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Community => JD Sports Forum! => Topic started by: Jeff on September 19, 2006, 12:29 PM

Title: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on September 19, 2006, 12:29 PM
Well, it's time!

I'm heading out tonight to see the beloved Minnesota Wild in some pre-season action against the Detroit Red Wings.   ;D


I've also got tickets set now to the following regular season games via the season tickets I split with a group of guys from work.

October 10th - Wild vs. Vancouver  = on National TV in Canada (TSN)
December 5th - Wild vs. Chicago  = on TV in USA  (Versus)
January 2nd - Wild vs. Atlanta = on Local TV
March 6th - Wild vs. San Jose  = on Local TV

Naslund, Havlat, Kovalchuk, Hossa, Thornton - not a bad mix!

Only one "O Canada" game so far, but I'm hoping to sneak in a Calgary and/or Edmontom game this year at some point as well.   :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on September 19, 2006, 02:52 PM
I have no Penguin's plans yet, but I'm excited to see Malkanin on the ice with Crosby...  I'm sure I'll get to a game, though I'm gonna try for a regular season one this year since I only got to a pre-season last year.  I'm excited though, despite an obvious gunshy feeling about the Penguins. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on September 19, 2006, 05:02 PM
We had a pre-season game here the other night, Coyotes and Oilers.  Sold the place out (a hair over 15K) and lots of Go Jets Go chants and stuff like that ::)  Pretty laughable to read some of the stories around, like fans were there to support the former Jets (=Coyotes).  Trust me, they were there to support the Oilers, the Coyotes franchise is despised up here. 

All the players and management were nice and played the appropriate platitudes about Winnipeg as a hockey city.  I'd still like the team to come back, but we'd be just like Edmonton, hanging by the skin of our teeth all season long and every year.  At least the current owner of the Moose (AHL) was honest.  He said he'd love to see a team here, but they'd have to sell out 41 games every single year to survive.  Otherwise yes, the dollar is suitable strong (currently), there is a salary cap (to a degree, it will go up) and we have a suitable building. 

Ain't holding my breath, but Duane and I may come down for a game some weekend after Christmas, if we can time it with a Twolves game as well.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on September 19, 2006, 11:54 PM
Wild 3, Detroit 2    :)

OK, it was pretty ugly because I didn't see anyone of note on the Detroit side - no Chelios, no Lang, no Lidstrom, no Zetter, no Datsyuk, no Matthieu, No Hasek, etc.

On the Wild side though, WOOT!   ;D

Gaborik put one in the net just 32 seconds into the game, with Demitra dumping in a PP goal just a minute after that.   Nothing like a 2-0 lead in the first 90 seconds of the game.

Gabby's second goal was sweet as well.  I'm really looking forward to watching this team play this year (and not just because Gabby and Demitra are on my fantasy team ;)).
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on September 20, 2006, 04:14 PM
Not too swift, but I note Jeff locked the old thread right after my post of this (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Auh6CTeaf1qFB0BrbXjY.7N7vLYF?slug=cnnsi-commissionerfor&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns). >:( :P

It should probably be countered though, with this sound file from a local DJ (http://www.power97.com/djs/Philly_salutes.aspx?mc=40353). 

Go Jets Go! :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 5, 2006, 01:55 AM
Penguins aaaaarrrrreeeeeee sold.

Or so goes the news tonight locally.  Not sure what the word is nationally or whatnot but there is a buyer in Ontario who'd said he WOULD move them to Hamilton, however he's saying he is 100% committed to keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh so long as a new arena is built, which is all but a given at this point because there are two plans...

-Plan A is the Isle of Capris deal where they (a Casino company place) get the Slots license in Pittsburgh (there is only one), where IoC will build the new Pen's Arena near where the old one is, and build it 100% with private funds.  It'll be a gambling complex, hotels, nightlife, and of course the Arena which will be available to other things than the Pens too.

-Plan B is a plan where local politicians blow, payback, or however you want to phrase it, the campaign contributors locally who donated...  This plan would give the Slots License to the dickhead who owns Station Square, an already congested nightlife area across the river from downtown.  In this plan, they are promising a new Arena, but funded only in part with private funds and the rest by the taxpayers...  Where it would be is also in question.

Obviously I like Plan A over B because it's all privately funded, and the area it's in needs redevelopment...  But either way a new arena seems a lock, as it has for a while, it's just a matter of this slots thing.  The new buyer supposedly doesn't care how, he just wants a new Arena... 

Interesting day for hockey here...  Been an interesting pre-season too with all the youth we've got going for us.  This is now the dominant story though, not that 3 of our young forwards are 3 of the future stars of the game.  Even with a bleak outlook for our season, I love it...  I really look forward to a game or two if I can afford it, to watch some of the new kids play.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 6, 2006, 01:20 AM
And opening night, not only are my Pens sold, but they also owned the Flyers in a bit of a surprise...  Despite 40 shots on Fleury and 10 penalties, they pulled it off and shut out the Flyers tonight 4 to 0.  A nice start to the season, and if Staal plays the season like he played tonight he'll be earning a spot on the team all year IMO.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Ryan on October 8, 2006, 05:08 AM
I'm really excited for the Colorado/Vancouver game tonight. I actually get to go. This is only the second game I will have ever been to, and I get to go for free so it is even better. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on October 9, 2006, 04:00 PM
Not sure what the word is nationally or whatnot but there is a buyer in Ontario who'd said he WOULD move them to Hamilton, however he's saying he is 100% committed to keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh so long as a new arena is built, which is all but a given at this point because there are two plans...

How does "Hamilton Wolves" sound?  Or maybe "Hamilton We-Stole-Our-Team-From Pitt" sound?

The more I hear/read about this deal, it sure sounds like the NHL is getting ready to green-light a move to Canuckia...

- John Buccigross (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=2618278) sure seems to think so...
- The Ottawa Sun (http://ottsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2006/10/07/1970854-sun.html) seems to think so...
- The Newark Star-Ledger (http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/chere/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/116028897470470.xml&coll=1) seems to think so too...
- Even the hometown papers (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_474136.html) are starting to worry...

No offense Jesse, but it would be kinda cool to see a team actually choose to move to Canada instead of fleeing from it... 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on October 9, 2006, 06:53 PM
But Hamilton has to get the green light from both Toronto and Buffalo before they can slot right smack in the middle of the market that they overlap on.  I'm not keen on them being there, obviously, but it's really just a second team to fill the Toronto market and nothing more. 

I don't want to see a team leave Pittsburgh, I think they're a good hockey town.  And I sure as hell don't want to see a team in Hamilton ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 9, 2006, 11:41 PM
There is a chance the team could move...  But from the POV down here it sounds like they're being given everything they wanted (a new arena) be it by one deal or another...  If that's the case, they'll be staying then... 

What the deal boils down to is, will it be a completely privately funded arena or will they use the Political cop-out plan that uses public funds to partially pay for the new arena.  It should be the prior...  If it is, I'm saying now that there isn't a snowball's chance in hell the team will leave.

If it isn't...  Then you get into some politics, and the Governor of PA's covered his ass by making a "plan" he says would work, so if the team does he leave he can stand up and say "see, I told you we tried with them and they just didn't want to say".

So yeah there's a chance the Pens are leaving Jeff, but I don't think it's definite yet.  If the Pens call the politicians bluff, they could force the state to choke up the money and that will be interesting...  And that's right now where it's leaning I think.  The Isle of Capris deal is as dead as a doornail despite them saying they would 100% pay for a new arena/gambling establishment themselves.  The BS politicians want to scratch the back of this other group though, so I'm guessing that's where it goes now. 

Out-of-town papers also all claimed Roethlisberger was comatose, would never play again...  I trust the people here.  They're not saying it's a done deal the Pens aren't leaving town, but they're not all crying "Pens are GONE!" either.  I'm hopeful.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on October 12, 2006, 11:32 PM
4-0-0!   ;D

Wild 3, Colorado 2 (overtime win)
Wild 6, Nashville 5 (GWG scored with 1:12 left in regulation)
Wild 2, Vancouver 1 (shootout win)
Wild 3, Washington 2 (shootout win)

4 games, all decided by 1 goal - I'll count my lucky stars that the Wild ended up on the "win" side each time.   ;)

Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Ryan on October 12, 2006, 11:41 PM
4-0-0!   ;D

Wild 3, Colorado 4 (overtime win)
Wild 5, Nashville 5 (GWG scored with 1:12 left in regulation)
Wild 2, Vancouver 1 (shootout win)
Wild 3, Washington 2 (shootout win)


Based on that list I'd say you are 2-1-1. ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on October 12, 2006, 11:45 PM
Based on that list I'd say you are 2-1-1. ;)

Can you tell I only get 4 hours of sleep a night...  :-[
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 13, 2006, 01:18 AM
Pens came up with a great win against the Rangers tonight too, and some fancy scoring from all across the ice...  Please God, let them keep it going.  :-[
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 22, 2006, 05:24 PM
Bob Clarke resigns in Philly.  Wow - he's been a part of this team for so long.  It sounds like he was pretty burnt out and ready to go though.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 22, 2006, 07:32 PM
I have been enjoying the Pens so far...  I gotta say, they're young, energetic, and fun to watch this season...  at least to this point.  Staal's been outstanding, and Malkin is just a fun player to watch. 

There's continued disappointment in the play of the "old" guys on the team (LeClair especially), but I've thought that Recchi's at least looking good out there if not giving heavy production...  And Gonchar's picking up where he left last season and actually turning his game on early in the season instead of waiting till they're out of any running to actually play well.

If the goaltending holds up, I really have a fun team to watch.  Much better than last year, at least thus far.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 22, 2006, 09:57 PM
I think the Pens are definitely going to be one of the biggest 'up and coming' teams with the quality young guys they've added.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 23, 2006, 02:00 AM
Yeah, making sales fears all the more anxiety-driving for the fans here, haha. :)

There are of course already the maroons here speculating on major playoff runs and stuff but it's good to see the local casters are keeping the fans in check on that stuff...  Way too early to even make predictions that they could squeak into the running I think, but it's nice seeing a team that CAN click if they work at it...  And in areas they really lacked last year.  The goaltending thing still bothers me, but our defense is definitely getting more physical as well as jumping into the O plays a bit more... 

I'm picking up some tickets hopefully soon to see a game.  I don't want to miss a chance to see Staal, Malkin and Crosby all on the ice together at their ages right now...  I just hope I don't curse them as they have worse records when I show up at games it seems. :P  I always feel somehow that it's me then...  That's the old hockey superstitions coming out in me I guess, haha.

I seriously have been having fun.  I had fun last year but with obvious disappointments... This year though it's not like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop and the team to just fold in on itself in terrible losses night-after-night.  There seems to be hope even in the games we're behind by a couple.  That makes watching hockey a much more positive experience for me, hah.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 25, 2006, 12:55 AM
Pens moved into first tonight after beating the loathed NJ Devils...  (I actually dig the Devils most of the time, but not against the Pens).  I love it...  Some beautiful goals in that game if you guys can catch highlights from it.  Melkin's was just great.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on October 25, 2006, 01:05 AM
I watched a bit of that Pens game on the "Versus" network.  Looked like the Pens (up 3-1 at the time I was watching) were out playing the Devils, or at least looked like they wanted to be out there playing anyway.

I did see the replay of Malkin's goal, that was pretty sweet...
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 25, 2006, 04:12 AM
Even if the Pens end up eating it all season I've been having a blast...  Young players not yet tainted by the whole greed of everything are always fun to watch.  Jagr was like that when he was first here, and he was just a great player to watch...  then his ego exploded, he got bitchy, he didn't pay his taxes and he gambled...  and cut his mullet.

**** happened.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 29, 2006, 01:03 PM
The Pens handed a furious spanking to the Flyers, plus Crosby's first NHL hat trick.  Good for him and that couldn't have happened to a better team. :)

Many a night I recall fierce arguments with Flyers fans who were going to college out this way where my buddy's went...  Things could get ugly fast.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 30, 2006, 01:39 AM
Meanwhile, my Bruins are sucking ass with only 7 points so far.  It's going to be a long year.  >:(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Mikey D on October 30, 2006, 08:34 AM
The Pens handed a furious spanking to the Flyers, plus Crosby's first NHL hat trick.  Good for him and that couldn't have happened to a better team. :)

Many a night I recall fierce arguments with Flyers fans who were going to college out this way where my buddy's went...  Things could get ugly fast.

 >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2006, 01:43 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on November 1, 2006, 02:02 AM
Too much Pens talk, not nearly enough Preds talk. Exciting game to watch against the Canucks tonight, Sully's breakway/rebound in the 3rd was a thing of beauty. Nice to see Rads get another goal tonight, I really hope he doesn't get sent back down when everyone gets healthy.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on November 1, 2006, 02:30 AM
Too much Pens talk, not nearly enough Preds talk.

No such thing exists!  >:(

BTW the Pens signed Staal despite many locally assuming he'd be sent down because of Crosby's contract coming due when it does and all that jazz.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on November 2, 2006, 02:45 PM
And the pens in OT beat the Kings last night (I completely hate West Coast trips...  Up at 10:30 to see the start of a game is a living hell), and that snapped a VERY LONG losing streak...  Like since 1998 I believe the call guy said.

And Malkin goes 7 goals in6 games to boot with 2 last night...  Sweet. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 6, 2006, 04:11 AM
Ouch, a couple of big injuries Sunday.  Afinogenov out for a couple weeks and Jagr may have hurt his shoulder again.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on November 6, 2006, 04:20 AM
I'm surprised the Pens/San Jose game didn't produce more injuries than it did...  That was one of the most physically brutal games I've seen in the past 3 years, especially involving the Penguins...  Just ugly.  A boarding call 15 seconds in...  fights after every whistle it seemed.  Made it a tough loss to choke down too. 

I hate these west coast trips, they're draining to watch.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on November 6, 2006, 10:19 PM
Forsberg to Nashville? (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/allan_muir/11/06/deals.notes/index.html?eref=writers) Wow. If that were to actually happen, I can't imagine how scary our team would be.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Ryan on November 6, 2006, 10:21 PM
Forsberg to Nashville? (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/allan_muir/11/06/deals.notes/index.html?eref=writers) Wow. If that were to actually happen, I can't imagine how scary our team would be.

I can.

(http://www.betterframer.com/peter_forsberg_&_the_stanly.JPG)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on November 21, 2006, 01:08 AM
On my Pittsburgh Sports recap tonight, I'm still lovin' watching the Pens despite a ****** slide they had for a handful of games...  They're back to a couple wins, one against the Rangers who came in and were playing like madmen.  Jagr was feeding off boos in the arena which I thought were sort of stupid of our fans but what am I gonna do about it I guess?   :-\  There's definitely a lot of anymosity towards him though.

It's been a fun year for hockey here so far though and the Pens are doing ok.  This week are the hearings on who gets the slots license in Pitt though, so this is gonna be a big time determining what the Penguin's future is with this city.

I love that there's a group of people from the "Hill District" which is where the current arena is located at, that are protesting the Slots Parlor going into their community.  They cite that they don't want the negatives that come with gambling entering their community, such as addiction, crime, and such...  The Hill District is one of the most crime ridden communities in Pittsburgh where shootings are a daily occurance, drugs run rampant...  Seems to me that crime and addiction are all they have now.   ::)  God forbid some $$$ get dumped into the ****hole you live in for fear of it corrupting your youth.  *sigh*
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on December 2, 2006, 12:33 AM
I went to see the Wild get their asses handed to them against the Red Wings tonight...

Man did the Wild just look tired and flat.  It was a really ugly game, and the final score showed it Detroit 3, MN 0) . 

On the "wow" side of the game, Lidstrom had a blistering PP goal from the point - it must have hit the back of the net at 100+ MPH, that thing just flew off the stick and locked up Manny right where he stood (I don't think Fernandez ever even saw it coming).   8)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 8, 2006, 01:48 AM
Pens are on a seriously annoying skid of late...  Tonight they lost in OT to the Rangers and I've come to just loathe seeing us get into a shootout because, while I love Fleury, he's not holding up well in shootout situations at all. :(

The real annoying thing for me though is how close the Pens are...  I mean, they're in tight games, lots of OT games, and not getting the W.  On a bright note, the last game with the Panthers and tonight's with the Rangers both yielded some of the best goals of the season I've seen from any team, both from Sidney Crosby, and both the kind of goals that make your jaw hit the floor and remind you why you love hockey. :)

The Pens need to get their **** together, get a win, and get back on track or it's gonna be a tough row for sure.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on December 8, 2006, 11:11 AM
They're just young is all.  They'll learn to win those tight games in time, this year or next and then they'll just be scary.  It's a good team that's really young.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 9, 2006, 02:18 AM
They let LeClair loose too...  Your mention of youth made me think of that actually Brent.  It went by with very little fan-fare in the news here actually, but I have to imagine it's intensely ego-bruising for LeClair to get sent down to a lower level but he's just not been producing, once again.  Last year at the end of the season he was reliable but once again he's started off like **** and just not gotten in any good game play so far.  Recchi's not been lighting the lamp much, but he's still out there working hard while Le Claire just looked flat most of the time, and sloppy in his own end.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 21, 2006, 02:30 AM
Of perhaps interest to Brent and some others, Pittsburgh's slots license news is in and the Penguins plan did NOT get the slots license...  Bettman released a statement today saying the Pen's future in Pitt is in question now, as did anyone else involved with the Pens on any level... 

Oddly enough, the slots license didn't go to the place most people thought it was going to...  It went to the North Shore which is the area where Heinz Field and PNC Park both rest with a large space between...  If my understanding is correct it would go between the stadiums (the irony of a gambling hall between NFL and MLB stadiums has no limits to me  :D ) and on the water of one of the 3 rivers (Ohio River).  It looks pretty in designs but to be honest this is probably as dumb a place for something as putting it across the river at STation Square, but at least traffic won't be a problem over at the N. Shore like it would've been at Station Square...

Now, the city is scrambling to emphasize that there is a "Plan B" for a new Pen's Arena and that they will do something to keep the Pens in town...  That said, the othere things of note are that there are 2 billionaires from Canada who've said they're interested and guaranteed keeping it in Pittsburgh and would pay for an arena with private funds (this all just came up this week though, so not much is known on what their offer is).  The other possible wild card is there's a PIttsburgh born rich guy that owns an NBA team and such, and he's wanted a PItt sports team for ages and said openly back in October that he regretted not bidding on the Pens, and he'd keep them here obviously, so he's now I would think making a move for the team...

The supposed buyer obvious backed out, I'm sure you heard about that Brent, but to be honest I think the way he backed out that he was never wanting to keep them here anyway, I dunno.  Seemed fishy when the NHL told him basically he had to keep them here that he suddenly got cold feet on buying them.

Anyway, some news there...  Not good either. 

I still can't get over the people in the Hiill District that had the huge brass balls to say they didn't want the Penguin's casino to open in their area because it would be crime and addiction...  The Hill District is the single worst neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and they fear crime from a casino would ruin their neighborhood...  I am still in awe at the stupidity of the morons I saw protesting leading up to the slots decision.

Anyway, I'm bummed, and I've got a million and one other problems in my life right now too, but this really capped off a day of pure and utter ****, so I'm really pissed off.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on December 21, 2006, 04:27 PM
Anyway, some news there...  Not good either. 

Penguins no longer for sale, will consider new home (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2704968)

Lemiuex:  "we will begin to explore relocation offers in cities outside Pennsylvania"


Now, I'm sure he's just saying what he thinks he needs to say to get the Pitt people moving, but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised at this point to see them move.   :-\

It sucks if that ends up happening to the Pens, Jesse.  I know the pain of losing a team (though thankfully, we got ours back - Sorry, Brent :().  It sucks ass because as a regular guy, there's not a whole lot you can do and the future of your team is in the hands of billionaires and government jerks.   ::)

Still hope that those morons can get things straightened out... though they do look pretty stupid for turning down private cash to build the stadium and will now have to burden the tax-payers with it to get it done.   :-X


Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 22, 2006, 03:04 AM
Thanks Jeff...  I'm bummed.  I mean, yesterday's news just capped off one of the shittiest months of my life in general I think...  I didn't need the slots news though I shouldn't have been surprised in the slightest.  The asswipes out in Harrisburg could give a **** about the Penguin's and Pittsburgh...  To them it's all about tickling the balls of others I think and Isle of Capri wasn't tickling the right set I guess.

That said, the hopes are alive...  Lemieux said he was going to talk with the local leaders first, see what they can get going, but I think it's pretty obvious that anything short of a new stadium paid for by anyone BUT the Pens is how Lemieux wants it since that's what he'd have had with the slots license...  That said, there are two possible positives.

Mark Cuban (the Pittsburgher who owns some NBA team) is supposedly putting together a team to buy the Pen's, or make an offer at least, and keep the team in town...  That and those 2 Canucklehead billionaires who own some brewer up there (Brent, you know who I mean at all?) said they wanted to build a new arena 100% with private funds, and keep the team in Pittsburgh, and sponsor it with their brewery and stuff...  To me that sound ideal if it's true and hell I'd change to Canadian beer for it even. :)

I have so many other problems of my own that I'm not even thinking about this thing all that much...  It's bothering me at the thought of not having hockey here anymore.  At the same time though, **** happens...  The NHL knows our market puts fans in the seats, even in our down times, and that we can't even maximize our utility due to the small arena we have now...  Also our TV market here is strong and the Pens pull in great ratings...  If we lost our team to KC though...  that's sad.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 30, 2006, 02:29 AM
Great game tonight between the Pens and Toronto...  Man, there was a fantastic fight in it too.  Real end-to-end action though with great goaltending keeping it tight till it opened up in the third.  It was a great way to end '06 though for a Pen's fan. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on December 30, 2006, 11:35 AM
The leafs have lost all my respect. well mostly just Mccabe. hes not as good as he used to be.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on December 30, 2006, 05:17 PM
I wouldn't put them down too much considering they had a lot out of their line-up last night, but McAbe's flub in front of the net against Staal was bush league at best...  **** happens though too, and everyone has a bad night.  They were holding it together till halfway in the 3rd or so and then it collapsed and the Pen's played 60 minutes of strong hockey with game-saving goaltending too.

Our D is weak and it shows in every game really.  It could've easily gone the other way.

Lots O Leaves in town for the game last night too...  I'm always surprised because Toronto isn't a hop skip and jump away really.

There was some bad press about the Pens up North, so it was nice from a Pen's fan's perspective to stick it to the Leafs though.  I think sometimes the Canadian Press takes the hatred of U.S. teams a bit too far, and they start clumping good hockey towns like Pittsburgh in with Carolina, Phoenix, and Florida where the only "OOOO's" you ever hear in a game are from hits.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: DSJ™ on January 4, 2007, 03:33 AM
Anyone been catching the 2007 World Junior Championships? Canada faces Russia on Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.  8)

Canada Going for Gold Again! (http://www.hockeycanada.ca/)

(http://www.hockeycanada.ca/multimedia/e/teams/mens/junior/2007/images/can_fans_472.jpg)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2007, 11:21 PM
Hats off to Toronto too for a most thorough ass spanking of Boston...  I saw the 10 and had to rub my eyes to believe the score.  You don't see those double digits often, even in today's NHL.

I've been trying to keep up with the WJC, but coverage is so-so down here Dale...  We get usually only news on it in little blurbs in the paper and during the Pen's games they play highlights usually...  I never followed "the minors" and stuff as much though but I like to keep up on it when they do mention it on TV.  Canuckia goes at it again.  ::)  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2007, 11:54 AM
Of perhaps interest to Brent and some others, Pittsburgh's slots license news is in and the Penguins plan did NOT get the slots license...  Bettman released a statement today saying the Pen's future in Pitt is in question now, as did anyone else involved with the Pens on any level... 


Of interest yes, but it's not like Winnipeg will do anything about it ::)  Really, we don't have that one big investor or group of investors clamoring for a hockey team, like Kansas City does.  We're a good hockey town and the fans are dying for a team but that means nothing in the current NHL.  Do I think the team should move to Winnipeg?  Sure, because we'll actually have fans at the game that aren't strictly corporate clients or wealthy individuals.  We'd actually have real, honest, blue collar people at the game.  And we'll pay for the tickets too; no monster promotions or bull**** about attendance at the game based on giveaways or phantom bodies in the seats.  I still get seriously angry when I watch highlights of a good hockey game and see maybe half the seats full and that's the lower bowl.  All this league sponsored bull**** about attendance in all arenas of 15K per game is crap.  Maybe when Detroit comes to town, but so many of those southern teams play, there's so few fans in the stands, especially when the team isn't winning. 

Bah, we won't get a team.  I'd rather see the team stay in a good hockey town like Pittsburgh but that may not happen either.  Instead it will go somewhere that some millionaire/billionaire needs a plaything/tax writeoff and Bettman will be pleased, never having really understood what hockey or its fans are about.  I think the games are being played well and are exciting.  I confess I think the shootout is a good idea (for the regular season :P).  But pushing teams into non-traditional markets isn't really a good idea.  I hope KC does as well as Colorado did with their second chance, but I won't be cheering for them. 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2007, 03:54 PM
In a happier statement, Canada defeats Russia 4-2 at the world junior championship.  Boo-yah 8)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: DSJ™ on January 5, 2007, 04:09 PM
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!  8)  (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/images/smilies/canada.gif)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on January 5, 2007, 04:18 PM
I hope KC does as well as Colorado did with their second chance, but I won't be cheering for them. 

Let's say that the Penguins do move to KC... how would that affect re-alignment?  You can't have a team that far West in the Eastern Conference, can you?   ???

Hmmm... I suppose you could:
- move the Capitals to the Atlantic
- move the Predators to the Southeast

That would put the new KC team in the Central Division with St. Louis, not too shabby.

Of course, I'm still rooting for the Pens to stay... too bad I don't have any say in that matter.   :P
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2007, 04:38 PM

Of course, I'm still rooting for the Pens to stay... too bad I don't have any say in that matter.   :P

You meant to say you hope they go to Winnipeg, didn't you?  Winnipeg Penguins?  It could work, without messing with the logo even.  Detroit, Chicago, Minnesota, St. Louis and Winnipeg in the same Conference.  Not even much in the way of time zone change there really.  Think of the cost savings for those teams for travel.   ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on January 6, 2007, 02:27 AM
Nooooooooooo...  Pittsburgh Penguins, and that's that.  Now...  Winnipeg Coyotes...  Eh I'd accept it despite the obvious issues of animal + location. ;)  There's no penguins in Pittsburgh afterall and we can't even get snow like we used to (no global warming, my hairy white ass).

Seriously though, things sounded actually fairly promising Thursday after Lemieux/Rendell/Other local officials met out (I think) in Harrisburg about the matter (after Lemieux got back from KC).  The word both Rendell and Lemieux used was "optomistic", and not many local sports guys are saying the Pens aren't likely to stay at this point...  That plus there's issues of the Pen's actually having the attendance to back up the team, the TV market here's pretty large for the NHL...  More than a couple have worded it that the NHL needs Pittsburgh more than Pittsburgh needs the NHL so I too am optomistic but I'm also keeping in my mind that they could leave and I'll go into a deep depression about it.  Still I'm optomistic about it.

A lot of this is being blamed on the routine posturing at the 11th hour to get the job actually done...  Lemieux's made it clear he likes this city because many felt he'd leave for Montreal upon retirement but he instead laid it out that his roots are here now...  I don't think even he wants to leave at this point.

Anyway I just hope they stay here...  I need hockey in this town where I just can't stand baseball, the NBA and any basketball is loathed by me as well, college sports aren't my thing, and the Steelers are fun but never take away from my Pens every year, and I enjoy both for a while at the same time...  I need hockey since it was such a big part of my life, so think happy thoughts for me.  Please.    :-*
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on January 8, 2007, 12:13 AM
Pens played the lightning tonight and lost to them in a shutout, which isn't really the news since I think they're lucky they got one point given their play for over half the game was "flat" to say the least.  It really took some work to get the scores needed just to tie it near the end so I was happy with the point.

Anyway though, the "news" was Andre Roy flipped the crowd off I guess as he left the ice tonight because they were booing him...  He kicked Fleury earlier in the game and so he was getting a definite response all game from the crowd, pretty hostile but not much more than booing very loudly at him, and his reaction was to whip off the crowd...  I thought it was pretty tactless considering Crosby gets booed by many teams regardless of his actions, so when you are seen taking a shot at the goalie like he was I would think he'd expect it...  I hate seeing tacky **** like that in the NHL because that's not something you see as often as you do in other sports. 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 8, 2007, 02:17 AM
Anyway though, the "news" was Andre Roy flipped the crowd off I guess as he left the ice tonight because they were booing him...

Be a man, show some class.

Save the gestures for road rage.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on January 8, 2007, 02:49 AM
I mean, hell I got booed when I played because I was an ******* but that didn't mean I flipped everyone off for it.  I usually thought it was great.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on January 26, 2007, 02:37 PM
So Bettman's less than entirely antagonistic comments have the chatter in Winnipeg going again.  Suggestions that the league may expand by two teams ( ???) to even out the divisions to 16 apiece and talk of the Penguins moving potentially, plus rumors surrounding difficulties in both Florida (entirely believable) and Nashville (unfortunate but probably not surprising) have the papers up here in a tizzy.  A couple of big pocket types have even suggested some interest in bringing a team and both were down at the allstar game in Dallas. 

I'm going to suggest that while I'd dearly love to see the team back here and that yes, I'll buy a pair of season tickets (though not the full season, probably 1/4 of the games) I remain unconvinced that we should actually bring a team back.  I still don't fully believe that this market can or will be able to support a franchise any better than Nashville is currently doing.  When the Jets left in 1996, I could pick up tickets for under $30 in the upper deck and really couldn't afford to do anything but (after all the fees and taxes it was more like $30-40).  I expect the prices now to be more in the range of $50+ for bad seats and $100+ for good seats.  10-11 games x2 tickets in good seats is $2000 plus.  Yup, I can afford that, but how many people can or will pay that price?  It's a blue collar town (hello Pittsburgh) and the pockets aren't that deep and those that are might not actually pony up for tickets. 

The soap opera continues....

oh, and for the division we'd fall in they'd be stupid to do anything other than
Winnipeg
Minnesota
Chicago
Detroit
St. Louis
(Columbus)

I'm wondering though how they'd break up the 32 team spread?  Obviously 16/16 but would it be 2x 8/8 or would they go 2x 5/5/6?  The above makes sense and they could move Nashville into a southern alignment or maybe just move the Preds up here and leave them in the central?  Lord knows it's stupid having Minnesota now (and Winnipeg in the past) in the Northwest division ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on January 27, 2007, 02:38 AM
Quote
It's a blue collar town (hello Pittsburgh) and the pockets aren't that deep and those that are might not actually pony up for tickets.

We've actually pretty steadily moved far away from blue collar but low cost-of-living for certain...  That said, we've been selling out, or damn close to it, nightly all season long...  We have tickets up there in price too.  Part of the high sales rate has been the deal where if you bring a valid student id to the game like 20 minutes before puck drop, they give you the best seats they can for $20...  Great deal but the line for the "Student Rush" is insanely long, starts usually mid-day for a 7:30 start, and it's for a small number of tickets in the grand scheme...  The high rate of seats getting sold have been one of the huge arguments against moving to KC of course, among other arguments, so I think maybe Winnipeg could too if it's anything at all like Pittsburgh...  I'm sure your prices for tickets would rival ours.  I don't think I can get half decent seats for anything less than $50 a seat (and concessions are outrageously priced...  Like $9 for an IC Light beer).  Generally you're looking at similar prices I'd think for us as for you though I think.  Maybe it'd work?

News here on the Pens leaving tends to lean away from them going...  I think some of us have that fear, but most think the NHL is pushing hard for it to happen in Pittsburgh, pressuring the Pen's owners on it, as the TV market and the fanbase here is just considered that strong...  Even in a football town, the Pens do fantastic, and better than the Pirates by a HUGE margin.  That worry won't leave MY mind till the deal's done though...  I guess the other day the top share owner of the Pens got off the phone with Gov. Rendell and sounded a lot more hopeful than a meeting the other night late downtown that went awry when the ******* that got the slots license showed up at the meeting...  Though that seemed like the Penguin's posturing more than anything.

Anyway, I've vowed not to patronize the slots parlor if that whole thing screws me on hockey...  I'll be pissed, especially given the talent we have now.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 10, 2007, 11:17 PM
Watching the Pen's game tonight, there was a brutal fight between Petrovickey and Newbury, that left Newbury unconscious before he hit the ice...  First knockout I think I've seen in years, and I guess he's really hurt.  Took him off the ice on a stretcher to examine him just inside the hallway...  Hope he's ok.   :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on February 11, 2007, 11:29 AM
yeah i saw that game. Can't say i like Petrovickey anymore. I was hoping he would get nailed but owell wouldnt really be sportsman like. Hopefully newbury comes out fine.

Right now im just looking forward to meeting Alex Steen today at a local TRU. Maybe i can ask him if he thinks the leafs will ever win the cup again. :P
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 11, 2007, 12:22 PM
Hmmm, I don't mean to be critical but the fight was fair, and clearly it was instigated from a hit earlier in the game that drew them both into it...  I don't think Petrovickey intended to hurt Newbury, and given the fact he was tapping the glass from the box while they wheeled Newbury off the ice I think he felt bad he did hurt him...  but when you fight, you get hurt if you don't win, and Newbury didn't win...  NOt saying that to be a prick about it but that's why Petrovickey didn't get ousted from the game for putting a guy on a stretcher...  It's part of the game, and Newbury I'm sure is accepting of that and his 50% involvement in fighting someone who I believe to be substantially larger right off the face-off.

I'm not saying he got what he deserved by any means.  I much prefer the fights that end with a winner/loser but nobody hurt, but getting hurt does happen and it's not anyone in particular's fault generally, as it was last night.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on February 11, 2007, 01:14 PM
well yeah i understand that but from a certain angle Petrovickey hit newbury with his palms and it really wasn't punching anymore. But it was a fight and someone was gonna get hurt. It did look like he felt bad though once the stretcher came out so i give him respect for caring but i still think it was unnecessary for him to use his palms for a punch or two.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 11, 2007, 04:49 PM
I dunno man, I know you're obviously a Leafs fan and all, but a fight's a fight...  and the punch that knocked Nuberry out wasn't any open-fist slap...  he got coldcocked across his left cheek/jaw and went down like a sack of potatoes.  He was out before he hit the ice, that was the dangerous part about it.  :(

I didn't see any "slapping" going on in that fight, Nuberry just didn't win because Petrovitsky unloaded on him fast and got him on his heels. 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on February 15, 2007, 08:18 PM
Forsberg to the Preds?
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 15, 2007, 08:46 PM
Interesting...  Good for Nashville if it comes about I think, a team that didn't really needa  lot going into the playoffs...  I guess it could be a lack of desire to renegotiate his contract in Philly too, free up his price and all with the cap, and start rebuilding from a dismal season.  His injuries probably didn't help with wanting to hold onto him I suppose...
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on February 15, 2007, 08:47 PM
Wow. Just wow. Forsberg for Upshall, Parent and two picks?

Coming down here for the Cup Finals Brent?


 ;D

So glad I have lower bowl tickets to Saturdays game against the Wild now, it's going to be absolutely electric. Jason's flying out next week and we're going to the Wings game next Saturday, he couldn't have picked a better time to come!

I'm really interested to see what type of local media coverage we get now. Even being tops in the league, we aren't getting nearly enough local attention, so I hope this really is the final piece of the puzzle we need. Saturdays game had about 1500 tickets left right before news started leaking, and we're already down to just a handful of single seat tickets in the lower bowl left now, so that's definitely a good thing.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on February 15, 2007, 08:50 PM
Coming down here for the Cup Finals Brent?



Got tickets?
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on February 15, 2007, 09:07 PM
If you're coming there's definitely one for you!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2007, 09:43 AM
So glad I have lower bowl tickets to Saturdays game against the Wild now, it's going to be absolutely electric.

Bah, we used to kick Forsberg's ass all the time in Colorado, beating him in Nashville is no different.   :P

Definitely planning to catch the game on TV this weekend... I'll be sure to watch for you.  Can you bring along a sign that says "I LOVE MINNESOTANS", maybe even specifically mentioning Scott and I?  That'd make it easier to spot you... thanks!   :-*
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on February 17, 2007, 05:57 PM
2 hours until gametime!!!

I wasn't able to make up my non-hetero love for dudes from Minnesota sign, but will do my best to stand out in the crowd for you guys. When we go on the powerplay I'll flip my fang fingers upside down so it looks like I'm fingering something  ;)

Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 20, 2007, 01:22 AM
Bah, the Islanders ended the Penguin's incredible (almost record setting for the team) point streak...  Including a win over Nashville...  *whsitles innocently*  ;)

Good stretch, now to start another!  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on February 21, 2007, 09:32 PM
geeze with all these young guns on the Pens it wont be long till they have the cup.
to bad the leafs are where most players end up wanting to retire rather then play ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on February 26, 2007, 10:48 PM
Not sure if you guys are aware of the Hockeyville thing that goes on up here (http://www.cbc.ca/hockeyville/view/player_en.html) but it's pretty interesting at times.  There's also a backyard hockey rink contest and it gets pretty impressive at times but I think I saw one tonight that tops them all.

I was driving down a backroad tonight that runs behind a pretty ritzy neighbourhood near ours (we couldn't afford to build there eh?).  Anyway I'm driving along and I'm in a work truck, so I'm higher up than usual in my car and I look over into this yard.  The dude's got boards up with advertising on them, plus some screen in the back behind the nets to catch the high shots.  The rink is maybe 50 feet long and on one side the guy has sculpted a Stanley Cup replica out of snow/ice. :o  The snow sculpture is at least 10 feet tall.  It's not that great of a job, but still pretty nice.

The kicker though is the guy is taking care of the ice.  With a freaking Zamboni!!  He's got a bloody Zamboni in his back yard :-X  It was totally surreal.  8)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: DSJ™ on February 26, 2007, 11:19 PM
A Zamboni! That's a photo moment!  8)

And all we have is Mark Messier in town for his No. 11 jersey retirement ceremony. The Moose is loose!  :D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 27, 2007, 01:26 AM
Down here, you had to drive a half hour to get to the nearest rink when I was growing up, haha...  You canuckleheads are lucky to have 'em in your back yards like that! :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on February 27, 2007, 10:10 AM
He's got a bloody Zamboni in his back yard :-X  It was totally surreal.  8)

You don't?   I thought they were standard issue up there... ???


Today is trade deadline day.  I'm not sure if the beloved Wild are going to do anything beyond the Hall-for-Dupuis deal they did earlier in the month.  It would be nice to add a wiley veteran to shore up the offense for the Playoff run (especially after seeing Vancouver making moves ahead of us), but I'm not expecting anything...
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on February 27, 2007, 10:50 AM
Judging by the state of the roads I've been driving on, they're only standard issue for the Highway department ::)  I am going to have to give my neighbour a hard time though.  His rink is about the same size and I see him outside with a hose a couple of times a week in the winter.  Amatoor.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: DSJ™ on February 27, 2007, 06:53 PM
****! Ryan Smyth to the Islanders.  :'(

****!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on February 28, 2007, 01:31 AM
The Pens tried arming up for the playoffs if they make it...  Given the last 2 performances I have my doubts, though tonight was well played, just couldn't crack Brodeur...  Anyway though, Roberts and Laraque from Panthers and Coyotes respectively...  Some other minor deals too for younger guys.

Roberts I think will fit nicely, but honestly I am unsure on Laraque...  It's good having an enforcer I guess, especially after some of the cheap **** given to Crosby here and there by guys like Blake not too long ago...  Crosby takes care of himself more though.  To me it's guys like Malkin that need it more as he's a swizzel stick out there. 

Everyone loves an ass kicker though...  I just hope he's able to fit and not be a wasted roster slot.

Moore got dealt and I'm disappointed there in a way because he was our only good man on face-offs.  We have been struggling there, and I think it's become a much more important aspect to the game in the last couple years here.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on February 28, 2007, 08:48 AM
Moore got dealt and I'm disappointed there in a way because he was our only good man on face-offs. 

Thank you!   :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 1, 2007, 12:29 AM
 >:(

Enjoy your won faceoffs...
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 1, 2007, 02:25 AM
I've been following the Bruins for years, but ever since they dealt Thornton I've had a hard time caring.  After years of them trading away star players, I think it was the final straw for me.  :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 6, 2007, 01:27 AM
The Penguins are amping up the pressure on the local politicians (read: douchebags), to get the deal done.  Apparantly everything the politicians have been saying publicly was utter BS (no way!), and the negotiations haven't been going super smooth as was implied.  This is such bull****...

My hope is, and I truly hope this (pray for me), that it's the Penguins blowing smoke up everyone's ass to get them in gear on this deal...  I really do hope that's all it is.  I'm hopeful this all just gets hashed out and I have hockey to watch, otherwise I'm gonna forever hate all parties involved (Lemieux included, my childhood idol) for taking away the only sport I ever really loved.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on March 6, 2007, 03:48 PM
For your sake Jesse, I hope so.  Because it looks and sounds way, waaaaaaaay too familiar to me.  The Jets went through the same stupid routine with politicians ::)

On the bright side, it really looked like the Oilers were going to leave at one point as well, so it could go either way (duh).
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 10, 2007, 12:55 AM
Thanks Brent...

So I was sitting here Thursday night late as the government officials, Bettman, and Lemieux/Co. were in Philly for almost 5 hours in a meeting...  They came out, released a joint statement (that's key) and said it was progress but they'd again meet on Wednesday this upcoming week... 

I literally sat with my stomach in knots.  Dumb, but I worry over a lot of things out of my control all the time I find.

Then the sports talk show was discussing the situation and things...  The local anchors on this show are the most into hockey (KDKA's guys), and they felt the deal's likely to go through, they still feel that way, but they have reservations and doubts still...  But ultimately they think it'll get done.  But they were discussing the situation if it were to go awry...

They were saying Nashville has a clause to leave that city I guess after this year, and that they can't get (despite being one of the best NHL teams) people to go to games and sell out their arena, so that's why that clause is there and such, and that a theory going around is Pitt moves to KC, and Nashville moves here (if the Pens did decide to move that is).  That was one scenario was all, that the anchors said was completely possible and wouldn't surprise them if it went that way should the Pens decide to leave.

Either way I don't want the Pens leaving...  I like the team we have, obviously, and really am excited about Pens hockey.  I waited over a decade for htis kind of excitement about the team, and would be simply depressed if it went away.

Anyway, that's what's going on...  Wednesday they meet again at another undisclosed location...  All I know is if it doesn't happen I'll hold it against the politicians here forever for not getting it done.

In other sports news, my dinky hometown high school won the WPIAL class A championship (lost tonight in the state championship though).  For a graduating class of 16 Senior boys, that's not too shabby no matter if you're single A or quad A.

I hate basketball but my hometown's all over the Pittsburgh media right now because our school hasn't done this in 88 years of basketball, and we are so small in this district.  It's a little fascinating.  Though the media is sorta kinda lying to sensationalize the story...  Well, not lying, but they're not volunteering information to make the story sound more dramatic than it is.  That was a little annoying because it sort of belittled the area I live in, and wasn't true at all.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on March 10, 2007, 01:38 AM
From an outside perspective (and one that's been drinking) that's just downright odd. 

I get it that the Pens might leave if they don't get the deal they're after.  I get that KC is the most probable (ptui) place for them to go (Go Chiefs).  I can live with all that.

I also get that the Preds, despite being on top of the league, may end up leaving Nashville.  That's a pretty long standing rumour this season.  I think it unfortunate, much as I loathe hockey in non-traditional markets. 

What I don't get is why the hell a team would up and move out of Pittsburgh, which to me has pretty decent support, and then another team would move in.  Huh?  If the team goes (Penguins) because they can't get the deal they want, I just don't buy another team going into what the Penguins consider to be an untenable situation.  If it's that bad that they'll move, is someone else (i.e. the Preds owner) really that stupid to move to Pittsburgh? 

The more likely probability is that should Pittsburgh move, you're every bit as screwed as we were.  If Nashville ends up moving, then they'll go to some hockey hotbed, like Atlanta for example ::)

And not that you want to read this, but the more I think about situations, Pittsburgh's more closely parallels what happened in Winnipeg than Edmonton.  I still think you guys can retain the Pens, but when the Jets moved it was more than an ownership issue.  That was supposedly the biggest part, but the lack of a revenue generating arena was probably bigger than anything else.  Edmonton, if I recall correctly, was simply finding an owner, or in their case, group of owners, that would take it over.  I think they're still in the Coliseum and haven't moved, so the arena was never an issue.  Pittsburgh, like Winnipeg, has ownership AND revenue/arena issues :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 12, 2007, 01:35 AM
Based on your post Brent, I'm guessing you're under the assumption there's a possibility we won't get a new building in Pittsburgh, which is not true...  There's not a doubt in anyone's mind, Pen's leaving or not, that Pittsburgh will have a new arena in place of the Civic Arena (that's what I know it as, it's called Mellon Arena now though...  Just thought I'd mention that since it can be confusing). 

The arena issue isn't "will they get a new one or won't they?", as much as it is, "when the new one comes, who's footing how much of it?", more than anything.  The Pens are mad because of the Slots deal falling through as it gave them a 100% free Arena without any tax dollars or anything.  They just needed their partner, Isle of Capri, to get the license which they are appealing that decision now (it was awarded to someone affiliated with Jerome Bettis out of Detroit). 

So, the theory touted by the hockey-centric sports guys in town is that IF the Pens leave (which these guys are saying they feel they won't leave), that the Predators could be moved to Pittsburgh to take the deal the Penguins are trying negotiate now a bit more in their favor...  if that makes sense.

I haven't been drinking and still find what I wrote fairly confusing, but ultimately I know there is a rhyme to the reason there, haha.

Wednesday this week they negotiate again...  hopefully it comes out positive (as I guess the other night did), and the Penguins stay, and all is right with the world.  We're one of the top U.S. Markets for hockey so I really am hoping that's a major ace in the sleeve of them staying here, however I want the Penguins to be here, get their building...  For me, they deserved teh slots license in the first place, there was a lot of underhanded politics involved in that BS...  A lot of frustration.  I just want my damn hockey here.  These past 2 years have been the most exciting I've watched since the cup years as a local hockey fan...  Don't want to lose that at all.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on March 12, 2007, 02:22 PM
Just some food for discussion on Jesse's Pens and Nashville and other "Hockey Hotbeds"...


First up, average NHL attendance per home game this year (06-07)

  1  Montreal   21273
  2  Detroit   20066
  3  Tampa Bay   19786
  4  Toronto   19467
  5  Philadelphia   19304
  6  Ottawa   19294
  7  Calgary   19289
  8  Buffalo   18690
  9  Vancouver   18630
10  Minnesota   18442
11  NY Rangers   18200
12  Dallas   17847
13  Colorado   17630
14  San Jose   17404
15  Carolina   17176
16  Edmonton   16839
17  Los Angeles   16774
18  Columbus   16433
19  Pittsburgh   16278
20  Anaheim   16210
21  Atlanta   15980
22  Florida   15242
23  Nashville   14999
24  Phoenix   14724
25  Boston   14422
26  New Jersey   13978
27  Washington   13547
28  Chicago   12771
29  NY Islanders   12532
30  St. Louis   12177

No surprise that the SE USA and the bad teams dominate the bottom half of the list....   But look at TB up at #3 in average attendance.  Proof I guess that if your team is good, people will come watch even in the south. 


Next, these are the ten teams that have "sold-out" every home game this year... in fact, the top six teams listed are actually over 100% of their seating capacity thanks to standing room and additional suite tickets)

Gee, look at that.  5 of the 6 Canadian teams, 4 Northern US Teams, and kudos to TB (I guess having a really good team really makes a difference  :P).


And these are the bottom ten who can't even fill their buildings (>90% of capacity).

Man, I had to double check, but yeah - things are so bad in STL that nearly half the building has been empty the whole year.   :o

Also kind of surprised to see Chicago, NJ and Boston on there, but I guess that's more "no one wants to see a sucky team" related than anything else.



And, one last interesting note [insert knife]...

Using the median NHL attendance figure of buildings running at approximately 95% capacity, a certain 16,000 seat MTS Centre in a certain Canadian prairie town would average 15200 tickets putting it around 22-23 on the list.  [twist].   :-*
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 12, 2007, 11:10 PM
Bear in mind the Pen's attendance # there is partially because our building is incredibly small too...  Their 16,000 number is a little deceiving because of how small the building is compared to most other NHL arenas anymore.

That said...

KDKA in Pittsburgh is reporting the Penguins are staying, that it's a done deal...  They said the team is to announce this before the game with Buffalo tomorrow night but they got "inside" word on this I guess.  Supposedly.  Ron Burkle (co-owner) said "seeing is believing" about it rather than commenting, but the report is that Wednesday's meeting is to just get the i's dotted and t's crossed, and that last week's meeting found a deal both sides were committed to, and they're saying a big part of it was that all parties were present at the meeting, plus Bettman, and the deal got done then...

I'm hoping this is true.  Another plus is it's in a part of town that needs something new and fresh built there.  The Hill District in Pittsburgh is a really run down part of town, so anything new there will be a positive, despite some of the criticism residents there say about it. 

I'm very hopeful right now. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on March 12, 2007, 11:53 PM
Jesse, thanks for the clarification, I wasn't aware the arena was a done deal.  I think I should clarify too that in Winnipeg that while there was hedging on whole aspect of the arena, much of the sticking point was who got what (concessions, parking revenue, etc.) so aspects of the debate are similar.  I agree it seems more likely after reading your clarification that Pittsburgh will have a team, but I still suggest it's not guaranteed in this era of greed.  I can't see the Pens leaving and someone else wanting the deal they left because of.

With respect to Jeff's attendance numbers (well, the NHL's numbers), I'd love to see those broken down to paying attendance versus giveaways/discounts/promotions (buy one get one free).  I'm sorry, but when I'm watching a hockey game from Carolina/LA/Florida and I'm looking at the stands, there ain't no damn way a midweek game against the Vancouver Canucks is drawing 15-17K.  They'd be lucky if it's half that.  The lower bowl is always half empty and I'm sure security is good, but I don't buy the upper bowl being totally full.  I completely respect the numbers out of Toronto and Detroit, the rest I'm not so sure of. 

Jeff's point about the Canadian and northern US teams is accurate I would suggest.  I think looking at the Dallas/Colorado/Rangers numbers they're good too.

Interesting to note that Winnipeg's attendance numbers always ranged between about 11-13K in a 15000 seat arena where 3000 seats were near-death experiences.  Even the year we had the 30+ game losing streak wasn't much different than the year we finished 3rd overall.  And we paid for those tickets too.  Maybe they'll give us Washington or the Islanders? ::)

Ever bitter....
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on March 13, 2007, 12:08 AM
Bear in mind the Pen's attendance # there is partially because our building is incredibly small too...  Their 16,000 number is a little deceiving because of how small the building is compared to most other NHL arenas anymore.

Yeah, that's why I tried to get those "capacity" numbers in there for comparison... but I guess I left out the middle ten teams.   :-X

You can see there that The Pens fill 96% of the arena on average.  That to me says more about attendance than just the total numbers - you can only draw so much based on the seats you have.


With respect to Jeff's attendance numbers (well, the NHL's numbers), I'd love to see those broken down to paying attendance versus giveaways/discounts/promotions (buy one get one free). 

Unfortunately, the NHL doesn't care if bodies are in the seats, only that someone paid for them.   :P

And, remember those are just the average numbers.  I'm sure Nashville has it's share of split games - 17000 (sell-out) for games against Detroit, 11000 (6k empty seats) for a few of those Tuesday night games.

I agree that the numbers seem fishy, but the way teams count attendance is fishy anyway.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 13, 2007, 12:36 AM
Just so there's no confusion Brent, the deal for an arena was just announced like an hour ago tops...  So what I was saying is that an arena coming to Pitt was an inevitable thing, but not the Pen's getting it...  The arena's used nightly for almost anything you can think of, so a new building was coming...  just how, and who/what would be in it was in question.

KDKA was the only station saying it, but they're also the one that supports the Pens the most locally, so I'd believe them over the others too.  They said tonight a deal was 100% done and the Penguins are staying in Pittsburgh and getting an arena they'll pay 4 million a year for, for a while, and 500,000 to a parking garage.

Those points were sticking points with us here too Brent (concessions, parking, etc.), and supposedly the kinds of things that held up talks so much after the Isle of Capri deal fell through for a casino attached to the new arena.

Either way it's seeming that we have an arena coming and our Pens will still be in it.  Thank god.  Sidney Crosby in KC?  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on March 13, 2007, 12:59 AM
Oh yeah, that I had no desire to see. 

Some of the re-expansions have worked out.  I have no grudge with Colorado at all, it seems like a decent hockey place.  I'm ecstatic Minnesota got a team again, that was about the dumbest move of the bunch IMO.  But KC doesn't fly for me much more than Atlanta would.  It's not bad, but not necessary.

Incidentally, I can't recall if I ever said they ****** up the arena here or not.  They did.  It's a really nice building (though individual stalls for urinals instead of a trough was a very bad idea and though they don't openly admit it, it really affects the concessions) but it's a) too small b)seats are too close together c)no parking revenue.

They've always wanted a downtown arena (they being politicians, businessmen, etc.) because it draws business and provides a focal point for an area otherwise decaying due to suburbanizations.  There was no space until a local landmark/retailer went under.  The Timothy Eaton company is a rough Canadian equivalent of Sears in the US and had prime real estate occupied by a failing six story retail store.  When it closed, that became the site for the arena.  The problem being the space was a shade too small.  Rather than building a 20K arena, they went for 16K.  The seats are seriously uncomfortable for me at 6'1" tall and there's little room to move (like to the concessions or bathroom) when you add in typical winter gear and normal sized people (not elfin folk like Jeff :-X). 

So even if we could have an NHL team, I'm still not entirely sure they'd fly well in that arena. 

BTW, I miss HoloE in these conversations. :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 14, 2007, 01:27 AM
And the deal's done and announced, with a 5-4 win after a SO in OT over Buffalo, who had a TON of obnoxious fans down in our arena tonight (douchebags kept jumping up in front of the cameras when they could).

The new arena's gonna go over the to the left (if you're facing downtown) of where the current arena is, and hopefully it'll help revitalize the 5th & Forbes corridor that runs along there too...  That area needs some new buildings and things, and there's now to be a ton of development to go with the arena.  I cannot wait, and I'm gonna bust ass to get tickets for opening night of the new arena. :)

I'm happy...  I feel like break dancin'.

EDIT:

By the way, I'm seeing some seriously ugly **** around forums...  People really being cry babies and stuff.  I gotta say I'm disappointed with some of the people up in Canuckle land too (obviously not you guys, but I'm citing some angry people who felt the Pens going ot KC was somehow a good idea, but clearly they had more of a desire to see a team move to THEIR city and Pitt just became their sounding board I guess).  I mean, guys in Hamilton Ontario crying they didn't get the Penguins...  Are they serious?  They have Toronto and Buffalo on either side... 

But that said, there was some pretty seriously tasteless behavior from people in KC over the Penguins debate, and their new mantra is that this is all the fault of Bettman, and nothing more...  Nothing to do with KC being a horrible city for the NHL (a horrible city in general, I've been there too many times by my count), Pittsburgh being a great NHL city, Lemieux & Co. LIKING Pittsburgh more than KC for their personal lives, or the government officials actually making necessary concessions to keep the team here... 

Like I said in this thread, the issue of us getting an arena wasn't in question and people seem to forget that when they cite "but we have the Sprint Center right here for you!" and such.  That's great, but Pitt's getting an arena built to an NHL team's specifications, it's just a matter of paying for it...  And the Penguins got that hashed out, thank god...  But now everyone who wanted to see the team leave Pittsburgh are saying it's all a screwjob and that they were a done deal to go to KC and things.

I personally don't believe that in the slightest.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on March 20, 2007, 11:38 PM
First off congrats on the Pens staying put Jesse, I was really thrilled to hear that and immediately thought how relieved you must have felt.

On to slightly more current events though, what does everyone think of the Tootoo suspension? The more I think about it, the more it ticks me off. Sure I'm a homer for Toots, but five games for defending yourself from a guy that was about to clobber you is just stupid. To make matters worse, Modano gets absolutely nothing for doing a one-handed Chris Simon, and then his owner has the balls to bitch about us not celebrating his goal when he should have never been on the ice for that power play to begin with. Rampant inconsistency with the suspensions that are being handed out this season.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Scott on March 20, 2007, 11:50 PM
Thoughts?

Toots might be the best sports nickname of all time
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on March 20, 2007, 11:57 PM
 >:(

Stay on topic.

Speaking of Toots, it's one of my favorite local eating establishments. Good food and fun.

Toots. Good Food & Fun! (http://www.toots.com/)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Scott on March 21, 2007, 12:15 AM
(http://www.scottyps.com/images/inside_logo.gif)

I think Scotty P's and Toots should combine forces...only, I wonder what the new place would be called?

BTW...to stay on topic...

(http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/hockey/nhl/02/17/wild.preds.ap/p1.wild.ap.jpg)

Go Wild!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on March 21, 2007, 12:29 AM
The only Forsberg picture allowed to be used is this one:

(http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/michael_farber/02/27/predators0305/p1_predators.jpg)

Makes me wish Jason still posted here. I know he'd appreciate it. Since he had to witness it in person  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 21, 2007, 02:14 AM
Thanks Jamie...  The Preds came up a LOT during all this because of attendance issues there and people were saying (by People I mean KC people), "well if we can't have the Pens fine, we'll get the Predators".  My response to that is that I don't think ANY team should go to KC, Preds included, but man it's gonna be tough in Nashville I think because even with the outstanding team they have filling the seats has been rough I guess?  I hope it works out for you there though...  I just know everything I heard coming up during the Pen's fiasco the whole time.  ::)

It'll be nice getting a new arena, especially as it'll move slightly down over the hill onto the main corridor that leads from DOwntown to Oakland (where Pitt, Duquesne, CMU, and some other universities are).  That area needs revitilization with good business and tearing down/rebuilding some stuff down through there.  Let it start with a new arena and expand from there IMO.

Anyway,  about the suspension...  I dunno.  I didn't see video of the hit actually to know all the details, I just know what I've read...  The grey area I see is, if it's dropped gloves to me it's a fight and suspensions go out the window.  If it's a guy barrelling into a scrum and someone cold cocks him (IE: Neither guy drops the gloves), then I think there's some shakey ground there for Toots...  I don't know that a massive suspension was due him, I didn't see the actual number of days it was for actually so I apologize for not being well informed there, but I do know the gloves hurt, and really I think that's what knocked the guy out more than anything.

From what I read the league had sort of a knee-jerk reaction to it, I think because of the Simon incident and the severity of the punch (knocking him out).  I dont' know if it was dropped gloves and things though either.  If those 2 dropped the gloves, to me the whole thing is moot and nobody should've gotten anything but incidental fighting penalties that cancelled each other out,a nd one guy just lost...  badly.

I hate the thoughts of them cracking down on fighting though.  I've feared that over the years...  Trying "clean up" the sport as people say.  To me, this is the only sport where it's contained while the others can't control their fighting is all.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 27, 2007, 12:25 AM
Too early for NHL playoff predictions?
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 30, 2007, 12:54 AM
I guess so. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on March 30, 2007, 10:21 AM
Considering both the East and the West are too volitile still to even know what the match-ups will be, yeah it's too soon for me to make any bold predictions...  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on March 30, 2007, 07:57 PM
Yeah I was looking at the bottom of the East...  Guys in the like 10th and 11th spots have a chance at sneaking in the 8th, especiallyt he way some of the lower teams have played down the stretch this season.  Then big teams dropping games to Boston and Florida and stuff...  It's weird this year, and just gotten weirder at the end with lower ranked teams pulling wins out their asses over the top guys.  Fun to watch though.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 6, 2007, 10:05 AM
Man, 7 teams in the West with 100+ points.   :o

Looks like my Wild are headed to a showdown with the Ducks...  The guys I split season tickets with are running a playoff lottery today, I should find out about which games I get later today.  8)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 7, 2007, 02:32 AM
Penguins are seemingly headed for Ottawa...  It's now down to who gets home-ice which is coming down to the wire.

On a separate note, Pen's tickets are going up next year, no surprise there... 

And now those same asswipes people from the Hill DIstrict that a couple month ago were saying, "What have the Penguins ever done for us?  We don't want a Casino in 'the hill' that will bring crime and other problems with it", are all in line with their hands out saying they want revenue from the development of the new arena, and they want the Penguins to give to the Hill District...

Funny how that works huh?  They're making demands that even the minority leaders on city council are saying are pretty outrageous and greedy.  I hope the mayor, city council, and the Penguins tell them to go sit and spin because those ******** were part of the problem in the first place and why there was talk about the Pen's moving, the casino going to someone else, etc.  "Not in my backyard", was the mantra...  Well, since they weren't smart enough to see something was going to be developed regardless of the slots deal, and regardless on whether the Pens left or not, they got a case of foot-in-mouth disease and now want handouts...  screw them.  >:(  Since they weren't team players, they shouldn't be involved in the current plans at all.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: stormie on April 9, 2007, 10:33 AM
Well, since the playoff teams are finally set, I'll go ahead and start talking out of my ass and make some predictions (with my Sharks bias in full bloom):

Buffalo over Islanders
NJ over TB
Atl over Rangers
Pitt over Ottawa

Detroit over Calgary
Anaheim over Wild
Dallas over Vancouver
Sharks over Nashville (Yeah, could go the other way, too, but what the hell)

2nd round

Pitt over Buffalo
NJ over Atllanta

Detroit over Dallas
Sharks over Anaheim

3rd round
Pitt over NJ
Sharks over Detroit

Championship
Pitt over Sharks (realist)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on April 11, 2007, 12:21 AM
Not that it fits and not that many are aware it was even on, but Canada defeated the US tonight here in Winnipeg at the IIHF Women's World Hockey Championships, 5-1 if I got the score correct.   :-*
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 11, 2007, 03:27 AM
Not that it fits and not that many are aware it was even on, but Canada defeated the US tonight here in Winnipeg at the IIHF Women's World Hockey Championships, 5-1 if I got the score correct.   :-*

I watched some of that game at Boston Pizza tonight, great stuff to watch.   :D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 11, 2007, 10:01 AM
Not that it fits and not that many are aware it was even on, but Canada defeated the US tonight here in Winnipeg at the IIHF Women's World Hockey Championships, 5-1 if I got the score correct.   :-*

At least I can take solace in the fact that the gal who scored for Team USA was a Golden Gopher.   :)


Oh, and to keep things on topic, it looks like I'll have tickets for Game 4 vs. the Ducks next Tuesday.   8)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 11, 2007, 03:31 PM
OK, I think I'm ready now...

"East is Least" Conference

Round 1:
Sabres over Islanders in 4
Lightning over Devils in 7
Thrashers over Rangers in 6
Penguins over Senators in 5

Round 2:
Sabres over Lightning in 4
Penguins over Thrashers in 6

Conference Championship:
Buffalo Sabres over Penguins in 6


"West is Best" Conference  ;D

Round 2:
Red Wings over Flames in 6
Wild over Ducks in 7
Canucks over Stars in 5
Predators over Sharks in 6

Round 2:
Red Wings over Wild in 5  :'(
Predators over Vancouver in 6

Conference Championship:
Detroit Red Wings over Predators in 7


The Battle for Lord Stanley's Cup:

Detroit Red Wings over Buffalo in 6
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on April 11, 2007, 09:08 PM
stupid leafsbeat out one of Canada's chances for bringing the cup home....on other note. lets go CALGARY! and maybe the canucks.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 12, 2007, 12:50 AM
Oh god the Pens ate **** tonight.  ::)  There's some bright spots to consider...  slightly, but nothing much I care to talk about.  I felt like fighting someone by the end of the night, I was all hyped up and then let down.  Friggin' Gonchar on that first goal just stood there...  Eaton tipped in the 5th goal himself almost as if that was what he intended to do...

They better get their **** together.  Ottawa just owned them tonight, and it wasn't even their big guys doing the work, it was the muckers and grinders combined with a good blue line.

The one things the Senators did that I didn't respect in the slightest was send out tough guys that weren't willing to drop the gloves at the end of the night.  If you're gonna take liberties (and boy there were some suspension-worthy clips a couple times, plus a shot from a Senator on the bench that would've been worth a game), at least have the balls to drop the gloves.  It wasn't like it would've made a difference for either team really.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on April 12, 2007, 10:35 AM
Playoff hockey, whistle has been swallowed.  Pens better get tough and dirty if they want to survive. 

Interesting to see most pundits have picked the Pens to get out of this series.  I don't know about that.  I expect a seven game series but my impression of the Pens is they do lack toughness, especially on defense.  Gonchar is an offensive defenseman, always has been, always will be; expecting him to actually play defense isn't overly realistic, more of a bonus when he does.  Whitney is seeming to be a similar mold too, but just scoring won't win games now. 

Best part of last night was quad-OT ;D  I think the shootout has been great for the regular season (though we could debate how that's affected records like Brodeur's wins in a season vs Parent) but the playoffs are a time for overtime.  Shoutouts have no place here and to see one of the very first games go into the wee hours of the morning was oh so sweet.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 13, 2007, 01:06 AM
No doubt...  Therrien was pissed today when asked about Laraque's behavior when put on the ice...  I expect to see Laraque suited again (there's some doubt), and laying people out next game...  Or he's just not going to be suited up at all.

Whitney's not much for offense, he just came alive this year so I don't agree with that...  But Gonchar I 100% agree with.  That's why he's usually paired iwth Eaton who's been our best Dman for a while, and he's really a reliable guy.  He was outstanding, but he can't do it himself...  Not that Gonchar was dismal all night, he had his moments defensively (especially on that breakaway by I think Heatley), but that first goal I think it was, he was just standing there and took nobody out of the play.

In situations similar I was laying people out left and right and I couldn't believe my eyes watching him just stand there like a lump.

But a lot needs put on the offense.  They didn't help at all...  Nobody was finishing, they pulled this pass, pass, pass, lose the puck bull**** all night... 

The whistles going away pissed me off though.  They'd call wishy washy hooks all night till they broke the damn whistle, but twice on Malkin there were suspension worthy clips that could've been called right in front of a zebra, and then during the one scuffle there was a friggin' Senator on the bench taking swings...  The NHL itself should've stepped in and handed one out after the game was over for that.

They got embarassed, they deserved it, and they better get their **** together for Saturday.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on April 13, 2007, 02:52 AM


Whitney's not much for offense, he just came alive this year so I don't agree with that... 
37 points in the last 44 games and you disagree?  Ok, but I don't see a better scoring defenseman in the second half of the season.

Quote
But a lot needs put on the offense.  They didn't help at all...  Nobody was finishing, they pulled this pass, pass, pass, lose the puck bull**** all night... 
Ah, the old Winnipeg Jets school of offense.  Yeah, that didn't work.

Quote
They got embarassed, they deserved it, and they better get their **** together for Saturday.
Ayup.

Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 13, 2007, 03:31 AM
Like I said, it's this year...  He sorta jumped to.  Whitney's really good defensively though...  That's why he gets paired iwth Gonchar on the PP, otherwise it'd be like having 2 offense holding down your point on the PP...  Which has worked in the past for the Pens teaming guys like Murphy with Ron Francis back in the cup years, but that doesn't work now.

Whitney's more offense than our other defensive players though aside from Gonchar...  He does well on the 2nd line for that and giving it a more defensive presence.  Gonchar and Eaton on the 1st line works great when Gonchar's at least not committing to dumb ass pokes on the blueline when he's got 3 different colored sweaters behind him...  ::)  I think I counted him doing that two or three times Wednesday and I let loose a curse-fest every time.

Whitney's definitely got offensive skill though, I didn't deny that, but what I was saying is I think you're short-changing his defensive ability.  He's much more a defenseman than Gonchar, and his offensive ability has flourished this year.  He's a great pairing with Gonchar on the PP for that reason because he's good at making sure he doesn't overcommit.  I love how he sneaks down the left wing while the others cycle and he can snap those quick one-timers in from just off the circle.  It's a set Pen's play they run routinely and it really worked well this year.

I'm pumped for Saturday but this is a time of year I get really REALLY down when things don't go my way too.  I love football but when things go bad for the Steelers I shrug it off.  When things don't go the Pen's way I go into a funk. :(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Paul on April 13, 2007, 08:54 AM
This has been the year of scoring in the Playoffs...wow.

Gotta love the 9pm (local) start and the 4 overtimes on the Stars game...

I am predicting failure for the Stars in the first round.  And a New Goalie next season.  Makes me miss Darcy Wackaluk.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 13, 2007, 10:11 AM
Makes me miss Darcy Wackaluk.

Darcy Wakaluk?   :o  There's a name I haven't heard in a long, long time...  I think I might still have a Wakaluk card in the basement:

(http://www.beckett.com/images/pgitems/5591530701.jpg)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on April 14, 2007, 05:56 PM
Hell of a game to be at last night, probably ranks as the most exciting hockey game I've been to since our first playoff win against the Wings a couple years ago. My favorite part of the night was the drive home listening to the post game show, and hearing Wilson step up to the mike and announce he had no comment. First time I've ever heard him speechless!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 14, 2007, 06:47 PM
Whoa, he speaks... :)

Good Pens game today...  They came out hard in the 1st, took it to Ottawa but still didn't shoot enough to suit me.  The 2nd rolled around and they were flat...  Someone must've bitched up a storm between periods though because they came out hard in the 3rd.

Good seeing Crosby shrugging off checks, putting others down instead of them dumping him...  Malkin looked shakey again but was moving away from checks at least (When I saw him out, I realized I could knock him down so I know he's gonna take a beating in the playoffs).  Staal looked super strong again...  No wasted ice time with Laraque if he isn't gonna do his job...  Gonchar looked ****** on D again but I think his partners were stepping it up. 

Too many penalties on us, not enough on the Sens...  again.  Seems you're now allowed to cross check stars in the face.  I must've missed that rule change...  I also didn't realize that you're allowed to come in and hit people near your net after the whistle's blown.

I know it sounds biased of me but I didn't see the Penguins get away with much at all, all day, and I watch the Sens put their hand in the cookie jar all day long...  Same with Wednesday's game.  If that continues, that's a mountain to climb on top of an already tough series. 

Still though, the Pens took it to Ottawa more today...  Roberts especially was just insane with the hits.  People criticized them picking him up at the deadline but that's looking more and more like a genius move.  The only thing that sucks was we lost our best face-off guy at the deadline too, and face-offs are a major weak point for them. 

This back-to-back game stuff is bull**** too...  I cannot believe they're doing this.  What if you get into major overtimes a night, then have a game the following day?  This is stupid, without a doubt.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2007, 12:35 AM
Meh...   >:(

Another loss, another night of ****** calls by the refs (though there were a couple on us this time that didn't get called too, but not many), and another night where I seriously want to bench Gonchar.  The offense he brings to the table doesn't counter the utter lack of defensive play he gives all game long...  Some may disagree with me, and I love the guy when he does his job, but when the Pens can't even get out of their own end with the #1 line he's a major liability.

Rough game...  I'm peeved.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on April 16, 2007, 07:01 AM
go ottawa...calgary...i have lost hope in you.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 19, 2007, 02:06 AM
WTF - Sharks lead Preds 3-1?  I sure didn't see that coming.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Darth Slothus on April 19, 2007, 02:59 AM
But..it's not a bad thing either ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 19, 2007, 11:33 AM
My life has been a little delayed thanks to some sick kids, but I thought I'd share...

I went to the Wild v. Ducks game on Tuesday and it was a blast!  So glad they avoided the sweep, that would have sucked major ass.

The game had it all - intensity, scoring, rough stuff.  First and second periods were fantastic waiting and waiting for someone to break it open, then when the Wild busted it open in the 3rd and the nasty stuff happened, it was great... until things got ugly. 

Brad May threw a cheap-o sucker punch late in the 3rd period, but the NHL took care of that with a 3-game suspension (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=300127&page=NewsPage&service=page).  It was such a gutless move by May, skating up and punching a guy in the back of the head while everyone was watching the fight at the other end of the ice.  Luckily, there was a lineman standing right there who saw the whole thing.

Anyway, it was a blast of a game, I'm glad I went to that one and not last Sunday's loss.   :P

Here's hoping for a game six back at home on Saturday!   :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2007, 08:27 PM
The Pens are pretty much done here (game's not over but my hopes are gone)...  the last goal was a joke and 100% the fault of Gonchar.  I'd love to see people just crash into goalies more to score goals though, that's the way it should be for everyone.  I have some other teams I'm rooting for since I didn't expect a lot with the Pens (I couldn't believe the # of people predicting them going to the finals in the East...  I hoped but didn't expect that by a longshot)...  Though I called the Pens making the playoffs this year so I'm happy they did and proved a LOT of people wrong who said at the season's start they wouldn't go anywhere again because of their age.

I think in the soon-to-be offseason that the Penguins need to dump Gonchar.  I'm sure they can get a LOT for him because a cup contender would love a scoring D-man like him.  The Penguins need to shore up their defensive core though and drop this fancy offensive ****.  I'd look at dealing guys like Malone too...  They didn't do much for you in the regular season and were a liability in the playoffs.  Gonchar looks like a genius when he scores for you but man he was like giving the 1st line a handicap throughout this series so I cannot see keeping him when you could get 2, maybe 3 good players for him.  The other aging player I have a gripe with, but don't see leaving, is Recchi...  He played like **** this series and he's supposed to be Mr. Playoff...  Roberts was outstanding though and I just hope he plays that way in the regular season.

Goaltending they're outstanding, offense needs a little help on the wings yet I think...  D is where they lacked depth though and I said as much at the deadline, they did nothing, and it bit them in the ass in the playoffs. 

Bad reffing for the first few games aside, I think they just didn't give a **** as much as the Senators did for the series...  The Penguins have played like it's not a big deal, the Senators have played like it's their lives.  Can't do that and expect to compete.  I'm anxious to watch other series now though that'll be more entertaining.  This series hasn't been really because it's been fairly one-sided and there's been more than a little bull**** going on in some of the games.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Rob on April 20, 2007, 01:05 AM
Well since there is a game six, I went ahead and ordered some tickets to see the Stars on Saturday.

Whoo hoo.   :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2007, 02:08 PM
OK, I think I'm ready now...

"East is Least" Conference

Round 1:
Penguins over Senators in 5

Round 2:
Penguins over Thrashers in 6

Conference Championship:
Buffalo Sabres over Penguins in 6

I guess this is why I never go to Vegas...  ::)

I'm blaming JJ for my pick...  he got me all hyped up on his "Penguin Positivity", then his squad lays an egg.  Thanks Jesse.  >:(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 20, 2007, 03:15 PM
Nobody's more sorry than I.  :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2007, 03:16 PM
That's OK, I feel your pain...  :'(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on April 20, 2007, 05:55 PM
yes now that ottawa has won i hope they lose :) lets go calgary they still have a chance :)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: stormie on April 24, 2007, 12:09 PM
So, we're through the first round, and the Sharks are still going strong. Let's see how the teams are doing (my picks in bold):

Buffalo over Islanders
NJ over TB  - closer than I thought
Rangers over Atl  - glad it went this way, but still thought Atl had more than they gave
Ottawa over Pitt  - I really don't understand what went wrong here.

Detroit over Calgary
Anaheim over Wild  - the Ducks just looked scary in this series
Vancouver over Dallas
Sharks over Nashville  - I sure thought it was going to be closer than it was, but am overjoyed at the outcome.

Here's a revision of what I think will happen in the second round:

Buffalo over NY (I predict a squeaker)
NJ over Ottawa  (I think NJ is really going to start shining, now)

Sharks over Detroit (I'm actually more confident for the Sharks in this series than I was with the Preds)
Anaheim over Canucks (I think the Ducks are going to roll in this series)

Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Rob on April 24, 2007, 04:53 PM
This just in, Dallas just got called for another penalty.  Vancouver is on the power play again!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on April 30, 2007, 09:50 PM
Quote
Ottawa over Pitt  - I really don't understand what went wrong here.

The Penguins just ate **** was all...  No drive, no caring among ALL the players.  The only heart you saw was Crosby, Fleury, Roberts...  You had practically a handicap in playing Gonchar on the first line, you had Malkin not manning up (granted, the age thing, but still Jagr took a role in 91 and 92, so he's excuseless to me).  They just didn't vaguely match the intensity of Ottawa outside of Game 2.  It was all downhill.

Add to that though, some just horrid officiating, especially in the first 3 games, but really all 5 were just terribly called...  Then again every game I've watched outside the Pens series hasn't been rosey in terms of calls.  I was watching Buffalo and Rangers the other night and the announcer on NBC said himself about guaranteing the next stick infraction would be called, yada yada yada...  Point is, he shouldn't be able to say stuff like that with any credence to it, but sadly he can and he's likely right.  The new NHL seems to definitely melt once April hits.

That said, I'm still enjoying the playoffs...  No desire to see the Rangers go further, partly because of the rampant bandwagoning they always get (and thus the rampant cheers and boos at the dumbest points during any game at MSG).  Some good games going on though and it's nice to watch the other teams since we didn't get to watch another city's game on Vs. when ours were going on for some reason.  Which is pretty stupid IMO since I'd flick around myself if I had that option.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on May 4, 2007, 11:35 AM
Crazy Canadians (http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=2859289).

Though, it is awesome that your country has time to waste arguing about who should be Captain of your team...  :P

In other news, man the Ducks look good, they rolled over Vancouver same way they worked us.   :-\  Should be interesting to see whether the Red Wings can get past the Sharks... either way, the Ducks are going to get about a week's worth of rest and that can't be good for either San Jose or Detroit. 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on May 6, 2007, 10:03 PM
Living proof that if you think your country is screwed up, just look north. :-[  It's utterly embarassing that they can think of nothing better to do with their time.

Anaheim vs Ottawa in the final?
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on May 7, 2007, 01:11 AM
I'm going with Buffalo but only because of the way they fought with the Rangers who were really flying high going into that series.  Ottawa still ran the board somehwat in their series but I think they'll fall to Buffalo...  So I'll go Buffalo & Sharks. 

I like underdogs, and while I think Anaheim's good, I think SJ can put something together and come out the winner.  No real logic or reasoning here though, just making my picks, and I've sucked ass so far this season.

I'm just glad the Rangers are out...  If I watched one more game of rampant booing at EVERYTHING, regardless of whether it was a right call or not, I would've...  well, I'd have turned it I guess and not cared.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: stormie on May 8, 2007, 06:26 PM
Well, unfortunately the Sharks are gone...again. I knew that as soon as they lost game 4 (tied in the last seconds, and lost in OT), that they were toast. It was just too much of a momentum swing. Good going to the Redwings, though. I really think the Ducks will take it all, now.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on May 12, 2007, 01:22 AM
Man I can call those NHL games huh?  ::)  Now you know why I don't play fantasy hockey.  I would eat **** at it, I can wager.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: stormie on May 16, 2007, 11:35 AM
Yeah, thanks for jinxing it, Jesse!  ;)

I'm really surprised at how Detroit is handling Anaheim, and just slightly surprised at the Ottawa/Buffalo series. Of those four teams, I was really thinking it would be a Ducks/Sabres finals. I supposed for ratings, though, a Detroit/Ottawa finals may have a better draw. 
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on May 19, 2007, 11:50 PM

Anaheim vs Ottawa in the final?

So far, I'm half right.  Regardless of which team is playing, it should be a mighty interesting final.  Everything changes at that point, but the Sens sure are looking good right now. A couple of close games with Buffalo, but they more or less steamrolled right over them :o
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on May 21, 2007, 11:19 AM
Yesterday, I watched the final 3 minutes of the Wings/Ducks game... and then the ensuing overtime as well.  Man, I bet Datsyuk would love to have those last two minutes of the game back.   :-X

I guess the Wings have no one to blame but themselves - if they wouldn't have gone 0-for-7 on the power play, they never would have been in that situation. It will be interesting to see if the Wings have any fight left, because that Game 6 in Anaheim is going to be awfully tough to get without a LOT of effort.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on May 22, 2007, 09:29 PM
YAY SENS! ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: jjks on May 24, 2007, 08:36 AM
 :'(

I'm flushing my Blackberry tonight.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on May 29, 2007, 11:08 AM
Game 1 -
The Sens looked good until the 3rd Period.  So much for that "faster, smoother" style of hockey, the "rough and tumble" NHL will never go anywhere based on the sucess of the Ducks this year...  Still could be an interesting series if the Sens can stay healthy.


Preds, sold and moving? -
On the "bad side", sorry Jamie.  I sure hope for your sake that the moving talk is a lot of hot air.

On the "good side", I know it's just the Commish telling folks what they want to hear, but I guess there is always hope Brent.  From ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2885183):

Winnipeg is seen as the most logical choice to rejoin the NHL because it has a new arena and more community support for a return to the NHL.

"When we had the chance to go back to Minnesota, we did. Because it made sense, the right ownership, the right building situation," Bettman said. "The market was strong and vibrant. We haven't studied Quebec City or Winnipeg or anywhere else in Canada, but the notion that if it could work to put a franchise back in a place where one was lost, feels good -- provided we don't wind up in a situation where we've created a prescription for another failing franchise.


I know, I know, lots of hurdles and what not, so don't get those hopes up too high. 

I will say this though - if and when the NHL returns to Winnipeg, you buy the tickets and I'll gladly drive up for a Wild V. Winnipeg game.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on May 29, 2007, 10:29 PM
If, and that's a huge, HUGE if it happens, I'll spring for tickets for a game.  They'll be part of my seasons.

I'm less optimistic than most.  I think KC is more likely mostly because our arena is too small ::) new or not.  There is a ton of support, but I think we need to see what kind of corporate support there is and what kind of support there is when people realize the total tab for a family of four for one game is $300, not $100 like it was 11 years ago. 

Getting the Preds (sorry Jamie) would be sweet, I already like a bunch of the players.

And no, I don't think we should necessarily call them the Jets. :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on May 30, 2007, 01:05 AM
Part of me really thinks KC will get snubbed again, but just speaking from all the experiences I had with the Pens this past year, they seem likely who would get the Predators...  They really are rolling out the red carpet to ANYONE to fill their building they cannot afford.

I hope that's not true though for Jamie's sake...  Still though, #1 in the NHL and couldn't fill their building is a pretty ****** thing. :(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 31, 2007, 02:54 AM
And no, I don't think we should necessarily call them the Jets. :-X

No?  I thought you'd be all for that.  I guess Minnesota didn't go back to the Northstars, but they didn't have much choice with their Stars in Dallas.  I think it would be amazing to see the Jets name back.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on May 31, 2007, 11:51 AM
Based on the two forays that I've made to Winnipeg in my life, I have two suggestions -

The Winnipeg Grasshoppers or the Manitoba Endless Wheat Fields.  (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/Themes/default/images/post/thumbup.gif)
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on June 5, 2007, 12:50 AM
Ottawa -> oops. :o
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on June 5, 2007, 06:32 PM
My old man is rooting for Ottawa, and I'm leaning towards Anaheim...  Makes for some fun conversations.  I'm just not that into the finals this year though.  :(

On a Penguins note there's rumors going around that they're eyeing up a high scoring right winger right now.  Cool beans.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on June 6, 2007, 08:31 PM
no offense to pens fans but i think they made the crappiest decision in making Crosby captain. completely stupid. hes way to young.

in terms of the playoffs...Ottawa disappointed me:(
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on June 6, 2007, 10:29 PM
Stick a fork in 'em, they're done.  No doubt about who the better team was in this round.  Happy for Teemu.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on June 6, 2007, 10:44 PM
no offense to pens fans but i think they made the crappiest decision in making Crosby captain. completely stupid. hes way to young.

in terms of the playoffs...Ottawa disappointed me:(

Your age isn't what determines you getting the C...  It's your leadership on and off the ice as well as your ability to deal with your teammates, the officials, and things.  Crosby's been noted as being one of (at times the only) more vocal players on the team trying to fire everyone up, he clearly is seen calling the shots on the ice a lot too...  Mario Lemieux got the C early here too and that seemed to work out quite well.  I think it was a solid move since they clearly are building their franchise around the man they named captain.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JangoTat on June 6, 2007, 10:46 PM
no offense to pens fans but i think they made the crappiest decision in making Crosby captain. completely stupid. hes way to young.

in terms of the playoffs...Ottawa disappointed me:(

Your age isn't what determines you getting the C...  It's your leadership on and off the ice as well as your ability to deal with your teammates, the officials, and things.  Crosby's been noted as being one of (at times the only) more vocal players on the team trying to fire everyone up, he clearly is seen calling the shots on the ice a lot too...  Mario Lemieux got the C early here too and that seemed to work out quite well.  I think it was a solid move since they clearly are building their franchise around the man they named captain.

although you raise a good point i still think players like gonchar and rechi(spelling is wrong i know) deserved it more. i just find crosby too full of himself and bent around publicity more then hockey itself. dont get me wrong hes a great player..i just dont find him captain material.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on June 6, 2007, 11:00 PM
Recchi's definitely deserving of an A I think, but he didn't step up in the slightest in the playoffs and really he's made it clear that he's just looking to finish out his career, maybe be on a winning team, but ultimately I think he stays in Pitt because he likes it here and just isn't as competitive as he used to be...

Gonchar though?  You're kidding right?  He was one of the biggest drains on the team in the playoffs, he played like a 3rd year peewee defenseman, he put up zero numbers, he was at best a handicap on defense when we needed him to play both ways...  Dude's a chump and I keep hoping we unload him in the off-season honestly.  He had a good regular season for points, but when the playoffs came he turned into a Washington Capital with his game play...  I'd not shed a tear if we lost him honestly.

He's displayed NO desire to lead too...  I wouldn't let him tell the stick boy what to do, much less expect him to have good things to say to uplift the team.  A prime example of age not meaning ****...

Crosby's forced into the spotlight, so it's not his fault there...  Hell other arenas sold out that didn't have good crowds all year, just to see him, so the media spotlight is thrust upon Crosby, not the other way around...  If anything he's every bit the mature, quiet, and knowledgeable player Lemieux was as a leader.  He keeps his nose clean, he doesn't cause any stir...  He even still lives with Mario.  What better person to take the C then someone with a live-in mentor who's showing him the ropes of the NHL and helping him adjust to all the intensified pressure?  Seems the perfect fit to me.

Congrats to the Ducks too...

I'd say congrats to Anaheim but I think most of them weren't paying attention till a couple weeks ago about their team, so they don't really deserve a round of applause.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Darth Kenobi on June 6, 2007, 11:00 PM
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!  I know I haven't posted in this thread but glad my Ducks Won.  I kind of wish the Sen would of scored one more just to get reid of that freebie.  Happy for Teemu and the rest of the guys.  
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on June 7, 2007, 10:23 AM
Happy for Teemu.

Yeah, that's about it for me...

I can't say I admire the Ducks style of play after the way they jacked us in the first round (they just seemed "dirty" the whole way through the playoffs with suspensions in each round  ::)) but in the end it got the job done.

But, I am happy for Teemu to finally get the chance to hoist the cup...

Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on June 7, 2007, 12:30 PM
Yup, happy for Teemu; happy for Carlyle; happy for Dustin Penner who grew up about a half hour from where I work (his hometown was firmly behind the Ducks). 

Not happy the Ducks won because I only had to wait until this morning for the first media pundit to bring up Disney and the movie >:(

Not happy the Ducks won because I like the Senators and would have liked to have seen the cup reside in Canada (duly acknowledging there are more Canadians on the Ducks than the Sens). 

Not at all happy to see Pronger the goon hoist the cup if only because of his lame-ass explanation of his elbow to the head play in game 3.  It's not my fault because I'm too tall?  You sound like a six year old that lives in my neighbourhood, not a professional hockey player and adult ::)

Jesse,
I'm on your side, no way should Gonchar have anything but a ticket out of town.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 7, 2007, 10:22 PM
Not at all happy to see Pronger the goon hoist the cup if only because of his lame-ass explanation of his elbow to the head play in game 3.

Normally, I'm a pretty big fan of Pronger because he's usually a lot smarter than that.  2 suspensions in the playoffs?  That just doesn't seem like him.

i just find crosby too full of himself and bent around publicity more then hockey itself. dont get me wrong hes a great player..i just dont find him captain material.

I'd have to disagree with that statement about Crosby.  He's one of the most mature players out there!  At his age, a lot of guys 'hit the wall' trying to keep up with the pace of the season, plus he had the pressure of the C on top of that.  I have a lot of respect for a guy that can perform not only on the ice but off it as well.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on June 24, 2007, 02:08 AM
Anyone really give a **** about the draft?

Pens picked up Esposito who I am surprised he was available.  There's been doubts about him but the Penguins seem confident they can get his toughness up and that if he works at it he could shine with other young players ont he team.  I was thinking that a youthful team full of "stars" is a good thing for a kid like that who's had his confidence shaken and who is timid (or so they say).  He really could step up to the plate I think.

In other Penguins news they signed Roberts and Recchi to one year deals and Recchi's is largely performance based, thank the lord on that.  He needs incentive.  Roberts said he loved Pitt and wanted to stay and felt "rejuvinated" by the young team's performance.  He went over great here.  Pittsburgh loves any sports team that can beat the **** out of you...  Hell I heard they were gonna start a new trend in baseball by introducing Baseball goons.  Guys that can't play, they just run on the field and beat people up. :)

I'm already pumped for next year and hockey again.  Yay!
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jeff on July 1, 2007, 09:38 PM
Interesting start to FA things today...

- The Wild kept Skoula and Koivu, which are decent deals I guess, and we dumped Manny's contract for a prospect and a draft pick.  Not really excited about that, but if they use the $$ they would have paid Manny to get us a decent FA, then I'll care.

- It must royally suck to be a Sabres fan tonight.  It sounds like they lost both Drury (NYR) and Briere (Phi). 

- Man Philly is shaping up nicely - decent Goalie in Biron, then adding Briere, Jason Smith, Joffrey Lupul, all along with the Preds they scooped up earlier. 

- Man, sounds like the NYR are re-loading as well.  Drury and Jagr should pair well together, and Gomez is a nice steal from a division rival.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Morgbug on July 2, 2007, 12:49 AM
Player - Team signing - Team from
Paul Kariya St. Louis Blues Nashville Predators
Ryan Smyth Colorado Avalanche New York Islanders  :o
Jed Ortmeyer Nashville Predators New York Rangers
Daniel Briere Philadelphia Flyers Buffalo Sabres  :o
Denis Grebeshkov Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers
Pascal Dupuis Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers
Barret Jackman St. Louis Blues St Louis Blues
Todd White Atlanta Thrashers Minnesota Wild
Brett McLean Florida Panthers Colorado Avalanche
Cory Sarich Calgary Flames Tampa Bay Lightning
Mathieu Schneider Anaheim Ducks Detroit Red Wings  :o :o
Yanic Perreault Chicago Blackhawks Toronto Maple Leafs  :o
Shawn Thornton Boston Bruins Anaheim Ducks
Brian Rafalski Detroit Red Wings New Jersey Devils  :o
Richard Zednik Florida Panthers New York Islanders
Radek Dvorak Florida Panthers St. Louis Blues
Scott Gomez New York Rangers New Jersey Devils  :o
Chris Drury New York Rangers Buffalo Sabres  :o
Jonathan Sim New York Islanders Atlanta Thrashers
Scott Hannan Colorado Avalanche San Jose Sharks
Tom Poti Washington Capitals New York Islanders
Viktor Kozlov Washington Capitals New York Islanders
Jason Blake Toronto Maple Leafs New York Islanders
Eric Perrin Atlanta Thrashers Tampa Bay Lightning
Michel Ouellet Tampa Bay Lightning Pittsburgh Penguins
Jeff Hamilton Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks

Rangers got stronger.  Devils lost a lot, as did Buffalo :o

Not on that list is that Pittsburgh gave Ryan Whitney a big contract extension.  Smart.
Title: Re: NHL 2006-07
Post by: Jesse James on July 2, 2007, 05:07 AM
Yeah, Whitney was a huge signing, we got Roberts and Recchi tied up, young stars are getting tied up, I have hopes for Esposito, and Letang coming back into line-up could be a good thing for the blue line.  I'm a happy Pen's fan though I wouldn't have minded seeing us looking hard for a strong winger, and a strong defensive defenseman.  Same things we lacked going into the playoffs that hurt us.

Also in Pen's news, they are in jeopardy of leaving...  again.  Long story short, Pennsylvania's Senate blocked the bill needed to pass to get the funding for the new arena freed up so things can procede.  It's usual political BS so not many are "scared" about this, it's just annoying, and a lot of it is being touted (appropriately) as political posturing that is using Pittsburgh like a pawn, and pissing lots of people off in the process.  They say if it's not a done deal within I believe the next week or two, it could push the constructon of the new arena back a year and thus puts the team's future in jeopardy, yada yada yada.

Otherwise, interesting day in FA...  Lots of people leaving lots of disappointed markets, though I don't get the Buffalo unloading as they did.  Almost seemed like it wasn't as much a cap issue or anything, as it was a lack of happiness with playoff success...  Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

If NYR's don't do dick next year, like this past year, I couldn't fathom how pissed people would be...  They're really loading the team, it's like the Yankees over there it seems, and they're still prone to choking.