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Community => JD Sports Forum! => Topic started by: Jeff on August 17, 2015, 12:29 PM

Title: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on August 17, 2015, 12:29 PM
Did our preliminary ticket draft this past weekend...   my 1/4 share got me -

Blues, Ducks, Predators, Avalanche, Red Wings, Jets, Blackhawks, Panthers, Oilers, Flames, Senators

Always changes a little as the year goes along.  Things always pop-up and games get traded around (plus we'll be trying for tickets for the outdoor Stadium Series game too).  So far, I like the mix - 5 from the Central, 3 from the Pacific, and 3 from the East.

Excited to see the McDavid kid when the Oilers come to town. Not terribly excited by FLA and OTT games, but those were an artifact of trying to pick weekend games to finish off my set.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on August 17, 2015, 02:21 PM
Nice.  I'm going to try to get tickets for at least the Blackhawks and Rangers when they hit town.

Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on August 19, 2015, 08:03 PM
I wouldn't mind Florida - good young roster but pretty close to an assured win also. 

We did our draft last week:

Exhibition season:
Oilers Sept. 25
Senators Sept. 29

Regular season:
Flames Oct. 16 (home opener)
Lightning Oct. 23
Flyers Nov. 7
Avs Nov. 23
Penguins Dec. 27
Wings Dec. 29
Sabres Jan. 10
Sharks Jan. 12
Coyotes Jan. 26
Stars Feb. 23
Islanders March 3
Canadiens March 5
Predators March 8
Canucks March 22
Wild April 3 (last home game of season)

Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on September 21, 2015, 10:08 AM
Here we go - heading to the Wild/Sabres pre-season game tonight!  Can't believe it's hockey season already.

I'm excited to see the Eichel kid and then the 3-on-3 OT session.  I know it's just pre-season, but him and McDavid were so hyped, it'll be interesting to see one of them in person finally.

 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on September 21, 2015, 09:01 PM
Here we go - heading to the Wild/Sabres pre-season game tonight!  Can't believe it's hockey season already.

I'm excited to see the Eichel kid and then the 3-on-3 OT session.  I know it's just pre-season, but him and McDavid were so hyped, it'll be interesting to see one of them in person finally.

 

Already?  I was thinking finally.  State of hockey.  Pfft.   ;)

Curious to see if McDavid makes the road trip to Winnipeg on Friday as that's my first game.  Got some weird team here tomorrow night but I'm not going.  18 games this year.  So far. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on September 21, 2015, 10:34 PM
I listened to Pens game tonight...  Was fun to do that while I cleaned up around the house a bit.  The game sounded boring as toast to watch though, but still fun for me anyway.

Play again tomorrow and it's to have a better line-up against Carolina. :)

I'm anxious to see Kessel's first outing with Crosby on the ice...  Heard from the new facilities for camp that he was absolutely flying around, and looked pretty deadly already.  Looking like he's with Crosby no matter what, as only the other lines saw shifting around.  Weird having Dupuis/Kunitz as potential 3rd line guys.  :-X

Just a lot of weirdness here overall as Sarge is here on a tryout and stuff...  Goofy times.  But yeah, thank god hockey is back.  And the Steelers thumping of the 49ers was fun yesterday too.  ;D  First time in a long time that all 3 teams in town had people interested on high levels.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on September 22, 2015, 09:48 AM
I'm excited to see the Eichel kid and then the 3-on-3 OT session. 

I know it's just a pre-season game and Darcy Kuemper, but man this was pretty to watch (https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/646169510668554240) (in real life, the video is kinda choppy).  Sucks that it was the GWG against us, but man Eichel smoked Spurgeon to get free.


Already?  I was thinking finally.  State of hockey.  Pfft.   ;)

 ::)

Got some weird team here tomorrow night but I'm not going.

If you guys could go ahead and let Backstrom look awesome so it increases his trade value, that'd be swell, thanks!  Don't get me wrong, I still love Backstrom for what he's meant to this org over the years...  but I just don't like the idea of carrying 3 goalies all year. :(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on September 23, 2015, 10:01 AM
If you guys could go ahead and let Backstrom look awesome so it increases his trade value, that'd be swell, thanks!

Thanks, Jets - I knew you guys would come through for me! :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on September 23, 2015, 10:10 PM
If you guys could go ahead and let Backstrom look awesome so it increases his trade value, that'd be swell, thanks!

Thanks, Jets - I knew you guys would come through for me! :)

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that scouts recognize it was neither teams A lineup.   ;)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on September 23, 2015, 10:46 PM
Shhh!  It was obviously his steely Finn determination to regain his form and his not-yet-depleted talent.  Surely worth someone's 5th (6th?) round pick...
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on September 23, 2015, 10:59 PM
Though we got league average goaltending overall last year from Pav and Hutch, we're probably one of the teams that could actually use him.  Don't get your hopes up though, won't happen.  Hutch is dirt cheap and Pav is not, but the Jets have shown no indication of doing anything with Pavelec other than playing him.   :'(  Two more years of him I'm afraid. 

Pleased with our minor league guys in Hellebuyck and Comrie though.   :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on September 27, 2015, 11:51 PM
Thanks, Jets - I knew you guys would come through for me! :)

Once again, the Jets were nice enough to provide me and my littlest with a fun night.  We left at the end of the second to get her home by bedtime, but since it was already 7-0, we didn't miss much.

(http://jedidefender.com/jsmentek/photos/20150927_game.jpg)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on September 29, 2015, 02:59 PM
Pens play Tampa tonight in Johnstown where Slapshot was filmed.  The Hanslns are in town puttin on the foil!  Brought their toys!

Wish I had tickets. :)  Only like an hour and a half ride towards State College.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: I Am Sith on October 6, 2015, 07:58 AM
Torres gets 41 game suspension.  Can't say I'm surprised or sympathetic.  About time this goon gets a substantial punishment...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/sharks--raffi-torres-suspended-41-games-for-hit-on-jakob-silfverberg--video-211128112.html
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on October 6, 2015, 11:20 AM
Pens play Tampa tonight in Johnstown where Slapshot was filmed.  The Hanslns are in town puttin on the foil!  Brought their toys!

Wish I had tickets. :)  Only like an hour and a half ride towards State College.

Old time hockey! Eddie Shore!

Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on October 6, 2015, 07:15 PM
I wore my "Dr Hook" McCracken tshirt all day in honor of the Hockeyville game.  Was fun!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on October 13, 2015, 10:39 PM
I guess I'll take a 3-1 start for the year as a good sign.  Both back to back game pairings as well, something we historically do not do well.  Granted, it is just the eastern conference.   :P
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on October 17, 2015, 09:57 AM
My gut tells me not to like the 3 on 3 OT gimmick. Especially with the game being worth three points,  but I guess it's not worse than the shoot out gimmick so I'll enjoy the wide open play with that in mind.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on October 29, 2015, 10:58 PM
How good is the Central Division?  It's still early but 6 of the top 11 teams in the league are in the Central, one of them would miss the playoffs.   :o  If Tampa was in the Division, they'd miss the playoffs. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: I Am Sith on October 29, 2015, 11:26 PM
I tell you what, the Jets put a whooping on the Blackhawks tonight for sure.  Going to be fun to watch all season. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on November 10, 2015, 10:53 PM
Two MIN vs WPG games so far...  1-1 split with 17 goals scored.  So much for all that "tough, low scoring games" talk. :P
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on November 16, 2015, 10:57 AM
Malkin on Penguins: ‘We’re mad at each other and not working hard’ (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/malkin-on-penguins---we-re-mad-at-each-other-and-not-working-hard-150124697.html)

[looks at schedule] -> 11/17, MIN vs PIT

For Jesse's sake, I'm hoping that the Wild can return the Penguins' favor from last January.   Penguins obliterated the Wild (well, really just Backstrom) 7-1. The front office conceded we needed a change.  We traded for Dubnyk and saved our season.

Fingers crossed that we beat you so hard that Mario has no choice but to fire your coach and get you a real one who actually knows how to coach all that talent you're wasting.   :-X
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on November 16, 2015, 02:29 PM
Local guy I follow on the twits said today was an "inspired practice".

I dunno.  I don't like HCMJ. Defense is important but he's got no clue what to do with these guys.  Sprong is a real talent and is living a bottom 6 role.  Kunitz on the PP?  FFS.  Just no clue.

And our team is sooooo soft too.  No intimidating D.  Tons of puck moving guys but no bangers.

BTW I think we have as many goals total this year as we scored in that game last year.  :P  I wouldn't worry about us blowing you out at least.  I would say your biggest concern should be Fleury since he's about the only guy showing up every night.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on November 18, 2015, 09:41 AM
Well, I hate to blame the refs for losses but that phantom "high-stick" penalty call sucked last night.

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/CUDumx_U8AAw-3V.mp4

Letang gets friendly fire high stick; Wild get called for it; Malkin scores on the PP because Dubnyk is distracted because he wanted a goaile interference call on Hornqvist; Wild are pissed about how it went down and forgot that Malkin is good and next thing you know it's 4-1 thanks to another Malkin goal.

Might have have gone differently...  then again, you can't give the Penguins 6 PP chances either.  Just some sloppy play from my squad, which sucked because it was a win-able game the way that Pens D was playing...   oh well, on to Boston.

ps.
Malkin is really really good.  Too bad Crosby missed the game last night.....  wait, what do you mean he was there?  I don't recall seeing much of him.   :-X

p.ps.
Hope Maatta is ok.  I don't think it was a bad hit, maybe late hit, but just really bad timing for the door to open at that moment.   :(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on November 27, 2015, 10:24 PM
I think the Jets played really well today (do we finally have an actual NHL goaltender?) but I can't gloat because we've stunk for the last 8-10 games.  I think Jeff should be disappointed in the Wild though. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on November 27, 2015, 11:51 PM
Outside of the 4-0 drubbing of the Preds the other day, we've been hot garbage lately.  1-2-1 in a four game road trip (and the 1 win was OT vs Carolina) and now 1-2 in the last three at home.  Blech.   :P

There have been excuses (Parise, Fontaine, Scandella injured; a bunch of guys missing games here or there with Strep and/or stomach bug; a cavalcade of Iowa call-ups who suck) but man they've been bad lately. :(

And now we have Dallas on a back-to-back tomorrow.  Ugh.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on November 28, 2015, 10:48 PM
And now we have Dallas on a back-to-back tomorrow.  Ugh.

MN up 3-0 after two periods.  Nice.  :)

Then...  four unanswered Stars goals later, it's a 4-3 loss in OT.  Ugh.  At least we got a point...  :(

2-4-2 in our last 8 is not going to get it done in the Central.   :-[
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 10, 2016, 02:50 PM
Fun times here in MN.

3-10-4 in 2016
1-9-2 in past 12 games
0-4-2 in last 6 games
0-3-3 in last 6 home games

Just terrible.  Then again, even being a dumpster fire in 2016, somehow we're only 2 points out of a playoff spot so there's still a chance to turn things around...  don't know how many more terrible hockey games I can watch though.  :-\
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 14, 2016, 08:31 PM
we've been hot garbage lately
2-4-2 in our last 8 is not going to get it done in the Central.   :-[
1-9-2 in past 12 games
don't know how many more terrible hockey games I can watch though.  :-\

I guess two more was the answer for Chuck Fletcher.  Mike Yeo, out on his ass.

I really don't know what to make of all this.  When players committed to playing his system, we were puck possession monsters.  When players were afraid to go into the corners to win puck battles and had ****** shooting %, we were terrible.  I placed about 10-20% of the blame on him (not being able to figure out a good PP combo, basically).  The rest is on the players and Fletcher (for the guys he signed).

Maybe Yeo will have luck at his next stop, but Vanek, Granlund, and Pominville killed him here. :( 

Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 15, 2016, 10:04 PM
Yeah we had our woes earlier in the year, and it's biting us in the ass now as the Pens are fighting for playoff life right now with just about everyone else in the east it seems.  Every game at this point is a playoff game it seems, and so many of ours down the stretch are in the East.  I don't think we go past the Mississippi again actually.

Since our coaching change though it's like a switch was flipped for Crosby who's back in the scoring race...  Amazing what he can do when he's not in some asinine system that sends him behind his own net to fight for pucks.  ::)  I didn't feel too bad when HCMJ was told to pound pavement.  Total different scenario here I guess, as the players bought into the system, but were stacked for offensive play and were being hemmed in their own end by their own bench crew.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2016, 01:03 PM
Total different scenario here I guess, as the players bought into the system, but were stacked for offensive play and were being hemmed in their own end by their own bench crew.

Yeah, your coach brought a new system that handcuffed offenive, big time.  I saw these numbers for Sid:

Games before HCMJ: average point per game = 1.40
Games with HCMJ: average point per game = 0.98
Games after HCMJ: average point per game = 1.36

Gee, think HCMJ was the problem? :P
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 16, 2016, 06:30 PM
Certainly at least wasn't helping.  :-X

Crosby's been scoreless last two, but Malkin's out too and so the 2nd line's sorta dismal without him (of course) and it's hampered Kessel who was also sorta coming on (a little bit anyway) since Johnston got pink slipped.  Plus teams then focus shut-down guys on Crosby whereas Malkin often draws the top guys in a kind of irony...  ****** timing since every point is seriously counting this year.  The East is a logjam at the bottom.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 19, 2016, 09:21 AM
Post-Yeo: 3 games, 15 goals, 3 wins.  :D

Yeah, I know, it was a 3-game streak against terrible western Canada so I can't get too excited.  Still, it's nice to see actual Ws again.  Makes this weekend a little bit better.  Would have sucked balls to enter our big stadium series appearance with a 9 game losing streak or whatever.   

Pretty excited for the weekend.  We've got tickets to the alumni game tomorrow and the big outdoor game on Sunday.  Should be fun! :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 22, 2016, 12:37 AM
The Hawks took it up the poop shoot today, so I guess Yeo's system blew.  :-X
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: I Am Sith on February 22, 2016, 07:52 AM
That was an epic thumping.  I had recorded the game because my son had a basketball game that overlapped, but someone mentioned that it was 5-0 in the third when we were leaving so I never bothered to watch it.  From the 'highlights', it looked like the Wild were playing at a different level and that the Hawks were still admiring their trip to the WH.  Thank god that wasn't in Chicago or that stadium would have been empty by the start of the third...
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 8, 2016, 12:22 PM
Shaping up to be an exciting finish in the Central.

If the Stars win on Saturday, they get the streaky, yet potentially dangerous in the playoffs MN Wild (we've beat the #1 two years in a row, you know).

If the Stars lose and STL wins... the Stars get the Blackhawks in round 1, while STL gets the Wild.


And the 3-way battle in the East w/BOS, DET, PHI, is shaping up to be fun too.  Going to keep pulling for DET and BOS because everyone hates it when the Flyers miss the playoffs (or at least I know it'll make the two Jesses here very happy to see BOS in and PHI out :P).
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 12, 2016, 12:08 PM
Here we go...

Stars in 5  :'(
Blues in 7
Ducks in 5
Sharks in 7

Panthers in 6
Red Wings in 7
Caps in 7
Penguins in 6
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: EdSolo on April 12, 2016, 03:33 PM
You can't pick the Caps in 7...they never win game 7 regardless of their seeding.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on April 12, 2016, 06:39 PM
A lot of locals are picking Stars to the finals, but hey, ya never know.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on April 12, 2016, 07:59 PM
You can't pick the Caps in 7...they never win game 7 regardless of their seeding.

This is their year!  :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on April 12, 2016, 10:33 PM
Jets in... oh wait, after a month of the season we sucked.  Until the last four games, when we rocked.  Pointlessly.  Well, not entirely, I love beating the Wild, Kings and Ducks.  But good luck to y'all cuz we ain't there (and if the youth movement continues we won't be there next year either but the future looks bright).
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 12, 2016, 10:56 PM
You can't pick the Caps in 7...they never win game 7 regardless of their seeding.

This is their year!  :)

I don't know much about the West, but they're the best I've seen this year.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 21, 2016, 09:39 PM
Here we go...

Stars in 5  :'(
Blues in 7
Ducks in 5
Sharks in 7

Panthers in 6
Bolts in 7
Caps in 7
Penguins in 6

I'm just going to copy Jeff's list with Tampa over the Red Wings though.  No idea about number of games.  Sad I'm choosing the Pens over the Rangers but I've not been impressed with their game this year.  I'm picking the Caps to take the East though.  They've improved their overall game over the years and Holtby's matured as goalie.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2016, 10:54 AM
I'm just going to copy Jeff's list with Tampa over the Red Wings though.

Very brave of you to make that pick with Tampa up 3-1 in the series, Steve.   :P

My Detroit pick was totally selfish - I wanted to see Detroit advance only because I didn't want to admit that this might be the last Datsyuk-hockey we get. :(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 22, 2016, 11:47 AM
Eh, I've been having computer issues so I don't get a chance to write much.  But I'd have still chosen the Bolts over the Wings from what I've seen of them this year.  ;). I'll tell you my Cup choice after the last game's won.

Really dislike the Western Conference games starting "late" and then going into double overtime only for the team to lose and going to bed @1:30.  Fun times.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2016, 12:09 PM
Really dislike the Western Conference games starting "late" and then going into double overtime only for the team to lose and going to bed @1:30.  Fun times.

No doubt.  This staying up until 8:30 game for Central Division games blows.  I know they are trying to maximize their coverage with two early games and two late games, it just sucks for us in the middle. 

Not sure how the NHL thinks it's helping build their fan base when kids can't stay up to watch an 830pm game on a school night...  ::)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on April 23, 2016, 12:11 AM
I'm just going to copy Jeff's list with Tampa over the Red Wings though.

Very brave of you to make that pick with Tampa up 3-1 in the series, Steve.   :P

My Detroit pick was totally selfish - I wanted to see Detroit advance only because I didn't want to admit that this might be the last Datsyuk-hockey we get. :(

That's why my first pick in our Jets season ticket draft was the Wings.  Got to see Datsyuk play live at least once.   :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 23, 2016, 12:56 AM
Here we go...

Stars in 5  :'(

Got the # of games wrong; really, really hoping that I got the series winner wrong too.  :-X

Got my tickets to MIN/DAL game 6 on Sunday!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 23, 2016, 01:33 PM
Nice win for the Wild.  I know I picked Dallas too, but hope I'm wrong.  Same about the Pens, but I think the Rangers' management is giving all of Lundquist's support away to their opponents (Cally to the Bolts, Hags to the Pens).
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on April 23, 2016, 05:25 PM
We got Haggelin from Anaheim for a half eaten Cheeseburger and a widget.  We got Trevor Daley from Chicago for even less, Rob Scuderi.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 23, 2016, 05:44 PM
We got Haggelin from Anaheim for a half eaten Cheeseburger and a widget.  We got Trevor Daley from Chicago for even less, Rob Scuderi.

They just mentioned the Hags trade on TV to the Ducks...but,yeah Rangers are handing out their best players to whoever wants them for players who refuse to score during the playoffs.  ;D :'(  and now the Pens are having their way with them.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on April 23, 2016, 06:21 PM
Hags was eating it in Anaheim and Daley in Chicago, Schultz in Edmonton...  They were perfect fits once Sullivan established a real plan for the Pens.  It's been a fun and fast transition to watch here.  He'll they're scratching Schultz and only because of space.  He'd slot right in if needs be.  Was a force down the stretch. 

Hell, even Kwssel was a throw away from Toronto though he cost us.  But hey, he's been doing it once the team found its new identity.  He fits that.  He's been a PP goal machine and what Toronto folk were all saying he couldn't do because he's fat and lazy.  Didn't look it to me.  :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on April 24, 2016, 06:13 PM
Man! A millimeter shy of taking it to OT, Jeff.  That's a tough one to lose there.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 24, 2016, 10:46 PM
Man! A millimeter shy of taking it to OT, Jeff.  That's a tough one to lose there.

Yeah... but in all honesty, they lost it with the ****** 1st and 2nd periods not the almost goal at the end.  It was amazing the comeback they tried to make and a bit sucky that Dalls' flukey 5th goal ended up being the winner but really glad it didn't end with the 4-0 score at the end of the 2nd.

That third period was hella fun to watch and a much better way to leave a season than the previously mentioned first two periods.  It some ways the game was a nice microcosm of the up-and-down play the whole year.  :-\

Will be interesting off-season for sure.  New coach probably, new asst coaches, maybe a few new faces as they finally give up on a few of "the kids" and try to rebuild continue to compete in the Central.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on April 24, 2016, 11:02 PM
The kids? 

Forgive me, but my perception is that Minnesota kind of went all in with the signings of recent years - Parise/Vanek/Suter - so I tend to think of Minnesota as more of a win-it-now kind of grouping that seems to have failed.  Some good youth but hardly a young team. 

Wish we'd get a new coach/asst coaches after that gong show of a season with the abysmal power play and PK.  Ugh.  We definitely went youth movement but wouldn't it be nice to get some decent coaching? 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 24, 2016, 11:54 PM
I tend to think of Minnesota as more of a win-it-now kind of grouping that seems to have failed.  Some good youth but hardly a young team. 

Yeah, that's the same thing I said, I'm just pinning the "failed" part on "the kids" who as you point out aren't hardly kids anymore.  :-\

Parise and Suter signed to be closer to home... but at the time much was made of "the kids" in the system and how we were so up and coming that within a year or two, we'd be legit.  We heard a LOT about "the kids" - Granlund, Coyle, Nino, Dumba, Kuemper, etc.

Within the first year or two of Parise/Suter, they made the Pominville/Vanek trade/signings pretty much because "the kids" weren't stepping up.  No one grabbed those top-6 spots and said, MINE! So, they grabbed Vanek/Pommer as a band-aid... but don't worry "the kids" would still develop and fill out our roster nicely.  Then last year came the trade for Dubnyk because "the kids" (Kuemper esp.) were not living up to what they hoped.

This year was really go-or-no-go time for "the kids"to finally take the next step.  While they have all turned into serviceable NHLers, none has jumped up and turned into the stars they were hoping/selling them to be (I'd put Brodin as the lone exception).  Granlund's not a legit #1 center (at least not against what we face in the Central).  Coyle and Nino are nice 20-25 goal scoring parts, but neither is on track for a reliable role on this team.  Zucker, Dumba, Scandella all took big steps backwards.

I have no idea if the kids didn't develop the way they thought or if they hit exactly what they were going to be and it was the staff who just overhyped them as being more than they were ever going to be? That part is what makes our owner's vote of confidence in GM Fletcher so odd as he's the guy who put all his eggs in these kids baskets and big money to Heatley, Vanek, etc who haven't panned out.

But yea, with Parise, Suter, Koivu, Dubnyk we're still in win-now mode (or else we're screwed).  It's a big ask to swap out the Zucker, Haula, Dumba type parts and hope for something better, but that's really all we've got until we blow it all up in a few years if it continues not to work.   :-\
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 27, 2016, 11:10 AM
Stars in 5  :'(
Blues in 7
Ducks in 5
Sharks in 7

Panthers in 6
Red Wings in 7
Caps in 7
Penguins in 6

So, only hit .500 out East, but looking good in the West - 3-for-3 so far.


Round 2 -

Lightning in 7
Penguins in 6

Blues in 7
SJS in 6

(I'll update my post tomorrow once ANA/NSH is decided ;))

edit: finally got around to updating my SJvs ANA/NSH pick.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on April 29, 2016, 04:24 PM
Hmm.. 

Bruce Boudreau = 1-7 in game 7s.
MN Wild = 3-0 in game 7s.

Will be interesting to see if BB ends up in Ottawa or here...  or if someone else fires their guy to jump into the fray (COL, CGY?).
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on May 1, 2016, 11:05 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 1, 2016, 11:34 PM
I am assuming that is a Patrik Laine related smiley?  He will look really good on Scheifele's wing...   :(

How soon before you guys start the Teemu2.0 stuff with him?  :P
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on May 3, 2016, 11:19 PM
Yeah, a Laine smile for sure.  Nice stroke of luck for not pulling the full on tank to end the year.  With Connor coming up we'll be very young and I imagine we'll miss the playoffs again, but the future looks brighter than it has. 

It may be a Matthews smile as well, for who knows what the Leafs will do.  If they want to pass on a #1 center, well that's up to them. 

Thanks for the explanation of the situation with the Wild, it seems we're of a fairly similar mind. 

Finally thanks to Chicago for the 22nd pick OA, appreciate you fellas losing in the first round. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 4, 2016, 09:56 AM
Late in the game for picks, but pretty much Jeff's picks, but Caps over Pens.  That's a pretty good contest there.

I was at the Blues game last night.  That was fun, but kind of wish the final score wasn't as big.  I always feel like the goal-gods even things out.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: jjks on May 6, 2016, 03:40 AM
PEKKA!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on May 7, 2016, 02:34 AM
PEKKA!

I heard you were dead. 

(https://www.neondystopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Snake-Plisskin.jpg)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 7, 2016, 07:25 PM
A well done reference there.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on May 11, 2016, 01:07 AM
PEKKA!

Whoa, hey.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 11, 2016, 06:42 AM
I wish someone would explain to the Capitals that the postseason is when you want to play good hockey. The Stanley Cup is the big trophy not the President's Trophy.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 11, 2016, 08:44 AM
I wish someone would explain to the Capitals that the postseason is when you want to play good hockey. The Stanley Cup is the big trophy not the President's Trophy.

Well, let's face it, the playoffs in most any sport are a straight up cash grab. Championships should be about recognizing the best team overall, not the hottest team, or the luckiest team. And the best team in most sports is the team that finishes the regular season #1. It's a much harder grind to excel over 100+ games than 7.

Hockey is a weird game. I would venture a guess that it is much rarer for the best regular season team to win the postseason trophy than it is in any other sport. I guess that makes it exciting and unpredictable too though.

Sad day in the DMV.  :'(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 11, 2016, 08:56 AM
I wish someone would explain to the Capitals that the postseason is when you want to play good hockey. The Stanley Cup is the big trophy not the President's Trophy.

The Rangers needed that speech last year and probably several other teams in seasons past.   :'(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on May 11, 2016, 11:13 AM
Well, let's face it, the playoffs in most any sport are a straight up cash grab. Championships should be about recognizing the best team overall, not the hottest team, or the luckiest team. And the best team in most sports is the team that finishes the regular season #1. It's a much harder grind to excel over 100+ games than 7.

Eh, maybe it's less true in Hockey than say Football... but in the NFL it's not like every team plays every team... or maybe in hockey a team only plays another great team once or twice at varying points when they may or may not be as good.  The playoffs sort all that out on even footing - and yes, there's money to be made there.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 11, 2016, 12:24 PM
I'd buy all that if Washington (and Ovechkin) didn't crap out year after year.

I'm an Ovechkin fan and it's hard to watch teams/guys play who in my book don't seem to have that boot on the throat/killer/win when it counts mentalilty.

And sadly I think that's Alex.

McMetal you'd know better than me, but that's how I feel.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 11, 2016, 02:13 PM
I understand totally, they have to wear that albatross until they rip it off themselves. And Ovi certainly has to shoulder part of that blame as the face of the franchise. That said, I don't feel like he was a glaring no-show this series by any stretch. Did he do enough? Did he really lift the play of his teammates the way great players are expected to? Those are for sure legitimate questions...

Rob - football is a whole other animal, not a good comparison IMO because they don't do best of playoff series, plus they play do few games. Baseball or basketball are more what I'm thinking. Your point about the schedule is 100% valid. In the Overseas soccer leagues everyone plays everyone else the exact same # of times so that negates the concern, but that's a lot harder with leagues that have more teams I realize.

Anyway, just a passing thought, it's neither here nor there in the end. On to next year...
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 11, 2016, 02:26 PM
Oshie and Holtby did well.  I think Ovi was good, but he wasn't the star that carries the team to the Cup and hasn't been so far... Not in the lines of a Crosby or Malkin.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: EdSolo on May 11, 2016, 03:01 PM
The problem with the Caps is they can win night after night playing different teams, but they are horrible in a series.  If the Stanley Cup playoffs were best of three series, they would probably do a lot better.  I think teams figure them out quickly in a seven game series and they just don't adjust properly.  Getting hit with a double minor and allowing two goals off of it doesn't help.  Then to come back and get to overtime just to lose also sucks.  They would have probably tanked a game 7 anyways.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 13, 2016, 09:45 AM
Round 2 -
Lightning in 7
Penguins in 6
Blues in 7
SJS in 6

Round 1 = 6-for-8 (4-for-4 out west)

Round 2 = 4-for-4  8)

Round 3 =
Sharks in 6
Penguins in 5
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 13, 2016, 09:59 PM
I'll go with the Bs.  Blues v Bolts in the Finals.  I know the Sharks played better in-season than the Blues but I like how the Notes are playing and some home team bias as well.  Penguins are formidable opponents and this series can go either way.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 26, 2016, 04:51 PM
Round 3 =
Sharks in 6
Penguins in 5

Got one right so far...  up to Jesse's Penguins tonight to make me look smart. ;)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2016, 12:18 AM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh1judVmBW4
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 27, 2016, 09:35 AM
Did pretty good this year with picks...
rd1 6-8 (4-4 out west)
rd2 4-4
rd3 2-2

Now for the finals...  Penguins got their **** together in time to beat the Bolts... but the Sharks are finally looking like that dominant team they were supposed to be every year for the last few years.  Really hard to pick against Jesse's Penguins, but I might have to do it.  Malkin/Crosby/Letang have been really streaky this year and lucky for them, the Rust, Bonino, Hags, and Kessels have carried them.

If Murray can stay rock stead, it'll be close.  If they have to go back to MAF, not so much.

Hmmm...

I think I'll go with: Sharks in 6 (sorry, Jesse  :-\)

ps.
bonus prediction - if Murray plays and Pens win the Cup?  Well then, I hope MAF will have a nice year next season in Calgary or Dallas.  :-X
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2016, 08:10 PM
Rumor is his agent is pissed but in the playoffs you don't have the luxury of knocking the rust off.  Fleury got them to the playoffs.  Murray's time will come and I think Fleury starts again next season.

I wouldn't fall Crosby streaky.  He's been a force all post season even if not putting up the points.  He had 3 game winners if I recall.  I chalk a lot of his production up to an abysmal Pp they'd better fix this weekend.  But he's been a pain to play against and takes the top D pairing always.

Geno...  Meh, he's Geno.  :/

The HBK line is a sick 3rd line tho.

I could see Fleury's agent pushing him to push them for a trade.  Lotta teams need a goalie and he actually had a career season this year.  He doesn't get hurt and I think he'd still be in net.  Schenn's dirty hip to his head though and here we are.  They don't even make the playoffs without Flower stealing umpteen games in the first half of the season they had 0 right to win.

San Jose is like the Caps but less of a slowdown to their game.  The Caps try to hit and they sorta hit the brakes when they do.  SJ seems like they keep going full tilt.  It's been a fight to this point so no reason to think it'll get easier.  Go Pens!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 27, 2016, 09:04 PM
I wouldn't fall Crosby streaky.

Of course you wouldn't....  homer.

Maybe you need to read up on what talented Hockey Analyst supreme Jeremy Roenick has to say about it.  He's the real fount of knowledge when it comes to Sid.  :-X :-X :-X

 >:D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2016, 09:38 PM
Oh that's right...  Crosby is a slacking lazy player.  I forgot!  I just hope he finds Drouin's trainer in the off season instead of Gary Roberts.  :-\  He's such a *****.

I think Sids been a beast though...  Malkin, he's up/down...  Seems like a Russian thing.

Letang rebounded from the -4 performance, and will need to stay there without Daley, who was amazing.  He's a loss nobody's talking about because Maatta kinda stole that headline but yeah, losing Daley is huge. :(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2016, 09:41 PM
I wouldn't fall Crosby streaky.

Of course you wouldn't....  homer.

That's YINZER, btw. :D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 7, 2016, 12:26 AM
ps.
bonus prediction - if Murray plays and Pens win the Cup?  Well then, I hope MAF will have a nice year next season in Calgary or Dallas.  :-X

Has MAFlower started working on his cowboy accent yet?  He should brush up on American cowboy (#Dallas) and Canadian cowboy (#Calgary) just to be safe.  >:D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 13, 2016, 09:55 AM
Congrats to Jesse's Penguins...  still not sure how Sid (6-13-19) deserved the Conn Smythe more than Phil (10-12-22) or Murray (15-6-0, 2.08gaa, .923s%), but I guess the "he's the captain" was the tiebreaker for those who couldn't decide between Kessel and Murray.  :P


ps.
Did they trade MAF yet?  :-X
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2016, 02:23 PM
Thank you.  Seeing 4 Stanley Cups in my lifetime is pretty nice. :)

I personally don't feel Murray was anything but a distant third.  Kessel might've been my vote but Crosby was overall an unreal player all playoff.  He was constantly matched to the oppositions best lines, and his play largely kept San Jose's red hot first line quiet.  He was outworking everyone but maybe Letang and Jones every night it seemed, but it was every series.  So I can see why he got it.  If Kessels line was our top line how do they fair ya know?

But at the same time I'd maybe have given it to Kessel.  I'd have voted Letang over Murray, personally.  He was a machine.  I saw some mention Bonino...  I can sorta see it as honorable mention. 

I think Murray will be a really good goalie but Fleury is better.  Just injured at a terrible time and no time to knock the rust off.  I hope they don't trade him but I hear his agent is irate.  Not worried about it at the moment.  :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on June 13, 2016, 03:10 PM
I think Murray will be a really good goalie but Fleury is better.  Just injured at a terrible time and no time to knock the rust off.  I hope they don't trade him but I hear his agent is irate.  Not worried about it at the moment.  :)

Drew Bledsoe got hurt at a bad time................

I love me some goalies and so I love the Murray story. I hope he continues on as the starter and excels.

I of course say this with no skin in the game for the Penguins so my opinion is pretty worthless.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2016, 08:21 PM
Don't get me wrong Murray was outstanding but Jones was miles superior to him.  Now look at it game-by-game, and while Murray was really good, he let in softies a lot because he's not a vet...  It was comical at one point because the Sharks were firing high short side on almost every shot it seemed, and the wrap-around attempts because Murray's lateral movement is pretty bad at his age (Lots of goalies are at that age) isn't screaming "great".  He came up big a lot and I keep him in MVP talk for sure, just I feel Fleury is better currently.  If they can keep two great but that's easier said than done and a local guy says he has heard Fleury's agent wants a trade.  *shrugs*

Like I said I'm not dwelling on that...  If they lose him, so be it, I just hope they get good return if that's the case.  We could certainly use the higher round draft picks.  It's a shame they didn't have the luxury of letting Flower knock the rust off, but the playoffs don't work that way and his concussion ce at the worst possible time for him.  :-\
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on June 13, 2016, 11:02 PM
Hey, I'm happy for Phil.  Seems he can actually play the game pretty well.  Maybe it was something about his former team?   >:D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2016, 11:17 PM
Toronto sucks?  Nah, can't be. :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on June 14, 2016, 07:43 AM
Thank you.  Seeing 4 Stanley Cups in my lifetime is pretty nice. :)
It's like you're a Patriots fan.  :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 14, 2016, 08:59 PM
Well to be fair I've also seen 4 Steelers Super Bowls and 2 wins too. :). Very aware it's a spoiled city for sports.  Just wanted to see Sid & Co get a 2nd before things get blown up.  Plus Duper is around if only off the ice. 

Any others opponent and I'd probably pulled for the Sharks. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on June 15, 2016, 06:30 PM
************.  Hawks trade Teravainen and Bickell to NC for 2nd and 3rd round draft picks.

Love getting Bickell's money off the books, hate that they had to include Teravainen to do it.

Also, - congrats again to Jesse. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on June 15, 2016, 10:07 PM
************.  Hawks trade Teravainen and Bickell to NC for 2nd and 3rd round draft picks.

Love getting Bickell's money off the books, hate that they had to include Teravainen to do it.

Also, - congrats again to Jesse.

I love the Hawks, but as long as you have Kane and Toews on those contracts you're going to see that happen every year.  Up against the cap as defined by Chicago.  Horrible Canadian dollar is really messing with a lot of teams right now.   :-\
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 16, 2016, 10:02 AM
Love getting Bickell's money off the books, hate that they had to include Teravainen to do it.

I love the Hawks, but as long as you have Kane and Toews on those contracts you're going to see that happen every year. 

Yeah, keeping Teravainen probably costs you both Shaw this year and Panarin next. Like Brent said, the price of doing business these days. 

At least you have a GM that can keep finding Saads, Panarins, Teravainen, and Shaws with those late 1st, early 2nd picks.

Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on June 26, 2016, 11:30 PM
Chuckle.  Our young first rounder landed in Winnipeg.  Being a Twins fan I thought I'd post this pick:

(https://s32.postimg.org/nory2uebp/image.jpg)

He can share my baseball misery while lifting up my hockey team. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 29, 2016, 04:15 PM
NHL is going crazy nuts.  I think someone hacked all the NHL teams today - EDM sends Hall to NJD for Larsson; MON sends PK to NSH for Weber; Stamkos stays in TB days ahead of free agency (sounds like 8 yrs @ 8.5 AAV). 


EDM/NJD - crazy to think we can't get EDM to bite on Brodin or Dumba plus parts for RNH, but somehow they trade Hall for Larsson?!?  Gotta mean they are confident Lucic is signing there to take Hall's LW spot.  Maybe they still move RNH, but man - seems like a lopsided deal so far.

MON/NSH - PK Subban is awesome and MON is stupid for trading him.  I would take that trade all day long. 

And Stamkos must have finally figured out how much money he saves in taxes by staying in Florida. :P  Nice win for Stevie Y if they were able to get things all patched up there,  Hope it works out for Stamkos (and maybe opens the door for the Bolts to explore trading Drouin again?).
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on June 30, 2016, 10:22 PM
That was kind of a crazy half hour as it all seemed to steamroll out.

Edmonton got hosed.  That's just a bizarre deal.  I suppose Larsson could top out higher but he's been in the league for a while and I don't think of Edmonton as a place where young talent blossoms.  It goes there to fester is more like it.  Giving up Hall makes sense if they are signing Lucic but I think the return for what is arguably a top 5 if not top 3 LW in the league (and young) should have been a much better defender.  I also really wonder how Edmonton is going to manage the cap.  Yeah, moving Hall out frees up six million but you have to think Lucic gets at least that and Larsson is signed for four more years at $4+.  I know they suggest they're moving Eberle and RNH but I don't think there are many teams in a flat cap era that want Eberle at all.  He'd be the second highest paid Jet and likely slot on our third line with everyone healthy.  He's more like a $4 million kind of guy.  RNH is better value and I could see teams take him on even at $6 but I think any return the Oilers would get would be less.  Then they have Draisaitl, arguably their #2 center going forward, coming off his ELC next year and McDavid the year after.  McDavid is going to get Stamkos/Crosby/Toews money and suddenly Edmonton is stuck in cap hell.  They should have got something like Subban for Hall. 

Speaking of Subban, that was a weird ass trade.  Certainly if only due to age Nashville got the far better player.  There are a lot of rumblings out of Montreal though about Subban's behavior in the locker room.  Who knows what is or isn't true and we'll see in time in Nashville if those play out similarly.  He certainly puts on a fabulous outward display of behavior given his charitable donations, etc.  Nashville definitely got much better.  Stoopid Central division.

The Stamkos deal makes me smile.  Not sure if anyone else ever ventures over to the Hockey Futures board but the Toronto contingent is massive and utterly delusional.  Seeing Stamkos stay in Tampa is such a slap in the face to the Leafs who seemed so certain to sign him.  On the plus side for the Leafs I really believe that's the best possible thing to happen to them.  Otherwise they'd have tried to short-cut their rebuild which wouldn't be smart given how methodically they tore the team down.  A little more patience and then some smart moves building in character veterans who can play (not Jets-style character veterans who can't play - Stuart/Thorburn) and their future is bright.  They have some excellent prospects though probably not quite as excellent as they'll tell you (not talking Matthews I believe he's a legit future #1 C). 

On Tampa though I think they're headed towards Hawk-style cap hell.  They simply can't afford to retain all their players under the cap.  Way too many good players that will be getting better salaries coming out of their ELCs.  Palat, Johnson, Drouin, Bishop, Kucherov.  Not all are due this year but in the next year or two a lot of guys are going to be looking to be paid and I think you start to see Chicago-style dumping of excellent players going on.  Hedman is due up soon I believe, but a year or two down the road.  That's kind of crazy.  Some guys are going to have to go and I don't think anyone aside from Stamkos (and probably Hedman) is guaranteed to stay.  Bishop will likely end up out, but a couple of skaters too. 

We aren't nearly as good as Tampa but we may run into similar issues as well.  Scheifele and Trouba up this year and reasonably speaking Scheifele should get Barkov money ($6+) and Trouba's comparables are around $4.5-6.  Ehlers, Connor and Laine will all be due in the next three years and if they meet their expectations they won't be any cheaper than Scheifele.  Plus Wheeler and Little will be due new contracts around the same time. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on July 1, 2016, 09:40 AM
On Tampa though I think they're headed towards Hawk-style cap hell.  They simply can't afford to retain all their players under the cap.  Way too many good players that will be getting better salaries coming out of their ELCs.  Palat, Johnson, Drouin, Bishop, Kucherov.  Not all are due this year but in the next year or two a lot of guys are going to be looking to be paid and I think you start to see Chicago-style dumping of excellent players going on.  Hedman is due up soon I believe, but a year or two down the road.  That's kind of crazy.  Some guys are going to have to go and I don't think anyone aside from Stamkos (and probably Hedman) is guaranteed to stay.  Bishop will likely end up out, but a couple of skaters too. 

This is where we see how mych Stevie Y learned from the Bowmans and Holland over the years.  Yzerman already won a GM of the year award and he held firm on both Drouin and Stamkos and got wins.

Getting Stamkos to agree to 8.5 AAV in Florida (where other teams would have had to go as much as $10m AAV to get the same cash thanks to tax breaks) was a big win.  If Yzerman can keep selling the "tax free" discount angle to get some of those guys to take less, he'll be better off.

But you're right - can't see them keeping everyone.  Maybe they do end up trading Drouin or Johnson to make some cap room... even Bishop could go if they have to make room.


We aren't nearly as good as Tampa but we may run into similar issues as well. 

You and everyone else if you guys can't get that Loonie turned around. :P
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on July 1, 2016, 01:32 PM
Staal, Stalock, Stewart so far for my club. 

I guess the Wild only had time to study the "St" portion of the Free Agent handbook. :P


Hedman is due up soon I believe, but a year or two down the road.

Sounds like he's signed an extension today = 8yr, $7.875M AAV.   :o

edit:
And now it sounds like Andrei Vasilevskiy is extending too - 3yrs @ $3.5M AAV.  So now is it even more likely Bishop ends up being the part that's moved to make room for Palat, Johnson, Drouin, & Kucherov?
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on July 2, 2016, 12:05 AM
I don't think that Tampa can keep them all.  I kind of wonder if Stamkos isn't a little ticked at what Hedman got?  That must make him in the top five D salaries.   :o  indeed. 

Like Stalock, good pickup.  Not so sure about Staal.  I'll go back to my point about the Wild being a little up there in years.  Which Stewart?  Hopefully you somehow grabbed ours, he's awful (I know not our guy). 

Edmonton got Lucic for same money as Hall was making and longer term.  Not sure how old he is but not sure he's going to be worth that money in eight years.  I think in some respects swapping out Hall for Lucic should make them a better team but they remain what they've been for the last five years - weak defensively. Guess we'll wait and see if Eberle/RNH can do anything to shore up that back end. 

Canadian dollar will be fine once prime minister selfie legalizes pot.  We'll all be stoned beyond belief but the tax revenue should be grand.  I'll feel bad for all the dimwits that try to cross the border with it in hand though.  Gonna suck being arrested at the border for possession.   
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on July 2, 2016, 08:40 PM
I wonder if Stamkos didn't give a discount to keep Hedman happy?  Not unprecedented, especially by guys who see a Cup as a likely shot. 

In other news Beau Bennet blocked me on twitter at some pojnt and I had to LoL at that.  I'm sure I made an injury joke...  I actually liked him, but I still have some pride in apparently annoying an NHL player.  I dunno that he'll flourish in NJ, but good luck to him.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on July 7, 2016, 08:10 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbpNdTNQoBM#action=share

Man this sorta punches ya in the gut, at least if you're a Pens fan...  Just, ouch.

Duper's beloved in this city.  I mean, people just loved the guy, his personality on and off the ice, his family, his charitable nature, even his between periods messin' around with the TV guys.

And I know it's nowhere near the same thing so don't get me wrong about this, but I had to quit playing because my health wasn't keeping up with it, and I remember the last season I tried and how it hurt just too much at that point, and how I quit when the season was over, and all the seasons after I wished I could go do it again but I know I can't keep up, and I can't manage it, and it upset me a lot...  I was young too, in my earlier 20's.  And that's just me, some guy who was playing in adult leagues hoping he could keep on going enjoying actually playing the game in some way, just for myself because I knew I wasn't any good at it, but I had fun and it gave me something I didn't have in life growing up. 

For Duper it was life/death, family, and an amazing career in the NHL... That's just painful to listen to.  :(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on October 10, 2016, 12:34 PM
We stand on the cusp of a new season.....  and I gotta tell you, I'm a bit worried for my squad.

Will the maigc of Bruce Boudreau help us make the playoffs?
Will the Avs finally get a clue with their new coach?
Have the Jets finally figured out Pavelec is bad (put him on waivers today)?
Will STL implode or finally live up to the hype?

Central Division dogfight again this year.  So many good teams, so many teams on the up and coming... and then my squad still trying to figure out which they are and hoping they are not the one falling to earth to make room for the "young and hungry" Jets or "glad to be rid of Roy" Avs.  :-\
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on October 10, 2016, 09:51 PM
Yeah I'm amped.  Pens coming off their cup win, team stayed largely intact, Crosby is firing on all cylinders and health..... AAAWWW FFFFFUUUUU!!!!

(https://rs895.pbsrc.com/albums/ac159/GIFsforhire/Facepalm/facepalm.gif~c200)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on October 10, 2016, 10:49 PM

Central Division dogfight again this year.  So many good teams, so many teams on the up and coming... and then my squad still trying to figure out which they are and hoping they are not the one falling to earth to make room for the "young and hungry" Jets or "glad to be rid of Roy" Avs.  :-\

Don't think you have to worry about us just yet.  Way too many rookies on the team, two young goalies (though definite improvement over Pavelec even with growing pains).  Nice that management finally figured out Pavelec isn't it, just a couple years after everyone else in the league. 

But so, so young. 
Laine - rookie - will have growing pains for sure.
Connor - impressed in preseason  more than Laine but a whopping 19 years old.  Dylan Larkin 2.0?
Morrissey - about time really, two years in the A, hoping that seasoning makes him like another guy with his size and time horizon, plays for Chicago, name like Keith. 
Ehlers - sophomore season but should be ok

Defense will be sketchy.  Buff entertains me so but that contract worries me.  Enstrom is old.  Trouba is a douche.  Yikes. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on October 13, 2016, 07:07 AM
Not a bad way to start your career Auston Matthews

(The loss and the OT winner being his guy aside)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on October 15, 2016, 02:22 PM
Had to chuckle at Patrik Laine's response to the question posed to him before the first Jets game:  Following Matthews four point night Laine was asked if he needed to score five?  His response:  No, just two points for the win would be fine.   ;D

Battle in Minnesota tonight.  After our coach seemingly had his brain cap screwed on tight and put Thorburn and Stuart in the press box for the home opener, he's bringing them out to play in Minnesota tonight.  I predict the Wild win 5-2.   ::)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on October 15, 2016, 03:16 PM
Battle in Minnesota tonight.  After our coach seemingly had his brain cap screwed on tight and put Thorburn and Stuart in the press box for the home opener, he's bringing them out to play in Minnesota tonight.  I predict the Wild win 5-2.   ::)

Hope so, 'cuz I'll be there tonight to see it!  :)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on October 15, 2016, 10:17 PM
Congrats to the Wild, still ugly but effective hockey.  Should have been far, far more lopsided.  Sadly I fear we will again draft in the 5-10 range so maybe win another lottery pick.   :-\  Knew we'd be bad as we're so young, but our vets hurt us today. 

Two solid games by Morrissey to help offset Trouba's antics, but we're woeful in the D department for what's in the pipeline.  Morrissey and Trouba should have had us set for years based on their respective ages but now we're half of that and there's no guarantee Morrissey will be a true #1 LHD.  Same could be said for Trouba I suppose though clearly he feels differently.  Did I call him a douche? 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 10, 2017, 10:27 PM
Once again Ovechkin and the Caps choke in the playoffs.

Makes sense I'm an Ovechkin fan as they suck in the playoffs just like all the Minnesota teams I root for
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 11, 2017, 01:11 AM
All four teams I was rooting for in the quarterfinals are done.  Glad I'm not a betting man.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: EdSolo on May 11, 2017, 06:54 AM
Once again Ovechkin and the Caps choke in the playoffs.

Makes sense I'm an Ovechkin fan as they suck in the playoffs just like all the Minnesota teams I root for

I have to wonder how well they would do in the regular season if the schedule was like baseball.  The Caps regularly go on 7-3 or 8-2 runs.  In the playoffs, they can't put together 4 wins in 7 games when they play the same team.  They always lose game 7, even at home, and sometimes against 8 seeds.  If they play a three game series in Pittsburgh, then a three game series against the Rangers and then a four game series at home against the Bruins, would they still be 7-3 or 8-2 over the ten games or would they only win 3 or 4?
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 11, 2017, 10:25 AM
Once again Ovechkin and the Caps choke in the playoffs.

Going to be very interesting to see what happens there.  Chance after chance at building a winner and nothing.  Now like half the team has expiring contracts and there is no way they are keeping them all...  really makes you wonder what would happen if they did try to deal Ovi like some of the talking heads are rumoring.  I wonder what they could get for him and if that would be a help or a hurt in the long run?


All four teams I was rooting for in the quarterfinals are done.  Glad I'm not a betting man.

The only team I was actively rooting for was the Preds because of vengeance.   >:D
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 11, 2017, 04:48 PM
Ovi gotta go. As good as he is, he has never been the kind of superstar that elevates the play of those around him. It's not like they have to worry about a vacuum of leadership in the locker room if they unload him. Other guys can score goals.

And Holtby should be on the next plane after that. tired of that guy getting a free pass from the local press.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: jjks on May 13, 2017, 02:04 PM
Go Preds!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on June 11, 2017, 11:12 PM
Pittsburgh can't possibly keep both Fleury and Murray next year, can they?
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 12, 2017, 09:42 AM
Pittsburgh can't possibly keep both Fleury and Murray next year, can they?

Not without giving up something substantial to Vegas since they can only protect one goalie from expansion draft.

It'll be interesting to see if Vegas takes Fleury, if they keep him or flip him to someone else in need of a goalie.

Next week or so is going to be a crazy ride as guys are traded to avoid losing them to Vegas for nothing and then watching what Vegas does - picking guys for themselves, getting draft picks to NOT pick certain players, getting draft picks to ensure they DO pick certain players from teams, picking players only to flip them to other teams, etc.

Going to be a crazy few weeks leading up to the draft...  will also be interesting to see who teams choose to protect or expose on their expansion lists.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 12, 2017, 06:53 PM
Fleury waived his no trade to go to VGKs and by all accounts locally it was not blind and talking has been done.  Bummer.  Half the cup is his, and they don't get out of early rounds without him.  He's beloved here and with Jagr and Francis the only guys I'd retire numbers for right now.

Awesome time watching Sid & Co. solidify legacies.  Toughest team we've put together ever I think.  I didn't think chances were good without Letang till we got past Caps. Glad I was wrong.  Go Pens!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: jjks on May 11, 2018, 12:12 PM
congrats bug
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Morgbug on May 13, 2018, 12:30 AM
congrats bug

Thanks boss.  Helluva series there.  Nice crowd in Nashville but I can't be sad beating the Underwoods. 
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 23, 2018, 10:41 PM
Not gonna start a new thread

FINALLY ALEX! GO CAPS
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on May 24, 2018, 12:28 AM
Super bummed that Tampa **** the bed after having that 3-2 lead.  :'(
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 24, 2018, 10:36 AM
Not gonna start a new thread

FINALLY ALEX! GO CAPS

I have been too fearful/superstitious to publicly jump on the bandwagon, but HELLS YES!  ;D ;D ;D

After practically a whole season of screaming for Grubauer, I'm happy to eat my words as Holtby as been rock solid the past 2 games.

So happy for Alex too...he really deserves this.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: EdSolo on May 25, 2018, 09:00 AM
Super bummed that Tampa **** the bed after having that 3-2 lead.  :'(

Well, they had a 3-2 lead after the Caps **** the bed with a 2-0 lead.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on May 25, 2018, 04:15 PM
Super bummed that Tampa **** the bed after having that 3-2 lead.  :'(

Well, they had a 3-2 lead after the Caps **** the bed with a 2-0 lead.

When it really mattered, the caps shut the lightning out for six periods.  Full stop.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 30, 2018, 11:05 PM
This brings me back to when hockey was my favorite sport. So much fun to watch. And that save by Holtby!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on June 7, 2018, 11:13 PM
Congrats Caps and Alex!

Feel a bit bad for Fleury. After having to take a back seat to Murray in playoffs the last two seasons woulda been cool to have him get one as starter.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: McMetal on June 8, 2018, 08:56 AM
Holy flurking schnitt, they did it!  :o :D

Amazing playoff run, amazing fan support (DC was a zoo last night, but in a very positive, non-destructive way) even more amazing feeling of elation...this team earned this in every way.

Seeing Ovie roaring in triumph and that look of exultant joy and appreciation on his face when hoisting the Cup was one of the purest moments I have ever witnessed in sports. Congrats dude. Your legacy is forever enshrined in greatness. No asterisks, no buts, no excuses.

GO CAPS!!!
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: GrandMoffNick on June 8, 2018, 09:28 AM
Ovechkin hoisting the cup was amazing. One of those moments when you see the joy of playing sports that we all can relate to
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on June 11, 2018, 10:38 AM
Ovechkin hoisting the cup was amazing.

No, no - Ovechkin partying his way around DC this whole past weekend has been amazing - public drunkness, swimming in fountatins, posing with the cup in bed, keg stands, etc.  He sure seems pretty damn happy to finally have his Cup.  At this point, I expect him to attend every event with the Cup from now until September...
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on June 13, 2019, 12:11 AM
From last to first!  Stanley Cup champions!  Congrats St. Louis Blues!  I’ve been partying all night.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2019, 12:29 AM
Congrats steve.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Rob on June 13, 2019, 01:23 AM
I'm not supposed to root for St. Louis, but I ******* hate Boston.

Awesome win.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: DSJ™ on June 13, 2019, 09:23 AM
Best interview ever... Warning--- F-Bomb!   ;D

Ryan O’Reilly swears on live television St. Louis blues game 7 Stanley Cup (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCm0k7cVPM)
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 25, 2021, 08:39 AM
Positive: Congrats to Brent's Jets for sweeping away the Oilers.

Negative:  Connor McDavid is doomed in Edmonton forever. I would feel bad for him but then I remember he's got $100mil so he's probably gonna be fine...
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: P-Siddy on May 25, 2021, 09:20 AM
Yeah, Blues were swept, too, but the Avs were so much better of a team that I figured the Blues would have to be lucky to make the 2nd round.  At least my other home team is still in it, so hopefully the Wild take Vegas down.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 25, 2021, 09:42 AM
Negative:  Connor McDavid is doomed in Edmonton forever. I would feel bad for him but then I remember he's got $100mil so he's probably gonna be fine...

But it's probably $100,000,000 in Canadian dollars.
Title: Re: The NHL Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 30, 2021, 02:47 AM
It’s all paid in jerked beef...  or “Penmican”, as Brent, Dale, and Jesse’s people call it.  I don’t know what figures cost up there these days but south of the border it’s 3 bags of Jack’s Links for one TVC figure, so I assume the conversion rates are similar up there.  Though since the border closed, I’ve not heard any news of the North.....  besides hockey scores.  It’s just a frozen ice wall there now, like Game of Thrones. 🤔