The Hockey Thread

[rockrighter]

While the Major Junior season started 2 weeks ago, the '08-'09 NHL season began today.

The Canucks battled through some early, intense pressure from the Flames to come back and light the goal lamp 6 times - from all 4 lines, might I add - to help give Captain Roberto Luongo his 39th career shutout. Had Moss managed to put away any of the umpteen chances he had on the Flames 5-on-3 in the 1st period, the game would have likely looked very different.

The Bourdon tribute was excellent and seeing Alex Burrows (Bourdon's best friend on the team) have such a good game made me so happy. Ohlund was dynamite and playing with more of an edge than usual, Luongo made some fantastic saves, and Bernier held his own pretty well when fighting Phaneuf, despite the latter landing a few good uppercuts.
The critics will be wrong about the Canucks, I think. They're confident, and, they have Ryan Walter. ;)

I only managed to catch handfuls of the Leafs-Red Wings game given the time zone differential, but it seemed like they played really well in their upset win against the defending champs ... Luke Schenn was looking pretty solid out there. While I am honour-bound to "hate" the Leafs, I found myself wanting them to win. I do hope the franchise itself turns around. A Leafs Nation needs to stir shit up in the playoffs.

I could write more but I need to get to bed.

Other topics to help get y'all started:
- HNIC Theme Song.
- New rule changes.
- Don Cherry's lack of garish sport coat
- the SJ/ANA and BOS/COL games

[wildcat]

GO PANTHERS!!!
It's been 8 years since the last playoff run.
Let's hope it isn't 9.

[reallygroovN]

lets go, flyers

:evil:

thats all i got for this thread...

[Buannan]

Don Cherry says he bought six new suits for this season. That alone makes the price of Center Ice worth it. I didn't catch anything last night. We are hockey challenged in the US, even with Center Ice. However, I'll be watching my first Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday. I'll miss the theme song.... :(

I think the Red Wings are quite likely to do it again although I wouldn't count out the Penguins.

I can't afford season tickets for the Thunderbirds anymore. I've kinda lost all my excitement for the WHL knowing I'll be lucky to catch one or two games (in the new arena of course) and that's all. Sucks that I've been priced out of seeing hockey live. I may have to resort to rec leagues.

Oh, and, again, being hockey challenged and all, what are the new rule changes in the NHL this year?

[oblio]

Don Cherry says he bought six new suits for this season. That alone makes the price of Center Ice worth it. I didn't catch anything last night. We are hockey challenged in the US, even with Center Ice. However, I'll be watching my first Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday. I'll miss the theme song.... :(

I think the Red Wings are quite likely to do it again although I wouldn't count out the Penguins.

I can't afford season tickets for the Thunderbirds anymore. I've kinda lost all my excitement for the WHL knowing I'll be lucky to catch one or two games (in the new arena of course) and that's all. Sucks that I've been priced out of seeing hockey live. I maybe have to resort to rec leagues.

Oh, and, again, being hockey challenged and all, what are the new rule changes in the NHL this year?

The only rule change I noticed was that after a penalty is called, the faceoff now takes place in the penalized team's end no matter where
the penalty occurred.
I like that one.

[Buannan]

Hmmm...interesting rule. Probabaly a good one. I'll have to think about it.

[oblio]

Had Moss managed to put away any of the umpteen chances he had on the Flames 5-on-3 in the 1st period, the game would have likely looked very different.



well, you know what they say.
A rolling puck gathers no Moss.
:silly:

[merlin]

I am so glad hockey season is back. The Bruins won their opener, all is right with the world!!! :bigsm:

[Buannan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/No-one-gave-Def-Leppard-the-Stanley-Cup-instruct?urn=nhl,113984

[ProfessorFrink]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/No-one-gave-Def-Leppard-the-Stanley-Cup-instruct?urn=nhl,113984

head of marketing for the NHL:

http://twitchfilm.net/pics/Pink-Guitar.jpg

[GreenDisease]

Good God Man!!!

Lets go Devils!!!! They are winning right now, woohoo!!!

I am soooooooo relieved the sport of all sports is back, I was even cheering for Holik in the opening introductions... I'm that excited!

On a bit of a downer, I just saw that a former Sabre, a goalie, his name escapes me, sorry.... is hospitalized after shooting himself in the chin with a rifle. OUCH!!!

I like that new penalty rule too, that makes sense to me. :)

VIVA LA HOCKEY!!

[GreenDisease]

lets go, flyers

:evil:

thats all i got for this thread...

BARF!

[Buannan]

Any theme with bagpipes in it can't be all bad. It'll grow on me. That opening though....yeah...gets me right here. It's just a game....you pass the puck, you shoot the puck, you save the puck.....yep...*sniff*


Damn, I really should have been born Canadian. I must have been switched at birth.

[Buannan]

And just in case you guys didn't see one of the greatest saves ever, here it is. Carey Price is unreal.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Carey-Price-makes-the-save-of-the-year-fo?urn=nhl,112105

[rockrighter]

I kinda wanted the kid to win for the sake of the kid winning (not to mention that he actually had a "wow" reaction when George was talking about the rare Epiphone the runner up was going to get and didn't say anything obnoxious like the other guy did. I understand emotions are high, but still.) That said, Canadian Gold was the better tune. Had the kid's tune not taken so long to get going, it would have had a better chance. I fell asleep after work on Friday and woke up too late to vote for the final 2. In the semi-finals, I voted for Burnaby's Graham McMyn. And I can't even remember how the song went now that I've heard CG so many times. :P

I'm housesitting for my Dad and Stepmom for the next 2 weeks, so I get to enjoy hockey in HD on a 56" screen. JOY! Plus, I can watch the games on the other CBC feeds that I don't get at home with basic cable. I shall make the most of this hockey gloriousness.

The Habs are Canucking the Leafs tonight. I saw that Price save when you posted that at the 54 forum. Amazing reaction. Looking forward to Canucks vs. Flames in about an hour.

[Buannan]

I figured you had seen it. I don't think anyone else from this board goes over to that den of crying babies though.
;-)

It is worth watching a few hundred times. I know I have. I can't decide if it was pure reflex, a lucky break or he actually intended it. No matter what, it is amazing to watch.

[rockrighter]

Canucks battled back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Flames 5-4 in OT. Very chippy game with a few fights. This rivalry is only going to intensify as the season goes on. Awesome start to the season for the 'Nucks. On paper they may not look dangerous, but they're proving that they're a much tougher team than in years previous.

(WHL) Bruins are 2-for-2 in their 3-game weekend after defeating Kamloops tonight and the PA Raiders on Friday; hopefully they don't take Seattle lightly tomorrow, as the T-Birds are coming off a badly-needed, confidence-building 4-0 win against the Hawks. Despite blowing a 3-0 lead, it was nice to see the Raiders beat the Giants, even if it took the circus. The G-men still haven't lost in regulation and have regained the league's top spot over the Broncos. Will the Giants ever stop being a dangerous team?

Oscar Moller didn't factor in LA's only goal in a 3-1 loss to the SJS, but he was on the ice for it. No +1, though, 'cause it was a PPG. Wonder what will happen with him now that O'Sullivan's back in the picture ... will find out next Kings' game, I guess. LA only got 13 shots on Nabokov. 2 of those were Ozzy's. Also, he had 19 shifts, and a little more than 13 minutes of collective ice time. Not too bad for his first NHL game.

[GreenDisease]

Jesus Price..... I like that :)

That was un-real!!!!!!!

[rockrighter]

Bruins went 3-for-3 this long weekend, but according to the fans who saw this 3rd game firsthand, they only showed up for the last 5 minutes (to send it to OT, and then win it in the circus.) The T-Birds mus be frustrated with that one, as it seems they outplayed the Bruins for 55 minutes.
The Bruins are going to get tested bigtime on their upcoming mini-Eastern swing. They can just barely hold their own in their own conference. They'll be lucky to beat Medicine Hat or Lethbridge; Kootenay should be a fairly even match-up.

I discovered that there's a Centre Ice free preview going on, so I watched Oscar Moller in his 2nd game as a King. The team, as a whole, is thus far lacking chemistry and look really sloppy. Ozzy made some mistakes, nothing major and to be expected from a rookie, but also created some chances, played well defensively, and had at least a couple shots on net. Potentially 7 more games to go before we find out if the WHL Bruins get their captain back*.

Hopefully, the Canucks will be able to keep up their stellar play against a threatening Caps team.

*Was never officially announced, but it's obvious the Bruins are taking a wait and see approach.

[Buannan]

The T-Birds are playing only 8 of their games in the first half at home. They are doing it to raise excitement for the new arena which is set to open the first of the year, obviously, but I think it is really going to hurt the team overall. I realize that means most of the games in the second half will be at home, but, by then, how low will confidence levels be?

I'm hoping they will open the new arena on Dec. 27th when we play Portland here. It is definitely a real possibility. I'd love to go to that one. Tickets aren't on sale for it yet which only supports my belief that that game may actually be the home opener for the Kent arena.

BTW, the new arena is NOT going through Ticketmaster. I can't tell you how freaking happy that makes me. I wish all arenas could turn their backs on those bastards. I picked up a pair of tickets for me and my son to see Henry Rollins next month. Ticket price was $25 each. By the time they added all their fees, I paid almost $40 per ticket. That's more than a 50% markup....insane!

[GreenDisease]

We're going to see the orchestra again for christmas. I got $50 seats, and ended up paying over $60 for all the fees/taxes. $274 smackers for 4 tickets. Out-friggin-rageous!

[Buannan]

Did you guys hear about this?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=txrangersprospectdies&prov=st&type=lgns

This is just tragic....seriously.
:(

[rockrighter]

Yep. Just awful. Reminded me of Mickey Renaud.

I feel really bad for Jagr. He's going to have a hard time with this. Hopefully, if something good can come out of this, the KHL will mandate that an ambulance must stay for the full duration of the game, and that portable AED machines are on hand in each arena.

--

Canucks got their arse handed to them in Washington. AO absolutley creamed Wellwood, who was in the line-up in place of Darcy Hordichuk. The Caps were very physical and the Canucks just couldn't get anything going after that first goal, and Luongo wasn't as sharp as he could have been. If they were getting cocky after those 2 wins against the Flames, this should being them back down to Earth. With a crash landing.

I wasn't cheering for either team, but what I saw of the Blues-Leafs match was highly entertaining. I thought the Blues were done, went to the store to run an errand, & come back to find the score tied at 3.

[Buannan]

Keep your eyes on the Blues. They are going to be a real team soon....if not this season, then next.

My son adores the Blues. I used to be a season ticket holder back when I lived there about....geez...twenty years ago now. Wow, time flies.

[GreenDisease]

I heard about that young fella last night, my heart just broke. Absolutely awful news. I didn't read any details on what caused him to collapse, did any news get released today? I heard the HNIC guys today talking about those defibulator thingies. :(

I also heard that Ryan Hollweig got suspended again for ramming someone into the boards. The Leafs/Blues game I believe? I missed the hit so I can't really comment.

[Buannan]

The reports said it was a heart attack (he was only 19). Because there was no ambulance at the arena, it took 20-30 minutes for the paramedics to arrive. If there had been an ambulance there, I wonder if he still would have died?

[rockrighter]

Hey Canucks, you think you could, you know, do one of them win thingies I saw you do a couple of weeks ago? That'd be swell.

Post-game edit:

DAMN YOU PASCAL LECLAIRE! DAMN YOU!

[merlin]

Milan Lucic says hello to a Maple Leaf player last night...I love this kid!! :hurt:

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

[rockrighter]

Saw that on the highlights. Kid is built like a brick wall.

In other news, my Bruins are sucking a lot of ass. 11 GA in the last 2 games, both against the Kelowna Rockets. Yeesh.

[rockrighter]

Fun Fact: All 30 teams are playing tonight. This is only the 2nd time this has occurred in the history of the NHL.

[rockrighter]

Oscar Moller is sticking with the LA Kings. He deserves it. He's worked hard, and he has a bright future. Won't see him in a junior league uniform again, and that includes the WJC's.

I'm thankful for the games I got to see him play, and extremely happy to see the WHL Bruins' first NHL'er exceed expectations. I think he'll be part of LA's core for the next several years.

Moller's first NHL goal, scored against Peter Budaj of the Av's.

[Buannan]

Congrats to Moller! I expect him to do very well in the NHL for many years to come.

[GreenDisease]

As if the injuries couln't mount up any higher, Brodeur is out for god knows how long. I wasn't home to watch the game, saw a highlight this morning. A "bruised" elbow? He didn't even fall on it. There wasn't any twisting that I could see, it looks like he just hyperextended it or something when he was reaching to make a stop.

Rolston, Holik, Greene, now Brodeur? Who's next? Parisi? GULP!

I'm not a big fan of Toronto, but that was an AWESOME comeback last night! 5 goals in 5 minutes and 21 seconds??! HOT damn!

[Buannan]

Sigh, I didn't even watch it last night. I watched HNIC long enough to see Coach's Corner and then turned it off. I guess I should have stuck with the Toronto game, eh?

[GreenDisease]

You definetly should have, it was great. I loved Renney's reaction on the bench, total disgust! I dig watching the Rangers lose! :)

[merlin]

Did anyone see the brawls last night between the Bruins and the Dallas Stars?? I have a feeling Sean Avery is going to be eating his food through a straw today! :hurt::P

[GreenDisease]

REALLY!?!?! Avery is like an annoying mosquito, you can't wait to smack him. :) Gotta love those Bruins, nice!

[merlin]

Actually, I have to give props to Avery, he fought in the place of teammate Steve Ott, who took several cheap shots and then refused to fight. Andrew Ference of the Bruins leveled Ott and he wouldnt fight, so Avery stood up and fought. I dont like Avery, but he showed guts.

[GreenDisease]

Again with bad timing, I missed the story on the HNIC feed on Sirius. They were gonna talk to Andrew Ference and I missed it.

Alright, I'll give props to Avery for standing up for his team-mate. But thats it, haha. :)

[GreenDisease]

Life without Martin Brodeur................................

it can't be happening..... :(

I should have kept my mouth glued a few posts above when I asked who would be injured next.

Goodness, gracious me...... Good luck Kevin Weekes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buannan]

I feel sorry for my son. His fantasy hockey team has Brodeur, DiPietro and the Blues' first string goalie. All three are on injured reserve. I told him to add the back up for the Islanders...I can't remember his name...since DiPietro is out for a good month or more. There weren't a lot of choices out there.

[GreenDisease]

Isn't it Dublewicz? Or something to that affect?

Nice shoot out win for us last night. I was happy for Weekes who got his first real win in god knows how many games. Hopefully time will go fast.

And he was so damn close to breaking those records. :(

[rockrighter]

Brodie's got plenty of time to break the records. It's still likely he'll break Roy's W record if he comes back on schedule (only needs 7). Sawchuk's shutout record, most likely next year but still possible if he gets on a roll (needing 5).

Speaking of which, I'm going to miss Luongo's bid for a new Canucks' shutout record tonight, 'cause the final All-Candidates Meeting for Saturday's civic election is a-happenin'.

[merlin]

Canucks ink center Sundin to deal

Kind of surprised that it came down to the Rangers and Vancouver though.

[rockrighter]

I'm not! :) Toronto told him it wasn't a good fit, and Montreal never had the cap room. Rangers were going to try and make some room, but couldn't make it happen, I guess. They'd have to unload a top player and his salary to sign Mats, or 2 "medium" salaries. Gillis was consistent and patient in his pursuit and I think that really went over well with Sundin.

It'll be interesting to see how this all works out. Wonder which forward(s) will be sent down or traded to accommodate Sundin's arrival in late December.

[GreenDisease]

Canucks ink center Sundin to deal

Kind of surprised that it came down to the Rangers and Vancouver though.

WOAH!!! Didn't see that coming at all! I for sure thought he would have signed with the Rangers. Nice! I like Vancouver. :)

Now that my favorite thread is back in the limelight....

I wore my Scott Stevens t-shirt to work today and my crush called him a bastard. Michelle... he smokes and he hates Scott Stevens( me thinks because he's a major red wings fan)... is he even worth it!?!?!

[ProfessorFrink]

Vancouver, thank you for bringing closure to this whole Sundin ordeal. enjoy the consistent mediocrity laced with false hope.

[Buannan]

I wore my Scott Stevens t-shirt to work today and my crush called him a bastard. Michelle... he smokes and he hates Scott Stevens( me thinks because he's a major red wings fan)... is he even worth it!?!?!

He called him WHAT??????

That's it....he is so not worthy of you.

He's the BASTARD!!

Or he doesn't know jack about hockey.

Either way....waste of time......

As for Sundin, waste of money. I can't believe that Vancouver is so stupid....no, wait, yes I can.

[GreenDisease]

He called him WHAT??????

That's it....he is so not worthy of you.

He's the BASTARD!!

Or he doesn't know jack about hockey..

Either way....waste of time......



Yup! he kinda said it under his breath and I said "what did you just say?" And he said "NOTHING" and turned all red. And I was like "no, you said he's a ba..." What does "ba" mean? Then he said all quiet "he's a bastard" I shot him a look and said "On no you didn't" I really think it's because of that brutal hit Stevens landed on Kozlov back in '95 during the SCF. Still holding a grudge after 14 years?

He's still cute as all hell to me, but ya can't go around calling my hockey hero a bastard.

[Buannan]

maybe he just doesn't know any better. I think you had better educate him on the finer points of good defensemen in hockey

[rockrighter]

As for Sundin, waste of money. I can't believe that Vancouver is so stupid....no, wait, yes I can.
Vancouver, thank you for bringing closure to this whole Sundin ordeal. enjoy the consistent mediocrity laced with false hope.

http://www.zingerbug.com/Comments/glitter_graphics/no_haterz.gif

Y'alls is jus' jealous! Y'all don't know, y'all don't know.
:alien::P

[Buannan]

I like Vancouver though. They have a friend of mine on their minor team (the Moose) right now, and I can't wait to see him play in Vancouver. I just think it was a bad move is all. And, in one of the few examples I can think of, I actually disagree with Don Cherry. The Maple Leafs DID hang Sundin out to dry. That guy has class and loyalty, I'll give him that much, and while the Leafs didn't screw him over as badly as the Bruins screwed over Thorton, I do hope Sundin comes back and shines just like Thorton has.

[rockrighter]

I expect some rust when he plays the first week. I think he'll fit in well with guys like Danny and Hank, Demitra, and, there's a history of chemistry with Wellwood. Kesler and Raymond may make good linemates, too.

Of course, just for fun, I'd like to see him on a line with Hordichuk. :)

In other news ... WORLD JUNIORS! Go SWEDADA! Go CANADEN! Ozzy makes this event so conflicted for me. He's the Captain of Tre Kronor this year, and it'll be awesome to see him play again. I hope he makes Team Sweden for the Olympics.

[rockrighter]

I stepped out of the shower to find Slovakia has increased their lead to 3-1 vs. the US. Still half a game to play so the US has a lot of time (and the talent) to get back in it. I'm rather surprised Slovakia was able to net 3.

[rockrighter]

I'm officially a Boston Bruins fan now:

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Boston-Bruins-take-on-Pearl-Jam-in-Rock-B?urn=nhl,132260

Unfortunately it cuts off during the outro. I was pretty impressed. Looch does McCready pretty well. ;)

So much to comment on, hockey-wise. Poor Oscar played the back half of the WJC's with a broken clavicle (and is now out for a month) and as a result, was barely noticeable during the medal rounds. Sundin is, as predicted, off to a slow start, and while his late 3rd penalty cost the Canucks a goal, he wasn't the only player that had a major gaffe - the whole team, minus a few players, was off and lacking in effort.
WHL trade deadline is tomorrow. Have fun with Kyle Beach, Lethbridge.

[Buannan]

But how about our guy Hickey in the WJCs? I remember seeing that guy at his first T-Bird training camp and just being amazed. He is perhaps the most natural defenseman I've ever seen....even at age 15. He's the real deal LA and you are damn lucky to have him.

As for Beach, maybe Lethbridge will give him the discipline he needs to actually move to the next level. You can't deny the kid can play...but man does he do some really STUPID things. His punk ass antics won't sit well at the next level. I hope he figures that one out and matures beyond them.

[rockrighter]

Hopefully Hickey is still yours ... I heard a big deal happened between the Blades and the T-Birds. I didn't feel he played as well as he's capable at the WJC's, but he makes a great Captain and will be a nice tandem with Johnson or Doughty in LA - probably next year.

Broncos have made tonnes of moves. We got Matt Ius for Liam Darragh. Sad to see Darragh go; he was a call-up in the B's 1st season so technically he's an "Original Bruin" and now there's only 2 left if they've not been traded - Meropoulis and Bhungal.

Edit: Seems the Ice decided to go for rebuilding, and there must be something missing from what the Dub's website is reporting: "Moose Jaw Warriors trade F Ian Duval (20) to the Kelowna Rockets for F Jesse Paradis (17)." A 20 for a 17? There must be some conditions and picks swapped as well.

[Buannan]

I wouldn't mind if they traded Hickey for a first round draft pick and a young forward. We aren't going anywhere this year, we may as well plan for the future. Hickey won't be back next year anyway.

[rockrighter]

Well, if Moller does get sent back down to the Dub this year - he'll be a Thunderbird. The Bruins traded his rights for the rights of 17-year-old Euro Ondrej Palat and a conditional 2010 4th rounder, which would become a 2nd rounder if Ozzy actually ends up reporting. Of all the teams his rights could be traded to, I'm glad it was the T-Birds.

[GreenDisease]

Well, I sure as hell didn't see this coming, or hear any rumors....... Gotta tune into the pre-game this evening to get the scoop.

Brendan Shanahan has agreed to sign with the Devils......

I thought Lou might have been done kickin't it old school with the off season moves, but apparently he's not.

I''m not sure about this. Rolston, even though he was hurt and out for a bit hasn't been the scoring savior they thought he was gonna be, and Holik is just nothing but a big body on the ice. At this point with how crappy they've been playing they need to be younger, not older!

[rockrighter]

Shanny is still pretty good, though. He got 46 pts. in 73 games with the Rangers last season. A bit of a drop-off from the season prior, but still decently consistent, and he'll bring a ton of leadership.

[Buannan]

Shanahan is a good addition Cara. Good leadership is priceless. No sense having a bunch of youngsters if there's no one to lead them. Now they need to dump some of the oldtimers and add some youth.

[rockrighter]

Long time, no hockey talk.

NHL Playoffs are just around the corner. Habs are barely hanging on to a spot, the Oilers are trying to fight their way into one, the Leafs and Sens are out ... only the Flames and Canucks are a lock for the post-season. Hopefully the Habs and Oilers can make it in.

New Jersey is ... Cara, what the poop is going on out there? :P

[merlin]

I think the Bruins are finally back on track, 6-1-1 in their last 8 games. For awhile there, I thought they might have peaked too early. Can't wait for the playoffs to start.

[rockrighter]

Another tragedy hits the Canucks. Taylor Pyatt's fiancee was killed in a car accident in Jamaica last night. Poor guy.

[merlin]

Yes, I just saw that last night, such a shame. Vancouver has had its share of tragedy in the past year. On a happier note, Boston just clinched the East for the first time since 2001-2002 with their win over the Rangers.

[GreenDisease]

Another tragedy hits the Canucks. Taylor Pyatt's fiancee was killed in a car accident in Jamaica last night. Poor guy.

Oh my goodness, thats awful. :( I hadn't heard anything until coming on here. :para:Very, very sad.

The only explanation that I can think of for the Devils is that they are just
"552'd" out. Too much hype, too much attention on Marty's record breaking wins. Ive sensed, especially over the last two weeks, that they've lost alot of focus and play with a lazy attitude, Brodeur included(only because no one is playing in front of him, and he can't stop everything).

The last two games were barely won, and even their coach blowing his top in the Penguins game couldn't get them motivated. We've lost Weekes, Clemmer is back. Sit Brodeur for a game, let him clear his mind and get focused (again, too much focus on 552, Im even sick of it). We've got Toronto tomorrow, and they've got nothing to play for really, except pride to finish the season. Those teams are the most dangerous for the Devils right now. I am very nervous for the playoffs this year, more so than last. In hindsight, they didn't really have a "slump" this year when everyone expected them to(after the injury), but this slump happened at the worst possible time. If you don't have confidence going into the playoffs, you're gonna get chewed up and spit out fast.

[rockrighter]

Hopefully the Oilers can muster up all their non-playoff-making bitterness and channel it at the Flames. I'm confident that the Canucks will win tomorrow to finish the season with 100 points.

[rockrighter]

The Vancouver Canucks are the '08/'09 Northwest Division Champions.

Still have to wait to see who the 1st Rd. opponent is: The BJ's, the Ducks, or the Blues.

I'm hoping that the Canadiens end up 7th and the Rangers 8th.

[ProfessorFrink]

so if they don't get BJs in the first round, they could get the Blues?

[rockrighter]

You're a guy, you tell me! I assume 'yes'.

[rockrighter]

No BJ's. Canucks vs. Blues it is.

Anyhoo, I was part of an umpteen round playoff pool draft today. I ended up in the middle of all the rounds except for 2-3 so I didn't get to choose many that I'd hoped for. I tried to go for a mix of best player available and which team is likely to go the furthest. I ended up picking 6 Philadelphia Flyers. :P I did allow things to get "personal" - I only picked 1 Blues player and 1 Ducks player.

I don't expect to do extremely well. Maybe 5th of 7th.

[rockrighter]

Oh yeah ... predictions:

WEST:

(1) San Jose Sharks
vs.
(8) Anaheim Ducks
-- SJS IN 5

(2) Detroit Red Wings
vs.
(7) Columbus Blue Jackets
-- CBJ IN 6

(3) Vancouver Canucks
vs.
(6) St. Louis Blues
-- VC IN 6

(4) Chicago Blackhawks
vs.
(5) Calgary Flames
-- CB IN 4

EAST

(1) Boston Bruins
vs.
(8) Montreal Canadiens
-- BB IN 4

(2) Washington Capitals
vs.
(7) New York Rangers
-- WC IN 5

(3) New Jersey Devils
vs.
(6) Carolina Hurricanes
-- CH IN 7

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
(5) Philadelphia Flyers
-- PF IN 6

---

What say you?

[Buannan]

WEST:

(1) San Jose Sharks
vs.
(8) Anaheim Ducks
-- Sharks in 5

(2) Detroit Red Wings
vs.
(7) Columbus Blue Jackets
-- Red Wings in 6

(3) Vancouver Canucks
vs.
(6) St. Louis Blues
-- Vancouver in 5

(4) Chicago Blackhawks
vs.
(5) Calgary Flames
-- Columbus in 6

EAST

(1) Boston Bruins
vs.
(8) Montreal Canadiens
-- Boston in 4

(2) Washington Capitals
vs.
(7) New York Rangers
-- Caps in 6

(3) New Jersey Devils
vs.
(6) Carolina Hurricanes
-- Devils in 7 (this is our OT series here)

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
(5) Philadelphia Flyers
-- Penguins in 6

---

[merlin]

Can't wait, the best tournament in sports is almost here!


WEST:

(1) San Jose Sharks
vs.
(8) Anaheim Ducks
-- Sharks in 6

(2) Detroit Red Wings
vs.
(7) Columbus Blue Jackets
-- Red Wings in 5

(3) Vancouver Canucks
vs.
(6) St. Louis Blues
-- Vancouver in 5

(4) Chicago Blackhawks
vs.
(5) Calgary Flames
-- Calgary in 7

EAST

(1) Boston Bruins
vs.
(8) Montreal Canadiens
-- Boston in 6

(2) Washington Capitals
vs.
(7) New York Rangers
-- Caps in 5

(3) New Jersey Devils
vs.
(6) Carolina Hurricanes
-- Devils in 6

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
(5) Philadelphia Flyers
-- Penguins in 7

---

[merlin]

Also, just checked the TV schedule for the Bruins Habs first round series. Only one nationally televised game out of seven for one of the biggest rivalries in hockey?? WTF!!! Alot of the other first round series are showing every game on either Versus or NBC. Guess the networks think the Bruins are going to sweep or something.

[rockrighter]

That's pathetic. Nice of them to support the most exciting Bruins' squad in years. :rolleyes:

[rockrighter]

Also: Tomorrow we will find out who successfully TANKED FOR TAVARES!*

New York Islanders - 25% chance of obtaining 1st Overall
Tampa Bay Lightning - 18.8% chance
Colorado Avalanche - 14.2% chance
Atlanta Thrashers - 10.7% chance
Los Angeles Kings - 8.1% chance


*Unless the winning team picks Hedman.


EDIT: No changes. Order of picks is as above. BORRRRIINNNNGGGG.:P

[GreenDisease]

Also, just checked the TV schedule for the Bruins Habs first round series. Only one nationally televised game out of seven for one of the biggest rivalries in hockey?? WTF!!! Alot of the other first round series are showing every game on either Versus or NBC. Guess the networks think the Bruins are going to sweep or something.

That sucks my friend! How rude! I love watching both the Bruins and Habs play.

[merlin]

Wow, what's up with San Jose?

[rockrighter]

Wow, what's up with San Jose?
... and Washington. But mostly San Jose.

I think it's funny.

(Seriously, though, despite Anaheim's mediocre regular season, they still have a good chunk of their Stanley Cup winning roster. They've got the experience. And Pronger, though douchebaggy, is exceptionally good at his job. He's playing much better this post-season than last.)

[demetrios]

(1) Boston Bruins
vs.
(8) Montreal Canadiens
-- Boston in 4

:bigsm:

[rockrighter]

VANCOUVER CANUCKS SWEEP! WOOOOOO!

[merlin]

Did anyone see the shit Donald Brashear pulled yesterday? Just announced he got a 6 game suspension. Honestly, I think he got off lightly. I mean, before the game even starts he tries to fight Colton Orr, and then he goes headhunting with a vicious blindside elbow late in the game ( I cant remember the guy he leveled). There is no place in the game for a guy like this. I love hard hitting, physical hockey. Guys like Georges Laraque are physical, but not cheap shot artists looking to maim someone. Even guys like Sean Avery I can tolerate. But what he did yesterday, and honestly, throughout his career, have no place in the game. Send him packing!! Sorry, rant over now. :P

[Buannan]

I am with you merlin. Brashear is an embarrassment. I think it's time he quit playing "hockey."

[ProfessorFrink]

I'm no fan of Donald Brashear (seeing Belak knock him out this season was a personal highlight) but I thought the suspension was kinda on the excessive side. I would've given him 1 game for the warm-up sillyness and 1 or 2 games for the late shoulder to the head. I've seen far too many despicable acts go unpunished so far in the first round that weren't play-related... Mike Cammalleri's pre-meditated head shot comes to mind... Mike Komisarek repeatedly eye-gouging Bruins with not a word from the league...

I guess the difference is that Betts has a broken face. but I didn't find the act to be as bad as some I've seen.

[GreenDisease]

I always miss this stuff, I haven't even heard this had happened.... this is why I miss my sirius radio, I can't listen to HNIC anymore. :(

Since I haven't seen the hit I can't say if the amount of games is good or bad. But, judging by Brashear's past acts of aggression and idiocy, I'm sure he deserved every game they gave him.

[Buannan]

here you go cara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGwrm3sGU8E

broke betts's orbital bone

[ProfessorFrink]

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6040/1240827429920.gif

[oblio]

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6040/1240827429920.gif

Was this a scene from that "5-hole" Tales of hockey erotica you went to
see?

Clap,clap,clap,clap - I see that as some sort of symbolism.

[ProfessorFrink]

Was this a scene from that "5-hole" Tales of hockey erotica you went to
see?

Clap,clap,clap,clap - I see that as some sort of symbolism.

actually, no. but it would've fit in quite well.

I'd just like to point out that I posted that .gif before the miraculous comeback. you're welcome, Canes fans.

[rockrighter]

I'm an outstanding 2/8 in my predictions ('Canes in 7, Bruins in 4) :rolleyes:

Time for the Semi-Finals (re-seeded).

(1) Detroit vs. (4) Anaheim
Detroit in 5

(2) Vancouver vs. (3) Chicago
Vancouver in 6

--

(1) Boston vs. (4) Carolina
Boston in 5

(2) Washington vs. (3) Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh in 7

[Buannan]

(1) Detroit vs. (4) Anaheim
Detroit in 6

(2) Vancouver vs. (3) Chicago
Vancouver in 7

--

(1) Boston vs. (4) Carolina
Boston in 4

(2) Washington vs. (3) Pittsburgh
Caps in 7...this should be one hell of a series

[GreenDisease]

here you go cara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGwrm3sGU8E

broke betts's orbital bone



Oh my god.... that poor guy.

The suspension is justified in my opinion.


I'm cheering for the Bruins at this point. I am still in disbelief after last night and I am heartbroken. 58 minutes of stellar hockey, to lose it in 1:20 at the end? Total waste of effort in my opinion. I hope Lou cleans major house over the the summer. Im so tired of this team.

I can't understand Sutter on a good day..... I didn't understand one word he spoke last night. And Daneyko looked like he was honestly crying.

Good luck to everyone elses' favs. :)

[rockrighter]

Golf, Canucks, Golf.

*sigh*

http://www.buzzbishop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/20080406-a.gif

Pretty entertaining series, though, except game 4. (Zzzzzzz.)

Wonder if Canes will finish off the Bruins, if the Ducks can actually come back against the Red Wings (whose inner beast was awoken by Brad Watson's quick whistle), and who will win the Pens/Caps (heh) series. I think Pittsburgh has the upper hand but the Caps will be riding the high of Steckel's OT winner.

[merlin]

Cant wait for the Bruins game tonight. Walker is going to be a marked man after his sucker punch on Aaron Ward Sunday night. If I were him, I would keep my head on a swivel whenever Looch, Sean Thornton, or Zdeno come his way. I think it is going to be a long night for this guy!

[Buannan]

I confess, I've only watched one game...game two of the caps/pens series. I just hate american coverage sooooooooooo much. it is so fucking annoying. I don't understand why they can't continue on with hnic for us center ice subscribers. at least then I'd get some canadian coverage.

I'll watch the finals regardless, but I'm not sure I can handle any more than that.

[Buannan]

Stupid Bruins...stupid, stupid Bruins.

Anyway, here's the next round.

Chicago Blackhawks
vs.
Detroit Redwings

I pick Chicago in 7 for sentimental reasons. I'm hoping for a very physical series with this one.


Carolina Hurricanes (who??)
vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins

Gotta go with the Pens in 5.

[GreenDisease]

Stupid Bruins...stupid, stupid Bruins.

Anyway, here's the next round.

Chicago Blackhawks
vs.
Detroit Redwings

I pick Chicago in 7 for sentimental reasons. I'm hoping for a very physical series with this one.


Carolina Hurricanes (who??)
vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins

Gotta go with the Pens in 5.

I had my fingers crossed for an Original Six SFC, but those pesky Canes got in the way.

I agree with both of your predictions. I was upset that Boston lost. I can't stand the Canes. I don't like Pittsburgh all that much either, but I hope they beat Carolina. Always liked the Red Wings, but I am rooting for the Blackhawks because of how much they've proved themselves, and I think there fans are great, they deserve it just as much. Regardless of who wins in the East, I will once again be rooting for the West in the SFC!

[wildcat]

2nd period last night was awesome.
Never been a huge Penguin/Crosby fan but last night the kid was great.
Looking forward to Saturday night.
Is it me or have we had enough of the "Alas Rojas"

[Not_Trapped]

2nd period last night was awesome.
Never been a huge Penguin/Crosby fan but last night the kid was great.
Looking forward to Saturday night.
Is it me or have we had enough of the "Alas Rojas"
You gotta represent the PA, dude! COME ON!

[rockrighter]

I hope the Pens can continue the momentum and work past the line match-ups they'll face at the Joe.

Let's Go Penguins!

[GreenDisease]

Nice game last night. :) Very happy with the outcome!!!

Go Wings Go!!!

[Buannan]

I am so not interested in this series, it isn't even funny. I haven't watched a single game. I guess I'll watch the last period of the next game since the Cup will be in the house, but, damn, I just can't get excited about hockey when I have to watch it on NBC or VS. I hate American feeds. I so need to just move to Canada.

[rockrighter]

Bah.

[Buannan]

Just for Shaley because I KNOW she wants to read ALL of it again.

Look, it's been almost three months since it floated to the top....hockey season must have been over, eh?

[stonehenge]

Just saw the Devils plan to wear their Christmas jerseys vs. the Penguins on St. Patrik's Day.

[Buannan]

Just saw the Devils plan to wear their Christmas jerseys vs. the Penguins on St. Patrik's Day.
that's a beautiful thing right there

[brokenarrow]

that's a beautiful thing right there

beauty eh?

http://www.allnationsstampandcoin.com/images/news/olympic-stamps/Curling.jpg

[Buannan]

beauty eh?

http://www.allnationsstampandcoin.com/images/news/olympic-stamps/Curling.jpg
*sniff*

[ProfessorFrink]

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9140/shack641bk3.jpg

[brokenarrow]

*sniff*

got mom one of these pins on my way up to her place this summer, she was thrilled to bits! ;)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qftJNZc6Y1A/SjMzUxReA_I/AAAAAAAACVM/wEWBBa8S2RQ/s288/Vancouver+2010+Silhouette+Curling+Pin.jpg



ok, i won't derail the hockey anymore eh?

http://shop2.aol.ca/ss/media/29193000/29193837.jpg



i can't wait for the winter olympics

[stonehenge]

I get awfully purist about the Olympics.
I don't think the NHLers should play in them.
But that doesn't stop me from watching all the Team USA games.

[rockrighter]

I'm simply overjoyed to be paying out the ass for these Olympics until I die (or move away, but that probably won't happen). :dead:

There's a rumour floating around that Luongo has resigned for 6 years at an average cap hit of $6.75 million per year (I'd assume the salary is top-loaded and the deal is with an NTC). If it's true, I will pee my pants.

WHL:
I bought a couple of Chilliwack Bruins jerseys the other day (on sale since they're introducing the new Edge jerseys this year), so, uh, yay for me? (They're my first jerseys. Awwww.) I think this upcoming season will be much better than last year. Will be interesting to see how Tri-City does with Jim Hiller as coach. Maybe his system/style will work better with that team.
Only a few weeks away until the Dub season opener.

[stonehenge]

There's a rumour floating around that Luongo has resigned for 6 years at an average cap hit of $6.75 million per year (I'd assume the salary is top-loaded and the deal is with an NTC). If it's true, I will pee my pants.


He once pulled me onto his lap for a photo.
Sigh, the good ol' days.

[Buannan]

I don't like the edge jerseys.


Good for you on your first jersey purchases Reena. I have quite a few game worn, autographed, whatever...lol. I've been collecting them since I was about 8 and that was a very, very long time ago.

I didn't go see the T-Birds at all last year. I may catch a game or two this year. I'd like to see the new arena, but, damn, season tickets are expensive.

[ProfessorFrink]

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=14682.html?cidrsstsn

Milan Lucic's hard road to the Olympics
The Globe and Mail
By Allan Maki, The Globe and Mail Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:17 PM ET

CALGARY -- Maybe he won't make the cut. Maybe he won't be fast enough or experienced enough to wear the red Maple Leaf in his hometown Olympics.

But for now, Milan Lucic is here, one of 45 select skaters on Saddledome ice competing for a spot on Canada's 2010 Olympic hockey team. How to explain this?

This is a player who wasn't good enough to be drafted by the Western Hockey League and almost quit the game in frustration. This is a young man who, at 15, was told he had Scheuermann's disease, a curvature of the spine that no one else in his family had had. This is a grind-them-up, spit-them-out NHL forward whose game is as subtle as dental surgery.

He's also just 21, with only two NHL seasons to his credit. So again, how to explain Lucic's presence among the likes of Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier and his idol Jarome Iginla?

Simple, Lucic says. "You have to focus on the positives. You've got to have that drive inside you. All of us here have that. I just did it a little bit later than most of the guys."

It would make for the most heart-warming of tales: Vancouver athlete, born to parents who emigrated from Serbia, competes in hometown Olympics and helps Canada win gold. It's a long shot on so many levels you don't know where to start. But Lucic's invitation to the Olympic team's orientation camp speaks to his insatiable drive and the power of dreaming.

When the Olympic team brass began selecting which players would attend camp, they thought of Lucic and how forcefully and effectively he'd played for the Boston Bruins during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. They thought, then they put his name aside.

Eventually, after debating Lucic's value against an array of other players, Canadian officials said, "Let's go with the kid." It was associate director Doug Armstrong who called Lucic and gave him the good news.

"He just burst onto the NHL scene and grabbed your attention," Armstrong explained. "We want to see if he can maintain the pace at this level. He's certainly on the right track. He's very hard to play against and he's gained the attention of the players at the NHL level."

Lucic's game has been defined by two things - his size (6 foot 3, 228 pounds) and his desire. On the ice, he is bullishly strong, a linebacker of a left winger with goal-scoring skills. What powers him is how close he came to throwing it all away.

Ignored in the 2003 WHL bantam draft, Lucic cried and told his mother he was quitting hockey. When he opted to swallow his pride and try out for a B.C. Junior A team, he was told he wasn't good enough and ordered to play for a Junior B squad. Again, he thought about quitting.

Soon after, Lucic was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease, given how his upper back was hunching. ("It's a condition I've never let bother me," he said.) His new teammates showed their great caring and sensitivity by calling him Quasimodo. Lucic ended that with some fistic demonstrations.

It was at that juncture in his hockey life that things began falling into place. Lucic played his way onto the Junior A team then onto the WHL's Vancouver Giants. After one season, he was drafted by the Bruins and then things really starting rolling - he led his team in scoring, he led the Giants to a home-ice Memorial Cup championship and was named tournament most valuable player. He also captained Canada's junior team in its Super Series demolishing of Russia in 2007.

Then Lucic went to the Bruins' training camp and lo and behold if he didn't make the team. Turned out his second NHL season would be even better - 17 goals, 25 assists, 136 penalty minutes followed by nine points in 10 playoff games. In quick fashion, Lucic had gone from unwanted to unstoppable to widely respected.

Still, he never thought he'd be asked to the Olympic orientation camp. That just seemed a bit much, even for a dreamer like him.

"I don't think it's a bad thing," he answered when asked if he was the Olympic team's consummate underdog. "I've nothing to lose. I'll just go all out. I'm happy about the small ice surface. That's my game. I'll stay on the wall and just give it to the other guys who are better with the puck."

Lucic will give his all; there is little doubt of that. The uncertainty is whether his game fits within the Olympic team's game plan. Maybe it does; maybe it doesn't. Either way, Milan Lucic is here among the finest.

He can hardly believe it himself.

[merlin]

Looch is the man!!! I go to about 10 Bruins games a year, he is by the far the most popular Bruin. I hope he makes the team, but if not, maybe he could play for the U.S. instead?? :P



http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=14682.html?cidrsstsn

Milan Lucic's hard road to the Olympics
The Globe and Mail
By Allan Maki, The Globe and Mail Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:17 PM ET

CALGARY -- Maybe he won't make the cut. Maybe he won't be fast enough or experienced enough to wear the red Maple Leaf in his hometown Olympics.

But for now, Milan Lucic is here, one of 45 select skaters on Saddledome ice competing for a spot on Canada's 2010 Olympic hockey team. How to explain this?

This is a player who wasn't good enough to be drafted by the Western Hockey League and almost quit the game in frustration. This is a young man who, at 15, was told he had Scheuermann's disease, a curvature of the spine that no one else in his family had had. This is a grind-them-up, spit-them-out NHL forward whose game is as subtle as dental surgery.

He's also just 21, with only two NHL seasons to his credit. So again, how to explain Lucic's presence among the likes of Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier and his idol Jarome Iginla?

Simple, Lucic says. "You have to focus on the positives. You've got to have that drive inside you. All of us here have that. I just did it a little bit later than most of the guys."

It would make for the most heart-warming of tales: Vancouver athlete, born to parents who emigrated from Serbia, competes in hometown Olympics and helps Canada win gold. It's a long shot on so many levels you don't know where to start. But Lucic's invitation to the Olympic team's orientation camp speaks to his insatiable drive and the power of dreaming.

When the Olympic team brass began selecting which players would attend camp, they thought of Lucic and how forcefully and effectively he'd played for the Boston Bruins during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. They thought, then they put his name aside.

Eventually, after debating Lucic's value against an array of other players, Canadian officials said, "Let's go with the kid." It was associate director Doug Armstrong who called Lucic and gave him the good news.

"He just burst onto the NHL scene and grabbed your attention," Armstrong explained. "We want to see if he can maintain the pace at this level. He's certainly on the right track. He's very hard to play against and he's gained the attention of the players at the NHL level."

Lucic's game has been defined by two things - his size (6 foot 3, 228 pounds) and his desire. On the ice, he is bullishly strong, a linebacker of a left winger with goal-scoring skills. What powers him is how close he came to throwing it all away.

Ignored in the 2003 WHL bantam draft, Lucic cried and told his mother he was quitting hockey. When he opted to swallow his pride and try out for a B.C. Junior A team, he was told he wasn't good enough and ordered to play for a Junior B squad. Again, he thought about quitting.

Soon after, Lucic was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease, given how his upper back was hunching. ("It's a condition I've never let bother me," he said.) His new teammates showed their great caring and sensitivity by calling him Quasimodo. Lucic ended that with some fistic demonstrations.

It was at that juncture in his hockey life that things began falling into place. Lucic played his way onto the Junior A team then onto the WHL's Vancouver Giants. After one season, he was drafted by the Bruins and then things really starting rolling - he led his team in scoring, he led the Giants to a home-ice Memorial Cup championship and was named tournament most valuable player. He also captained Canada's junior team in its Super Series demolishing of Russia in 2007.

Then Lucic went to the Bruins' training camp and lo and behold if he didn't make the team. Turned out his second NHL season would be even better - 17 goals, 25 assists, 136 penalty minutes followed by nine points in 10 playoff games. In quick fashion, Lucic had gone from unwanted to unstoppable to widely respected.

Still, he never thought he'd be asked to the Olympic orientation camp. That just seemed a bit much, even for a dreamer like him.

"I don't think it's a bad thing," he answered when asked if he was the Olympic team's consummate underdog. "I've nothing to lose. I'll just go all out. I'm happy about the small ice surface. That's my game. I'll stay on the wall and just give it to the other guys who are better with the puck."

Lucic will give his all; there is little doubt of that. The uncertainty is whether his game fits within the Olympic team's game plan. Maybe it does; maybe it doesn't. Either way, Milan Lucic is here among the finest.

He can hardly believe it himself.

[ProfessorFrink]

Looch is the man!!! I go to about 10 Bruins games a year, he is by the far the most popular Bruin. I hope he makes the team, but if not, maybe he could play for the U.S. instead?? :P

I'm a leafs fan. I wish we could steal him.

[Buannan]

Frinks, thanks for the article. Lucic is awesome. I really hope he gets on the team and wins gold.

Also, you need to change fave teams again. Everyone knows the Leafs suck and are dirty rotten bastards.

:bigsm:

[ProfessorFrink]

Colton Orr would like a word with you.

[Buannan]

Colton Orr would like a word with you.

:rolleyes:

:silly:

[oblio]

where the fuck did summer go??
I'm on the ice next Tuesday with the kids and our season
starts with a tourny the weekend of the 18th.

holy fuck-balls batman.
He's turning 17 this season, says he wants to beat people
up this year for all the shit he's taken over the past 5 seasons.
Unless he gives me a Gordie Howe hat-trick every night, he's
going to be riding the pines.
I can do it, I'm the coach.

[merlin]

So with the NHL season getting under way this week, just curious what some of you hockey fans thoughts were on the upcoming season. Predictions, surprises, hopes???

[Not_Trapped]

So with the NHL season getting under way this week, just curious what some of you hockey fans thoughts were on the upcoming season. Predictions, surprises, hopes???
i would answer if you had not limited this to hockey fans...

[merlin]

You can still answer Dominic, I am sure your answer would sound ok, even if you don't know anything about hockey! Just say you think the Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup and everything will be just fine! :P

[Not_Trapped]

You can still answer Dominic, I am sure your answer would sound ok, even if you don't know anything about hockey! Just say you think the Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup and everything will be just fine! :P
you know my weak spot...boston sports...this year, i predict a sluggish start for the bruins, however, with a new year comes new fervor and renewed purpose on the ice - boston in 6 for lord stanley's cup in april...

[wildcat]

Looks like one more year out of the playoffs for the Panthers.
It will be 8 years since our last playoff game.
Bad ownership, musical GM's and bad trades have killed this franchise.
This year they are selling lower level tickets for $35 bucks.
I used to pay $70 bucks a ticket for tickets 6 years ago (season tickets).
I love to watch hockey but now I do it for free on the couch.
Boston vs Vancouver finals...

[merlin]

I am saying Boston - Chicago in the Finals!

[Jde-PJ]

What a great fn tourney.

Congrats to USA, and Canada as well, for never giving up.

[oblio]

What a great fn tourney.

Congrats to USA, and Canada as well, for never giving up.

My dog could have stopped most of those goals by the Americans.

Soft goaltending let us down this year.
Very un-canadian-like.

[GreenDisease]

I say the Devs win the Cup this year...if they don't go their usual "toilet dive" in the playoffs. Things are going great right now!

The Olympics coming up, I never was keen on NHL'ers playing, I don't think I ever will be. What do you guys think?

[Buannan]

I say the Devs win the Cup this year...if they don't go their usual "toilet dive" in the playoffs. Things are going great right now!

The Olympics coming up, I never was keen on NHL'ers playing, I don't think I ever will be. What do you guys think?

I don't think any professional athletes should be in the Olympics...that includes Russian and Chinese athletes that get an all expenses paid lifestyle just to participate in the Olympics. However, I don't think we will ever go back to a truly amateur Olympic competition so there is nothing wrong with other countries leveling the playing field.

[nashac]

it is very interesting, lol, christian louboutin (http://www.8-mall.com/)

[rockrighter]

Patrice Cormier sucks donkey cock, and Lamoriello is sticking his finger in the arse of said donkey.

That is all.

[oblio]

Patrice Cormier sucks donkey cock, and Lamoriello is sticking his finger in the arse of said donkey.

That is all.

Lou is small enough to fit in a donkey's arse.
Has the Q come down with a verdict on this piece of shit yet?
If Lou is seriously going to back this sad excuse for a hockey player
then they should revoke his hall of fame membership immediately.

[rockrighter]

Suspended for the season + playoffs, but while Cormier released a statement saying that he "accepted" the Q's decision, either his team or him (or both) are going to appeal the decision.

As it turns out, Lou managed to remove his finger from the donkey's ass and will respect the Q's decision. Wise move on his part, despite him thinking that the hit wasn't that big of a deal.

If only Hockey Canada had the balls to do something after Cormier Cormier'd Team Sweden's Anton Rodin in the Green Jersey Game during the WJC. I think he hit a guy with an elbow in the game vs. the Fins, too.

[oblio]

Suspended for the season + playoffs, but while Cormier released a statement saying that he "accepted" the Q's decision, either his team or him (or both) are going to appeal the decision.

As it turns out, Lou managed to remove his finger from the donkey's ass and will respect the Q's decision. Wise move on his part, despite him thinking that the hit wasn't that big of a deal.

If only Hockey Canada had the balls to do something after Cormier Cormier'd Team Sweden's Anton Rodin in the Green Jersey Game during the WJC. I think he hit a guy with an elbow in the game vs. the Fins, too.

The guy's a menace. No skills that will lead him to a respectable
career in the sport. He's a repeat offender(see Chris Simon) and
a precedent has to be set so that a future tragedy can be
averted.
Send a message now,today that will tell these goons that if you
want to pursue a career in the greatest sport in the world, then you
had better learn to play it right.

[ProfessorFrink]

Cormier is almost a point-per-game player, so I don't think I'd classify him solely as a goon. he can play the game... he has also made some pretty stupid decisions with his elbows. now he's paying the price and rightfully so.

what's been bothering me lately with all of the headshot talk is this notion that there's no respect in the game anymore. when you consider the amount of games that are played in all of the leagues that are under the microscope right now, these over-exposed incidents are a drop in the bucket when it comes to the amount of hockey that gets played.

there will always be bad hits and cheapshots in hockey. that will never go away. no amount of lifetime bans and public indignation will prevent it.

in a game that's fast and physical, there will inevitably be incidents that result in serious injuries. why? because it's human nature... sometimes we make bad decisions when our emotions are elevated and we have little time to consider consequences. hockey players are human.

and back to the idea that respect has left the game with this generation... how many bench-clearing brawls do you see anymore? Wayne Maki fractured Ted Green's skull and almost killed him in a stickfight in 1969 (stickfights weren't uncommon).
the NHL Allstar game was born out of Eddie Shore blindsiding Ace Bailey and ending his career back in the 30s.
this man was revered for exacting revenge on wrong-doers with unsuspecting elbows (or Cormiers as they're now called):

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eChJYQ9nAZA/Sv4Vdx6QxuI/AAAAAAAAAkA/D6PkjLPHqCY/s400/12.+GordieHowe.jpg

things in today's game aren't as bad as people are making them out to be. in fact, today's game is safer in many ways.

[oblio]

Cormier is almost a point-per-game player, so I don't think I'd classify him solely as a goon. he can play the game... he has also made some pretty stupid decisions with his elbows. now he's paying the price and rightfully so.

what's been bothering me lately with all of the headshot talk is this notion that there's no respect in the game anymore. when you consider the amount of games that are played in all of the leagues that are under the microscope right now, these over-exposed incidents are a drop in the bucket when it comes to the amount of hockey that gets played.

there will always be bad hits and cheapshots in hockey. that will never go away. no amount of lifetime bans and public indignation will prevent it.

in a game that's fast and physical, there will inevitably be incidents that result in serious injuries. why? because it's human nature... sometimes we make bad decisions when our emotions are elevated and we have little time to consider consequences. hockey players are human.

and back to the idea that respect has left the game with this generation... how many bench-clearing brawls do you see anymore? Wayne Maki fractured Ted Green's skull and almost killed him in a stickfight in 1969 (stickfights weren't uncommon).
the NHL Allstar game was born out of Eddie Shore blindsiding Ace Bailey and ending his career back in the 30s.
this man was revered for exacting revenge on wrong-doers with unsuspecting elbows (or Cormiers as they're now called):

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eChJYQ9nAZA/Sv4Vdx6QxuI/AAAAAAAAAkA/D6PkjLPHqCY/s400/12.+GordieHowe.jpg

things in today's game aren't as bad as people are making them out to be. in fact, today's game is safer in many ways.

Alan,

As usual, you make some extremely valid and relevant points and if
I didn't know better, I would have thought you even laced up the blades
every now and then.
I didn't realize Cormier was a p.p.g. player and while that may exclude
him from the "goon" category, it does not make him any less of a
head-hunting low-life piece of shit that,in my opinion, has no place
being allowed to go after other players heads and trying to inflict
unneccessary and injurious damage to another.

After viewing his dastardly deeds, I have come to the conclusion that
if he were my son and was deliberately trying to put another players
teeth through the back of their head then I would immediately be taking
away his elbow pads and get him into anger management therapy.

These were all unneccessary and the actions of a thug.

8hzeOhL8_9g

QgwCaxEB6-Y&feature=related

[ProfessorFrink]

and I have no issues with the length of the suspension that Cormier received. his actions were definitely deserving of a season+playoff-length suspension. his hit was a million times worse than the Liambis one. he may learn from it, he may not. I don't think he's beyond hope or worthy of a lifetime ban from hockey at this point (he's 19 years old).

he'll probably go on to do alright in the NHL to tell you the truth. I think of Steve Downie and all of the despicable things he did in junior and in his first pre-season in the NHL (remember the 20 game suspension for the hit on McAmmond?). he's managed to slide by without anyone beating the ever-living snot out of him and somehow he's actually been able to control himself this year and be a productive, marginally under control, hockey player in Tampa. that being said, I'm sure Downie will eventually snap again and try to choke a ref or something... rendering my mention of him useless.

[rockrighter]

I agree with the "the game isn't the same anymore" nonsense. Society's mores have changed and for the most part, hockey has kept up, but only recently have the punishments fit the crime, and that's what most of the hoopla is about, methinks.

Anyhoo, happy Hockey Day in Canada, folks! Go Canucks!

[merlin]

Wow, Brian Burke and Toronto shaking things up in the NHL. Interesting!

[rockrighter]

Interesting to see how Phaneuf handles the Toronto media. Aulie will be good for the Marlies.

[oblio]

Interesting to see how Phaneuf handles the Toronto media. Aulie will be good for the Marlies.

With a couple of exceptions, french-canadian hockey players don't
normally thrive in this town but anything that brings Elisha Cuthbert
closer to my front door means we won this trade.

http://thisisdiversity.com/img/umedia/663/Image/elisha-cuthbert.jpg

[rockrighter]

Phaneuf is from Edmonton. I don't know if he can even speak French. Definitely a change for him - he played his entire career, from major junior until now, in Alberta.

[oblio]

Phaneuf is from Edmonton. I don't know if he can even speak French. Definitely a change for him - he played his entire career, from major junior until now, in Alberta.

Meh, that's like saying Terry O'Reilly isn't Irish because he was
born in Niagara Falls.

He's got some sort of poutine bloodlines, tabernack!!

[ProfessorFrink]

I suppose this is appropriate to post in this thread.

there's a bit of Dr. Manhattan-esque wang... just in case you're prudish.
96zwWz6deIs

[rockrighter]

Well, someone finally beat the snot out of Downie. Chara just pummelled him. Looks like Downie took it pretty well, but his head like likely made out of cement.

[oblio]

Well, someone finally beat the snot out of Downie. Chara just pummelled him. Looks like Downie took it pretty well, but his head like likely made out of cement.

Couldn't of been much of a fight, no majors were given.
Then again, anyone that Paul Bunyan from Chickletslovakia battles
is usually thrown around like a dog playing with a rag doll.
Gotta give Fleecy credit for going to war though and he scored
a couple of goals after that as well.

How's the Olympic fever over there?
Lots of rain I hear.

[rockrighter]

Didn't know that no majors were given out in that scrap. Weird.

It's been the usual BC mish-mash of everything in one day, to mostly rainy, to mostly cloudy, to fairly sunny, etc. The mornings and evenings are chilly, but here in the Fraser Valley, shorts and a t-shirt can be worn in the early afternoon.

It's not usually like this until mid-March. It's kinda creepy, but I'm enjoying it.

[Plaidsurfshorts]

Soooooooo.... How 'bout that Gold Medal game?

[oblio]

Soooooooo.... How 'bout that Gold Medal game?

Nothing like baiting your competition into a false sense of security
like we did in that first matchup with the yanks.
If it wasn't for Miller's out-of-this-world performance and Brodeur's
mediocrity that game, we would have gone undefeated.

This is our game - nobody on the planet plays it with the passion,heart
and determination that we do. It's just the way it has always been and
the way it will always be.
While I give the Americans credit for putting up a brave fight and
thinking they may actually win the whole thing, when push came to shove, the final outcome was never,ever in doubt in my mind.
Same for the women's side too, I am just as proud and ecstatic about
their gold as I am about the men's.

[ProfessorFrink]

the criticism the women took for their celebration was bullshit.
they should've never apologized (for being rock n' roll).

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/5158/slide_5158_71097_large.jpg?1267570243359

[oblio]

the criticism the women took for their celebration was bullshit.
they should've never apologized (for being rock n' roll).

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/5158/slide_5158_71097_large.jpg?1267570243359

It was the politically correct polite Canadian thing to do but yea, there
was absolutely nothing wrong with what they did.
and it's kind of erotic, too.
Perhaps a sequel to "Through the 5 holes"

[wildcat]

Double Standards....Had it been the men nothing would have been reported.
I heard they gave Ryan Miller a standing ovation in Pittsburgh last night even though he didn't play. Classy by the PA guy and the Pitt fans.
Great event in Vancouver..
I'm sure Canada felt a little anxious at 24.6 seconds...

[merlin]

Hope the NHL suspends Matt Cooke from Pittsburgh for his cheap shot elbow concussion job on Mark Savard of the Bruins. Also hope he meets up with Milan Lucic later on in the season. That, provided Lucic finds his balls sometime this season and pummels someone! :P

[oblio]

Hope the NHL suspends Matt Cooke from Pittsburgh for his cheap shot elbow concussion job on Mark Savard of the Bruins. Also hope he meets up with Milan Lucic later on in the season. That, provided Lucic finds his balls sometime this season and pummels someone! :P

Matt Kooke is another of those talentless borderline players
who has a history of cowardly goon-like assaults on other players and
when asked to dance by someone who would shove his nose to the
back of his head, skates away with his tail between his legs.

I have always like Lucic, I thought he was shaped in the mold of
Cam Neely and was ready to make his mark in the NHL but injuries
have slowed him down a little this year and I have to believe he is
still not at 100% which is why he may seem a little less eager to
get involved. I believe he was a prime candidate to make the
Olympic team if not for those injuries. Watch out next year because when
he fully recovers over the summer he is going to be dominant.

I would rather see that behomoth of a man Chara mete out some revenge
on behalf of Savard because that's what Kooke deserves.

[merlin]

So Matt Cooke finally got what he deserved, even if it wasn't from a Bruin!!!

http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/94177

[oblio]

So Matt Cooke finally got what he deserved, even if it wasn't from a Bruin!!!

http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/94177

Fucking niiiiiiiiice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kook picked on the wrong guy. Evander is a tough dude and that
idiot thought he had an easy victim.

I love this!!!!!!!

[rockrighter]

Funny thing about Cooke - he and his wife are very charitable (at least, they were in Vancouver), but on the ice, he's a total chickenshit pansy. Not as bad as Avery, but pretty bad.

[rockrighter]

Playoff picks:

Washington Capitals in 5
New Jersey Devils in 6
Buffalo Sabres in 6
Pittsburgh Penguins in 5
San Jose Sharks in 7
Chicago Blackhawks in 4
Vancouver Canucks in 5
Detroit Red Wings in 6

[Buannan]

Washington vs Montreal - Washington in 6
Philly vs New Jersey - New Jersey in 7
Buffalo vs Boston - Boston in 5
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa - Pittsburgh in 5

San Jose vs Colorado - San Jose in 6
Chicago vs Nashville - Chicago in 4
LA vs Vancouver - LA in 7
Detroit vs Phoenix - Detroit in 4

[oblio]

Washington vs Montreal - Washington in 5(Halak might steal 1)
Philly vs New Jersey - New Jersey in 5(All about goaltending)
Buffalo vs Boston - Buffalo in 5(Bruins blew their load getting into dance)
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa - Pittsburgh in 5(and I'm being generous)

San Jose vs Colorado - San Jose in 4(bad match up for Avs here)
Chicago vs Nashville - Chicago in 5(Hawks going to finals)
LA vs Vancouver - Vanc in 6(Loooo will shine)
Detroit vs Phoenix - Phoenix in 7(there's always at least 1 upset, right? - then again, would this really be an upset?)

[rockrighter]

50-odd shots by the Caps and nary a one by Oven Chicken. He's gonna get a Thornton-like reputation if his big game no-showings keep up. I think he'll be better with A) Boudreau sticking a boot up his ass, and B) the FIRST PLAYOFF GAME OMG is over with.
So maybe now he'll settle in.

I would expect Fleury to also pick up his game. The Sharks are still an enigma ... can't tell if they'll find their game or if history will repeat.

Very exciting start to the playoffs!

And Detroit can suck my ovaries.

[merlin]

Holy shit, the Vancouver fans are a bunch of freaks!! Because of this, I am now rooting for them to win the whole thing!!! :alien:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkXvwG8xKJI&feature=player_embedded

[oblio]

7 games played - all 1 goal affairs.
Parity is alive and well in the greatest professional sports organization
in the world.
Even the crappy teams that don't make the playoffs are competetive
on most nights.

[oblio]

Washington vs Montreal - Washington in 5(Halak might steal 1)
Philly vs New Jersey - New Jersey in 5(All about goaltending)
Buffalo vs Boston - Buffalo in 5(Bruins blew their load getting into dance)
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa - Pittsburgh in 5(and I'm being generous)

San Jose vs Colorado - San Jose in 4(bad match up for Avs here)
Chicago vs Nashville - Chicago in 5(Hawks going to finals)
LA vs Vancouver - Vanc in 6(Loooo will shine)
Detroit vs Phoenix - Phoenix in 7(there's always at least 1 upset, right? - then again, would this really be an upset?)

Ok, Halak stole 3. Too much Jaro and a Caps PP that disappeared.
I was right, it was all about goaltending. I just had the wrong goalie.
Obviously the Bruins had plenty left for the Dance. Buffalo sucks.
yaaaay, I got 1 eastern team right. Not Generous enough though.

Let's be honest, a fluke goal in game 3 was all that separated SJ in 5.
Hawks are definitely going to finals.
Even a blind squirrel gets one exactly right.
Right number of games - wrong winning team.

next round:

Pen-guy-wins over Les Habs in 5.(Halak can't keep this up. Can he?)
Boston over Philly in 6(too many injuries for Flyers. Bruins get Savard back
and Rask is on fire. Boucher may steal 1 or 2)

Chicago over Vancouver in 7(Revenge will only get the Canucks 1 more game before being eliminated)
San Jose over Detroit in 7(Could go either way here but I think SJ has too much fire power for the Wings)

[Buannan]

And now the REAL fun begins....

Pittsburgh over Montreal in 5 (how the hell did the Habs end up in this one anyway?)
Boston over Philly in 5 (Philly plain sucks...end of story.)

Chicago over Vancouver in 5 (Damn I'd love to see Vancouver do it, but it isn't going to happen...sorry Charlie. This just may be Chicago's year....finally.)
San Jose over Detroit in 7 (This should be the best series of the second round. I have a soft spot for San Jose which is why I'm picking them. It could easily go the other way.)

[Buannan]

I'm proud to say that Brooks used to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds, and he was a great kid even then. I don't know if you'd see this happen with any other professional athlete except a hockey player (but I could be biased).

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/After-Game-7-loss-Capitals-Laich-fixes-tire-fo?urn=nhl,237745

[merlin]

Playoffs have been great so far. Lots of upsets and nail biters, underdogs have been playing great!

[Buannan]

I just finished watching the HBO documentary The Broad Street Bullies. I'm not from Phlly so of course I hate the Flyers and feel they are as dirty now as they were then. That said, there's no denying their place in hockey history (I mean, Bobby Clarke anyone?), and I recommend this show to all hockey fans. They should do this will all the old teams...give everyone a perspective of where hockey started and where its been.

[merlin]

If the Bruins and Canadiens both win tonight, it will be a Boston - Montreal Eastern Finals. Who thought that would be possible at the start of the playoffs???

[Not_Trapped]

If the Bruins and Canadiens both win tonight, it will be a Boston - Montreal Eastern Finals. Who thought that would be possible at the start of the playoffs???
Montreal eh...very nice...

[oblio]

If the Bruins and Canadiens both win tonight, it will be a Boston - Montreal Eastern Finals. Who thought that would be possible at the start of the playoffs???

It's been an amazing playoffs this year, so many of the lower seeded
teams playing so well. It's going to be 6 or 7 vs 8 to go to the Cup,
I can't remember that ever happening before. It's funny because there
were 3 teams with more points in the west than Montreal
that didn't make the playoffs. As a Leaf fan, I have to apologize
to those teams for not getting to beat up on them as much
as other teams are allowed to do.

Still think Chicago is going to the final so I'll say they get there in 6
Toss up in the other game, Habs have the better goaltending - Flyers
on a roll being down 0-3 but Montreal also had to come back in both
of their series and against 2 of the top 3 teams.
I conferred with the dog and we both say Philly in 7.

[reallygroovN]

so....yeah....flyers! who woulda thought???!!!

love the bullies documentary. watched it just before the game today. brought back great memories... i worked with dave schultz years ago at tropicana in atlantic city. he was.......different.

[oblio]

so....yeah....flyers! who woulda thought???!!!

love the bullies documentary. watched it just before the game today. brought back great memories... i worked with dave schultz years ago at tropicana in atlantic city. he was.......different.

I hope the hammer didn't nail you Cathy.

[reallygroovN]

lol. nah. to be honest, he was nice and all but he kinda creeped me out. people around here love that guy!

[oblio]

lol. nah. to be honest, he was nice and all but he kinda creeped me out. people around here love that guy!

With good reason - he was an important part of the BSB's and
I don't mean the boy band.
I was sort of hoping for an original 6 final but I think Philly vs Chicago
is going to be great one.

Steak vs Pizza!!!

[Buannan]

And suddenly I am a HUGE Blackhawks fan. I say Chicago in 6 with at least one double OT game in there.

[reallygroovN]

Steak vs Pizza!!!


mmmmmmmmm....how do i choose???? lol, i will go with the PHILLY steak with the ORANGE cheesewiz, thank you :)

[ProfessorFrink]

I'm so glad that Montreal/Philly series is over. it killed me a little inside to have to cheer that hard for Philly. now I can shamelessly throw my support behind the Blackhawks and hope they spank those mouth-breathers.

[reallygroovN]

ya know, frinky, i felt those cheers. right here in my heart.....tiny little philly cheers...but cheers nonetheless. and they helped! philadelphia thanks you, frink, and we will always be grateful.

[oblio]

ya know, frinky, i felt those cheers. right here in my heart.....tiny little philly cheers...but cheers nonetheless. and they helped! philadelphia thanks you, frink, and we will always be grateful.

I'm rooting for whichever team this one plays for.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k56/smokejmt/hockeygirl.jpg