopefully George McPhee wakes up and realizes this at some point in time.

Now I can't believe anything those other guys have said. Guilty by association.

[Fidatelo]

You could just flip Colorado and Minnesota, but I was going purely by geography.

I think if we had to stick with 3 divisions of 5 teams I'd go with something like this:

San Jose
Anaheim
LA
Vancouver
Phoenix

Colorado
Calgary
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Minnesota

Dallas
Chicago
St. Louis
Detroit
Nashville

That moves Columbus east. I should be commish.

[bronconick]

I don't think anyone defended Semin because he farking took a dive.

http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m545/dimagus/PeterLeblanchitonSemin.gif

And what, Detroit wants a schedule where they only play 1 game per season out West, or they want a 14 game road trip?

[Fidatelo]

Where does Columbus fit in the East? There's no way to justify putting them in the Southeast with Nashville sitting there and they're not going to mess with the Atlantic or Northeast divisions at all.

I don't care about the east :)

Just kidding, you're right, swap Columbus for Nashville then. You can be Assistant Commish.

[Fidatelo]

I don't think anyone defended Semin because he farking took a dive.

That doesn't really come off as a dive to me. Dude put his elbow right to the side of Semin's head. What would be the non-dive reaction to that play?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Exactly. The gif shows clear, intentional contact to the head with the elbow/forearm. He swings right through the head. There's no debate to the intent or the result.

The issue is the 4 other Caps skaters not even making a move toward Semin after he goes down.

Crosby says he is not impressed with the way Semin gets hit in the head, and that players like himself and Ben Smith receive headshots in a much more interesting way.

[Doug5984]

So glad hockey season is back.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

Not very many big names exposed on waivers.

Viktor Tikhonov waived, and cleared already.
Gilbert Brule on waivers today, 48 hours to clear.

[MizzouRah]

Blues hockey this Saturday, can't wait!

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=594278&navid=DL|PIT|home

Two of the NHL’s biggest rivals will team up for a great cause when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals face off Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at CONSOL Energy in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins and Capitals today announced a joint effort to raise money for the families of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the KHL team that perished in a plane crash Sept. 7 in Russia. Pens and Caps players will wear jerseys with commemorative Lokomotiv patches at the Oct. 13 game, then autograph the game-worn and game-issued jerseys afterward and auction them off at nhl.com. All proceeds will benefit the Lokomotiv players’ children and families.

[Logan]

Avery waived.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Avery waived.

Oh Sean Avery...

[Suburban Rhythm]

Awesome move by both teams. They should have DJ King and Matt Cooke drop the gloves and then sign those after the fight.

Cooke is going to elbow Ovy in the mouth, and the tooth he loses will be auctioned.

[TurnerONU22]

Where does Columbus fit in the East? There's no way to justify putting them in the Southeast with Nashville sitting there and they're not going to mess with the Atlantic or Northeast divisions at all.

Time zones. Columbus is on EST, whereas Nashville is on CST. I'm just sick and tired of missing 10-20 games a year on TV because they start at 10 PM. It really doesn't help a fanbase that could use some help growing.

[TurnerONU22]

You still run into the problem of a team in Ohio playing in the Southeast. Nobody in the Atlantic or Northeast divisions is moving unless there's a major realignment. Nashville makes a lot more sense with Raleigh-Tampa-Sunrise than Columbus does.

I don't think you can solve this problem without some sort of major realignment.

Personally, I think we need to do 4 divisions (2 w/8 teams and 2 w/7) and no conferences. First two rounds of playoffs inside the division (1v4 and 2v3) and then however they want to decide who plays after that.

[Dr. Sak]

Schenn: Pure Money Move | Frequent Flyers | 10/04/2011 (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/frequentflyers/Flyers-reportedly-waive-3-veterans.html)

It all has to do with the cap. By not skating in Thursday’s opener against the Bruins, the Flyers will save themselves a ton of money on the cap - and make Schenn’s seemingly large $3.11 million cap hit turn into a much more manageable $1.75 million cap hit, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

Schenn would have qualified for a $1.405 million bonus payout - which counts against the salary cap - if he played in all 82 games with the Flyers this season.

Thus, by spending Thursday on the the AHL roster, Schenn would immediately save the Flyers that money off the top of the cap. That bonus clause reportedly only applies to the 2011-12 season on his contract.



Read more: Schenn: Pure Money Move | Frequent Flyers | 10/04/2011 (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/frequentflyers/Flyers-reportedly-waive-3-veterans.html#ixzz1Zr3KP08n)
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

[Dr. Sak]

Leafs acquire David Steckel from Devils for a fourth-round pick in 2012.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Schenn: Pure Money Move | Frequent Flyers | 10/04/2011 (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/frequentflyers/Flyers-reportedly-waive-3-veterans.html)

If only this were baseball, and instead of tie-breakers, a play in game was used to determine the last playoff team/division winner. In essence, an 83rd game, that, assuming healthy, would give Schenn the chance to play an 82nd game.

[Dr. Sak]

If only this were baseball, and instead of tie-breakers, a play in game was used to determine the last playoff team/division winner. In essence, an 83rd game, that, assuming healthy, would give Schenn the chance to play an 82nd game.

If Schenn were to get traded, this could happen.

[Suburban Rhythm]

If Schenn were to get traded, this could happen.

This was my other thought...but even Homer wouldn't trade him within a year of trading for him. That'd be like moving a player on an 11 or 13 year contract!

[Dr. Sak]

This was my other thought...but even Homer wouldn't trade him within a year of trading for him. That'd be like moving a player on an 11 or 13 year contract!

I believe he did that to Mike Comrie.

Well that was Clarke not Homer.

[bbor]

Why is there such a big market for Kylie Turris?

Has;nt he been a fairly large bust?

[bronconick]

Why is there such a big market for Kylie Turris?

Has;nt he been a fairly large bust?


22 year old defenseman with a 20 and 25 point season so far? I mean, he's not Doughty, but I can see why teams would try to poach him from a team without an owner.

[bbor]

He's a center... a 20 and 25 point season makes him 3rd,4th line material.3rd over all pick sounds like he is on the verge of busting...unless he is a late bloomer.

[samifan24]

22 year old defenseman with a 20 and 25 point season so far? I mean, he's not Doughty, but I can see why teams would try to poach him from a team without an owner.

Turris is a center though.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He's a center... a 20 and 25 point season makes him 3rd,4th line material.3rd over all pick sounds like he is on the verge of busting...unless he is a late bloomer.

His draft year, people kept comparing him to Sakic.
Those are the same people who said Kris Beech was the next Ron Francis.

[RomaGoth]

Those are the same people who said Kris Beech was the next Ron Francis.

Well it is true that neither of them are in the NHL, so they have that in common at least.

[RomaGoth]

He's a center... a 20 and 25 point season makes him 3rd,4th line material.3rd over all pick sounds like he is on the verge of busting...unless he is a late bloomer.

He is still young at 22 and has time to grow into a decent player, especially if he goes to a team that knows how to develop players.

[Dr. Sak]

His draft year, people kept comparing him to Sakic.
Those are the same people who said Kris Beech was the next Ron Francis.

That makes sense now why the Pens traded Jagr for him. :)

[bronconick]

He's a center... a 20 and 25 point season makes him 3rd,4th line material.3rd over all pick sounds like he is on the verge of busting...unless he is a late bloomer.


Doh. Totally confused him and Yandle.

[Suburban Rhythm]

That makes sense now why the Pens traded Jagr for him. :)

Honestly, at that time, it was allegedly a good return.
Beech was a top 6 center, Sivek a top 6 winger and Ross Lupaschuk was the big D with a huge shot.

Beech played with, what, about 5 teams, but nothing more than 20 games with each. Lupaschuk never reached the NHL. Sivek was decent, but he returned to the Czech Republic when his mother got sick, and chose to never return.

But trading Jagr allowed Pittsburgh to keep Kovalev, Straka, Lang, etc for a couple more years.

And then trade those guys for more bums - Rico Fata, Mike Wilson, Martin Strbak, Joel Bouchard...and Mikael Samuelsson.

Mikael Samuelsson was used to move from 3rd to 1st in the 2003 draft, to take Fleury, who made the Cup winning save on Lidstrom.

So really, without trading Jagr, Pens never win in 2009.:p

[Chief Rum]

Who is Stefan Elliott and why did the computer AI draft him for me over several proven veteran Dmen?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Who is Stefan Elliott and why did the computer AI draft him for me over several proven veteran Dmen?

An Avs prospect who I don't believe is going to even see the NHL this year. But I could be wrong.

[Chief Rum]

An Avs prospect who I don't believe is going to even see the NHL this year. But I could be wrong.

Awesome. He's not even a former 1st rounder.

Well, if anyone in your league wants a shot at Elliott, they're gonna get it.

[Wolfpack]

Carolina cuts their roster to 23 and the eyebrow-raiser is the fact that both Justin Faulk and Ryan Murphy are still on the list. This means the Canes are carrying nine defensemen to start the season. The most rational explanation is that they wanted to see what Faulk and Murphy can do at this point, both having impressed in their preseason action. Murphy is a freebie much like Skinner was last year as he can go back to juniors after nine games (the generally expected outcome for him, though some speculate he'd just be wasting time against inferior competition that might cause some regression). Faulk had high expectations coming in, but seems to have exceeded them as Jim Rutherford has tagged him as a top-4 defenseman, which may mean he's staying up rather than going back to Charlotte. With Kaberle, Gleason, and Pitkanen already taking spots, that leaves Faulk competing against McBain, Harrison, Allen, and Joslin for one of the three remaining spots and most of those guys are on one-way deals or must pass through waivers to reach Charlotte.

Going to be interesting to see how it sorts out.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The only chance the Caps have to win this year is if the only man uglier than his own bobblehead chokes to death on 16 hot dogs at once.

So it's like 50-50 then? I mean, as often as he appears to tackle the 16 hot dog challenge, sooner or later the odds have to stack up.

[Suburban Rhythm]

When he is inevitably fired, this needs used at the press conference

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9237/brucewiggly.gif

[Sublime 2]

I'll be at the banner raising tonight sporting my new Boychuck jersey!

Really hoping to see some big strides from Seguin this year, and looking forward to see what Caron can bring to the table.

[Suburban Rhythm]

That gif found it's way to many a Caps blog/message board last year.

One of the folks at Japers Rink, easily the top Caps blog, did a shift by shift study last year of Ovi-Backstrom-???. The guys who got significant time on that top line were Laich, Chimera, Fehr and Father Time. The combo with Knuble had the worst +/- and the worst point per shift total out of the various options. Chimera actually worked best with the other two as he's faster than both and was willing to chase the puck down in the corners and let Ovi/Backstrom set up on offense instead of always trying to do a 2-on-3 breakaway.

Chimera must be Washington's answer to Pascal Dupuis. Speed to spare, no hands. I shouldn't say no hands, he's always around 15-20. People hate him playing next to Crosby because he's not a 30+ goal scorer.

Just like you hate Knuble, there is probably a group out there that hates Chimera on the top line because of what he's not.

Every team has holes now because of the cap.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Chimera is adored in DC because he's all hustle, he scores more than his hands/skill would suggest, he'll fight anyone, and he's relatively cheap (his extension is 2/3.5 for a decrease in annual salary). He actually took a pay cut to stay for 2 more years. He's not a 1st line winger, but he was/is a better 1st line option than Knuble at this point. Ovi-Johannson-Brouwer looked really good the last couple of games in preseason. There's no reason to go back to something that everyone knows doesn't work.

The only people in DC that seem to not understand how bad Knuble was last year are GMGM and Fat Boy Fat who have shown they have no idea how to put together a playoff team.

You have more faith in fans than I do.

In a perfect world, Dupuis is a great 3rd line winger. And would be loved if he remained there. As soon as he's on Crosby's line, people go nuts.
I just think while Chimera's game would be fine in short spurts, after he botches some tap-ins, people will rail against him the same way.

[TurnerONU22]

You have more faith in fans than I do.

In a perfect world, Dupuis is a great 3rd line winger. And would be loved if he remained there. As soon as he's on Crosby's line, people go nuts.
I just think while Chimera's game would be fine in short spurts, after he botches 95% of tap-ins, people will rail against him the same way.

Fixed it for you. I loved having Chimmer on the CBJ, but saying that he had hands of stone would be an understatement. A few years back, Ken Hitchcock wanted the line of Chimera-Malhotra-Dan Fritsche to go practice shooting pucks into the ocean from the beach, because that was the only target large enough for them to hit.

Quick story about him that makes him one of my favorites is that he named his daugher Ryann, after Ryan Salmons, a teen who had terminal cancer and became almost a part of the team during their only playoff run in 2008.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The thing is, Chimera really doesn't botch the tap in type of plays. He can't seem to pick up the puck on his own very well, and can simply whiff on easy passes right on the tape, but if it's sitting near the net, he'll knock it in one way or another. Knuble, on the other hand, made missing open nets an art form last year.

The ultimate issue here is that Knuble is 39, he's moving in slow motion these days, and every other player who got the RW spot on the 1st line last year increased the performance of the line over him. Ovi/Backstrom had more points on shifts with Semin than Knuble last year despite Knuble being on their line more than 3x as much as Semin.

Brouwer looked very good with Ovi/Johannson this preseason. He's the guy who will go win the puck in the corner and let Ovi, and whatever Center he has, set up and not have to wear themselves out playing 2-on-3. Instead, it looks like the Knuble failure will continue.

Of course, this is the coach who is putting Ovi back on the PP point again despite the PP being under 10% when Ovi is on the point and over 20% when he's either on the half board or in front of the net.

Chimera = Dupuis
Knuble = Guerin
Brouwer = Kunitz

Penguins and Caps are more alike than fans want to believe...can't we all just get along?

[bronconick]

Wonder if they let the new players on the Bruins stay in the locker room or something. Be awkward to be on the ice when you didn't win it and they're passing the Cup around.

[Galaxy]

Are they booing Jacobs? (I know why if they are.)

[Dr. Sak]

I swear Brad Marchand and Ryan Gosling are long lost twin brothers.

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://a.yfrog.com/img686/1869/fvyam.jpg

[MacroGuru]

And Sabres/Ducks in about 4 hours!

[Chief Rum]

And Sabres/Ducks in about 4 hours!

Yup! Looking forward to it. :)

[Chief Rum]

Well, I'm at work, but looking forward to it starting.

[Johnny93g]

Thank god hockey's back!!

[MacroGuru]

Working for a Unified Communications company has some benefits...streaming the game off of our server to our desktops with almost zero network interference.

3-1 Sabres so far!

[Chief Rum]

Glad to see that nothing has changed with the Ducks. Slow starts, every year.

[MacroGuru]

Great game by the Sabres....4-1 and solid play...

[Suburban Rhythm]

Stolen from HFboards

Apparently, even if NHL players don't play in Sochi in 2014, Mike Richards and Brandon Dubinsky are hopefuls to represent Canada in pairs figure skating.

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/16/fullj.c14e84f75f09b5292b6399acb63a1c91/c14e84f75f09b5292b6399acb63a1c91-getty-506399076.jpg

[Wolfpack]

It's only one game, of course, but even before getting drubbed 5-1 by Tampa tonight, I felt Carolina was going to be an 80-point team and miss the playoffs by a decent margin this time around. Still sucks to have it confirmed so emphatically, though.

They played good and hard for the first period for once, but all the lousy crap problems they had last year returned for the final two period. O-fer on the power play, gave up two PPGs to Tampa going the other way, horrible positioning, especially on defense, couldn't get out of each other's way, whiffing on chances, etc. They even brought a problem from two years ago out of mothballs, that being back-to-back goals given up in rapid succession scenario. Had two scored on them ten seconds apart that effectively ended the game tonight.

*sigh*

Off to Washington tomorrow, then New Jersey on Monday. No points from those two games and the "Mo Must Go" chants will start to get a bit louder in short order.

[Galaxy]

Great game by the Sabres....4-1 and solid play...

Yep. They had no shots in the third though.

[Suburban Rhythm]

It's only one game, of course, but even before getting drubbed 5-1 by Tampa tonight, I felt Carolina was going to be an 80-point team and miss the playoffs by a decent margin this time around. Still sucks to have it confirmed so emphatically, though.

This post made me miss a simpler time, when 80 point teams were playoff teams, before standings needed 12 columns

Off to Washington tomorrow, then New Jersey on Monday. No points from those two games and the "Mo Must Go" chants will start to get a bit louder in short order.

This part I'm not so sure about. I think there is a clause written by the hockey Gods that says Peter Laviolette or Paul Maurice must coach the Hurricanes, and Lavi doesn't seem to be moving any time soon.

It's written in the same section that decrees any trade of Chris Pronger must involve Joffrey Lupul.

[Galaxy]

The Kings-Sabres game this afternoon should be interesting, since the Sabres didn't arrive in Berlin until 4:30 this morning (From WGR550, "The Sabres didn't get to Germany until 4:30 in the morning due to the NHL's charter company Air Berlin already having cargo in the plane's belly and there not being enough room for the Sabres bags. It took three hours at both ends to figure that out.") and the Kings I think got in very late as well.

[Wolfpack]

This part I'm not so sure about. I think there is a clause written by the hockey Gods that says Peter Laviolette or Paul Maurice must coach the Hurricanes, and Lavi doesn't seem to be moving any time soon.

It's written in the same section that decrees any trade of Chris Pronger must involve Joffrey Lupul.

The chants will happen, but you're right. There's nothing that says management has to listen. Frankly, at this point it'd be almost alien for someone besides Maurice to be coaching here since aside from Lavi, no else ever has. We did hire Dave Lewis to take over the defense this offseason, however.... (if Maurice did get canned, I guess it would either be him or Jeff Daniels getting the job)

[kingfc22]

Opening night for the Sharks!

Can't wait to see what Couture is going to do this year. I'm thinking huge numbers :)

[Doug5984]

Luke Adam is off to a hot start in BUF.

Surprised to see Neuvy getting the early start, but good for him- I enjoyed watching him and Holtby last year.

[RomaGoth]

Funny how the Wings always seem to find the right players for their system, whether it is in the 6th round of the draft or some cast off from another team.

Detroit Red Wings - NHL | Red Wings' young duo comes out flying | The Detroit News (http://detnews.com/article/20111008/SPORTS0103/110080364/1128/rss16)

Emmerton was all but forgotten after having a mediocre/average training camp. H clearly won't be breaking any of Gretzky's records or challenging for a scoring title, but a goal and assist in his first NHL game is incredible all the same.

Here's to another great NHL season!

[MacroGuru]

Luke Adam is off to a hot start in BUF.

Surprised to see Neuvy getting the early start, but good for him- I enjoyed watching him and Holtby last year.

Great start for Luke.....Some great games by the Sabres....It's good to have the season going..

[Galaxy]

Great start for Luke.....Some great games by the Sabres....It's good to have the season going..

The last 3 teams that won the Cup also started their Cup-winning seasons in Europe.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The last 3 teams that won the Cup also started their Cup-winning seasons in Europe.

But the Cup winner also played in the prior season's Winter Classic

Something's got to give this year.

[MizzouRah]

Blues - Preds

Time for hockey!!!

[Galaxy]

But the Cup winner also played in the prior season's Winter Classic

Something's got to give this year.

:)


I also like that the Sabres' broadcasting team called the game from the Sabres' arena during these last two games, watching it on a large screen television.

[EagleFan]

Liking this new look roster. :)

[Suburban Rhythm]

:)


I also like that the Sabres' broadcasting team called the game from the Sabres' arena during these last two games, watching it on a large screen television.

Sabres were the first team (I believe) to use video rather than scouts in drafting...now too cheap to send their broadcasters overseas to the games :p

[DeToxRox]

Nice start for the Wings with the 3-0 win tonight. Granted, we beat two teams who likely won't make the playoffs, but it looks good.

[Galaxy]

Sabres were the first team (I believe) to use video rather than scouts in drafting...now too cheap to send their broadcasters overseas to the games :p

Actually, the current announcing team of RJ and Harry Neale have cut back their travel schedules to the home games and to just 10-15 regular season road games. I think this was a way to get them to announce the games.

Trust me, the new owner Terry Pegula is throwing money around like a horny guy in a strip club. He's spent around, last reports, around $10 million to tear down the locker rooms and renovate them (the Sabres' room even one of those fancy fireplaces that you would find in a nice hotel lobby; http://www.facebook.com/BufSabres?sk=app_208195102528120&app_data=dlt#!/media/set/?set=a.10150319516887954.357084.15106442953&type=1), is spending millions to upgrade the arena, buying up the Rochester Americans, hiring new coaches and scouts, all in addition to the large dollars (signing bonuses that Ehrhoff and Myers are getting) that is being spent on players.

[DeToxRox]

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scores in his debut today. Really like this kids game. Oilers will be a ton of fun to watch.

[Young Drachma]

Welcome back, Jets.

[Fidatelo]

Welcome back, Jets.

Not quite the ending everyone was hoping for (well, except Habs fans, I suppose), but overall the city is still super excited. I hope it came off well for everyone watching out of province.

As for me, unfortunately I didn't get to see much of the game. It was both Thanksgiving dinner as well as my son's 1st birthday, so the distractions were plentiful. I've got it on the PVR, though, so hopefully I can catch up over the next couple days. Hopefully there are some positive Oduya moments to help offset the couple of major gaffs that cost the early goals.

[DeToxRox]

The pre game festivities were awesome, including a great video for Rypien. With that said, the Jets are a long ways away. Lots of good, young pieces though.

[Suburban Rhythm]

That gif found it's way to many a Caps blog/message board last year.

One of the folks at Japers Rink, easily the top Caps blog, did a shift by shift study last year of Ovi-Backstrom-???. The guys who got significant time on that top line were Laich, Chimera, Fehr and Father Time. The combo with Knuble had the worst +/- and the worst point per shift total out of the various options. Chimera actually worked best with the other two as he's faster than both and was willing to chase the puck down in the corners and let Ovi/Backstrom set up on offense instead of always trying to do a 2-on-3 breakaway.

Chimera must be Washington's answer to Pascal Dupuis. Speed to spare, no hands. I shouldn't say no hands, he's always around 15-20. People hate him playing next to Crosby because he's not a 30+ goal scorer.

Just like you hate Knuble, there is probably a group out there that hates Chimera on the top line because of what he's not.

Every team has holes now because of the cap.

Chimera is adored in DC because he's all hustle, he scores more than his hands/skill would suggest, he'll fight anyone, and he's relatively cheap (his extension is 2/3.5 for a decrease in annual salary). He actually took a pay cut to stay for 2 more years. He's not a 1st line winger, but he was/is a better 1st line option than Knuble at this point. Ovi-Johannson-Brouwer looked really good the last couple of games in preseason. There's no reason to go back to something that everyone knows doesn't work.

The only people in DC that seem to not understand how bad Knuble was last year are GMGM and Fat Boy Fat who have shown they have no idea how to put together a playoff team.

You have more faith in fans than I do.

In a perfect world, Dupuis is a great 3rd line winger. And would be loved if he remained there. As soon as he's on Crosby's line, people go nuts.
I just think while Chimera's game would be fine in short spurts, after he botches some tap-ins, people will rail against him the same way.

Fixed it for you. I loved having Chimmer on the CBJ, but saying that he had hands of stone would be an understatement. A few years back, Ken Hitchcock wanted the line of Chimera-Malhotra-Dan Fritsche to go practice shooting pucks into the ocean from the beach, because that was the only target large enough for them to hit.

Quick story about him that makes him one of my favorites is that he named his daugher Ryann, after Ryan Salmons, a teen who had terminal cancer and became almost a part of the team during their only playoff run in 2008.

The thing is, Chimera really doesn't botch the tap in type of plays. He can't seem to pick up the puck on his own very well, and can simply whiff on easy passes right on the tape, but if it's sitting near the net, he'll knock it in one way or another. Knuble, on the other hand, made missing open nets an art form last year.

The ultimate issue here is that Knuble is 39, he's moving in slow motion these days, and every other player who got the RW spot on the 1st line last year increased the performance of the line over him. Ovi/Backstrom had more points on shifts with Semin than Knuble last year despite Knuble being on their line more than 3x as much as Semin.

Brouwer looked very good with Ovi/Johannson this preseason. He's the guy who will go win the puck in the corner and let Ovi, and whatever Center he has, set up and not have to wear themselves out playing 2-on-3. Instead, it looks like the Knuble failure will continue.

Of course, this is the coach who is putting Ovi back on the PP point again despite the PP being under 10% when Ovi is on the point and over 20% when he's either on the half board or in front of the net.

Chimera = Dupuis
Knuble = Guerin
Brouwer = Kunitz

Penguins and Caps are more alike than fans want to believe...can't we all just get along?

Chimera > Cooke > Ovechkin

[DeToxRox]

Well this is certainly interesting:

@TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
More and more NHL governors convinced DET will be moving to SE Div in Eastern Conference when realignment done in early December.

[Galaxy]

Well this is certainly interesting:

@TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
More and more NHL governors convinced DET will be moving to SE Div in Eastern Conference when realignment done in early December.

SE division? Really? Was this Bettman's idea?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Well this is certainly interesting:

@TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
More and more NHL governors convinced DET will be moving to SE Div in Eastern Conference when realignment done in early December.

He was on On the Fly last night, and this was one of the points he discussed. I guess the BOG are willing to give in allowing the Wings to move to the East, but not willing to break up the current NE and ATL to fit them in?

I am way too lazy to do this, but I wonder what the travel savings/gain will be in an average year. Sure, they'll eliminate a 2,000 mile trip to Vancouver, but will make 3 intra-division trips to Miami each year now.

(I realize this is not accurate, as each road game will not always originate from Detroit).

[Fidatelo]

He was on On the Fly last night, and this was one of the points he discussed. I guess the BOG are willing to give in allowing the Wings to move to the East, but not willing to break up the current NE and ATL to fit them in?

I am way too lazy to do this, but I wonder what the travel savings/gain will be in an average year. Sure, they'll eliminate a 2,000 mile trip to Vancouver, but will make 3 intra-division trips to Miami each year now.

(I realize this is not accurate, as each road game will not always originate from Detroit).

The time zone shift is far more important than the actual mileage traveled. Getting the vast majority of the Wings road games into EST will be much better for regional and national TV coverage, I imagine.

I know that I am not looking forward to the Jets playing in a division with Vancouver (and to a lesser degree Edmonton and Calgary), not because I care how long the flight is, but because I don't feel like staying up past midnight to watch hockey.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The time zone shift is far more important than the actual mileage traveled. Getting the vast majority of the Wings road games into EST will be much better for regional and national TV coverage, I imagine.

I get this, but I wouldn't think it be that much of an impact. National TV coverage would be limited to a handful of VS games, and the NBC games come spring would be afternoon games. Regional, maybe slightly more, but alot like Pittsburgh and Buffalo, isn't Detroit pretty solid already in regional broadcasts?

I know that I am not looking forward to the Jets playing in a division with Vancouver (and to a lesser degree Edmonton and Calgary), not because I care how long the flight is, but because I don't feel like staying up past midnight to watch hockey.

I hear this. Pens opened the season @VAN (Thurs), @CAL (Saturday), @EDM (Sunday). I was in bed at 1:15am Thursday (stupid shootout), 12:45am Saturday and midnight Sunday. I was worthless (more than usual) at work Monday.

[Fidatelo]

I get this, but I wouldn't think it be that much of an impact. National TV coverage would be limited to a handful of VS games, and the NBC games come spring would be afternoon games. Regional, maybe slightly more, but alot like Pittsburgh and Buffalo, isn't Detroit pretty solid already in regional broadcasts?

I just think it would help ratings. Detroit is one of America's top draws, and getting more of their games on in prime hours out east has got to be beneficial. And regionally I'm sure they draw well, but perhaps they could draw even better playing against eastern teams.

I hear this. Pens opened the season @VAN (Thurs), @CAL (Saturday), @EDM (Sunday). I was in bed at 1:15am Thursday (stupid shootout), 12:45am Saturday and midnight Sunday. I was worthless (more than usual) at work Monday.

See, that sucks. Now imagine being a Red Wings fan and having trips like that occur several times a year. Brutal.

It's funny but I actually would prefer the Jets stay in the Southeast than go into the Northwest (not that it will ever happen). I'm sure I can learn to hate the state of Florida just as much as Alberta over time, and if I can get it done by 9-10pm all the better :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

See, that sucks. Now imagine being a Red Wings fan and having trips like that occur several times a year. Brutal.

The worst is during the playoffs. Having back-to-back playoff games not starting until 10:00 or 10:30 pm EST is really tough. You can't really go to bed and watch it in the morning (or at least I can't) and it's hard to fall asleep right after the game ends.

Brutal, indeed.

[RomaGoth]

The worst is during the playoffs. Having back-to-back playoff games not starting until 10:00 or 10:30 pm EST is really tough. You can't really go to bed and watch it in the morning (or at least I can't) and it's hard to fall asleep right after the game ends.

Brutal, indeed.

The trick is to move further west, then you get the earlier start times! :D

[chrisj]

The time zone shift is far more important than the actual mileage traveled. Getting the vast majority of the Wings road games into EST will be much better for regional and national TV coverage, I imagine.

I know that I am not looking forward to the Jets playing in a division with Vancouver (and to a lesser degree Edmonton and Calgary), not because I care how long the flight is, but because I don't feel like staying up past midnight to watch hockey.

But it sounds like the Jets won't be in the same division as Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver - as that would leave 1 US team stuck in a division with 4 Canadian teams.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Crosby cleared for contact. No timetable for a return to games at this point.

Additionally, Pens extend Chris Kunitz for 2 more years at the same cap hit, $3.725M.

[MacroGuru]

Drove by the First Niagara Center (Formerely HSBC Arena) today and it looks awesome...new pain, new landscaping and new signage..I hope to snap a pic of it tomorrow before I head home.

[MikeVic]

Wellwood tripped on the blue line on a breakaway but then scored shortly after. I've heard of this Wellwood fellow before, but now I get to experience him!

[DeToxRox]

Asham KO'd Beagle tonight.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Asham KO'd Beagle tonight.

Jay thinks he's at the Regal Beagle right now, sipping mimosas with Mrs. Roper.

<IFRAME height=315 src="<a href=" width=560 target="_blank" w6z0GML9XLI? embed www.youtube.com http:>Arron Asham Knocks Out Jay Beagle (October 13, 2011) (HD) - YouTube" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></IFRAME>


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6z0GML9XLI

(Does embed not work anymore? I'm taking the code directly from YT)

[NoSkillz]

Drove by the First Niagara Center (Formerely HSBC Arena) today and it looks awesome...new pain, new landscaping and new signage..I hope to snap a pic of it tomorrow before I head home.

Looking forward to seeing it - I'm going to the game tomorrow night but I hear the main sign won't be up until game two. Still, amazing progress to get almost everything done, including the incredible locker room renovations before the season starts.

[RomaGoth]

Excellent win for the Wings and back-to-back shutouts by Conklin and Howard. Perhaps Hudler is finally ready to play hockey after his vacation in Russia.

[Galaxy]

Looking forward to seeing it - I'm going to the game tomorrow night but I hear the main sign won't be up until game two. Still, amazing progress to get almost everything done, including the incredible locker room renovations before the season starts.

Final pics of the new locker room/player-staff facilities. $10 million worth of renovations well spent. It looks more like a luxury ski resort in Colorado in some ways than a pro sports team locker room.

Incompatible Browser | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BufSabres?sk=app_208195102528120&app_data=dlt#!/media/set/?set=a.10150345322327954.362534.15106442953&type=3)

[SackAttack]

SE division? Really? Was this Bettman's idea?

If that happens the Panthers will never make the playoffs again.

I wonder if this is what it was like to be a Lions fan.

[Dr. Sak]

Asham KO'd Beagle tonight.

Nice gesture by him after....must have been the Flyer in him dying to come out.

[sterlingice]

Aw, crap. I completely missed the start of the season. I looked at Yahoo this morning and saw "Chicago-Winnipeg" and went "wait- is this score from 2011"?

SI

[Suburban Rhythm]

Nice gesture by him after....must have been the Flyer in him dying to come out.

In his defense, he tapped his stick from the box, and in his comments after the game called himself "classless".

Besides, it's not like he booed the support of cancer research ;)

Flyers fans boo rivals; alas, it’s during an anti-cancer commercial - Puck Daddy - NHL*Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Flyers-fans-boo-rivals-alas-it-8217-s-during-?urn=nhl-wp14710)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Nice gesture by him after....must have been the Flyer in him dying to come out.

DOLA

The HFboards therad on it was classic (before it totally derailed and was closed).

Asham's actions were out of line, no doubt. But the guy with the handle 'GreatCapsAO08' lecturing about on-ice antics was pretty funny.

[MizzouRah]

Excellent win for the Wings and back-to-back shutouts by Conklin and Howard. Perhaps Hudler is finally ready to play hockey after his vacation in Russia.

It's amazing how the Blues get these Detroit goalies and they suck.. :)

[JPhillips]

DOLA

The HFboards therad on it was classic (before it totally derailed and was closed).

Asham's actions were out of line, no doubt. But the guy with the handle 'GreatCapsAO08' lecturing about on-ice antics was pretty funny.

I never understand the etiquette rules around fighting. Asham challenged Beagle, bloodied and knocked him unconscious and that is perfectly acceptable, but making a sleeping gesture is beyond the pale?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I never understand the etiquette rules around fighting. Asham challenged Beagle, bloodied and knocked him unconscious and that is perfectly acceptable, but making a sleeping gesture is beyond the pale?

Exactly.

Punches to the face? Kosher

Hurting someone's feeling? THERE MUST BE BLOOD!!

[Fidatelo]

Things the NHL needs to eliminate:
1. Touch-up icing
2. Fighting
3. The Phoenix Coyotes

[Galaxy]

Things the NHL needs to eliminate:
1. Touch-up icing
2. Fighting
3. The Phoenix Coyotes

Fighting?

[Pumpy Tudors]

welp this thread is now shot for the whole season
see you next year

[MacroGuru]

Fighting?

Canadians think it isn't part of the game...;)

[Dr. Sak]

In his defense, he tapped his stick from the box, and in his comments after the game called himself "classless".

Besides, it's not like he booed the support of cancer research ;)

Flyers fans boo rivals; alas, it’s during an anti-cancer commercial - Puck Daddy - NHL*Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Flyers-fans-boo-rivals-alas-it-8217-s-during-?urn=nhl-wp14710)

It is all how you look at it, if Carcillo would have done that after fighting a Penguins, the Pens fans would be all up calling him classless.

I heard Asham after the game, he's a good guy and I think he just got caught up in the moment.

[Dr. Sak]

Things the NHL needs to eliminate:
1. Touch-up icing
2. Fighting
3. The Phoenix Coyotes

First year back in the league and you already think you own the place to make rule changes? Darn rookies ;)

[sterlingice]

First year back in the league and you already think you own the place to make rule changes? Darn rookies ;)

:D

SI

[Fidatelo]

Fighting?

I loved fighting in hockey as a kid, but as I have aged I see a lot more negatives than positives. Even before all the recent talk of concussions and depression etc, my stance has shifted to anti-fighting.

My biggest issue with fighting has less to do with the battle itself than the ripple effect it has. I don't really care if two grown men want to slug each other in the face for 45 seconds in order to preserve some kind of code.

The bigger issue is that these guys didn't start slugging people in the face the day they turned 18 or entered the NHL. They've been doing it since they were 13, 14, or 15, at the encouragement of a culture that places a premium on the role of an enforcer.

I would hate to think that someday my sons (or anyone else's) might feel that the only way they can 'make it to the bigs' would be to start slugging it up 50 times a year at the age of 14. I also hate to think of all the kids that have to skate around trying to avoid being the next target on some goon-on-the-rise's resume.

Hockey is a great sport, and ya, it's physical and tempers flare and whatever. Fights happen. Hell, I once got in a fight in sponge hockey game. It happens. But the fact that it is basically allowed (5 minutes a piece is not a deterrent) leads to enforcers, staged fights, and all sorts of shenanigans that have a negative impact way beyond the NHL.

A fight should be a rare occurrence, not a nightly one. The result should be fines and suspensions for both players involved (unless one guy is basically attacked, in which case he shouldn't get the suspension). 1 or 2 games would probably be enough, maybe escalate a bit for repeat offenders. Enough to make it so that the only time a player drops the gloves is when he is really, truly enraged with something another guy has done.

Anyways, that's my long-winded anti-fighting stance.

[Fidatelo]

First year back in the league and you already think you own the place to make rule changes? Darn rookies ;)

I've got 15 years worth of opinions to vent! :D

[Suburban Rhythm]

It is all how you look at it, if Carcillo would have done that after fighting a Penguins, the Pens fans would be all up calling him classless.

I heard Asham after the game, he's a good guy and I think he just got caught up in the moment.

To me, it was no different than celebrating/showboating after a goal. There is a difference between that (or Shhhhhhhhhh! the crowd) and Trevor Gillies standing over Eric Tangradi, talking crap from the runway, while the trainers are working on the injured player. I honestly believe if Asham had not skated immediately to the box and remained in the area and sees the end result, he doesn't make one gesture.

Asham called Knuble after the game to check on Beagle. Knuble called Ash "an honest guy", from their time together in Philly. Boudreau said it "was a mismatch" for Beagle.

He had another interview today where he responded to Ovechkin calling what he did "unrespectful".

Asham called him a "hypocrit" for talking about what is overboard or showboating.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Asham was no more classless than those guys who pulled their goalie on a delayed penalty against the Sabres last year. I can't remember which team it was, but that was fun to read in last year's NHL thread.

Also, as a Devils fan, I find it more classless when a player scores more than one goal.

[Logan]

Also, as a Devils fan, I find it more classless when a player scores a wraparound goal.

Fixed.

[Suburban Rhythm]

To me, it was no different than celebrating/showboating after a goal. There is a difference between that (or Shhhhhhhhhh! the crowd) and Trevor Gillies standing over Eric Tangradi, talking crap from the runway, while the trainers are working on the injured player. I honestly believe if Asham had not skated immediately to the box and remained in the area and sees the end result, he doesn't make one gesture.

Asham called Knuble after the game to check on Beagle. Knuble called Ash "an honest guy", from their time together in Philly. Boudreau said it "was a mismatch" for Beagle.

He had another interview today where he responded to Ovechkin calling what he did "unrespectful".

Asham called him a "hypocrit" for talking about what is overboard or showboating.

They just played the whole clip on the Fan-

"I don't know what Ovy's talking about...this is the same guy that warmed his hands over a stick he threw on the ice. He's a hypocrite"

[Pumpy Tudors]

Fixed.
bite me etc

[Suburban Rhythm]

Except against the Pens, I want to see Tampa score alot



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="Testing out the Tesla Coil at St Pete Times Forum - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/embed/216HO3idYJ8)" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=216HO3idYJ8

[MacroGuru]

Ughh....how do you give up 2 Short Handed goals at home? That confuses me...

It was a fast paced, high tension game...and I do not see Carolina keeping the pace they have kept the past few games all season.

And if Allen from Carolina doesn't get hit by Shanny's ban stick, I will be surprised.

[NoSkillz]

Ughh....how do you give up 2 Short Handed goals at home? That confuses me...

It was a fast paced, high tension game...and I do not see Carolina keeping the pace they have kept the past few games all season.

And if Allen from Carolina doesn't get hit by Shanny's ban stick, I will be surprised.

It was a very sloppy performance from Buffalo - Carolina could have scored four shorties if not for Miller's breakaway save on Staal and a goalpost. Just too loosey-goosey. Vanek had a forgettable game but he'll bounce back.

[Galaxy]

Ughh....how do you give up 2 Short Handed goals at home? That confuses me...

It was a fast paced, high tension game...and I do not see Carolina keeping the pace they have kept the past few games all season.

And if Allen from Carolina doesn't get hit by Shanny's ban stick, I will be surprised.

I didn't think Allen's hit was intentional or really that late. Pommers just over skated the puck and had his head down and Allen was anticipating him of getting the puck.

It was a rough game, but it's only the third game of the season. Undisciplined and way too aggressive. If they play like this for a number of games, I'll be concern.

[bhlloy]

Jason Blake out for 3 months with a laceration just above his wrist, sounds really nasty and very glad it wasn't worse

That being said, cynical side of me thinks the biggest roster jam for the Ducks just got cleared, and this can only make the team better in the short term.

[DeToxRox]

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins hat trick tonight.

Also, Jon Tavares with 8 points in his last two games.

[Fidatelo]

Jets are sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I don't want to make too many judgements after just 3 games but it is unbelievable how bad they can be in their own zone at times.

The lone bright light so far seems to be Burmistrov. He's a blast to watch.

[bhlloy]

Jets are sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I don't want to make too many judgements after just 3 games but it is unbelievable how bad they can be in their own zone at times.

The lone bright light so far seems to be Burmistrov. He's a blast to watch.

Seems like if the Jets don't get a surprisingly good goaltending performance from Pavelic like the Thrashers did last year, they could be in pretty bad territory. And so far, they certainly haven't got that level from him or Mason yet.

[Chief Rum]

Jason Blake out for 3 months with a laceration just above his wrist, sounds really nasty and very glad it wasn't worse

That being said, cynical side of me thinks the biggest roster jam for the Ducks just got cleared, and this can only make the team better in the short term.

Heh...yeah, I tend to agree. Our most "unproductivce" Top 6 forward now needs to be replaced with someone actually productive.

[Chubby]

Sabres with a good win last night. Very glad Enroth played a solid game and got a W so Lindy doesn't feel like he has to play Miller 75 games this season...

[Wolfpack]

It was a very sloppy performance from Buffalo - Carolina could have scored three shorties if not for a goalpost (Staal can't score on a breakaway if his life depended on it). Just too loosey-goosey. Vanek had a forgettable game but he'll bounce back.

Fixed. (Yes, I know, a bit late to the party, but I've been offline the last couple of days.... :D)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I ran into Justin Abdlekader this morning.

I was walking my dog and ran into him as he was leaving his apartment building and getting into a car to go to practice. I am pretty sure he was carpooling with a teammate, but I couldn't tell who was driving.

I think Brett Lebda lived in the same highrise building when he was here. I am pretty sure I saw him a few years back on Super Bowl Sunday while walking my dog.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I ran into Justin Abdlekader this morning.

I was walking my dog and ran into him as he was leaving his apartment building and getting into a car to go to practice. I am pretty sure he was carpooling with a teammate, but I couldn't tell who was driving.

I think Brett Lebda lived in the same highrise building when he was here. I am pretty sure I saw him a few years back on Super Bowl Sunday while walking my dog.

I read that line as you saw him while he was walking your dog. I have to assume that even on a leash, the dog still got behind him.

[bbor]

I ran into Justin Abdlekader this morning.

I was walking my dog and ran into him as he was leaving his apartment building and getting into a car to go to practice. I am pretty sure he was carpooling with a teammate, but I couldn't tell who was driving.

I think Brett Lebda lived in the same highrise building when he was here. I am pretty sure I saw him a few years back on Super Bowl Sunday while walking my dog.


Stalker:p

[Honolulu_Blue]

Stalker:p

It's not my fault that they live in the one sort of "swanky" highrise apartment building in my little town (place has a doorman and everything!). In fact, the one year he was with the Tigers Matt Traenor also lived in that building.

It's also not my fault that there happens to be a little restaurant right next door to this apartment building that always has dog biscuits outside and, therefore, we must always (ALWAYS) go down that street. I try alternate routes sometimes and my dog has none of it. He loves his treats.

That said, I have the skill set to be an excellent stalker. Though I don't think Brett Lebda or Justin Abdlekader would rank high on my potential stalkees list.

[EagleFan]

Name dropper... ;)

[DeToxRox]

It's not my fault that they live in the one sort of "swanky" highrise apartment building in my little town (place has a doorman and everything!). In fact, the one year he was with the Tigers Matt Traenor also lived in that building.

It's also not my fault that there happens to be a little restaurant right next door to this apartment building that always has dog biscuits outside and, therefore, we must always (ALWAYS) go down that street. I try alternate routes sometimes and my dog has none of it. He loves his treats.

That said, I have the skill set to be an excellent stalker. Though I don't think Brett Lebda or Justin Abdlekader would rank high on my potential stalkees list.

Oh I know where you are. Time to stalk you. TABLES HAVE BEEN TURNED!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh I know where you are. Time to stalk you. TABLES HAVE BEEN TURNED!

oh shi

[Dr. Sak]

Kyle Wellwood scored a goal 8 seconds into the game tonight or the amount of time it takes him to eat 3 donuts.

[bbor]

It's not my fault that they live in the one sort of "swanky" highrise apartment building in my little town (place has a doorman and everything!). In fact, the one year he was with the Tigers Matt Traenor also lived in that building.

It's also not my fault that there happens to be a little restaurant right next door to this apartment building that always has dog biscuits outside and, therefore, we must always (ALWAYS) go down that street. I try alternate routes sometimes and my dog has none of it. He loves his treats.

That said, I have the skill set to be an excellent stalker. Though I don't think Brett Lebda or Justin Abdlekader would rank high on my potential stalkees list.

Isn't this what every stalker says?;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Kyle Wellwood scored a goal 8 seconds into the game tonight or the amount of time it takes him to eat 3 donuts.

Half that time is making room from the first 3 of the 1/2 dozen he's already chewing.

Alex Burmistrov is slick.

[Draft Dodger]

Avs have the best record in the West right now. I won't be able to say that for long, but I will enjoy it while I can

[Fidatelo]

Jets get a win!

They finally played a good game, and even though the Penguins were without a bunch of their best players, I'm still very pleased with what I saw tonight. Pavelec stood on his head and saved the game, while Fleury put on quite a show of his own at the other end.


Alex Burmistrov is slick.

Burmistrov is awesome, he is quickly becoming my favorite Jet. Burmistrov, Antropov, and Wellwood are by far the more dangerous line right now when compared to Little, Ladd, and Wheeler. Thorburn, Glass, and Slater seem to be a very solid checking line.

Scheiflie needs to go back to juniors, I'm not sure he even saw the ice in the third period (with good reason). He needs to spend a year playing 20 minutes a game and dominating some kids before he comes back to the bigs.

[johnnyshaka]

Got to see Smyth score his first goal as an Oiler (redux) that ended up being the winner...the barn went bananas!!!

Hall scored his first of the season on a pretty cross ice feed from the Nuge.

Haven't been in the building for an Oilers' win since last December when Omark scored in the shootout in first NHL game to win it against Tampa Bay.

[bbor]

I really like EDM......i really hate their D and G though. They need to trade a couple of those young forwards for 2 solid D-men.Besides Whitney they are running with all #5 and #6 D-men.

I think they need a goalie too....i know everyone in EDM loves Dubby but i don't see it.

[johnnyshaka]

I really like EDM......i really hate their D and G though.

Yup...but the "rebuild" is still in effect, or so we're being told, so I doubt we see anything drastic this season with regards to the obvious issues plaguing this team...they say they are staying the course. But something will have to happen with Hemsky before too long...question is, what? Re-sign him or deal him? Would he sign a short term deal after signing on the cheap for his first deal? Will he fetch much with all the injury issues he's had?

Gilbert is probably a 2nd pairing guy on most teams and Petry looks like he's got the tools to be just as good as Gilbert, if not better. Other than that, you're right, plenty of scrubs.

I think Dubnyk could be a pretty good one behind a better team...i.e. more top 4 d-men and less bottom pair guys...or at least I'm willing to ride it out to see what we have with him.

[DeToxRox]

I would love to see Detroit pick up Hemsky.

[Chief Rum]

Ducks beat the Sharks again last night, 3-2, this time on the road and with Ellis in net. Playing very strong hockey to start the season. They are now 4-1-0.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Jets get a win!

They finally played a good game, and even though the Penguins were without a bunch of their best players, I'm still very pleased with what I saw tonight.

Since they like Kunitz-Staal - (Kennedy when healthy here), who do you use to center the "1st" line with Neal and Sullivane, with no Crosby, no Geno and Mark Letestu stinking? Richard Park!

Park was also the answer to a trivia question on ROOT Pittsburgh last night. He was the only player on the roster to have played in Winnipeg prior to last night.

Pavelec stood on his head and saved the game, while Fleury put on quite a show of his own at the other end.

Both goalies were good. And a handful of posts.



Burmistrov is awesome, he is quickly becoming my favorite Jet.

I know this will be sacrilege, especially to Detox and HB, but he's like a baby Datsyuk. He never looks overwhelmed or out of place.

Burmistrov, Antropov, and Wellwood are by far the more dangerous line right now when compared to Little, Ladd, and Wheeler. Thorburn, Glass, and Slater seem to be a very solid checking line.

What's up with E Kane? I am a big fan of Ladd and Kane. Wheeler, not so much. Burmistrov plays the game Wheeler should play. Has there been a softer big forward in recent memory?

Scheiflie needs to go back to juniors, I'm not sure he even saw the ice in the third period (with good reason). He needs to spend a year playing 20 minutes a game and dominating some kids before he comes back to the bigs.

He looked very weak. Not in terms of ability, just strength-wise, it's apparent he's still developing. He shouldn't be playing in the NHL at this point.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I would love to see Detroit pick up Hemsky.

So he can sit on their injured reserve after my dog bumps into him while he's coming out The Fifth?

[johnnyshaka]

Has there been a softer big forward in recent memory?

I know this one...Dustin Penner?

Regarding Hemsky to Detroit...definitely a possibility but until he shows he can stay healthy I think the Oilers are better off signing him to a 2-year deal unless somebody comes in offering a couple of first round picks...which would be ridiculous.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Kris Letang (The drink of the French Astronaut) gets 2 games suspension for boarding call on Burmistrov last night.

Black and Gold glasses aside, pretty weak. I think most would agree Burmistrov turned as Letang was coming in.

The Chris Kunitz crosscheck to the face of Tanner Glass during the same sequence was more vicious, and wasn't even looked at.

[DeToxRox]

So he can sit on their injured reserve after my dog bumps into him while he's coming out The Fifth?

Obviously his body would heal in the the more mild Michigan climate.

[johnnyshaka]

Kris Letang (The drink of the French Astronaut) gets 2 games suspension for boarding call on Burmistrov last night.

Black and Gold glasses aside, pretty weak. I think most would agree Burmistrov turned as Letang was coming in.

The Chris Kunitz crosscheck to the face of Tanner Glass during the same sequence was more vicious, and wasn't even looked at.

Really? Pretty blatant hit from behind in my eyes. But I do agree that Kunitz should have been hauled in especially after the Wild's P.M. Bouchard incident last week.

[Dr. Sak]

4 Pens suspensions in less than a year. Glad to see the team listen to their owners words ;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Really? Pretty blatant hit from behind in my eyes. But I do agree that Kunitz should have been hauled in especially after the Wild's P.M. Bouchard incident last week.

Burmistrov turns when Letang is within a stride. I think the deciding factor was him extending arms rather than continuing with his body.

4 Pens suspensions in less than a year. Glad to see the team listen to their owners words ;)
Apparently Uncle Gary's price has gone up.

[samifan24]

The Bruins lost a very frustrating game to Carolina and the refs tonight. I don't think I've seen a game called so one sided in a very long time.

[Fidatelo]

What's up with E Kane? I am a big fan of Ladd and Kane. Wheeler, not so much. Burmistrov plays the game Wheeler should play. Has there been a softer big forward in recent memory?

Kane is injured, not sure with what though. I haven't been very impressed with him to this point (never really saw him play as a Thrasher), but perhaps it's been an injury that has plagued him for several games. I guess we'll see.

[Fidatelo]

Burmistrov turns when Letang is within a stride. I think the deciding factor was him extending arms rather than continuing with his body.

I disagree; Burmi was following the puck in, not turning his back to the check. Obviously my glasses are tinted blue though :)

[Suburban Rhythm]

I disagree; Burmi was following the puck in, not turning his back to the check. Obviously my glasses are tinted blue though :)

Burmistrov himself said he turned.

Bob Errey had a pretty good point too on the Pens pregame tonight.

Paraphrasing, but he said he played over 1,000 NHL games, and it would never occur to him, when playing a puck in the defensive zone, to take a puck on the wall, and turn deeper into his own zone, when he could turn out toward the blue line. So I am not sure how that was taking the "predictable" path.


But, overall, as long as it's relatively consistent going forward, I'm fine with it.

This is up at HF


http://i.imgur.com/avKzL.png

[Dr. Sak]

Ottawa is BAD

[sterlingice]

Awesome (The Press Your Luck board) :D

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have found it harder than ever this year to really get into the NHL season. I have watched some of some of the Wings games and a few parts of other games here and there, but not much else.

I think this has to do with:

1. The Tigers having been in the playoffs.

2. Lions doing well and being on Monday night, etc.

3. The Red Wings ridiculous schedule. They played on Thursday and Saturday two weeks ago. Then played Friday/Saturday last weekend. And they play Friday/Saturday this weekend. There are these long breaks with any games. It's like some college hockey schedule. I think things finally return to "normal" after this weekend.

[henry296]

I have found it harder than ever this year to really get into the NHL season. I have watched some of some of the Wings games and a few parts of other games here and there, but not much else.

I think this has to do with:

1. The Tigers having been in the playoffs.

2. Lions doing well and being on Monday night, etc.

3. The Red Wings ridiculous schedule. They played on Thursday and Saturday two weeks ago. Then played Friday/Saturday last weekend. And they play Friday/Saturday this weekend. There are these long breaks with any games. It's like some college hockey schedule. I think things finally return to "normal" after this weekend.

Meanwhile the Pens have played 8 games already in 14 days.

[DeToxRox]

I have found it harder than ever this year to really get into the NHL season. I have watched some of some of the Wings games and a few parts of other games here and there, but not much else.

I think this has to do with:

1. The Tigers having been in the playoffs.

2. Lions doing well and being on Monday night, etc.

3. The Red Wings ridiculous schedule. They played on Thursday and Saturday two weeks ago. Then played Friday/Saturday last weekend. And they play Friday/Saturday this weekend. There are these long breaks with any games. It's like some college hockey schedule. I think things finally return to "normal" after this weekend.

This schedule is a killer for me as well. I am loving watching the Panthers play in the interim. Gudbranson is a joy to watch.

Anyway, Gustav Nyquist is looking great in GR. Gonna' be hard to keep this kid out of Detroit next year.

[Fidatelo]

Ya the Jets first 2 weeks of games were goofy too: a 9 day break between the pre-season and their first game, followed by another 4 day break before game 2. But now it is awesome, they are basically playing every other night for 2 weeks straight.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This schedule is a killer for me as well. I am loving watching the Panthers play in the interim. Gudbranson is a joy to watch.

I watched the Caps/Panthers game the other night just for that reason.

[bronconick]

The schedule is awful. The Sharks played Saturday the 8th, then the 14th, 15th and 17th. Their next (and 5th game) game is tomorrow, the 21st. Later in the year, they play something like 35-36 games from February 1 to March 31st.

Of course, any time that they feel like playing hockey instead of whatever the hell they did last weekend would be nice, as well.

[Chief Rum]

Of course, any time that they feel like playing hockey instead of whatever the hell they did last weekend would be nice, as well.

You know, it could be they ran into a good Ducks team. :p

I think the Pacific Division is going to be a fun one to watch this year, with the Sharks, Kings and Ducks fighting it out all year. They all look like very strong teams.

[Chief Rum]

Ducks schedule was weird, too, with the Europe trip. Two games out there, then a week off. Then three games in four days, and then three days off before coming back to action tonight.

[bronconick]

You know, it could be they ran into a good Ducks team. :p

I think the Pacific Division is going to be a fun one to watch this year, with the Sharks, Kings and Ducks fighting it out all year. They all look like very strong teams.

I buy that until I realize that they turned Dan Ellis into Patrick Roy, as is their wont with backup goaltenders. :p

[Chief Rum]

I buy that until I realize that they turned Dan Ellis into Patrick Roy, as is their wont with backup goaltenders. :p

Heh heh, good defense. :)

[Logan]

First time I've had a chance to really get into a Rangers game this season and it was a really fun one against the Flames. Four goals in the 1st period, with the Flames answering both times, and it stayed that way all the way until Ryan McDonagh buried a backboard rebound home with 0.5 seconds left in OT to give NYR the win.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Colin White returns to New Jersey tonight in a Sharks uniform. This will mark the first time that I am happy to see Colin White on the ice in New Jersey.

[RomaGoth]

Wings up 2-0 with two Franzen PP goals. Nice to see both him and the PP working well right now.

[bronconick]

Niemi fucking sucks. This is absurd.

[JPhillips]

Really impressive win by the Caps last night. The third and fourth lines are the keys to the team so far.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Most ridiculous thing last night, Pens vs Devils

Double minor high-stick call on Patrik Elias. Announced in the arena as Elias. Replays show it's Elias.

Petr Sykora skates to the box, steps in. Penguins bench going nuts. Refs look around, at each other, decide it's cool, somebody went to the box, drop the puck.

Who scores a SHG during the first half of the penalty? Patrik Elias.

It tied the game 1-1, Penguins scored on the PP later on, and add two more to win 4-1.

But, really, how does that happen?

[Fidatelo]

GAME DAY IS HERE!

Going to my first regular season Jets game, this one against my old adopted team of the past few seasons (Rangers). Too bad King Henrik isn't going to be playing, but I guess that gives the Jets a bit better odds so I suppose I'll take it. Here's hoping for a 6-5 Jets win with lots of points for everyone! :)

[Dr. Sak]

Chris Pronger - ouch

[chadritt]

RIP Chris Pronger

??????

All im finding online is that he got what looked like an ugly injury to the eye but that he didnt even have to go to the hospital.

[bronconick]

Yeah, not gonna lie, but kind of a faux pas to say RIP to even a serious injury after this summer.

[Dr. Sak]

Pronger has to see an eye specialist after the swelling goes down.

Howard Eskin reporting that 'Chris Pronger has eye injury, with some bleeding.. Could be out up to 2 weeks, but should be ok.'

[Dr. Sak]

Jagr 2 goals tonight

[EagleFan]

I still feel dirty cheering for Jagr.. it's just not right...

[Dr. Sak]

I still feel dirty cheering for Jagr.. it's just not right...

I feel the same way...especially after seeing the salute.

[Fidatelo]

Tough loss for the Jets last night... I felt we outplayed the Rangers for most of the game, but a couple power play goals did us in.

It's always a bit hard to tell live (easy to get swayed by the crowd into being a total homer) but it sort of felt like we got boned a bit by the refs. I need to see a replay, but Thorburn's diving check that got called for a penalty in the 3rd (and led to the winning goal) looked clean from where I was sitting.

From the Rangers side, I felt like Boyle had a strong game and it's always fun to watch him play (good grief I forget just how massive he is!). Fedotenko's re-direct for the first goal was a beauty. I didn't really feel like Richards did much all game, in fact I hardly noticed him out there. Gaborik felt a bit more dangerous, although the Jets kept him in check pretty well, too.

All in all, a heck of a fun way to spend a Monday evening out with the wife. Now I can't wait for Nov 29th against the Sens! :D

[MacroGuru]

Tampa in Buffalo tonight...need to redeem the loss...

[RomaGoth]

Pronger has to see an eye specialist after the swelling goes down.

Howard Eskin reporting that 'Chris Pronger has eye injury, with some bleeding.. Could be out up to 2 weeks, but should be ok.'

Looks like 2-3 weeks (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597339) at the minimum....

[Suburban Rhythm]

Holmgren has also said once Pronger returns, it will be with a visor.

[MacroGuru]

Looks like 2-3 weeks (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597339) at the minimum....

They are concerned about potential clotting behind the eye though..

[Chief Rum]

Holmgren has also said once Pronger returns, it will be with a visor.

They should put him in a Darth Vader mask.

[RomaGoth]

Not sure WTF is going on with the Wings right now, and I know it is way early in the season, but being outscored 11-2 in two games is unacceptable. A 4-1 loss tonight to Columbus is irritating as hell, especially after that 7-1 debacle a few nights ago to Washington. :mad:

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ty Conklin, that's what's happening. The Caps win 3-1, maybe 4-1, if there's anything in goal for the Wings the other night. For some reason, he got the start again tonight instead of Howard.

Howard wasn't available because he went home to be with his wife who just gave birth to their first child.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not sure WTF is going on with the Wings right now, and I know it is way early in the season, but being outscored 11-2 in two games is unacceptable. A 4-1 loss tonight to Columbus is irritating as hell, especially after that 7-1 debacle a few nights ago to Washington. :mad:


Eh. It's just two regular season games. When Conklin is off he is quite bad and once he gets off he tends to stay that way for a bit. During his last tour with the Wings he had a horrible 3rd period in a game against the Flames newar the end of the season and that was that for him.

The Wings played pretty good in the first two periods against the Caps. Goaltending was the difference.

Conklin looked shaky tonight. Also too many penalties and a poopy power play.

[RomaGoth]

Ty Conklin, that's what's happening. The Caps win 3-1, maybe 4-1, if there's anything in goal for the Wings the other night. For some reason, he got the start again tonight instead of Howard.

Eh. It's just two regular season games. When Conklin is off he is quite bad and once he gets off he tends to stay that way for a bit. During his last tour with the Wings he had a horrible 3rd period in a game against the Flames newar the end of the season and that was that for him.

The Wings played pretty good in the first two periods against the Caps. Goaltending was the difference.

Conklin looked shaky tonight. Also too many penalties and a poopy power play.

I am mostly concerned about scoring only 2 goals in these last two games.

[Galaxy]

Flyers beat the Jets 9-8 tonight.

[RomaGoth]

Flyers beat the Jets 9-8 tonight.

Ahh, the good ol' days of NHL '94.

[Fidatelo]

Flyers beat the Jets 9-8 tonight.

Just finished watching this on the PVR (though I missed the first period anyways). What a crazy game! Not your typical road victory, but I'll take it :D

[Travis]

Good to see NHL officiating alive and well in Edmonton. The Caps are getting called for every little hook while Andy Sutton was allowed to board, then crosscheck, Marcus Johannson with no call. PIMs are 16-6 against the Caps with 3 minutes left in the 2nd. Even with those numbers, the PPs are now 7-1 in favor of Edmonton. Both of their goals are on the PP giving them a 2-1 lead. I would love to see a day where the officiating is on the up-and-up.

As I was typing that, another penalty against the Caps and they face their 2nd 5-on-3 of the night.

EDIT: Caps get a 4-on-3 breakaway while still down a man as 2 Oilers tackle Vokoun in the net and nothing is called. I hope these refs get nailed by the Zamboni.

And yet they've still missed two diving calls on Washington while catching one ;)

Trust me, don't complain to Oilers fans about officiating, it's not often that a team with a guy like Ovechkin has more kills than PP against the Oilers.

Not saying it's been a perfectly called game but if you really think those kinds of calls haven't gone in Washington's favor in other games (and I somehow doubt you complained about it at that point) then there's not much else to be said.

You also can't really complain about many of the calls against Washington, I mean it's pretty stupid to slash a guys stick so hard it breaks in his hands. Kind of obvious? How about grabbing the puck out of the air and throwing it out of the zone? Hard to miss?

[Galaxy]

Just finished watching this on the PVR (though I missed the first period anyways). What a crazy game! Not your typical road victory, but I'll take it :D

Philly scored in the final minute of regulation to break the tie, correct?

[MikeVic]

Flyers beat the Jets 9-8 tonight.

Other way around.

[Travis]

Washington has been called for a dive (legit), slashing (broke the Oilers stick), gloving the puck (threw it from his crease out of the zone) and delay of game (knocked a puck out of the air over the glass in his own end).

That's just off the top of my head, how would you argue any of those?

Have they missed calls, yes, do they miss calls every game, yes.

Does Washington tend to get more of those than not, probably.

Compared to the Oilers, would almost guarantee it.

And I somehow doubt you complain much about the officiating in the games where it goes in favor of Washington.

Besides, Oilers haven't had a PP in the 3rd and Washington is on what, their 3rd or 4th of the period?

[Galaxy]

Other way around.

I can't keep up with the goals. :)

[johnnyshaka]

Khabibulin deserved the win, but the team in front of him didn't do anything to earn it.

Yup, Khabby stole us one...not something we're used to seeing up here.

[bbor]

umm my fofc yahoo fantasy team has BOTH goalies from defensive 9-8 battle between the Jets and the Flyers.

OUCHHHHHH!

[Honolulu_Blue]

umm my fofc yahoo fantasy team has BOTH goalies from defensive 9-8 battle between the Jets and the Flyers.

OUCHHHHHH!

Petr Klima would be proud. He loves the offensive, high-octaine style of hockey you're promoting.

http://blogimages.thescore.com/nhl/files/2010/09/85716171.jpg

[bbor]

Jeezus would you look at that pumpkin on his head.

[Galaxy]

Jeezus would you look at that pumpkin on his head.

Are the Leafs for real this year? As a Sabres' fan, I'm excited to see them emerge back into the thick of things.

[bbor]

Quiet optimism...they started like a ball of fire out of the gate last season.....only to fall flat. I am quite pleased that the Monster has been able to fill in for Riemer reasonably well,but if Riemer is concussed and is out for awhile the slide could start again soon.

Kessel and Lupol have been insanely hot as well as Dion back to playing like he did a few years ago. Mccaurther,Grabovski and Kulemin have to find their scoring touch from last season so the Leafs have at least 2 lines that can score.

All said they should be battling for the 7 or 8 th spot.

[Wolfpack]

So, it looks like the motif for Carolina this year will be "playing to the level of the competition". Beat Boston, Buffalo, and Boston again, lost to St. Louis, Winnipeg, and Ottawa, now beat Chicago (a shutout, no less).

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins @ Leafs tonight. Very confused, the seats behind both benches, there is nearly nobody there. Maybe 10% of those seats full. Rest of the building looks full.

[bbor]

Penguins @ Leafs tonight. Very confused, the seats behind both benches, there is nearly nobody there. Maybe 10% of those seats full. Rest of the building looks full.


All the sushi eaters.

[RomaGoth]

The Wings have now lost 4 straight games after beginning the season 5-0. While I am moderately concerned, it is still very early in the season.

The most entertaining part of this is the comments from all of the Wings bandwagon jumpers on Mlive.com about how the Wings are beginning an epic decline, we need to trade half the team Babcock must go, etc...

I am embarrassed to be a Wings fan when I read shit like that. Pathetic.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING Wings fans...

Nik Kronwall extended, 7 years @ $4.75M per

[RomaGoth]

PING Wings fans...

Nik Kronwall extended, 7 years @ $4.75M per

Love Kronner and glad to see him staying in Detroit, but 7 years seems a bit much. Of course, if he can stay healthy and play at a high level it may be worth it (look at Lidstrom).

[/URL][URL="http://detnews.com/article/20111031/SPORTS0103/110310386/1128/rss16"]Niklas Kronwall, Wings agree to seven-year extension (http://operationsports.com/fofc/Niklas%20Kronwall,%20Wings%20agree%20to%20seven-year%20extension)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Love Kronner and glad to see him staying in Detroit, but 7 years seems a bit much. Of course, if he can stay healthy and play at a high level it may be worth it (look at Lidstrom).

Niklas Kronwall, Wings agree to seven-year extension (http://detnews.com/article/20111031/SPORTS0103/110310386/1128/rss16)

Psh. He's only 30 years old. That's like 18 in Red Wings years.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yeah, I don't think 7 years for him is that bad.

I don't know that Kronner is a true #1 guy, but really, there aren't very many of them in the league, maybe 12 or so. He's easily a top 3, and probably top pairing, on any team in the league.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yeah, I don't think 7 years for him is that bad.

I don't know that Kronner is a true #1 guy, but really, there aren't very many of them in the league, maybe 12 or so. He's easily a top 3, and probably top pairing, on any team in the league.

$4.75 million is a good salary for a very good top 3-4 guy, which is what he is. If you look at minutes played during last year's playoffs, he was the #1 D-man for the Wings and did well.

That said, once Lidstrom retires the Wings will be looking for another top guy to fill that role as opposed to letting it fall to Kronwall.

In a perfect world that guy would be Shae Webber!

[RomaGoth]

$4.75 million is a good salary for a very good top 3-4 guy, which is what he is. If you look at minutes played during last year's playoffs, he was the #1 D-man for the Wings and did well.

That said, once Lidstrom retires the Wings will be looking for another top guy to fill that role as opposed to letting it fall to Kronwall.

In a perfect world that guy would be Shae Webber!

Don't you mean Shea Weber? :D

[Suburban Rhythm]

$4.75 million is a good salary for a very good top 3-4 guy, which is what he is. If you look at minutes played during last year's playoffs, he was the #1 D-man for the Wings and did well.

That said, once Lidstrom retires the Wings will be looking for another top guy to fill that role as opposed to letting it fall to Kronwall.

In a perfect world that guy would be Shae Webber!

+1 on the bolded.

Look at these guys, who have gone thru UFA in the last 2 offseasons:

Paul Martin ($5M)
Tomas Kaberle ($4.25M)
Zbynek Michalek ($4M)
James Wisniewski ($5.5M)
Ed Jovanovski ($4.25M)
Andrei Markov ($5.75M)
Anton Volchenkov ($4.25M)
Sergei Gonchar ($5.5M)
Eric Brewer ($3.85M)
Dan Hamhuis ($4.5M)
Kevin Bieksa ($4.6M)

There's not too many guys on that list I'd take ahead of Kronwall...if any.
I like what Martin and Michalek do here in Pittsburgh. Kronwall is a bit better offensively than either, and defensively, it's close though all 3 play a different style.

[Galaxy]

Tyler Myers got a 7-year, $35 million extension right before the start of the regular season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Guys still in RFA get different deals though, because they aren't in danger of leaving immediately.

Myers $5M a year, Letang $3.5M last year, Staal $3.975M. The players got the security of bigger deals than they were earning, but the teams locked up players through some higher-priced UFA years.

If Myers had been a year from UFA, I'd imagine he's getting something like $6.5M per, like what Ryan Suter is going to command heading into that very scenario.

[RomaGoth]

I love John Tortorella, the NY Rangers coach. He called out Joe Thornton after Big Joe called the Rangers "soft". (http://espn.go.com/new-york/nhl/story/_/id/7178520/new-york-rangers-john-tortorella-tells-san-jose-sharks-joe-thornton-just-shut-up) I find it humorous that he said that they should have taken those 2 points, considering the Sharks lost that game 5-2. :lol:

[Dr. Sak]

I wish Tortorella would just shut his yap.

[Dr. Sak]

+1 on the bolded.

Look at these guys, who have gone thru UFA in the last 2 offseasons:

Paul Martin ($5M)
Tomas Kaberle ($4.25M)
Zbynek Michalek ($4M)
James Wisniewski ($5.5M)
Ed Jovanovski ($4.25M)
Andrei Markov ($5.75M)
Anton Volchenkov ($4.25M)
Sergei Gonchar ($5.5M)
Eric Brewer ($3.85M)
Dan Hamhuis ($4.5M)
Kevin Bieksa ($4.6M)

There's not too many guys on that list I'd take ahead of Kronwall...if any.
I like what Martin and Michalek do here in Pittsburgh. Kronwall is a bit better offensively than either, and defensively, it's close though all 3 play a different style.

What about Jeff Finger?

[bbor]

What about Jeff Finger?

Not an NHL defenseman

[bronconick]

Last three players with GWG's vs. Detroit this season: Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Devin Setoguchi.

That's *got* to be getting old.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Jonas Hillier's 'Movember' mask

http://media.washtimes.com/media/image/2011/10/31/hillermask_s640x480.jpg?b98e9b9b0f373319d257b8531b01413649704d51

[Pumpy Tudors]

hey look a suburban rhythm post in this thread that doesn't have a dollar sign in it

:)

[RomaGoth]

No way the Wings lose 5 in a row if we just would have signed Colin White.









:D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Our boy HiFi must have been doing cartwheels last night. First, Ovechkin calls Bruce Boudreau a "fat fuck" for not putting him on the ice with the extra attacker with about 1:20 to go in the game and then the Caps tie it up anyway.

Keith Jones would not stop talking about how much of a genius Boudreau was for putting the "right" guys on the ice for that goal. It was getting a little out of hand. Get a room, fellas...

[rowech]

Taking a chance by posting this here. I'm a tabletop sports game player and am looking to buy this game for hockey:

Inside Sports Games (http://www.insidesportsgames.org/inside_crease.htm)

I'm not a hockey guy really but I'm deciding between buying 93-94 and 08-09. Any thoughts as to which of those seasons might be a good one to get me hooked on hockey so that I will continue to develop an interest? 93-94 is a season from when I kinda knew who the players were because of Sega Genesis and NHL hockey. On the flip side, I'm thinking to get hooked, I should probably get the more modern set to try and learn the current players.

Any thoughts at all?

[Logan]

Considering 93-94 is the greatest season ever, I think you should go with that.

[bbor]

Brodeur finished?

[RomaGoth]

Considering 93-94 is the greatest season ever, I think you should go with that.

Pavel Bure disagrees with you. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Taking a chance by posting this here. I'm a tabletop sports game player and am looking to buy this game for hockey:

Inside Sports Games (http://www.insidesportsgames.org/inside_crease.htm)

I'm not a hockey guy really but I'm deciding between buying 93-94 and 08-09. Any thoughts as to which of those seasons might be a good one to get me hooked on hockey so that I will continue to develop an interest? 93-94 is a season from when I kinda knew who the players were because of Sega Genesis and NHL hockey. On the flip side, I'm thinking to get hooked, I should probably get the more modern set to try and learn the current players.

Any thoughts at all?

I would recommend going for the 08-09 season. If you're looking to get hooked on hockey, I think it's better to play a more recent season. That way you get to learn more about the current players and teams, which can be a decent spring board to gaining interest in the sport.

Back in the day when I used to play a lot of Strat-o-Matic hockey, I ended up liking a bunch of players simply based on that game and learned a ton about a wide variety of players that I was never familiar with. If this game is as good as Strat-O, you should get a good feel of how each player plays the game, which should increase your interest in the sport.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pekka Rinne 7 year/$49M extension with the Preds

And fans in Detroit support this deal come July 1st.

[rowech]

I would recommend going for the 08-09 season. If you're looking to get hooked on hockey, I think it's better to play a more recent season. That way you get to learn more about the current players and teams, which can be a decent spring board to gaining interest in the sport.

Back in the day when I used to play a lot of Strat-o-Matic hockey, I ended up liking a bunch of players simply based on that game and learned a ton about a wide variety of players that I was never familiar with. If this game is as good as Strat-O, you should get a good feel of how each player plays the game, which should increase your interest in the sport.

By all accounts the game has a much better flow and much better detail that Strat which I play but have some issues with. I've kinda been leaning the way of getting more modern players for the exact reasons you outline.

[Honolulu_Blue]

By all accounts the game has a much better flow and much better detail that Strat which I play but have some issues with. I've kinda been leaning the way of getting more modern players for the exact reasons you outline.

I would look into this game, if I had a group around to play it. I've played a ton of Strat-O hockey in my day. A ton. I love it. We tweaked some things here and there and I have since gone on line and found a TON of tweaks and rules changes.

It would be interesting to see how this game compares.

[rowech]

I would look into this game, if I had a group around to play it. I've played a ton of Strat-O hockey in my day. A ton. I love it. We tweaked some things here and there and I have since gone on line and found a TON of tweaks and rules changes.

It would be interesting to see how this game compares.

My understanding is this game is a much better solitaire game than Strat hockey. As much as I love Strat, their games (other than baseball), just don't flow very well when playing solo. Strat hockey always bogged down for me because you're jumping between decks, then to the dice, etc. This game uses just one deck, no dice, and it all flows from the action deck. In addition, no real decisions in terms of shooters, etc. More like you're letting things flow naturally.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My understanding is this game is a much better solitaire game than Strat hockey. As much as I love Strat, their games (other than baseball), just don't flow very well when playing solo. Strat hockey always bogged down for me because you're jumping between decks, then to the dice, etc. This game uses just one deck, no dice, and it all flows from the action deck. In addition, no real decisions in terms of shooters, etc. More like you're letting things flow naturally.

Gotcha. Thanks for the info.

I only ever played Strat-O a few times alone. Mainly just to test out some different lines.

I think some of my friends would enjoy the "no real decisions in terms of shooters". I was famous for having one go to goal scorer on my teams. A ton of my offense would typically be funneled through one guy who, for whatever reason, scored for me. Tony Granato. Danton Cole. Stephane Richer. Were some of my best. Sadly, my system has a draw back because if you shut that guy down...

[Pumpy Tudors]

Brodeur finished?
I TOTALLY DON'T SEE WHY YOU EVEN BOTHERED WITH A QUESTION MARK HERE
HE IS DONE
HELP

[Honolulu_Blue]

I TOTALLY DON'T SEE WHY YOU EVEN BOTHERED WITH A QUESTION MARK HERE
HE IS DONE
HELP

I need to forward this to Zach. He needs to know that it's over in Jersey. Leave that mess to Kovie. Come to Detroit, Zach. We built this city on Red Wings goals.

Hey hey Hockeytown!

[Pumpy Tudors]

I need to forward this to Zach. He needs to know that it's over in Jersey. Leave that mess to Kovie. Come to Detroit, Zach. We built this city on Red Wings goals.

Hey hey Hockeytown!
LEAVE MY MAN ZACH PARISE ALONE!!!!!!!

[Grover]

Was happy to see Kaleta get suspended four games for that disgusting headbutt on Voracek last night. Shanahan's explanation on the hit was fantastic, highlighting it's the third time Kaleta has done something like this.

I only wish the Flyers got Marty tonight instead of Hedburg.

[Honolulu_Blue]

LEAVE MY MAN ZACH PARISE ALONE!!!!!!!

You opened Pantera's Box with that Hot or Not poll. I'm hooked!

Don't worry, when Zach Parise comes to the Wings I promise I will buy you a Zach Parise Red Wings t-shirt.

Whoop, there it is.

[bbor]

Lupol Parise Kessel

I like that combo

[RomaGoth]

Haven't seen the Wings in such a goal-scoring funk in many moons.......