Ca-REY, Ca-REY, Ca-REY!
I vote Camallieri for captain.
Maurice has had a whole offseason to destroy the work ethic and team pride that Peter the Great instilled.
Hurricanes are DOOMED!
The Wings won their opening pre-season game. I believe they're lookin' good.
Quote from: Zoupa on September 19, 2009, 10:57:41 AM
Ca-REY, Ca-REY, Ca-REY!
I vote Camallieri for captain.
Gorges! Gorges!
Kessel trade was steep, but if a 3rd year player who has scored 36 goals grows to hit 50, then two firsts and a second was worth it. contract is good too.
now, the Leafs need a centre ;)
heh. I'm just happy the Leafs will not be tanking.
Quote from: saskganesh on September 20, 2009, 06:49:47 AM
Kessel trade was steep, but if a 3rd year player who has scored 36 goals grows to hit 50, then two firsts and a second was worth it. contract is good too.
now, the Leafs need a centre ;)
heh. I'm just happy the Leafs will not be tanking.
Why would the Leafs not be tanking? That's what they do.
Quote from: Zoupa on September 19, 2009, 10:57:41 AM
Ca-REY, Ca-REY, Ca-REY!
I vote Camallieri for captain.
They'd be better served starting Halak.
Talked with Carlos Gomez at fair, he was saying how Scott likes Montreal, was really impressed how crazy a hockey town it is.
And it's only September ;)
Quote from: Neil on September 20, 2009, 06:51:25 AM
Quote from: saskganesh on September 20, 2009, 06:49:47 AM
Kessel trade was steep, but if a 3rd year player who has scored 36 goals grows to hit 50, then two firsts and a second was worth it. contract is good too.
now, the Leafs need a centre ;)
heh. I'm just happy the Leafs will not be tanking.
Why would the Leafs not be tanking? That's what they do.
If they were really tanking, they would ice their AHL team for two years in order to increase the value of the first round picks ... that they no longer have. What they are trying to do is retool aka Philly model and try for a playoff spot now... and along the way, develop a winning culture.
GM Burke is a better trader than drafter/developer.
Quote from: saskganesh on September 21, 2009, 07:33:28 AM
Quote from: Neil on September 20, 2009, 06:51:25 AM
Quote from: saskganesh on September 20, 2009, 06:49:47 AM
Kessel trade was steep, but if a 3rd year player who has scored 36 goals grows to hit 50, then two firsts and a second was worth it. contract is good too.
now, the Leafs need a centre ;)
heh. I'm just happy the Leafs will not be tanking.
Why would the Leafs not be tanking? That's what they do.
If they were really tanking, they would ice their AHL team for two years in order to increase the value of the first round picks ... that they no longer have. What they are trying to do is retool aka Philly model and try for a playoff spot now... and along the way, develop a winning culture.
GM Burke is a better trader than drafter/developer.
The theory i heard from people who understand this more then me is that he bought a few "draft picks" but getting guys like Hanson and so was free to trade away those picks since Toronto (presumably) won't finish low and those picks will be mostly useless anyway. No idea if that's true, and i hope Kessel works out. At least now Toronto is trading their future for younger players, and not older merc's :lol:
Crash & Burn Leafs Crash & Burn.
I hope Lucic kills your Komisarek.
Traitor that he is! Benedict Arnold had nothing on him.
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 21, 2009, 11:31:31 AM
Crash & Burn Leafs Crash & Burn.
:P
They've been playing well, but it's preseason, so it means nothing. At least it's more then just Schen sticking up for his team this year.
Also, Zoupa they broke Carey. Shame.
Quote from: Neil on September 20, 2009, 06:51:25 AM
Quote from: saskganesh on September 20, 2009, 06:49:47 AM
Kessel trade was steep, but if a 3rd year player who has scored 36 goals grows to hit 50, then two firsts and a second was worth it. contract is good too.
now, the Leafs need a centre ;)
heh. I'm just happy the Leafs will not be tanking.
Why would the Leafs not be tanking? That's what they do.
to be fair every 10 years or so they tank in the playoffs for a few years, and give more faint hope to their fans.
I think that's the most you can ask short of actually winning the cup.
QuoteAt least now Toronto is trading their future for younger players, and not older merc's :lol:
I've thought about this, and since the draft is always a crap shoot*, once you get out of the top 3-5, why not trade a lottery ticket or two for a proven young player rather than hoping for a hypothetical young player?
* Only something like 30% of players drafted in the first two rounds ever become significant NHL regulars. Player development is important here, something the Leafs have never really been good at, going back to the Ballardian 70's.
Quote from: HVC on September 21, 2009, 11:39:12 AM
Also, Zoupa they broke Carey. Shame.
This year will be very important for him. If he sucks playing on a Jacques Martin team, then he really is done for.
btw, Fleury: starts the season or not? I vote yes.
Canucks are really strong in pre-season. is this good bad or neither? I have no idea. Fleury looks like a decent fit with the current flames, Bouwmeister looks good too. the rest seem to be coasting at least in the first period. Wellwood is actually in shape. That never happened when he was a Leaf,
Canucks buckling a bit more of a normal game now between these two
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on September 21, 2009, 09:51:00 PM
Canucks are really strong in pre-season. is this good bad or neither?
Depends on which team is playing what scrubs & how many...
Quote from: C.C.R. on September 22, 2009, 07:46:50 AM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on September 21, 2009, 09:51:00 PM
Canucks are really strong in pre-season. is this good bad or neither?
Depends on which team is playing what scrubs & how many...
it was my first time to see some of the better prospects who likely won't make the team but will be called up when half the Canucks are out due to injury during the season.
Hodgson looked good but needs seasoning.... he should be with the Moose, but has to go back to Juniors :lame: That will hurt his development.
Fleury is out with the Flames. His head, heart, and maybe even his hands were there... but his legs just weren't, he has lost a step. Maybe that is just conditioning, maybe not. I wouldn't be surprised if another team picks him up though. Flames just have better options for their top six at this point.
Canucks are starting the actual season like they usually do: softly. Calgary looks monster so far this first game. Really strong defense Giordano= way better than goof Phaneuf. Luongo looked weak in the 1st. But the team as a whole were slow... starting 2nd strong. Last year it would've been the Flames with all the dumb 1st period penalties.
its 4-3 now tho. tight.
I never thought I'd say this, but Wilson got schooled by Martin tonight in the mtl-tor game.
Komisarek looked terribel tonight. Toskala looked terrible tonight. Beauchemin was on for all four habs goals.
Enjoy another year of suck, Toronto. :lol:
Quote from: saskganesh on October 01, 2009, 11:27:50 PM
its 4-3 now tho. tight.
ya they played much better as the game went on, became a better game, more like what Flames/Canucks games usually are: Entertaining.
I only saw part of the Leafs Habs game but though both teams looked better than last year. Price was his self from two years ago and kept them in it. It wasn't a pretty win, but Price was better than Toskala... Who wasn't nearly as bad as Zoupa might lead you to believe.
oh and Markov injured ? Shocker! not. the guy is made of glass.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 12:41:00 AM
oh and Markov injured ? Shocker! not. the guy is made of glass.
Since the lock out he's played 67, 77, 82 and 78 games...
A good day for hockey. Both the Leafs and Canucks have proven themselves to be weak and worthless.
A continuation of last years story for the leafs. good offense, crappy defence. I'm pleased Price looks good though. i like the kid for some reason. Shame he injured Markov with a scissor hold though lol.
Todd Bertuzzi is back in Detroit with the Wings. I just don't like that guy.
The Blackhawks take to the ice against the Panthers in Helsinki in about 2 1/2 hours or so. Am looking forward to it...
Watching that game now. Was surprised to catch some live hockey; mostly games are on during late night here (makes NFL + MLB easier to follow as more live games can be easily caught here).
Quote from: Zoupa on October 02, 2009, 01:30:54 AM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 12:41:00 AM
oh and Markov injured ? Shocker! not. the guy is made of glass.
Since the lock out he's played 67, 77, 82 and 78 games...
Has he actually had much impact other than the odd flash here and there? Nope.
Quote from: Neil on October 02, 2009, 06:33:21 AM
A good day for hockey. Both the Leafs and Canucks have proven themselves to be weak and worthless.
yeah because one game is all you need to measure a team that has 79 more to go. :rolleyes:
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:58:19 AM
yeah because one game is all you need to measure a team that has 79 more to go. :rolleyes:
Indeed and that is why I am declaring the glorious Washington Capitals Stanley Cup champions. We might as well cancel the rest of the season. :yeah:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.espncdn.com%2Fmedia%2Fapphoto%2Ff00f0a84-03fd-4926-af43-97c8c8b12a7c.jpg&hash=cac2d277ffd05aed8f1ea64fce6b62a8ed0c94e9)
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:58:19 AM
Quote from: Neil on October 02, 2009, 06:33:21 AM
A good day for hockey. Both the Leafs and Canucks have proven themselves to be weak and worthless.
yeah because one game is all you need to measure a team that has 79 more to go. :rolleyes:
Both teams have years of cowardice and failure to show for their paltry efforts.
Also: Luongo looked distinctly average. Looks like Vancouver might be finished for good this time.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
Quote from: Zoupa on October 02, 2009, 01:30:54 AM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 12:41:00 AM
oh and Markov injured ? Shocker! not. the guy is made of glass.
Since the lock out he's played 67, 77, 82 and 78 games...
Has he actually had much impact other than the odd flash here and there? Nope.
:huh: He's generally considered to be in the top 10 of defenceman league-wise dude. Look at his stats, plus minus, and team record when he's not playing.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:58:19 AM
Quote from: Neil on October 02, 2009, 06:33:21 AM
A good day for hockey. Both the Leafs and Canucks have proven themselves to be weak and worthless.
yeah because one game is all you need to measure a team that has 79 more to go. :rolleyes:
81
And the Hawks lose their opener to the Panthers in a shootout...
<_<
Florida brought a solid "Meat & Potatoes" game to the table while the Blackhawks were running hot & cold with a more cutesy approach. The Blackhawks showed promise with some solid Net Presence, but they had a hard time slowing down the Panthers' transition game.
We'll see how things go in tomorrow morning's rematch -- right, Bevin?
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
Has he actually had much impact other than the odd flash here and there? Nope.
Yes. Four straight seasons with 45 + points including 64 points last year. He led all defencemen in assists last year.
Brian Campbell scored to put the Blackhawks up 1-0 over the Panthers at the first intermission. Campbell's goal is exactly one (1) more goal than what he scored in all of last year's regular season...
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 03, 2009, 11:44:54 AM
Brian Campbell scored to put the Blackhawks up 1-0 over the Panthers at the first intermission. Campbell's goal is exactly one (1) more goal than what he scored in all of last year's regular season...
Wow, talk about Out Of My Ass -- a review of the facts show that Campbell had 7 goals last year. I am: TEH EMBAREAZZED...
:Embarrass:
Antti Niemi backstopped the Blackhawks to a 4-0 whitewash of the Florida Panthers in front of a (relatively) hometown crowd in Helsinki...
:cool:
In other news, Detroit is up on St. Louis 2-0 earlyin the first in Stockholm...
<_<
Maurice Hockey is baaaaaaaack!
And the scoreless streak begins at 1!
And the winless streak begins at 1!
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 02, 2009, 02:02:57 PM
We'll see how things go in tomorrow morning's rematch -- right, Bevin?
What a horrible thing to do to a child. Someone ought to call CFS on you.
Quote from: Barrister on October 03, 2009, 03:25:12 PM
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 02, 2009, 02:02:57 PM
We'll see how things go in tomorrow morning's rematch -- right, Bevin?
What a horrible thing to do to a child. Someone ought to call CFS on you.
Would you prefer that I put something with a Winnipeg Jets logo on her & file a Missing Persons report?
:P
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 03, 2009, 06:52:29 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 03, 2009, 03:25:12 PM
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 02, 2009, 02:02:57 PM
We'll see how things go in tomorrow morning's rematch -- right, Bevin?
What a horrible thing to do to a child. Someone ought to call CFS on you.
Would you prefer that I put something with a Winnipeg Jets logo on her & file a Missing Persons report?
:P
Yes.
Quote from: Barrister on October 03, 2009, 07:01:58 PM
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 03, 2009, 06:52:29 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 03, 2009, 03:25:12 PM
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 02, 2009, 02:02:57 PM
We'll see how things go in tomorrow morning's rematch -- right, Bevin?
What a horrible thing to do to a child. Someone ought to call CFS on you.
Would you prefer that I put something with a Winnipeg Jets logo on her & file a Missing Persons report?
:P
Yes.
:lol:
Bluejackets: :)
Quote from: PRC on October 02, 2009, 02:03:29 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 02, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
Has he actually had much impact other than the odd flash here and there? Nope.
Yes. Four straight seasons with 45 + points including 64 points last year. He led all defencemen in assists last year.
sheesh you guys and your "facts" :rolleyes: can't trash talk anyone on here unless you are Neil, it seems. :P
I don't know anything about Markov - Eastern Conference gets no coverage out here, other than we are forced to watch Leafs/Habs games before the Canucks or Oilers start their game. Those Eastern games are just atmosphere builders. We don't actually pay any attention. :p
Holy shit! Normally I would attempt ritual suicide halfway through the first period in a game like this, but having a binge-eating baby on my hands with wifey at work (thankfully) kept me a Captive Audience for a monster comeback...
QuoteBlackhawks rally from 5-0 down to stun Flames 6-5 in OT
CHICAGO (AP) — Brent Seabrook scored 26 seconds into overtime and the Chicago Blackhawks completed the biggest comeback in team history, rallying from a five-goal deficit to beat the Calgary Flames 6-5 on Monday night.
Chicago fell behind 5-0 in the first period before overtaking the Flames, the team they knocked out of the playoffs in the first round last April.
By rallying from five goals down, the Blackhawks tied the NHL record for biggest deficit overcome, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The previous club record had been a four-goal rally.
Seabrook picked up the puck and shot it past Miikka Kuprusoff in the overtime and was mobbed by his teammates as a crowd at the United Center rocked.
wow. crazy. awesome Hawks!
Good thing I was on a football binge today, and at least managed to watch the Bombers blow out the Ti-Cats, or else I'd be upset at the Flames blowing a huge lead like that. <_<
Where's Jeremy Roenick playing now? That's who I'm rooting for.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on October 13, 2009, 06:40:33 AM
Where's Jeremy Roenick playing now? That's who I'm rooting for.
AARP.
:LOL:
Damn Leafs.
Quote from: HVC on October 13, 2009, 02:25:18 PM
Damn Leafs.
No goalies, no attack makes it hard to win.
... the hoi polloi are panicking in Toronto. it's a bad team, but not this bad.
anyhow, I am enjoying the freak show.
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 13, 2009, 02:30:17 PM
Quote from: HVC on October 13, 2009, 02:25:18 PM
Damn Leafs.
No goalies, no attack makes it hard to win.
Even the best goalie would be hard pressed to make up for the dumb mistakes. I didn't expect a stellar season, but so far they've been pathetic. It's still early, and they'll get better, but it's annoying to watch.
Quote from: saskganesh on October 13, 2009, 02:54:22 PM
... the hoi polloi are panicking in Toronto. it's a bad team, but not this bad.
anyhow, I am enjoying the freak show.
They knew what they were getting into when they decided to cheer for the Leafs.
Well the leafs win in october? :P
Yes, Saturday.
I am extremely pleased with the Bluejackets start of 5-1.
Battle of Neil's two fave teams. (Trawna v. Vancouver) won barely by the Canucks. Bad penalties and undisciplined play is the Leafs big downfall. They've played much better with crappier teams in the past. They'll win eventually. The young goalie was solid. none of the Canuck goals were soft. Luongo was un-Octoberish.
Canucks shot ... what 5 times? and hit three posts on the empty net?
now that's quality goaltending. at the other end, Lou did stop 30 something shots. not great but no gaffes. we'll take the two points.
in Montreal, Cammaleri's GW goal was a beaut. People got pretty excited.
Hurricanes still suck!
Paul Maurice, greatest coach ever!
It would be really cool if Toronto don't win a game all season :D
Quote from: Josephus on October 25, 2009, 10:16:47 AM
It would be really cool if Toronto don't win a game all season :D
That would be incredibly cool. The Leafs would be the worst team in the history of professional sports. I like the sound of that.
Quote from: Neil on October 25, 2009, 10:48:01 AM
Quote from: Josephus on October 25, 2009, 10:16:47 AM
It would be really cool if Toronto don't win a game all season :D
That would be incredibly cool. The Leafs would be the worst team in the history of professional sports. I like the sound of that.
I don't want that, I don't want the Bruins to have First choice in the next 2 entry drafts.
The 80-81 Jets went winless in 30 games. They wound up the season with 9 wins and 14 ties.
the 74-75 Capitals won 8, and tied 5.
the crap bar is already pretty low and it would take special skill and effort to "better" that kind of fate.
Quote from: saskganesh on October 26, 2009, 11:19:12 AM
The 80-81 Jets went winless in 30 games. They wound up the season with 9 wins and 14 ties.
the 74-75 Capitals won 8, and tied 5.
the crap bar is already pretty low and it would take special skill and effort to "better" that kind of fate.
if you can't be the best, or even mediocre, then you might as well aim for worst of the worst. go down in history :p
no. it's very painful and is considered a human rights violation in civilised society.
1 down. Lets see what happens tomorrow in the news. My bet is that all of the sudden the leafs are back into the playoff race with 1 win :lol:
Vancouver won big last night. I don't think Colorado is all that really. early success in a season can often be just that. That said I think it's going to be a nail biter kind of year for Canucks fans. they are either Hot or Cold it seems.
I don't want to talk about it.
Atleast, the traitor is injured.
Bluejackets loaned whiny Nikita Filatov to a Moscow team for the year. I don't know why the Bluejackets even bother with the Russians anymore. Fuckers are crybabies.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on November 15, 2009, 02:33:04 PM
Vancouver won big last night. I don't think Colorado is all that really. early success in a season can often be just that. That said I think it's going to be a nail biter kind of year for Canucks fans. they are either Hot or Cold it seems.
Canuck fans are like Leaf fans are like Habs fans.
they tend to overanalyse and make total seasonal projections based on the very last game played. they panic quickly and recover even quicker.
What's up with this Toronto-Carolina game. 2 last second goals, one by each team, to tie it up. The leafs can't even seem to beat Carolina for gods sake.
That, and the refs suck.
Quote from: HVC on November 19, 2009, 09:48:50 PM
That, and the Leafs suck.
fyp.
The best part of it is that you really can't defend them.
Quote from: Neil on November 19, 2009, 09:59:17 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 19, 2009, 09:48:50 PM
That, and the Leafs suck.
fyp.
The best part of it is that you really can't defend them.
I'm not trying too. they do suck. what i love (hate?) about leafs fans is that they always blame the goalie. doesn't matter how good the goalie is if your defense isn't there.
Quote from: HVC on November 19, 2009, 10:01:16 PM
I'm not trying too.
The Leafs aren't trying, and you aren't too?
Quote from: Neil on November 19, 2009, 10:04:18 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 19, 2009, 10:01:16 PM
I'm not trying too.
The Leafs aren't trying, and you aren't too?
:P too, to, it's the sound that counts :lol:
What can i say, i'm a true fan. i bitch, but i still love.
MOTHERFUCKING BLUEJACKETS. :mad: I finally get tickets this year since the team is expected to do well, and they play like the chump team from Mutant league hockey. Ed...ANGRY.
Also, Bruins made a deal with Satan.
bandwagon getting full in Vancouver these days. people due to fall off soon though, I'm sure. Games have been entertaining mostly though this last while. That's really all I need from Hockey.
I like the season so far, up until fairly recently there wasn't a single team completely out of the playoff picture but now you would probably have to count out the Oilers, Canes and Leafs unless they get something miraculous going. I'm especially impressed with the way the Sabres are going this year, I like them more and more. Unfortunately the god amongst mortals King Hank stands completely alone on Broadway this year...
The mood around Edmonton is moderately hillarious.
I bet. Tough year for the Oilers. There's always old glory and mullets to remember fondly.
They should persuade Messier to come out of retirement.
Hurricanes are no longer the worst in the NHL!
Thank you Oilers! :showoff:
Hawks just beat the Sharks 4-3 in OT in a fucking barn-burner of a game. Sweet.
^_^
But for the underachieving tradition of San Jose I'd say that is the Conference Final.
You think Blackhawks can go all the way this year?
Quote from: Delirium on January 29, 2010, 05:18:44 AM
But for the underachieving tradition of San Jose I'd say that is the Conference Final.
You think Blackhawks can go all the way this year?
I think that they have the guns, but it obviously remains to be seen if they get the bounces...
;)
Saturday night will host a tard fight between the Oilers (11 game losing streak) and the Flames (9 game losing streak). I hope the Oilers win because listening to the Apoctalyptic talk in Calgary is just to much fun.
Apparently the Flames have made a big trade with the Leafs: http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308469
The Calgary Flames have traded defenceman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenceman Keith Aulie to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers and defenceman Ian White.
Gonna miss Ian White, you can have the rest
Truculence!!!
Wow. Usually the team getting the best player wins, so you have to think the Leafs won the trade.
I wonder if this is salary-cap driven. Flames lose a 6.5 mil salary in exchange for 2 players that are UFAs at the end of the year?
Jesus, just last season I could have sworn I heard people say the Flames were building their future around Phaneuf. What happened?
Quote from: Delirium on January 31, 2010, 03:20:10 PM
Jesus, just last season I could have sworn I heard people say the Flames were building their future around Phaneuf. What happened?
The cap.
Quote from: Delirium on January 31, 2010, 03:20:10 PM
Jesus, just last season I could have sworn I heard people say the Flames were building their future around Phaneuf. What happened?
They picked up Bouwmeester and Mark Giordano has been having an excellent season, that coupled with Phaneuf not playing up to expectations and his salary made him expendable. He also has a bad reputation for being a cocky prick.
Interesting. I just watched the Canucks - Leafs game and apart from Kessel it looked like Hagman was Toronto's best player. In past Leaf games I remember I liked Stajan as well. I don't know, I think Calgary got the better total deal here although I suspect Toronto was after a big name more than anything else.
Quote from: Delirium on January 31, 2010, 03:20:10 PM
Jesus, just last season I could have sworn I heard people say the Flames were building their future around Phaneuf. What happened?
Phaneuf is an over-rated idiot. TO is a perfect fit. He's just the kind of player the owners want, because they are also idiots bent on keeping Toronto as far away from Lord Stanley's cup as possible, for as long as possible.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on February 01, 2010, 01:37:42 PM
Phaneuf is an over-rated idiot.
I don't know if he's an idiot or not, but he has been somewhat overrated. He's a serviceable defenceman, but the real idiot is the one who paid him $6.5 million. He wasn't even the best defenceman on the Flames.
Quote from: C.C.R. on January 29, 2010, 01:15:01 AM
Hawks just beat the Sharks 4-3 in OT in a fucking barn-burner of a game. Sweet.
^_^
You must be loving this season. Congrats to the Blackhawks, they are now my 2nd favorite team.
Gah, I hate it when ESPN America has reruns of games where teams have already played again after that. Wings at Pittsburg this morning, tsk tsk.
Quote from: Neil on February 01, 2010, 02:02:00 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on February 01, 2010, 01:37:42 PM
Phaneuf is an over-rated idiot.
I don't know if he's an idiot or not, but he has been somewhat overrated. He's a serviceable defenceman, but the real idiot is the one who paid him $6.5 million. He wasn't even the best defenceman on the Flames.
:yes: Now Jokinen is gone. man that's an entirely different look team in Calgary now. But will they gel?
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on February 02, 2010, 01:28:43 PM
Quote from: Neil on February 01, 2010, 02:02:00 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on February 01, 2010, 01:37:42 PM
Phaneuf is an over-rated idiot.
I don't know if he's an idiot or not, but he has been somewhat overrated. He's a serviceable defenceman, but the real idiot is the one who paid him $6.5 million. He wasn't even the best defenceman on the Flames.
:yes: Now Jokinen is gone. man that's an entirely different look team in Calgary now. But will they gel?
I think it's a good thing. They're rooting out the big-name guys who weren't performing, and have brought in more supporting talent. It's closer to the Flames team that went to the finals, although they'll need to up their work ethic. It's a shame they don't have Lombardi anymore, as he was one of the best (and fastest) energy guys around.
Flames won't make the playoffs and GM Sutter will be fired when the season is over.
What about Coach Sutter?
Quote from: PRC on February 02, 2010, 02:46:12 PM
Flames won't make the playoffs and GM Sutter will be fired when the season is over.
But at least the players and fans have heart, something that the Canucks crowd never has had, and never will.
Quote from: Neil on February 02, 2010, 03:21:24 PM
But at least the players and fans have heart, something that the Canucks crowd never has had, and never will.
The players don't have heart - if they did none of these trades would've happened. They've tanked the season because of internal rifts.
Quote from: Neil on February 02, 2010, 03:21:24 PM
Quote from: PRC on February 02, 2010, 02:46:12 PM
Flames won't make the playoffs and GM Sutter will be fired when the season is over.
But at least the players and fans have heart, something that the Canucks crowd never has had, and never will.
That old saw is no longer true. Lots of gutsy gritty play from the Canucks team this year.
Canadian teams and heart do not go together. If it did, they'd have had a Stanley Cup winning team from Canada more recently than 1993!
Canadian teams win every year except when those Swedish(Detroit) teams win. Most players are Canadian.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on February 02, 2010, 11:10:06 PM
Canadian teams win every year except when those Swedish(Detroit) teams win. Most players are Canadian.
Canadian mercenaries win the Cup. Not Canadian teams. There is a difference. The mercs lack the heart to bring it home to the motherland.
Well, you have three of the six Canadian teams playing for the Cup in three out of the five last finals, I wouldn't say Canada's chance of winning is that remote.
Kovie is now a Devils.
Hopefully only a rental. I hope he goes back to Russia.
Why? He's clearly a world class player, 58 points in 47 games for Atlanta? Come on.
Quote from: Delirium on February 05, 2010, 03:46:51 AM
Why? He's clearly a world class player, 58 points in 47 games for Atlanta? Come on.
Because he annoys me with his smug look & max money allowed by the CBA request. If he wants to win a cup, he needs to understand he can't do it alone. If he doesn't, he needs to go away.
Martinus will never click in this thread - but Brian Burke's son Brendan was killed in a car accident today. He came out of the closet awhile ago and father Burke walked with him in the gay pride parade in Toronto. Touching story at the time, very sad loss for the Burke family.
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 05, 2010, 08:05:33 AMBecause he annoys me with his smug look & max money allowed by the CBA request. If he wants to win a cup, he needs to understand he can't do it alone. If he doesn't, he needs to go away.
I don't think he's that big a primadonna as some people say, I've seen him step up to defend teammates. In the Jersey mentality he might be expected to do more than that though.
Quote from: PRC on February 05, 2010, 11:31:50 PMMartinus will never click in this thread - but Brian Burke's son Brendan was killed in a car accident today. He came out of the closet awhile ago and father Burke walked with him in the gay pride parade in Toronto. Touching story at the time, very sad loss for the Burke family.
I remember that story, that's a really tough break. Perhaps in bad taste, but Toronto doesn't exactly seem to bring good luck.
Well, that's too bad. So long as Martinus keeps his mouth shut, I'll stay classy.
Buffalo are 2-6-1 lately, I feel a disturbance in the force. Something is definitely wrong when Phillips is allowed to run over Miller and no one moves to punish him.
Quote from: Delirium on February 07, 2010, 04:37:12 AM
Buffalo are 2-6-1 lately, I feel a disturbance in the force. Something is definitely wrong when Phillips is allowed to run over Miller and no one moves to punish him.
Not to mention getting beat at home by the CANES!
And now by Columbus. :hmm:
Bob Gainey is no longer the Habs GM.
Timing of this is weird.
Yeah, I don't get much Habs news out here, but it seems weird. Must be personal stuff.
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/blackhawks-trade-cam-barker-to-minnesota.html
QuoteBlackhawks trade Cam Barker to Minnesota
February 12, 2010 3:08 PM | 9 Comments | UPDATED STORY
By Chris Kuc
The Blackhawks have traded Cam Barker to the Wild for fellow defensemen Kim Johnsson and prospect Nick Leddy, the team confirmed Friday.
The deal was completed Friday shortly before the Olympic roster freeze. Barker was the Hawks' top pick (3rd overall) in the 2004 entry draft but has been slow to develop into a top defenseman. The 25-year-old had four goals and 10 assists and was a plus-7 in 51 games this season.
The move helps ease the Hawks' salary cap issues heading into next season as Barker is signed through 2012 and has a cap hit of $3,083,333 per season. Johnsson's contract expires following this season.
The 33-year-old Johnsson was an alternate captain in Minnesota and had six goals and eight assists in 52 games this season. Leddy was Minnesota's first pick (16th overall) in the 2009 draft.
This was kind of a "meh" move to me -- Barker was underachieving this year & was basically the Hawks' 6th defenseman, and the Hawks' main focus was obviously to free up salary cap space for next year without getting totally screwed over in the process. I have to confess that I don't really know anything about Kim Johnnson, though. Word Around The Campfire is that he played a lot of minutes as a top four defenseman on the Wild (not one of the better teams in the league), so hopefully he'll pan out playing in the #5-#6 slot with Brent Sopel for the rest of this year. I don't have a ton of faith in Leddy ever panning out (nothing personal against Leddy, just more like counting on any given prospect panning out is like wishing in one hand & shitting in the other).
Or something. I get why the Hawks moved Barker & why the took what they got, but I'm just "meh" about this trade because I don't think that it really addresses any immediate concerns...
Johnsson used to play for Malmö over here, then went over to Philadelphia where he was reasonably successful for some years before being traded to Minnesota (don't remember for what). He's an attack minded defenceman, good passer, decent shot, plays lots of power play minutes. Been called up regularly for the national team but not this year.
Sounds like he'll (hopefully) fit right in -- the Blackhawks are a puck possession/puck movement team as opposed to a "put the other guy through the glass" kind of team, so if he's an older, more mature version of Niklas Hjalmarsson than I think he'll do a little bit of alright for the remainder of the year...
In the meantime, though, the Hawks are set to play the Atlanta Thrashers in about a half hour. Dinner is cooked & eaten (I made steak & shrimp stirfry tonight), and I've already got a six-pack of PBR in me, so right now I'm just trying to dry out a little bit before game time...
:ccr
And Johnsson pots a goal in his first game as a Hawk...
:)
OK, the Olympics were awesome & I've had a ton of fun watching them the past couple of weeks, but I'm ready for the NHL grind to resume...
:cool:
Clarke MacArthur > Raffi Torres. :mad: Also, it was nice seeing Miller get a bigger ovation than Crosby in Pittsburgh. :yeah:
The Oilers continue to be awful, but the locals are happy that they managed to scalp Calgary in a trade.
Quote from: C.C.R. on February 28, 2010, 06:40:56 PM
OK, the Olympics were awesome & I've had a ton of fun watching them the past couple of weeks, but I'm ready for the NHL grind to resume...
:cool:
I loved watching Toews. 'Hawks fans are lucky.
How does a team manage to constantly look like they're playing shorthanded? I just watched the second half of the Pittsburgh - Rangers game, final shots 55 - 16, third period alone, 19-1, still 4-4 in regulation and Pens only win in OT after a soft Redden penalty. Playoffs will not happen. Torts will get fired, probably should have already.
Hey CCR... what did you think of that hit on Seabrook? He looked crumpled to fuck after it. Anyways that was a cheap play, glad to see Wieswhatthewhat get the 8 games.
Canucks sign Kesler to a 6 year deal which is awesome!
Flames are still not going to make the playoffs. They're playing all right I just think they have a tough schedule while the teams they are fighting with Detroit and Nashville have lighter schedules and are playing just as well as the Flames are.
As a first or second place team I would be pissed at having to face Detroit in the first round of the playoffs.
Ovechkin hit on Campbell -- good hit in a bad part of the ice. I agreed with the Boarding major & game misconduct (the latter not so much as a punishment as much as to keep that game from devolving into a goonfest) but I'm not sure that he deserved a two game suspension for it.
Wisniewski hit on Seabrook -- dirty fucking pool. Wiz left his feet on the hit & used both hands to smack Seabrook's head into the glass. The only way that hit would have been dirtier would have been if Wiz had left his feet & cross-checked Seabrook in the head. I think he & Ducks GM Bob Murray need to STFU for the duration of the (warranted, IMO) eight game suspension.
The Blackhawks have been struggling mightily for the past two months. There's still time for them to pull their heads out of their asses & Tighten Up, but if they go into the playoffs playing like they are right now then they're going a whole lot of nowhere...
This just in:
FUCK DETROIT
Film at eleven...
:)
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 11, 2010, 09:51:49 AM
This just in:
FUCK DETROIT
Film at eleven...
:)
Now the Wings will get annihilated by the small-market no-chance team, as is their habit. Or does that only work when Detroit is playing a bottom-3 seed?
BTW, what was up with Carolina giving up 3 shorthanded goals on the same power play last night? Are they that inept or should somebody look into gambling by the Hurricanes team?
Quote from: Neil on April 11, 2010, 12:37:25 PM
Now the Wings will get annihilated by the small-market no-chance team, as is their habit. Or does that only work when Detroit is playing a bottom-3 seed?
We'll have to see what the rest of the day brings & see where the standings/playoff matchups end up...
Quote from: Neil on April 11, 2010, 12:37:25 PM
BTW, what was up with Carolina giving up 3 shorthanded goals on the same power play last night? Are they that inept or should somebody look into gambling by the Hurricanes team?
Good hustle by Boston, Baby. The Bruins are my Dark Horse Favorite to lose in the Stanley Cup Finals, based solely on the fact that the 2008 & 2009 NHL Winter Classic winners both went on to lose in the Finals. Or something...
Quote from: Neil on April 11, 2010, 12:37:25 PM
BTW, what was up with Carolina giving up 3 shorthanded goals on the same power play last night? Are they that inept or should somebody look into gambling by the Hurricanes team?
They are inspired by the fact that my Satan jersey has magic powers.
Matt Cooke: Pussy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLqpw_uKyds&feature=player_embedded
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 12, 2010, 12:23:56 PM
Matt Cooke: Pussy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLqpw_uKyds&feature=player_embedded
:lol:
He really jacked him up. Guy has to have his head examined for fighting a guy named 'Evander'.
Hehe that first game was just a hiccup right?
I mean I have been assured the Caps are going to the Finals this year so just checking...
Habs in 6.
I said that before yesterdays victory.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 10:54:42 AM
Habs in 6.
I said that before yesterdays victory.
:yucky:
Meh this is the Caps best team ever. I suppose it would be fitting they freaking have the best choke ever just to fit with the club's history.
But they are just down 1-0...Ovechkin can do it!
Their goalkeepers sucks, nothing can overcome that.
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 12:09:17 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 10:54:42 AM
Habs in 6.
I said that before yesterdays victory.
:yucky:
Meh this is the Caps best team ever. I suppose it would be fitting they freaking have the best choke ever just to fit with the club's history.
But they are just down 1-0...Ovechkin can do it!
they make it a 7 game series. Followed by anotehr, and then burn out. it's the Caps way.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 12:24:00 PM
Their goalkeepers sucks, nothing can overcome that.
Theodore played well last night. I don't think that he sucks.
You guys are NOT helping my impending sense of doom.
What the heck happened to Ovechkin? Was he simply skating off a Vodka hangover or did Montreal do something special to basically eliminate him from the game.
Quote from: Neil on April 16, 2010, 01:21:54 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 12:24:00 PM
Their goalkeepers sucks, nothing can overcome that.
Theodore played well last night. I don't think that he sucks.
He was but that game was in Washington. How good will he be in Montreal?
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:23:46 PM
You guys are NOT helping my impending sense of doom.
What the heck happened to Ovechkin? Was he simply skating off a Vodka hangover or did Montreal do something special to basically eliminate him from the game.
Depends who you ask. It's probably a little bit of both.
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:23:46 PM
You guys are NOT helping my impending sense of doom.
What the heck happened to Ovechkin? Was he simply skating off a Vodka hangover or did Montreal do something special to basically eliminate him from the game.
he hasn't been himself for a while. Mytheory is that after his last suspension he's trying to play "cleaner" which means holding himslef back and not playing the hap-hazzard way that makes him a star.
I think Ovechkin has an injury and is trying to play through it, but is failing. It's a grand playoff tradition.
See Theo, didn't even make it to Montreal.
Let's go Habs.
Ovechkin is built like a brick shithouse.
Canucks have to remember to play better than the USA biased refs. That's how they won the division. That's how they will will a series. otherwise a relatively entertaining game. Kings young Defense corps is very very good.
Yotes! :yeah:
The Canucks' shittiness has been exposed. Now, they must continue to lose.
Quote from: Neil on April 18, 2010, 06:27:48 AM
The Canucks' shittiness has been exposed. Now, they must continue to lose.
Lose? they won the division. I don't see any Alberta teams in the playoffs. Canucks in 6.
Canucks vs. Habs in the dream all Canada (Bettman in tears) final. Canucks in 7 there every game an OT nail biter.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 18, 2010, 04:08:47 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 18, 2010, 06:27:48 AM
The Canucks' shittiness has been exposed. Now, they must continue to lose.
Lose? they won the division. I don't see any Alberta teams in the playoffs. Canucks in 6.
Canucks vs. Habs in the dream all Canada (Bettman in tears) final. Canucks in 7 there every game an OT nail biter.
No true Canadian supports the Canucks. They represent everything that is wrong with hockey fans.
0 - 0 going into Overtime in Colorado vs. San Jose... and the Sharks end up with an own goal! WTF!? The Sharks are cursed.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 18, 2010, 04:08:47 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 18, 2010, 06:27:48 AM
The Canucks' shittiness has been exposed. Now, they must continue to lose.
Lose? they won the division. I don't see any Alberta teams in the playoffs. Canucks in 6.
Canucks vs. Habs in the dream all Canada (Bettman in tears) final. Canucks in 7 there every game an OT nail biter.
Meh.
If the Flames aren't in it, I don't care. That certainly isn't my dream final.
Quote from: Neil on April 18, 2010, 05:50:38 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 18, 2010, 04:08:47 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 18, 2010, 06:27:48 AM
The Canucks' shittiness has been exposed. Now, they must continue to lose.
Lose? they won the division. I don't see any Alberta teams in the playoffs. Canucks in 6.
Canucks vs. Habs in the dream all Canada (Bettman in tears) final. Canucks in 7 there every game an OT nail biter.
No true Canadian supports the Canucks. They represent everything that is wrong with hockey fans.
Like what? You always say that, but despite what you say on Languish constantly, your decrees do not make anything so.
Real Hockey fans are the same everywhere.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 19, 2010, 12:31:18 PM
Like what? You always say that, but despite what you say on Languish constantly, your decrees do not make anything so.
Real Hockey fans are the same everywhere.
All that snivelling and whining and blaming the goalie for not saving every odd-man rush that comes his way. They whined and they cried about how their goalies were no good, and then all of the sudden they change their gameplan, play a little more defensively, and suddenly goaltending isn't a problem anymore.
I will never, ever forgive the Canucks fanbase for the crimes of the late 90s and early naughts.
Denmark only has 6 players in the NHL (And some not regulars) yet we IIRC have 3 playing in the playoffs atm :ph34r:
V
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 01:03:06 PM
I will never, ever forgive the Canucks fanbase for the crimes of the late 90s and early naughts.
I blame Mark Messier.
Quote from: PRC on April 19, 2010, 02:01:05 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 01:03:06 PM
I will never, ever forgive the Canucks fanbase for the crimes of the late 90s and early naughts.
I blame Mark Messier.
And Jovonovski. And Bertuzzi. And Naslund. And the Sedin twins. And the ownership, management and coaching staff. And the Vancouver media, and the fans. And pretty much everybody involved in the team other than the goaltenders, although Luongo is also a bad person.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 02:05:25 PM
And Jovonovski. And Bertuzzi. And Naslund. And the Sedin twins. And the ownership, management and coaching staff. And the Vancouver media, and the fans. And pretty much everybody involved in the team other than the goaltenders, although Luongo is also a bad person.
No, just Messier... although I guess you should include Mike Keenan.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 02:05:25 PM
Quote from: PRC on April 19, 2010, 02:01:05 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 01:03:06 PM
I will never, ever forgive the Canucks fanbase for the crimes of the late 90s and early naughts.
I blame Mark Messier.
And Jovonovski. And Bertuzzi. And Naslund. And the Sedin twins. And the ownership, management and coaching staff. And the Vancouver media, and the fans. And pretty much everybody involved in the team other than the goaltenders, although Luongo is also a bad person.
I loved that planned Vancouver victory parade route website in the middle of the playoffs last year.
On my favourite NHL topic...
QuoteSteal of a deal gets nuttier: Reinsdorf gets $200K if it flopsBy: Randy Turner
16/04/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 15
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ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO Enlarge Image
FILE - In tis Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, file photo, Jobing.com Arena, right, owned by the city of Glendale, Ariz., where the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team currently plays home games, and University of Phoenix Stadium, left, where the Arizona Cardinals football team plays are shown in Glendale.
Not to beat a dead Coyote, but.....
Surprise, surprise. Turns out, as suggested in this space Thursday, the lavish and too-good-to-be-true deal to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale appears to have more holes than Vesa Toskala.
We're speaking, of course, of a proposed lease agreement that provides Jerry Reinsdorf an unprecedented $165 million over seven years in tax funds to NOT guarantee the Coyotes' future in the desert.
Get this: According to the memorandum of understanding, the city will pay Reinsdorf $200,000 if the deal doesn't come to fruition. We're not making this up.
Stinks, right? Yet most media outlets and pundits across North America pretty much concluded that once the MOU was unanimously passed by Glendale council Tuesday night, selling the Coyotes to Reinsdorf and keeping them in Arizona was pretty much a done deal.
Go figure, however, that as details of the outrageous proposal spread, the disbelief took hold.
"I have worked with dozens of government entities, and I can't think of anyone who would entertain anything like this," Marc Ganis, a sports-business consultant for 20 years and president of Chicago-based Sportcorp Ltd,, told the Arizona Republic. "But the whole bankruptcy situation has been unprecedented."
How does this happen? The City of Glendale, which is leaking tax revenue profusely in a reeling economy, desperately wants the $4 million the Coyotes pay in rent, and they'll also get revenue from parking and a ticket surcharge under the proposal. According to our math, that means the city is prepared to charge a handful of local businesses $47 million a year in taxes to get $4 million-plus in revenue. Isn't that, like, criminal?
Remember, former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes, before taking the team into bankruptcy court, pleaded with city fathers for concessions, too. Moyes didn't get a sniff.
"If they had given us this deal two years ago, there would not have been a bankruptcy," former Coyotes CEO Jeff Shumway told the Republic. "It's a good deal for Reinsdorf and the NHL, but I don't know how good of a deal it is for the taxpayers."
You know, when a former Coyotes executive is questioning a deal he would have killed for, you've got to seriously wonder what's going down at city hall. After all, these are the same people who built the arena on the taxpayers' backs to the tune of $180 million.
The same politicians ponied up more than $120 million to fund a spring training facility for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Reinsdorf's Chicago White Sox. Now another $165 million for the Coyotes, a team that has lost hundreds of millions of dollars and never turned a dime in profit?
Then there's the most confounding aspect of all: If hockey hasn't worked in Phoenix for 15 years, why does anybody believe now that the financial fortunes of the team will ever change?
Look, we're not kidding anybody here. If the proposal, which will probably be challenged in court, doesn't fly, then the Coyotes probably will, and Winnipeggers could wake up some morning soon and find the NHL in their backyard again. The NHL has very limited options -- a self-imposed deadline of June 30 to either sell the team to a local buyer or relocate -- and already league owners stand to eat at least $20 million in losses on the orphaned team this season alone.
Commissioner Gary Bettman can't afford to cover those losses anymore.
We'll see if the businessmen and residents of Glendale can.
Tick, tock.
[email protected]
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 16, 2010 C1
Just move them to Hamilton already.
A winning team can go a long ways towards building a fanbase. Of course nobody cares, because the Coyotes were terrible for 15 years. They were Leaf-like in their futility.
Quote from: HVC on April 19, 2010, 03:38:31 PM
Just move them to Hamilton already.
Winnipeg. :contract:
Quote
Scoring with the NHLEight steps to getting Winnipeg's team backBy: Tim Campbell
10/04/2010 7:59 AM | Comments: 17
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FREE PRESS ARCHIVES Enlarge Image
RUMOURS and the twits and bloggers who peddle them aren't going to make the NHL come back to Winnipeg. More relevant is the timing of things very much out of Winnipeg's control.
Two things will be most important to fans eager for this outcome: Be ready to wrap both arms around the news and put one credit card on the counter. Step by step, here's precisely how the story will unfold:
Related ItemsColumns
Forget Coyotes, folks 1 FIND BACKERS AND PARTNERS
Any Winnipeg transaction for the foreseeable future will involve True North Sports and Entertainment, which controls the MTS Centre, the NHL-capable downtown arena that opened in 2004. It has 15,003 seats and 50 luxury suites.
True North and its partners have the financial wherewithal to acquire an NHL team, so Step 1, though not as simple in every case, appears to be a hurdle passed. The company's main players are the Chipman family, which controls multiple businesses, and Osmington, the personal real estate arm of David Thomson, head of Canada's richest family.
Myths unravelled -- "Thomson owns the large majority of True North." In fact, True North is owned by the Chipman family and Osmington in relatively equal proportion.
2 FIND AN AVAILABLE TEAM
Sounds easy, but it's not. Whatever the reports of attendance and/or bottom-line challenges in the league's 30 markets, almost all NHL teams are tied to leases of varying lengths in their communities and/or buildings.
Florida, for instance, is alleged to be a wreck on financial sheets but is in a lease that still has decades to run at BankAtlantic Center.
Speculation continues to swirl around several struggling franchises, especially Atlanta, Nashville and Phoenix, which are all mired in ownership and fan-support uncertainty. Other franchises are said to be quietly for sale, and one of them -- not so quietly due to the financial troubles of owner Tom Hicks -- is the Dallas Stars. Phoenix appears the most likely candidate to relocate in the short term, given that the NHL, which bought the team out of bankruptcy last fall, believes it can simply walk away from Glendale, Ariz., by mid-year if it needs to. Nashville is tied to Bridgestone Arena until June 2012.
Myths unravelled -- "Thomson will just write a cheque for the NHL franchise." Not going to happen, insiders say. If a suitable deal comes along, though, the True North partners will back the financing.
3 BE AVAILABLE WHEN GARY BETTMAN CALLS
Take this, above all, to the bank. No team is going anywhere unless the NHL commissioner says so. This owner or that may want to sell, but no transaction will even begin until Bettman, who acts on behalf of all owners, lines up the deal. The good news on this front is that Bettman is more than familiar with Chipman, True North and the MTS Centre, and Winnipeg's history. Insiders say that given the right circumstances, the commissioner would jump at the chance to rectify what happened in 1996. They also say Bettman has long moved on to formulating a future plan and pays little regard to his harshest critics, who continue to be stuck in the past by bashing him for his U.S. expansion plan of the '90s.
Despite the spate of rumours and wishful thinking, this call has not yet been made.
Myths unravelled -- "Thomson is throwing his financial weight around and is negotiating this and a few other rumoured deals." All of that is believed to be false because Thomson, a very wealthy but private person, has no interest whatsoever in the limelight or being front and centre in a transaction that would be such major news.
4 NEGOTIATE A DEAL
If and when Bettman calls, the vendor (unknown) and buyer (True North) will be already lined up. Details like the amount, the timing of a move, etc., will fall to teams of lawyers for both sides. Sales can be enacted and closed quite quickly -- earlier this year, Jeff Vinik took the helm of the Tampa Bay Lightning in about eight weeks -- but relocation will be a shade more tricky.
As for price, Chipman is on record saying the sky is not the limit. His breaking-point number is unknown, but he has said the cost of acquisition has to be reasonable in order to make an NHL franchise a viable business in Winnipeg.
Given the wide speculation on the number of troubled NHL franchises, it's entirely possible Chipman will refuse to chase any deal, that he may actually try to drive a hard bargain because of his "instant-playability" location and also because he may feel the NHL needs him more than he needs them. It's our belief, and ours alone, that Chipman starts to go cold on a deal when the number nears $200 million.
5 THE TICKET AND CORPORATE DRIVE
Step 5 will be in conjunction with, not following, the negotiation to purchase a team. When Bettman starts the wheels in motion, expect a quick announcement that phone lines and the MTS Centre ticket windows will be open for fans to make ticket commitments. Credit card numbers and multi-year promises will surely be required from Winnipeg fans.
And the potential franchise's corporate sales team will also be looking for multi-year commitments in many areas. A week to two weeks of those simultaneous "time-to-buck-up" campaigns will provide Chipman and his group with the support and ammunition they will need to make a deal -- or else it will be a major red flag telling them they might be reaching too high.
Of all the steps in the process regarding any return to Winnipeg, this one makes insiders the most nervous.
Myths unravelled -- "Winnipeggers are in for sticker shock, which may scare them away." Most pundits who spout this don't give fans here enough credit. The price of tickets, should they ever be for sale, won't be cheap -- not averaging in the mid-$20s range, as they were 14 years ago -- but most followers of this story are well aware that costs in the NHL have risen dramatically since the league left in 1996.
6 NHL DUE DILIGENCE
Welcome to the lawyers' favourite part, which includes formal applications and a blizzard of paperwork once there is preliminary agreement for a sale and relocation. This step also involves background checks by the NHL of potential owners and their net worth. In the case of a relocation, the league also seeks to examine the market it will enter, including obtaining the likelihood and level of ticket and corporate support. The NHL has been saying it's done little of that kind of background work on Winnipeg to this point, a very convenient way to deflect any questions, but it surely has a book on some elements of a market it once occupied for 17 seasons. The past will count for something, but the present and future are likely the deal-breakers or deal-makers in this step, and the league will want to do much of its own work in this area to feel more certain.
The main question is going to be what level of revenue Winnipeg can contribute to the overall equation. Generating enough revenue is critical -- first, to be able to properly operate a team within the CBA-mandated salary structure (payroll floor of $40.8 million and ceiling of $56.8 million), and second, to actually be a serious step up from the "bottom-rung-revenue" market it will replace.
This stage also includes an interview process and the commissioner assigning some duediligence tasks to league committees, from which will come one or more recommendations.
The league bylaws stipulate that a relocation involving a new owner or ownership group affords that new owner or owners a chance to come before the board of governors to make their case. If matters ever reach this stage, it will be fascinating to see who sits in the chairs on behalf of the relocated franchise. Chipman will surely be the point man and is the person many NHL governors are familiar with, but will the ultra-private Thomson be there with him?
7 NHL BOARD APPROVAL
This is crunch time for any potential relocation. It's when other NHL owners give thumbs-up or thumbs-down to any proposal.
According to the league's bylaws, a majority of other clubs must approve a move, meaning support is required from at least 15 of the other 29 teams. The teams are given a list of criteria with which to judge the application -- several of those are spelled out in the bylaws -- and the league might even ask for a fee for such a relocation. It's not known if the NHL would insist on this with Winnipeg, but the best guess, especially as it relates to the current case in Phoenix, is that the league wouldn't have the clout to demand it and would be more than happy to simply find a landing place for a franchise that is on life-support. The bylaws appear to contain several malleable items, including the requirement that the application for any franchise transfer and relocation be submitted to the league by Jan. 1 of the year preceding the intended move. If the Phoenix option is a real one, we're past that deadline by some 15 months and there are still people who believe this option is do-able for 2010-11. As in the previously mentioned case with Vinik and Tampa Bay, things can happen relatively quickly in the NHL when ducks are in a row and the league is motivated.
Generally speaking, the impression elsewhere of Winnipeg leans towards the favourable for several reasons -- the new arena, the somewhat romantic notion of re-addressing a past situation, and the fact it's got to be some rungs higher than the worst of the U.S. markets on the revenue meter.
8 AN APPROPRIATE FACILITY
In the current case, upgrades to the MTS Centre will be required for an NHL team to call it home. Despite what comes from so many commentators and talking heads, those modifications will not include adding seats.
Whoever spouts the erroneous belief that more seats are a must shows a lack of depth in the economic matters of an NHL franchise, given that extra seats are the worst seats and generate the lowest revenue.
The most important improvement to the arena is surely to make it NHL-media friendly.
Facilities for TV and radio crews need to grow substantially. An expansion has been planned for above the ice if the NHL were to move back to Winnipeg. There are also some behind-thescenes matters like studios, working rooms and crew space required at ice level. The arena has been designed to allow for those expansions and upgrades.
Officials say there is a way a few luxury suites could be added to the building, but those won't be required for the NHL's return date, whenever that might be. Those could be retrofitted at a later time, but the construction cost of those adds won't be small.
Myths unravelled -- "Start adding the seats." Not happening. "We might even lose a few for camera positions," True North chairman Mark Chipman said. "Adding seats can't be done. It's not physically possible. We can't take the roof off. Any building improvements will not include the addition of any seats. The NHL likes the building. In discussions we've had with the league in the past few years, size has never been a concern. We have always thought the building is the right size for the market.
"Our ability to add a couple thousand seats would produce revenue that would not be material, given the ticket prices, and moreover, it would make it more difficult to sell committed season-ticket revenue that will ultimately determine the success of any team."
The problem with Winnipeg is that it's poor and full of Indians, who can't afford to see a hockey game.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 04:45:04 PM
The problem with Winnipeg is that it's poor and full of Indians, who can't afford to see a hockey game.
:rolleyes:
Nah - Winnipeggers can afford an average of $50 tickets. Plus Bettman would like to move a team (1) to Canada to show he doesn't hate the country, (2) that has an arena ready to go, and (3) isn't Hamilton or involved with Balsillie (because of the egos involved).
I guess I just don't see the point in putting a team in Winnipeg, which is in decline. Another team in the Golden Horn would make much more sense, and would have the added bonus of giving those poor, accursed people something to cheer for other than the wretched Leafs.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 05:13:05 PM
I guess I just don't see the point in putting a team in Winnipeg, which is in decline. Another team in the Golden Horn would make much more sense, and would have the added bonus of giving those poor, accursed people something to cheer for other than the wretched Leafs.
Two things:
-there isn't a ready-made arena. Copps Colleseum would require a lot of work.
(and this is way, way more important)
-Bettman's ego. He has now spent likely millions on fighting Balsillie. Putting a team in Hamilton at this point would be a loss of face.
So yes, while the economics long term make southern Ontario better, I like Winnipeg's chances a lot more.
They're wont be anymore teams in EST until Detroit is in the East Conference.
I suppose you should never underestimate Bettman's ability to make the worst possible decision at any given moment. He'll probably move the Coyotes to Mexico City.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 05:26:27 PM
I suppose you should never underestimate Bettman's ability to make the worst possible decision at any given moment. He'll probably move the Coyotes to Mexico City.
Winnipeg is hardly the worst possible decision. It's a "good enough" decision.
Quote from: Barrister on April 19, 2010, 05:27:54 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 05:26:27 PM
I suppose you should never underestimate Bettman's ability to make the worst possible decision at any given moment. He'll probably move the Coyotes to Mexico City.
Winnipeg is hardly the worst possible decision. It's a "good enough" decision.
Mexico City would be the worst possible decision. Winnipeg is merely a bad decision.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 19, 2010, 05:25:56 PM
They're wont be anymore teams in EST until Detroit is in the East Conference.
But, but, but...if they move Detroit out of the Central then who am I going to hate? Columbus? Nashville? I suppose that I could try to hate the Blues a little more, but for some reason I've never had the out & out Mean On against St. Louis that I have for the Red Wings & used to have for the Minnesota North Stars...
:weep:
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 19, 2010, 07:45:32 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 19, 2010, 05:25:56 PM
They're wont be anymore teams in EST until Detroit is in the East Conference.
But, but, but...if they move Detroit out of the Central then who am I going to hate? Columbus? Nashville? I suppose that I could try to hate the Blues a little more, but for some reason I've never had the out & out Mean On against St. Louis that I have for the Red Wings & used to have for the Minnesota North Stars...
:weep:
You could hate Winnipeg. I remember a few good Jets-Blackhawks tilts... :menace:
Ok after watching tonights beatdown I am back in my happy place.
The Caps are back to being awesome. The Cup is all but theirs. Best. Team. EVAH.
Or at least the best Caps team ever.
Quote from: Neil on April 19, 2010, 01:03:06 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 19, 2010, 12:31:18 PM
Like what? You always say that, but despite what you say on Languish constantly, your decrees do not make anything so.
Real Hockey fans are the same everywhere.
All that snivelling and whining and blaming the goalie for not saving every odd-man rush that comes his way. They whined and they cried about how their goalies were no good, and then all of the sudden they change their gameplan, play a little more defensively, and suddenly goaltending isn't a problem anymore.
I will never, ever forgive the Canucks fanbase for the crimes of the late 90s and early naughts.
Pay Attention more. Goaltending is still an issue. Always will be. Nobody is invincible. There are lots of whiny fans in every city. EVERY CITY.
get over it already.
That was so, not a kicking motion. :shrug: didn't really matter in the end. Canucks beat themselves in that game. None of the penalties were as iffy as previous games.
The no-goal, not so much. IMHO if the Refs should have the only say. replays only if the Ref says he never saw it.
Politics way obvious on that one.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 20, 2010, 12:14:26 AM
There are lots of whiny fans in every city. EVERY CITY.
And I'm going to whine to prove it. :angry:
Neil, you wanna see some real Vancouver whining, you should see some of my facebook friends status updates. More conspiracy theories than the Kennedy Assassination & 9/11 combined. :p
Well, I'm sure that after last night's game, there's all sorts of talk about how Gary Bettman intentionally demolished Roberto Luongo in an effort to increase hockey support in Los Angeles, because Luongo won't melt until fires reach 1500 degrees or something.
Quote from: Neil on April 20, 2010, 12:18:18 PM
Well, I'm sure that after last night's game, there's all sorts of talk about how Gary Bettman intentionally demolished Roberto Luongo in an effort to increase hockey support in Los Angeles, because Luongo won't melt until fires reach 1500 degrees or something.
he's made of that famous "Italian steel"
Comforting to see that the Penguin trend of being fully supported by referees continues. Darn shame for the Sens though, they have a pretty good team but it's all in vain.
Caps & Penguins both get crazy mad help from the Refs.
It wouldn't surprise me. It's in the NHL's best economic interests to ensure that the Penguins and Caps meet up in the playoffs.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 21, 2010, 07:15:54 AM
Caps & Penguins both get crazy mad help from the Refs.
Sounds like a man whose team is about to go down 3 games to 1.
GO CAPS!
Quote from: Neil on April 21, 2010, 07:32:20 AM
It wouldn't surprise me. It's in the NHL's best economic interests to ensure that the Penguins and Caps meet up in the playoffs.
And Hawks and Sharks on the other side, although they're doing a lousy job with Chicago, and SJ almost found a way to lose another one...
Quote from: Delirium on April 21, 2010, 10:56:06 AM
Quote from: Neil on April 21, 2010, 07:32:20 AM
It wouldn't surprise me. It's in the NHL's best economic interests to ensure that the Penguins and Caps meet up in the playoffs.
And Hawks and Sharks on the other side, although they're doing a lousy job with Chicago, and SJ almost found a way to lose another one...
I haven't seen too much of the Sharks/Lanche series (on past my bedtime), but the refs/NHL are doing everything they can to help the Hawks, but the Hawks just don't seem to care...
:mad:
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 21, 2010, 04:03:36 PM
Quote from: Delirium on April 21, 2010, 10:56:06 AM
Quote from: Neil on April 21, 2010, 07:32:20 AM
It wouldn't surprise me. It's in the NHL's best economic interests to ensure that the Penguins and Caps meet up in the playoffs.
And Hawks and Sharks on the other side, although they're doing a lousy job with Chicago, and SJ almost found a way to lose another one...
I haven't seen too much of the Sharks/Lanche series (on past my bedtime), but the refs/NHL are doing everything they can to help the Hawks, but the Hawks just don't seem to care...
:mad:
Hossa taint.
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 21, 2010, 04:08:22 PM
Hossa taint.
I would be better if the hawks went to the finals, and then loss.
The Boston/Sabres game has disappeared! Argh!!!! :frusty: It's blacked out on Vs. for some reason, not on any of the MSG's, and CKWS switched to the Kings/Canucks game. Dammit dammit dammit!
How about that dagger in the heart of the Habs at the end of the 2nd period eh? Eh? Yeah that was pretty sweet.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
What's the appeal of the Capitals? I just don't see it.
Quote from: Neil on April 21, 2010, 09:58:53 PM
What's the appeal of the Capitals? I just don't see it.
Skill? Beauty? Speed? Pure Awesome?
In my case 20+ years of blind and irrational loyalty.
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on April 21, 2010, 09:24:38 PM
The Boston/Sabres game has disappeared! Argh!!!! :frusty: It's blacked out on Vs. for some reason, not on any of the MSG's, and CKWS switched to the Kings/Canucks game. Dammit dammit dammit!
NESN, or is that the Bruin's affiliate?
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on April 21, 2010, 09:24:38 PM
The Boston/Sabres game has disappeared! Argh!!!! :frusty: It's blacked out on Vs. for some reason, not on any of the MSG's, and CKWS switched to the Kings/Canucks game. Dammit dammit dammit!
One of the better games of the night.
I laughed so hard when Satan stuck it to his old team in 2OT. :lol:
I've always disliked Boston, for some reason.
Giving me heart palpitations every game in the Canucks/Kings series. Stupid conspiracy stuff aside, it's been a very entertaining series. for such a young team the Kings have a lot of poise. tough to play against. I'm shutting all the conspirators out of my field of vision, and concentrating on the really good hockey being played by both teams. Even if the Kings pull it out, I think I'd be fairly happy with it unless the 'Nucks let themselves get routed, which I doubt. I think all the remaining games will be as close as the last few.
Can anyone tell me how Regin (senators) and Jannik (canucks) are doing?
V
Jannik Hansen is not getting a ton of playing time but when he is out there he has looked good. He has created some chances with his speed but has yet to finish on them. Anyways he doesn't look out of place out there and I think he should be given a bit of power play time instead of what they've been giving to Steve Bernier.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on April 22, 2010, 12:25:14 PM
Giving me heart palpitations every game in the Canucks/Kings series. Stupid conspiracy stuff aside, it's been a very entertaining series. for such a young team the Kings have a lot of poise. tough to play against. I'm shutting all the conspirators out of my field of vision, and concentrating on the really good hockey being played by both teams. Even if the Kings pull it out, I think I'd be fairly happy with it unless the 'Nucks let themselves get routed, which I doubt. I think all the remaining games will be as close as the last few.
I've watched parts of game one and four and from what I've seen the Canucks haven't matched expectations. Well, at least not in a positive way. People usually say the Sedins are easily shut down in the playoffs, was quite a surprise to see Henrik's goal late in the third from a solo effort. Up until that moment I would have said Vancouver were screwed, now they might just make it.
Sixth period, eh? Will this break Penguin morale?
Wild one in Vancouver tonight.. way to go Canucks.
God damn it.
The Kings got their little asses spanked last night. And some negro got beat up on the ice to the cheers of the crowd as IF to say "Boy, this ain't the NBA!"
Quote from: Jaron on April 24, 2010, 02:01:46 PM
The Kings got their little asses spanked last night. And some negro got beat up on the ice to the cheers of the crowd as IF to say "Boy, this ain't the NBA!"
You know it... but the real ass kicking was the one Rypien gave to LA's Clune shortly after that first mauling.
Quote from: PRC on April 24, 2010, 04:46:37 PM
You know it... but the real ass kicking was the one Rypien gave to LA's Clune shortly after that first mauling.
Rypien kicked LA's ass alot in the NFL to back in the day.
Quote from: Valmy on April 24, 2010, 05:34:10 PM
Quote from: PRC on April 24, 2010, 04:46:37 PM
You know it... but the real ass kicking was the one Rypien gave to LA's Clune shortly after that first mauling.
Rypien kicked LA's ass alot in the NFL to back in the day.
He is the cousin of the Canucks' Rypien. The later is the best pound for pound fighter in NHL IMO, his dad was a good boxer.
For anybody that hasn't seen it, some modestly amusing stuff with a puck getting lost in Blackhawk goalie Antti Niemi's equipment...
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=67507
:P
Bye bye Kings!!!! HELLO WINGS
CANUCKS!
Good series by the Kings.. they're going to have a good team for the next few years. Smyth won't be there much longer because of his age and the injuries he has sustained over the years but the rest of the Kings are looking good. Doughty is going to be a Norris trophy calibre defenceman for a long, long time.
Quote from: HVC on April 24, 2010, 02:36:50 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 24, 2010, 01:51:51 PM
God damn it.
7 games :p
I am going to be watching tommorow's game with fear and dread. The Caps have got to put people away man. They were behind 2-0 in the first and then...they just couldn't come back so freaking frustrating.
Quote from: Valmy on April 25, 2010, 10:56:39 PM
Quote from: HVC on April 24, 2010, 02:36:50 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 24, 2010, 01:51:51 PM
God damn it.
7 games :p
I am going to be watching tommorow's game with fear and dread. The Caps have got to put people away man. They were behind 2-0 in the first and then...they just couldn't come back so freaking frustrating.
At this point it has to be in the Caps head, what with blowing it at home. but then again i don't think the Habs have won at home in like 6 games. basically it's who chokes first. but i do think, one way or anotehr, washington is going through.
A couple of nice saves by Lou there.
Dammit, Capitals. I can't see any other team stopping Pittsburgh (season's #1 strategic objective) than Washington. Obviously that will be difficult if they can't beat the Habs.
Go Habs Go.
Quote from: HVC on April 25, 2010, 11:05:05 PM
At this point it has to be in the Caps head, what with blowing it at home. but then again i don't think the Habs have won at home in like 6 games. basically it's who chokes first. but i do think, one way or anotehr, washington is going through.
Beating the Habs in 7 is not exactly a good sign.
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 08:34:18 AM
Quote from: HVC on April 25, 2010, 11:05:05 PM
At this point it has to be in the Caps head, what with blowing it at home. but then again i don't think the Habs have won at home in like 6 games. basically it's who chokes first. but i do think, one way or anotehr, washington is going through.
Beating the Habs in 7 is not exactly a good sign.
Losing to the Habs in 7 is going to be worse.
I was pondering the fact that this season was really close in both conferences, almost all the teams were more or less in the race for the playoffs until really late, the way I recall it hasn't been that close since, well maybe never.
Anyway, it's not too far-fetched to think that this is in some way related to the fact that all the playoff series have been close affairs with a silly number of overtime deciders, and the only one which wasn't was an upset.
Is this the salary cap really showing its effects, at the same time as a number of teams finished (or have come close to finishing) their rebuilding, like the Avs and the Kings? Or is there something else in the works? And how do you explain the Coyotes? Or the Flyers for that matter? Discuss.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 26, 2010, 09:01:47 AM
Losing to the Habs in 7 is going to be worse.
Wow really?
Like I said. Canucks in 6 games. Very entertaining series. Kings are a solid well coached young team.
Well, dirty play allowed the Canucks to win. Hopefully, whoever they face next will be able to stomp them out.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 26, 2010, 12:08:13 PM
I will not falter. Habs or death!
The Habs are my second favorite team so if disaster should strike...once I recover from my catatonic state of depression I will be rooting for them.
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 01:18:01 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 26, 2010, 12:08:13 PM
I will not falter. Habs or death!
The Habs are my second favorite team so if disaster should strike...once I recover from my catatonic state of depression I will be rooting for them.
Has the curse of Valmy migrated to hockey? :o :p
Quote from: HVC on April 26, 2010, 01:32:20 PM
Has the curse of Valmy migrated to hockey? :o :p
This statement suggests you have no idea how the curse of Valmy works.
I curse the teams I pick to win not the teams I root for. The Caps have been cursed far longer than I have been a fan of them :P
Come to think of it I should try my curse out in Hockey. I predict the Pens will completely dominate the New Jersey Devils in an avalanche of Sidney Crosby awesomeness.
Too bad the New Jersay Devils were eliminated by the Flyers in 5 games.
Also, isn't the curse international play only?
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 26, 2010, 02:46:29 PM
Too bad the New Jersay Devils were eliminated by the Flyers in 5 games.
Also, isn't the curse international play only?
Oh right. Brain hiccup. I meant the Flyers who beat the Devils. Whoops I just blew cursing the Pens. Freaking Pens we hates them precious.
It only has applied to International Soccer except in title matches. It has been remarkably consistent in that arena :blush:
Quote from: HVC on April 26, 2010, 01:32:20 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 01:18:01 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 26, 2010, 12:08:13 PM
I will not falter. Habs or death!
The Habs are my second favorite team so if disaster should strike...once I recover from my catatonic state of depression I will be rooting for them.
Has the curse of Valmy migrated to hockey? :o :p
valmy is only a 3rd level tainter. Tim single handedly tainted ND at the fiesta bowl years back
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 01:37:51 PM
Quote from: HVC on April 26, 2010, 01:32:20 PM
Has the curse of Valmy migrated to hockey? :o :p
This statement suggests you have no idea how the curse of Valmy works.
I curse the teams I pick to win not the teams I root for. The Caps have been cursed far longer than I have been a fan of them :P
Come to think of it I should try my curse out in Hockey. I predict the Pens will completely dominate the New Jersey Devils in an avalanche of Sidney Crosby awesomeness.
:console:
Somebody really ought to call the RCMP on Halak...
;)
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 26, 2010, 07:41:00 PM
Somebody really ought to call the RCMP on Halak...
;)
hey, most hockey players are on some kind of performance enhancing medication! ... oh, meant like a grand larceny joke for all those robs. Carry on :p
It's going to 7. The Capitals are in trouble.
Quote from: Neil on April 26, 2010, 08:39:30 PM
It's going to 7. The Capitals are in trouble.
5-2 for the caps in game seven.
Quote from: HVC on April 26, 2010, 07:46:28 PM
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 26, 2010, 07:41:00 PM
Somebody really ought to call the RCMP on Halak...
;)
hey, most hockey players are on some kind of performance enhancing medication! ... oh, meant like a grand larceny joke for all those robs. Carry on :p
Yea, it's called Sudafed.
Olé Olé Olé!
TGIH
*slams face into desk repeatedly*
Dear fucking God not again.
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 08:53:25 PM
*slams face into desk repeatedly*
Dear fucking God not again.
it's ok, they'll win. and then who do they face? boston?
Quote from: Neil on April 26, 2010, 08:39:30 PM
It's going to 7. The Capitals are in trouble.
Even if they pull it out this shit doesn't bode well.
Another freaking frustrating game. GOing to bed. Freaking Caps ruin every Spring.
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 08:57:56 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 26, 2010, 08:39:30 PM
It's going to 7. The Capitals are in trouble.
Even if they pull it out this shit doesn't bode well.
Another freaking frustrating game. GOing to bed. Freaking Caps ruin every Spring.
Become a leafs fan, then you won't have to worry about the post season :P
:( Hope is a fickle bitch.
Man does Chicago ever look shitty. Their powerplay makes them look shorthanded, and all their guys make terrible decisions and aren't aggressive with the puck, or with puck support. I had hoped they'd make some noise this year, maybe bring some honour back to the West, but I can see they're going to be lucky to make it out of the second round.
Quote from: Neil on April 26, 2010, 09:39:33 PM
Man does Chicago ever look shitty. Their powerplay makes them look shorthanded, and all their guys make terrible decisions and aren't aggressive with the puck, or with puck support. I had hoped they'd make some noise this year, maybe bring some honour back to the West, but I can see they're going to be lucky to make it out of the second round.
Word. They got really lazy in that second period, made a metric fuck-tonne of shitty passes & the Preds just out-hustled them to loose pucks. If they don't pull their heads out of their asses in the third there's going to be a Game 7 on Wednesday night...
Well, thank goodness for the even more inept Nashville power-play...
So it's the hawks against the Canucks?
I am: torn :(
The Hawks were always my 2nd fav team growing up, but the Nucks have Luongo and Burrows.
Go Hawks!
Quote from: Valmy on April 26, 2010, 08:53:25 PM
*slams face into desk repeatedly*
Dear fucking God not again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8CDrky3mlk
Enjoy!
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on April 26, 2010, 09:06:25 PM
:( Hope is a fickle bitch.
Since I'm assuming you mean the Sabres, never bet against the devil.
Man do I ever hope Les Glorieux beat the Capitals, so that they can go on to crush the Penguins. It's good to see the Habs standing up for themselves and not getting punked out like they did last year.
Unfortunately I don't think the Pens can be crushed this year. :(
Quote from: Delirium on April 27, 2010, 10:38:21 AM
Unfortunately I don't think the Pens can be crushed this year. :(
It will happen.
The NHL has mandated that Detroit must advance.
Poor Coyotes getting slaughtered.
Quote from: Delirium on April 27, 2010, 10:38:21 AM
Unfortunately I don't think the Pens can be crushed this year. :(
They said that about the Capitals as well, and look where they are : on the way out unless Halak chokes or one Capital player rips his head off.
Even Boudreau publicly said to journalists that his own team didn't have the killer instinct to finish the Habs off. Plus their powerplay is abysmal for a team supposely killer in offense : 1 in 28 since the beginning of the playoffs. :wacko:
And I feel the Montreal crowd screaming "Ovie sucks" really had an effect on the Caps' morale. He just wasn't playing like the usual Ovechkin last night. We are maybe the only fans in North America who now unanimously pan and loath Ovechkin for being, well, an arrogant ass.
If the Habs manage to strike out Ovechkin AND Crosby/Malkin in a row, we have a serious contender for a 25th Cup in Montreal. We'd have Miracle on Ice all over again. Chances are about the size of a miracle, though, or whether Halak continues his streak.
San Jose is going to crush the Red Wings in 5
How i hate the wings.
Canucks vs. Blackhawks is going to be a war... these teams do not like each other.
Quote from: Drakken on April 27, 2010, 10:23:03 PMThey said that about the Capitals as well, and look where they are : on the way out unless Halak chokes or one Capital player rips his head off.
You seem to assume the Pens and the Caps are exactly the same team, don't know why. :huh:
The Pens have a cup, the Capitals have not played a playoff series under Boudreau in under seven games. Washington and Ovechkin have a lot to prove, Pittsburgh and Crosby do not.
Also, let's remember that Halak has shown these flashes of brilliance before. We'll see how he performs. Overlooking Washington, even as poorly as they've played this series, would be a mistake.
I can tell you why Boudreau can't seem to coach a Playoff series under 7 games...he doesn't adjust, expecially on the powerplay.
I'm not saying Washington are worthless because they can't finish off Montreal, I am saying that the team to beat in the East is Pittsburgh (especially now that the Devils are out, who saw that coming?).
In any case I think the more entertaining series are in the West, both Canucks vs Hawks and Sharks vs Detroit are going to be good, long, hard-fought series. My prediction is Vancouver in seven and Detroit in six. Vancouver then win in seven.
In the East I think the Caps will come through after all, then go on to beat the Flyers in seven. Pittsburgh will need six games against Bruins. Pens then beat Washington in five.
Stanley Cup champions will be Pittsburgh in six, unfortunately.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 28, 2010, 06:51:20 AM
I can tell you why Boudreau can't seem to coach a Playoff series under 7 games...he doesn't adjust, expecially on the powerplay.
The Sabres, which I like, did not score on the powerplay. :cry:
Vancouver will never reach the finals. Cheap shot artists, punks and thugs, the lot of them.
They at least have a goaltender.
Quote from: Neil on April 28, 2010, 08:38:21 AM
Vancouver will never reach the finals. Cheap shot artists, punks and thugs, the lot of them.
and Twinkies.
Quote from: Neil on April 28, 2010, 08:38:21 AM
Vancouver will never reach the finals. Cheap shot artists, punks and thugs, the lot of them.
:rolleyes: Yeah they were the ones with all the cheap shots in that series. :rolleyes:
I take it in-depth analysis is frowned upon around here.
Quote from: Delirium on April 28, 2010, 04:00:20 PM
I take it in-depth analysis is frowned upon around here.
Not really. That said, people are partisans, and so rational analysis doesn't get as much traction as calling the Canucks a bunch of cheap fucking faggots who should all die in a fire.
Quote from: PRC on April 27, 2010, 11:12:47 PM
Canucks vs. Blackhawks is going to be a war... these teams do not like each other.
Which will provide for an entertaining series to watch, but I fear that whomever wins that series will be too banged up to knock off the winner of the Wings/Sharks series...
:(
:yeah:
well new coach for washington it is.
Great job, Habs!
The four O-6 teams that made the playoffs are all still alive...
:shifty:
Olé Olé Olé!
@Valmy. It's ok, you'll survive.
Toodles, I'm gonna go riot.
The Sharks will DEVOUR the Wings. :yeah:
Well, I'm off to burn something :w00t:
Wow, Montreal takes me back to the 90s when teams didn't want to play hockey. Kudos for stepping back in time and being alive to tell the tale! Unfortunately it was a boring ass game for us with no sympathies either way.
Quote from: Delirium on April 29, 2010, 12:56:02 AM
Wow, Montreal takes me back to the 90s when teams didn't want to play hockey. Kudos for stepping back in time and being alive to tell the tale! Unfortunately it was a boring ass game for us with no sympathies either way.
Well, sorry for playing as a team and working hard every shift. :huh:
Sorry, but there are plenty of teams who manage to do that and still venture out on an even-strength attack occasionally. Watching a siege, the outcome of which is decided solely by who gets lucky on the power play is not my idea of a good game, no matter who wins.
There's very little luck involved in winning a 4 out of 7 NHL playoff hockey series.
Over the whole 7 games, the Habs just played better minutes than the Caps. Bottom line.
I thought I was clear I was talking about game 7, didn't watch enough of the other games. I don't care who's the better team.
Again, I think the more entertaining series will be in the West.
Valmy has been promoted to level 4 in taint!
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 29, 2010, 07:50:13 AM
Valmy has been promoted to level 4 in taint!
*shakes head* The Caps have been doing this their entire existance long before I was a fan. Besides that is not how my taint works or Ohio State wouldn't have lost the Fiesta Bowl last year. My taint works when I pick international soccer matches.
Anyway there is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men to properly express how disgusting the gutless Caps made me last night. I very nearly puked.
Quote from: Zoupa on April 29, 2010, 03:24:29 AM
Over the whole 7 games, the Habs just played better minutes than the Caps. Bottom line.
Well the last three anyway.
When I watched the atrocity that was game 5 I knew some serious shit was brewing.
Game 2 was a fluke.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 29, 2010, 11:36:07 AM
Game 2 was a fluke.
Maybe but Games 3 and 4 weren't. But that just set us Cap fans up for the inevitable.
They make the Buffalo Bills look like the greatest Super Bowl team ever.
Well nothing to do now but hope the Canadiens can stop the Pens.
Quote from: C.C.R. on April 28, 2010, 08:39:45 PM
Great job, Habs!
The four O-6 teams that made the playoffs are all still alive...
:shifty:
Well here is hoping they all advance to the semis.
Quote from: Delirium on April 28, 2010, 07:05:10 AM
In the East I think the Caps will come through after all, then go on to beat the Flyers in seven. Pittsburgh will need six games against Bruins. Pens then beat Washington in five.
I have to say I would rather the Caps lose in the first round in horribly demoralizing fashion, like they just did, then lose to the fucking Pens again.
Quote from: Valmy on April 29, 2010, 11:19:39 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 29, 2010, 07:50:13 AM
Valmy has been promoted to level 4 in taint!
*shakes head* The Caps have been doing this their entire existance long before I was a fan. Besides that is not how my taint works or Ohio State wouldn't have lost the Fiesta Bowl last year. My taint works when I pick international soccer matches.
Anyway there is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men to properly express how disgusting the gutless Caps made me last night. I very nearly puked.
I would invite you to join me in Satan worship, but you'd jinx him too.
Boston/Montreal would be cool.
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 03:45:30 PM
Boston/Montreal would be cool.
Hopefully, NK will kidnap Timmy until the playoffs are over so I can enjoy the Bruins. Fucking tainting piece of shit.
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 29, 2010, 04:08:25 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 03:45:30 PM
Boston/Montreal would be cool.
Hopefully, NK will kidnap Timmy until the playoffs are over so I can enjoy the Bruins. Fucking tainting piece of shit.
Now that he's been transplanted out of New England, his bandwagoning ass is head-over-heels for the Seoul Dolphin-Kidneys or whatever.
Boston/Montreal would be fun but it's also way overdone.
Death to the Original Six.
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
Death to the Original Six.
The success of the Coyotes will attract bandwagoners and end any chance of Winnepeg getting a team.
So there.
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 05:19:42 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
Death to the Original Six.
The success of the Coyotes will attract bandwagoners and end any chance of Winnepeg getting a team.
So there.
I'd much rather get Nashville or Atlanta to move to Winnipeg. :)
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 05:23:53 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 05:19:42 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
Death to the Original Six.
The success of the Coyotes will attract bandwagoners and end any chance of Winnepeg getting a team.
So there.
I'd much rather get Nashville or Atlanta to move to Winnipeg. :)
Nashville's arena looked pretty full, and Atlanta is much too large to give up the team.
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 05:31:28 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 05:23:53 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 05:19:42 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
Death to the Original Six.
The success of the Coyotes will attract bandwagoners and end any chance of Winnepeg getting a team.
So there.
I'd much rather get Nashville or Atlanta to move to Winnipeg. :)
Nashville's arena looked pretty full, and Atlanta is much too large to give up the team.
Predators are 26th out of 30 in terms of attendance.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance
Of course the Coyotes are dead last...
Interesting the Avs are down there at the bottom as well. I knew leaving Quebec was just daft.
Quote from: Valmy on April 29, 2010, 06:06:56 PM
Interesting the Avs are down there at the bottom as well. I knew leaving Quebec was just daft.
If you go to 2001 they were in 8th.
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 05:31:28 PM
and Atlanta is much too large to give up the team.
Well, sure -- Calgary already has a team...
:P
Blatantly stolen from ESPN:
"You can't spell 'Ovechkin' without 'C-H-O-K-E.'"
:P
Russian mafia got to Ovechkin. :tinfoil:
The Sharks are a bit divey, aren't they?
Then again, so long as Detroit loses, it's not so bad.
Tense game for San Jose :wacko:
Winnipeg will never have an NHL team again.
Quote from: PRC on April 29, 2010, 10:08:26 PM
Winnipeg will never have an NHL team again.
Noted for posterity. :menace:
Note that I didn't say an NHL team won't play there.. ala exhibition or even a few regular season games like playing in Euro zone... but the spirit holds true... there will never be an NHL team calling Winnipeg home for the rest of time.
Victory!
Contraction will happen before a NHL team calls Winnipeg home again.
Quote from: PRC on April 29, 2010, 10:41:46 PM
Note that I didn't say an NHL team won't play there.. ala exhibition or even a few regular season games like playing in Euro zone... but the spirit holds true... there will never be an NHL team calling Winnipeg home for the rest of time.
Noted for posterity. :menace:
Same for katmai. :contract:
There will be a team in Winnipeg, that team will also be in Saskatoon.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 30, 2010, 06:17:26 AM
There will be a team in Winnipeg, that team will also be in Saskatoon.
Saskatoon is a pretty small place. It's like having a team in Halifax, only with a bit more money, and a lot more old people.
At least Winnipeg has a larger population, although most of that is Indians, poor people and people who ceased to be employed once NAFTA and cheap air travel erased the need to travel through the wetlands of Manitoba in order to get from the Eastern Urban Zone to the Western Urban Zone.
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 06:58:04 PM
If you go to 2001 they were in 8th.
So what happened? Coloradans could no longer bear to attend a sport played by foreigners after a nationalistic revival following 9/11?
Quote from: Valmy on April 30, 2010, 08:10:13 AM
Quote from: Barrister on April 29, 2010, 06:58:04 PM
If you go to 2001 they were in 8th.
So what happened? Coloradans could no longer bear to attend a sport played by foreigners after a nationalistic revival following 9/11?
The Avalanche went from being super hockey-warrriors whose only mission in life was to contend for the Cup to being also-rans.
Quote from: Neil on April 30, 2010, 08:14:33 AM
The Avalanche went from being super hockey-warrriors whose only mission in life was to contend for the Cup to being also-rans.
See Canadians will go to the games even if the team is also-rans...heck especially when the team is also-rans.
Quote from: Valmy on April 30, 2010, 08:16:20 AM
Quote from: Neil on April 30, 2010, 08:14:33 AM
The Avalanche went from being super hockey-warrriors whose only mission in life was to contend for the Cup to being also-rans.
See Canadians will go to the games even if the team is also-rans...heck especially when the team is also-rans.
Yeah, but America is full of Tims.
What I dislike about playoff hockey, especially in Montreal when the Habs have success is that everyone now suddenly becomes an hockey fan. Atleast watch the regular season if you are going to pretend to like the sports.
Also, stores drapping themselves in Habs gear annoys me. I like hockey and the habs alot but for the love of fuck can I buy my groceries without being assaulted by red, white & some blue.
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 30, 2010, 08:55:40 AM
What I dislike about playoff hockey, especially in Montreal when the Habs have success is that everyone now suddenly becomes an hockey fan. Atleast watch the regular season if you are going to pretend to like the sports.
Also, stores drapping themselves in Habs gear annoys me. I like hockey and the habs alot but for the love of fuck can I buy my groceries without being assaulted by red, white & some blue.
You'd love Ohio in the fall. Brutus in your face everywhere.
The new NHL: a Melting Pot or a Patchwork Quilt? Discuss...
:shifty:
How many brothers play?
Quote from: Jaron on May 01, 2010, 02:15:43 PM
How many brothers play?
more than used to. but still a small minority.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on May 01, 2010, 02:44:54 PM
Quote from: Jaron on May 01, 2010, 02:15:43 PM
How many brothers play?
more than used to. but still a small minority.
Indeed.
Still no hubcap shortage in the NHL...
;)
From the "My Kids Rock, Your Kids are Teh Ghey" file:
Wifey was out shopping with our daughters & Wifey's mom today, and I guess that they stopped at MC Sports for whatever reason ( :huh: ). Anyhoo, when seeing Detroit Red Wing stuff mixed in with Blackhawk stuff in the hockey apparel display my daughter Jocelyn says to Wifey, "MOM! They have Red Wing stuff mixed in with Blackhawk stuff! Detroit sucks and you need to talk to somebody about this!"
I am: Proud
:wub:
:)
Great first period in the Hawks / Nucks game! 2-0 Canucks!
5 to 0 going into the 3rd for the Canucks! :D
Your Blackhawks fanboism seems to be ill timed, CCR :lmfao:
Quote from: Jaron on May 01, 2010, 08:54:53 PM
Your Blackhawks fanboism seems to be ill timed, CCR :lmfao:
As in the last 25 years have been ill-timed?
:huh:
I mean it was an awkward moment to boast of your teams "leetness" given how badly they were spanked this day.
I'm sure Vancouver did something immoral. Either that, or the Blackhawks played as poorly as they did the last time I saw them.
Quote from: Neil on May 02, 2010, 08:18:10 AM
I'm sure Vancouver did something immoral. Either that, or the Blackhawks played as poorly as they did the last time I saw them.
Hossa taint. He is the Tim of the NHL.
Quote from: Neil on May 02, 2010, 08:18:10 AM
I'm sure Vancouver did something immoral. Either that, or the Blackhawks played as poorly as they did the last time I saw them.
They played into Vancouver's game. Instead of bringing out Eager etc to pound the Canucks (which is what worked best for them last year, not the speed game as many think) they tried to outskill the team with the most depth. bad strategy.
This will be a long series, though I still expect 6 or 7 games unless the Hawks decide to fold up. I hope they don't. When both teams are on their games it's damned good hockey.
Wow Jaron, I didn't know you followed hockey that closely!
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 09:55:58 PM
The Sharks are a bit divey, aren't they?
Then again, so long as Detroit loses, it's not so bad.
That's what I call a hockey game, both teams suiting up to play! But there was some strange calls (what was that minor on Franzen just before second intermission when he was cut up himself?).
Quote from: Delirium on May 02, 2010, 01:30:29 PM
Wow Jaron, I didn't know you followed hockey that closely!
Then you learned something today.
Quote from: Delirium on May 02, 2010, 01:33:00 PM
Quote from: Neil on April 29, 2010, 09:55:58 PM
The Sharks are a bit divey, aren't they?
Then again, so long as Detroit loses, it's not so bad.
That's what I call a hockey game, both teams suiting up to play! But there was some strange calls (what was that minor on Franzen just before second intermission when he was cut up himself?).
He got called for tripping. He got hit with a stick after he chopped a guy down.
Quote from: Neil on May 02, 2010, 08:18:10 AM
I'm sure Vancouver did something immoral. Either that, or the Blackhawks played as poorly as they did the last time I saw them.
Oh, they played that poorly. We'll see what happens Monday night...
:)
The Habs tie the series, and stave off claims that they're through.
Quote from: Neil on May 02, 2010, 04:57:28 PM
The Habs tie the series, and stave off claims that they're through.
When they hired Martin as coach, I thought "Jesus, what a bad move". But dude has a system. He's a damn good coach.
Halak playing like the 2nd coming of Patrick also helps, but we played way better defensively today. The Pens were getting frustrated, Crosby started whining to the refs, the usual.
In the meantime, Cammalieri has 8 goals in 9 playoff games. That guy is the real deal. What's wrong in Calgary letting him go like that?
Quote from: Barrister on April 30, 2010, 01:28:37 AM
Quote from: PRC on April 29, 2010, 10:41:46 PM
Note that I didn't say an NHL team won't play there.. ala exhibition or even a few regular season games like playing in Euro zone... but the spirit holds true... there will never be an NHL team calling Winnipeg home for the rest of time.
Noted for posterity. :menace:
Same for katmai. :contract:
:contract:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/jetsmeter/
Justin Bieber: never say never.
Red Wings = Spanked by Sharks
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Kings fans celebrate a 1-0 victory as if they just won the Stanley Cup.
Reports are that after Glendale tried to get the Goldwater Institute to decide whether or not they were going to sue (and not getting an answer), Glendale is going to turn around and sue the GWI, and it's directors individually, on some basis.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6185492
Sounds like a SLAPP to me...
And the Bluejackets are AGAIN dead in the water this season. Nikita Filatov remains a total useless flop.
However, this Calvert kid is awesome.