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Community => JD Sports Forum! => Topic started by: Jesse James on September 23, 2010, 03:51 AM

Title: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on September 23, 2010, 03:51 AM
I figured since the pre-season has kicked off, it's time to start the new regular season thread... 

Console Energy Center (Igloo 2?) opened tonight.  What a monumental occassion for me.  I'm going to be very sad to see the Civic Arena go.  I'm already planning to buy a chair or two, if they go for sale.  They're talking about putting some of the stainless steel dome parts into the ceiling of the new building as decoration.

The Penguins looked sharp...  err, well they sounded sharp anyway as it wasn't televised tonight.  a 5-1 win over Detroit.  Osgood looked like **** though too.

The Penguins are stacked and will have some interesting cuts to make.  Jordan Staal's going to miss the opener because of a nagging issue from last year's playoff loss to Montreal.  Hopefully he'll be back soon because he's a monster of a player, and fast becoming one of my favorites.  Crosby left the game early with a minor hip flexure, nothing serious, but didn't want him playing with it for no purpose.

I'd like to get to one game this year at the new arena.  That's my goal...  Well, that and Winter Classic tickets.  Not counting on the latter though.  ;)

Fantastic work at the new arena though.  I guess the boards are a little lively though, but they're just settling in and finding the little nuances of it out right now.  The goalies are saying the boards are similar to Detroit's in some ways.

Bill Guerrin is on a try-out-basis with Philly.  I'm bummed about that because he's a great guy, and got involved in charity and stuff here locally immediately, and wanted very badly to stay because his family loved it here.  I'm just bummed he's not been brought back.

Anyway, hockey is here!  Yay. :)

Oh, and one of the funny kinks they have to work out at the arena is the horn was pumped directly into the mic, so when a period came to a close this booming loud horn would go off full tilt.  Mike Lange and Phil Bourque were cracking up about it and I guess Lange took over and was turnign the volume down.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on September 23, 2010, 10:20 AM
Console Energy Center (Igloo 2?) opened tonight.  What a monumental occassion for me.  I'm going to be very sad to see the Civic Arena go. 

1. At least you still have a team.  We had the Hawks and Bolts play here last night.  Great game, not quite a sellout (~14,000).

2. Sad to see an old arena go but in most respects the new arena will be much better.  We went through the same thing and there are only two things I miss from the old barn - legroom and the trough.  The legroom issue isn't huge as most stadiums/arenas I've been in have relatively little leg room for me anyway, so I'm used to being uncomfortable.  The trough thing is more of an issue though.  While admitting it's someone barbaric it remains effective and most guys really don't give a crap about privacy.  When they built our new arena they made a concerted effort to put in more women's washrooms.  This is a good thing given the tremendous lineups outside the women's washrooms in the old barn.  What they failed to realize is that the lineups outside the women's washrooms weren't due to an overall lack of facilities, it was simply the use pattern (i.e. the private stalls) necessary.  So while in the old building there were about the same number of washrooms for both men and women the throughput was dramatically different.  Now in the new building there are about twice as many washrooms for women as men in an effort to address the old problem.  The result worked.  Sort of.  Women are quite happy (and smug now too) about the situation in the new arena.  Men on the other hand, not so much.  The overall number of washrooms went down and the barbaric trough went away meaning the lineups are horrendous.  It obviously won't change but the problem is quite funny as long as you aren't drinking beer. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 10, 2010, 01:31 AM
I really thought Taylor Hall was going to be a monster on the ice, but he's barely been a squeak so far.  He must be having a tough time adjusting to the big league.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on November 11, 2010, 11:32 AM
Something tells me one Jesse(Vader08) was very pleased by last night's game, while another Jesse( James) was probably pretty disgusted with his club for the same game.  :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on November 11, 2010, 04:09 PM
I'm disgusted with the Penguins for the season.  One game is just a drop in the bucket. 

Our defensive breakdowns are pathetic and stuff a peewee team does, our goaltending is a joke from Fleury anymore, and the offense comes and goes.  It's about the only place there is a bright spot.  I think Bylsma better be worried about his job because nothing's changing for him right now, and he doesn't appear to be doing much different.  injuries haven't helped of course, and Staal is still out which people grossly underestimate his importance to the team (we effectively don't have a solid 3rd line without him).

Even if he comes back though, he's been touted as moving up to the 2nd line...  So will the defensive struggles change?

Goligoski makes some of the most retarded defensive mistakes I've ever seen too.  pinching when he shouldn't, taking risks when all you have to do is hold your lead for a period...  Dumb.

And special teams play...  good god.   ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on December 28, 2010, 04:04 AM
I thought I'd just mention that the Winter Classic is rolling around here, and they're talking a lot about postponement, or possibly cancellation, because it will (of all things) go up into the 50's the day of the game and possible rain/thunderstorms (more the rain/storms are the issue than the temps obviously).  We've had temps in the teens and, at best, 20's now for a long time...  week of the Winter Classic and temps are going to skyrocket for this time of year.  Go figure.  ::)

The deal is supposedly postponing till 8 if it's not doable at 1...  If not doable at 8 Friday night, then postponing till Sunday afternoon, then Sunday evening I guess, and then I think they're looking at just cancellation I believe and holding it later in the year at Console.  I'm not positive on that though, but heard something along those lines on the local news.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on December 30, 2010, 03:08 PM
Jesse,
I was curious about Pittsburgh weather so I checked out the weather network and it pretty much confirmed what I'd thought from the time they announced the game there:  it's a pretty dicey call really.  The long term (30 year) average is for temperatures during the day to be above zero.  Not a lot, but were I not someone named Bettman I probably wouldn't have tried to push the game that far south.  Not a knock on Pittsburgh at all, a great sports city and a super hockey city with a long history but an outdoor game down there strikes me as an iffy call. 

I don't really know enough about east coast weather either but while they managed to pull it off in Boston, I'd think most of those cities would be iffy as well.  Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, possibly even Columbus (though a few of those are questionable hockey cities) would be reasonable sites in my mind, along with most Canadian cities (wouldn't even consider Vancouver because the weather is likely too warm) strike me as the best locations, weather-wise, even though they may not be Bettman's idea of marketing successes. 

I just can't say I'm going to be surprised if the game is moved indoors or cancelled.  It was a silly place to put it. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on December 30, 2010, 04:08 PM
Well our temps this time of year are almost always perfect for this really.  It's a freak thing that the weather's going to 50.  It's really unheard of.  However Ig uess the temps aren't the problem because of the system they use, it's the rain and/or storms more than anything, and that's the really freaky weather.  There's a steady rain Saturday I guess till sometime in the afternoon.  They're thinking it'll get pushed back.

Our weather really isn't any different than Buffalo's though they usually get a little more snow than us due to the lake.  Columbus is basically exactly like we are...  Usually whatever the cities like Chicago get, we get shortly after.  I think a lot of this is due to the storm that moved up the East Coast, which was obviously a freak thing itself, and is changing things for us now as well.

Any other year, it'd be perfect...  This year, it's just questionable.  They're saying now they'll get the game in Saturday, it'll just be a matter of whether it's early/on time, or later...  I think 8 they said.

Believe me though, Pittsburgh's rarely this warm or rainy in Dec./Jan.  It's usually just snow, temps in the 20's - 30's, and just sort of bleak here.  It's probably one of the biggest gripes anyone who lives here has, really.  The weather does suck.  And it's always humid in the Summer for an extended period of time too.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on December 30, 2010, 04:44 PM
I enjoy the concept of this game (and watching it from the comfort of my climate controlled house, we will have the A/C on) it is just the execution that seems iffy.

Quietly, the Stars are doing decent this season too, last night's game notwithstanding.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on December 30, 2010, 05:23 PM
Sissy.  :)  its funny but i reCall the snow in buffalo was as big a problem as rain i guess.  the players werent happy with the conditions of the ice there. 

The only gripe I would make is that Pitt has had one and they should have done a TorOnto/Montreal or Western Canadian team vs. East Canadian team.  Its great for Pitt obviously and having these two teams play makes sense, but its too soon for us again. IMO. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on December 30, 2010, 09:04 PM
Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, possibly even Columbus...  ...would be reasonable sites in my mind, along with most Canadian cities...

 >:(

Or is St. Paul considered a Canadian city now?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on December 31, 2010, 12:11 AM
Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, possibly even Columbus...  ...would be reasonable sites in my mind, along with most Canadian cities...

 >:(

Or is St. Paul considered a Canadian city now?

Well duh.  You've seen the snow.  You guys are a bunch of socialists.  Minnesota charges the same price for Scotch Whisky as Canada does; much more than California.  How much more Canadian do you want to be? 


Believe me though, Pittsburgh's rarely this warm or rainy in Dec./Jan.  It's usually just snow, temps in the 20's - 30's, and just sort of bleak here.  It's probably one of the biggest gripes anyone who lives here has, really.  The weather does suck.  And it's always humid in the Summer for an extended period of time too.

It was the above freezing stuff I was thinking of.  I guess they can manage the ice well enough for an afternoon above freezing but your historical high temp is about 4 degrees above freezing.  Being an average to me that means you've got better than average odds of being warm enough to melt ice. 

But you got the game because of Pittsburgh's profile with Crosby and that's a good enough reason for me.  Plus like I said Pittsburgh is a hockey town.  But obviously you need both of those else you end up with Jeff's dilemma.  MSP is low profile for the U.S. and Bettman probably considers it part of Canada.  Couple that with a lack of a big star name and they aren't likely to get the game in spite of MN basically being as hockey mad as Canada. We probably have more outdoor rinks than MN but I'd be surprised if MB has more people playing hockey.  A reflection of population base, though I suspect on a per capita basis we'd kick thar ass :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on December 31, 2010, 02:19 AM
That's what I was saying though, that being in the 30's is considered ideal (this is according to the NHL facilities people).  They didn't seem to think freezing temps were a necessity at all, just not heavy rains...  Which it sounds like the game may get pushed back because of that.  I guess whatever their outdoor rink system is, they don't need 32 or less for it to work well and actually seem to prefer it not be down in the 20's or below "for the crowd's sake"...  Buffalo was fun though, but I forget what it was there.  Low 20's maybe?

Anyway, that's been on the news so much here the last week it's the only reason I mention it...  Their facilities guys weren't even concerned about temps going to the 50's, but there's a big push of rain coming I guess.

I guess at worst it'll be later in the evening Saturday, rather than 1, which is fine by me.  I hate the 1 o'clock time anyway.  I always hated afternoon games.  I think they could successfully hold one in Washington really, if they wanted to, and they're almost always warmer than we are, so long as really wet weather holds off.

I still think another team should've gotten the WC this year though...  I guess there's maybe some rush to get Ovie and Crosby together in one, but I think they really should spread it out some more.  I'm still just glad because it's so good for the city.   I hope they spread the love with the WC's around though, regardless.  With the season Dallas is having, it owuld've been interesting to see Dallas in Detroit for a game.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on December 31, 2010, 03:12 PM
Usually whatever the cities like Chicago get, we get shortly after.

Just figured that I'd mention it's 50 in the Chicago-land area at the moment and the rain should be ending in the next hour or two.  The forecast for tomorrow is a high of 24 with 20-30 mph winds.  Hopefully that will get to you sooner rather than later and the game can still be played as planned.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on December 31, 2010, 03:28 PM
Nah, 50's tomorrow in the morning and into evening 40's.  :)  Like I said, what you get, we get about a day later.  Then dropping down steadily later Saturday into Sunday, and frigid again next week I think.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on January 1, 2011, 03:52 AM
WC pushed to 8pm now, which I think makes more sense anyway, but that's just me I guess.  I hated playing afternoon games.  They were the absolute worst to me, unless it was a spur of the moment pick-up game.  Scheduled ones sucked.  I played some midnight games, and loved them.  I had a couple seasons where half my games were 11pm or later, and those were the best.  I'm not much for morning/early afternoon effort I guess, haha.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on January 1, 2011, 03:44 PM
You'd make a lousy Canadian kid - ice time is at such a premium lots of kids end up with practice or games at 5 or 6 a.m. regularly.  With all the rinks we have, there's still a shortage.  Though as an adult you'd be happy because they push most senior games to the late evening.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on January 2, 2011, 03:28 AM
Hey, I've seen NHL'ers complain about afternoon games too...  :) 

I didn't play hockey throughout my childhood, more from early teens to young adulthood, so most of my gaming came later in the day.  You just got used to it,b ut I'm not much for early anything...  I'd mow at night if my mower had headlights.

I was lucky to, generally, get my games in later though for the most part because even when I was 16-17 I usually played in older leagues if I could.

Winter Classic was a disappointing outcome for me, but eh...  Whatever.  I wound up having a bunch of other stuff going on here anyway, so at least I had some distraction mentally going on.  It looked like it was raining hard at points.  I didn't have a lot of rain out here 40 minutes away, but go figure.  I do hope they do a Canadian one next year.  I mean, it's kind of lame at this point that they haven't, so I'm pulling for something close for you guys out West.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2011, 08:00 PM
I like the weird little stats and thought this one was interesting...  Malkin scored tonight in the Pens/TB game 7 seconds in, and it's the fastest goal scored in an NHL game since 1998...  I didn't catch who got the last one and how fast it was though.  7 seconds is pretty insane though.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on January 23, 2011, 01:30 AM
I've totally been meaning to mention, but I am an absolutely huge fan of how they're setting up the Allstar game teams this year.  I think the captains are surprising and probably not who I'd choose, but I am fired right up to watch the events on Friday night.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on January 29, 2011, 06:07 PM
I'm guessing no one watched the draft last night aside from me?  Gotta say it was a bit of a letdown after all was said and done.  Haven't really liked the setup they have at the game of late as it just smells of bad NBA-style marketing and the fans even at the game only seemed to get excited when they were on camera.  Yeah, that's your 15 seconds of fame there folks, now go home and watch some NASCAR that you really actually love. 

But the kicker came with this article bemoaning the last pick (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/01/29/kypreos_fallen_leaf/#community)  Aw, Leafnation is upset that the last player picked (who makes $6 mill a year and got a car and $20K for the honor) is a snub at the Big Smoke.  Boo frickin' hoo ya buncha crybabies.  I'll give credit to Kessel who handled it far better than anyone else. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on January 29, 2011, 08:20 PM
I kinda hate the all-star game.  I watch the skills competition and find it more interesting.  The game used to be interesting, but it's just gotten kind of lame in the last decade or more.   :-\  I watched a little of the draft but lost interest real fast.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 29, 2011, 11:24 PM
Boo frickin' hoo ya buncha crybabies.

I couldn't agree more. 

"The label of "last player picked" is now something he will have to carry through his career."

Through his career?  He was picked to be in the freakin' All Star Game!  Gimme a break.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on January 29, 2011, 11:37 PM
I'm guessing no one watched the draft last night aside from me? 

:-[
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on January 30, 2011, 12:23 AM
Well I'm wondering if it was even broadcast in the U.S., so don't feel too bad.  I kinda look at ME, NY, MI, WI, IL, MN as a subset of Canada with respect to hockey but I don't know if that's enough population (NY not withstanding) to generate enough interest in the allstar stuff being broadcast.  There's a few other states I consider definitely to have hotbeds for hockey in them (MA, Penn (what's the abbr. for that again?), TX but beyond that they aren't really generating a lot of interest. 

Sports Illustrated had a stat in their weekly sidebar a while back stating that 80% of Canadians tuned into the Olympic Gold Medal game.  80%!  Is there another nation that tunes in to that amount anywhere? 

The draft was kind of lame anyway as that's not how I'd structure my team.  I also thought it kind of ghey they had to have the goalies gone by the 10th round and the D guys by the 15th round - it assured a forward would be the last pick.  Then Cam Ward as the first pick overall, yeah, whatever ::)

I just don't consider Carolina to be a hockey state or town or good place for a team.  Hell, send them back to Hartford.  Let's face it, Bettman just plain sucks all around.   ;)

Oh, and I got to talk to Dennis Hull and got his autograph on a Blackhawks puck earlier this week.  Funny, nice and genuine guy.  Drinks way less than his brother Bobby, whose autograph I also have.   8)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on January 30, 2011, 12:56 AM
We're PA, but Penn works too.

Quote
Then Cam Ward as the first pick overall, yeah, whatever

Hah, maybe I should've hung in there for the laugh. 

Skills was interesting, but I thought the camera work sucked pretty badly, and was almost nauseating at times.  Some fun tries in the shootout and St.  Louis had some nifty tricks I thought.    I like their efforts to make the skills more interesting and focused on aspects of the game though, so hats off to them on that.  I'll watch the game, but I'm lacking interest more than ever for some reason. :(  I'm just ready for the season to get back underway. 

Oh, and Crosby's skating and working out again, so that's nice. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2011, 11:11 AM
Well I'm wondering if it was even broadcast in the U.S., so don't feel too bad.

It was on Versus.  I watched to see where Burns/Havlat ended up...  :-[

I thought Backes was going to end up last, especially after they interviewed him during the draft and reminded everyone just how many of those C/As on stage he fought with in the past.  :P  But it didn't surprise me that they left a Leaf for the last pick.

The draft was kind of lame anyway as that's not how I'd structure my team.  I also thought it kind of ghey they had to have the goalies gone by the 10th round and the D guys by the 15th round - it assured a forward would be the last pick.  Then Cam Ward as the first pick overall, yeah, whatever ::)

Yeah, it wasn't really talent based at all - stuff like Staal picking 'canes and his brother and then Kane kept picking current/former 'hawks.  St. Louis picking Richards to play with him again, etc.  Lidstrom seemed like he didn't really care who ended up on his team, he was just happy to be there at his age. :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 2, 2011, 10:52 PM
Speaking of Versus, does anyone else hate a lot of their camera angles?  I absolutely loathe when they have shootouts on that channel because they go to ice level from behind the blue line...  It's retarded. 

Brent Johnson fought Nick DiPietro tonight and put him down with one left.  :)  It was cool seeing a goalie fight regardless though.  I mean, I can't think of one off-hand that I actually watched as it unfolded.  The only goalie I can even think of immediately that I've seen fight in a regular season game was Hextall (while I've been alive watching hockey anyway).
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Scott on February 2, 2011, 11:30 PM
Went to my first ever Wild game and first NHL game since 1991 last night.  Took me that long to get over the North Stars I guess.  First time I've seen a hockey game at Xcel...color me impressed.  Plus I got to sit in one of the suites which meant free booze and food all night too.  Plus I got to see a shutout and a Wild win. :P

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 3, 2011, 03:16 AM
That sounds like a good night at the game Scott.  :)  I have gone to the Super Box seats that my gf's company has a few times, usually pre-season.  But she's managed a couple regular season seats too, and man it's great. 

None at Console yet though, only at the Civic Arena, but it was still great.  Plus we were just a few doors down from Lemieux, and you even got to ride the private elevator up and everything.  Very cool.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on February 3, 2011, 11:52 AM
I wish we had an NHL team.  It's nice to go to Minneapolis but it's a bit of a hike to have to go there for all of your major league sports interests. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 3, 2011, 07:16 PM
How far of a drive is it for you Brent?  I know a lot of guys into Basketball in Pittsburgh who aren't satisfied with Pitt or Duquesne head to see the Cavaliers in Cleveland.  Sort of sacrilege, but if you don't have it...  eh.  I'd stick with Pitt (if I liked Basketball that is).
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on February 3, 2011, 11:28 PM
How far of a drive is it for you Brent? 

Seven hours plus crossing the border.  Add a little more time if you don't do drive-thru for food in Fargo.  :-\

It's close enough I get down there 2-3 times a year.  It seems to be becoming a tradition to take my daughter to a T'Wolves game each spring break and then I try and make it down for a Vikings + Twins game in the fall, though that hasn't worked out for two years either. 

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 3, 2011, 11:48 PM
That's like a trip to Philly now that I have some perspective on it...  That's a hike.  :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 4, 2011, 01:26 AM
Now that I'm living in BC, a province that actually has an NHL team (unlike Saskatchewan), I should have seen one here by now.  But we've been in Kelowna for 4 1/2 years and I still haven't been to one!  However, I'm trying to change that with the Bruins visit to Vancouver on Feb 26.  It's a four hour drive through some seriously crazy mountain passes to get there.  And the game's sold out. 

Ticketmaster allows people to resell tickets on their website, and the best deal I can find is $180 each.  :-\  I have to decide how badly I really want to see this game -- I've been a Bruins fan since I was a kid, but when you put a price on it like that, you start to question it.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 4, 2011, 01:31 AM
Tell me about it.  Finding tickets for my gf's birthday wound up being only possible through luck or going the resell route which is always a pretty heavy mark-up here.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on February 4, 2011, 08:29 AM
I have decided to go to one Stars Away game a season starting next year ( unless I can get a deal this year).  I am going to try to start with "original six" cities but obviously schedule will be a big factor.

If any of you guys are willing to sit next to an enemy fan in your home arena you are invited. My wife might come with me too,she likes trips and Hockey.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on February 4, 2011, 09:49 AM
Oh man, I'd be glad to host you.  As you can guess, Wild/Stars games are quite popular.  It's simmered over the years as folks have adjusted to the Wild, but man those first few Stars games were rowdy. :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on February 4, 2011, 02:13 PM
I have decided to go to one Stars Away game a season starting next year ( unless I can get a deal this year).  I am going to try to start with "original six" cities but obviously schedule will be a big factor.

If any of you guys are willing to sit next to an enemy fan in your home arena you are invited. My wife might come with me too,she likes trips and Hockey.

When we become the newest expansion team you're welcome here.

And good luck getting into a game in Toronto.  Those people are nuts.


Ticketmaster allows people to resell tickets on their website, and the best deal I can find is $180 each.  :-\  I have to decide how badly I really want to see this game -- I've been a Bruins fan since I was a kid, but when you put a price on it like that, you start to question it.

What's that?  A couple of Vader statues?  Suck it up princess and go, you'll be happy you did.  I dropped $400 on first row seats for a T'Wolves game last year for my daughter and I (yeah, I know, bball) and it was so completely worth every penny. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 4, 2011, 05:04 PM
I'm in Paul, but if you don't have it planned out to buy when tickets go on sale in like September or whenever it is, expect to pay a premium to get someone's seats off Ticket Master. 

I'm 100% in though.  Make it a longer stay and we'll hang out and do some other stuff around here too.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 4, 2011, 06:42 PM
Suck it up princess and go, you'll be happy you did.  I dropped $400 on first row seats for a T'Wolves game last year for my daughter and I (yeah, I know, bball) and it was so completely worth every penny. 

OK, you convinced me.  ;)  I found a couple pretty decent tickets on FanXchange.com (it seems like a reliable site) for $300 including the fees, which will put us on the lower level in section 121 (http://www.rogersarena.ca/rogers_arena_directorymap.pdf?SiteID=75d41dc5-9590-4ac5-a7b5-1b0702866bc3&V=0).  I'm freakin' stoked!

I have decided to go to one Stars Away game a season starting next year ( unless I can get a deal this year).  I am going to try to start with "original six" cities but obviously schedule will be a big factor.

Sounds like a very cool idea Paul!  I'll finally be able to say I saw a Bruins game, but I'll still need to see a Bruins home game.  Meet you in Boston.  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on February 5, 2011, 12:00 AM

OK, you convinced me.  ;)  I found a couple pretty decent tickets on FanXchange.com (it seems like a reliable site) for $300 including the fees, which will put us on the lower level in section 121 (http://www.rogersarena.ca/rogers_arena_directorymap.pdf?SiteID=75d41dc5-9590-4ac5-a7b5-1b0702866bc3&V=0).  I'm freakin' stoked!

Good stuff.  I'm sure you'll be glad you did.  The Vancouver - Boston game would be a great one to see this season. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 5, 2011, 01:00 AM
Yeah, they're both very strong teams this year.  Now that I've bought the tickets I'm getting more excited by the hour, so 22 days is going to be a long time to wait.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on February 5, 2011, 09:04 AM

I have decided to go to one Stars Away game a season starting next year ( unless I can get a deal this year).  I am going to try to start with "original six" cities but obviously schedule will be a big factor.

Sounds like a very cool idea Paul!  I'll finally be able to say I saw a Bruins game, but I'll still need to see a Bruins home game.  Meet you in Boston.  ;D

After Thursday Night's game, that may be the one game I don't wear my Stars Sweater to.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on February 9, 2011, 10:35 PM
What a crazy game in Boston tonight - 14 goals scored and there had to be a hundred minutes of penalties.  The craziest point was seeing 6 Bruins and 5 Canadiens in the box after the big scrum in the 2nd.

It was great to see the B's finally beat Montreal this season.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 9, 2011, 11:13 PM
I thought I saw an absurd score for that game on the news ticker tonight.  I should've just put the game on I guess.

Lots of trade buzz swirling about...  Pittsburgh's looking to try and fix the ship right now, from what is being bantied about at least locally.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on February 9, 2011, 11:19 PM
Let's see - your mega-star is concussed and out for who knows how long, your half-ass effort star is out for the rest of the year, and your ******bag thug cheap-shotted his way into a 4-game suspension.

Oh yeah, a trade will totally fix your problems.  :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 9, 2011, 11:29 PM
The ship was righted for most of the time we've done without the superstar and the half-asser...  Cooke actually probably is a bigger impact than losing Malkin at the moment, but the names swirling around are like Umberger, Iginla (not realistic IMO, but whatever).  Big helps both...  Depends a lot on Crosby returning.  Shero says reports of him being out the season aren't accurate.  *shrugs* 

To me, I'd rather not make the playoffs this year than risk Crosby getting worse though, for certain.  The ****** thing is they're stacked defensively this year and had a lot of great parts for making a good run.  Malkin has almost played like he wasn't there anyway...  The only positive then is the freed up cap space to possibly go for a bigger name player.

And Cooke may not be the cleanest player in the league, but I didn't see a lot of people up in arms when Crosby took two cheap shots and has been out since them.  :-\  Not that his suspension wasn't deserved though.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on February 21, 2011, 07:36 PM
Goligoski's gone to Dallas for Niskanen and Neal...  Neal's nice for sure, and maturity on the blue-line is nice but Goligoski was a lot to give up.  He's only going to get better.  We've got extra puck-moving d-men so that's good, but Goligoski's youth (and free agency at the end of the year, I think) and the fact he was playing great right now all make me sorta shakey on any deal...  Not to mention no Crosby or Malkin for possibly the rest of the year (Malkin's a definite on that), eh...  

A local guy made the point that you owe it to the guys playing to try, and I agree.  From the broader business POV I just question it I guess, but yeah.  It's interesting anyway.  I always love deadline time.  I'm shocked they didn't go to the last hour on it though.

I don't know a ton about Neal though, beyond some basic stuff, so I hope he fits in well.  I like size and hitting, and he seems like he'll improve as he gets older too.  I like his style of play because it's not really common.  I don't get to see him play often besides any highlights he makes though, but I dig him.  It seems like a general concensus to a lot of folks that the Pens made out like bandits, but that seems like an underestimation of Goligoski to me personally.

I was honestly surprised Kennedy didn't get dealt (it ain't over yet though of course) because he lands in the doghouse at various points all season it seems.  I like him and his style but he does sometimes seem to slack.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 2, 2011, 11:18 AM
Local media are all abuzz about issues in the ownership of both Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers.  Naturally mention of Winnipeg as a new host city are in there.  But Quebec City has stepped up big time, particularly with the promise of provincial dollars to help fund a new arena and a legit owner from the Quebecor Group so they're a legit player as of right now, though their arena won't be ready until 2015 (not sure if the old arena where the Nordiques played still exists or not). 

The Coyotes issue surrounds the ongoing saga of selling the team.  A legit buyer is in place out of Chicago but it seems the bonds they are issuing/selling are facing challenges, potentially, legal, as this is public money. 

Atlanta on the other hand has reports that the team has lost 120 million over the past five years.  There are groups somewhat interested but that would require the current owners to sell not on the Thrashers but also the arena and the Atlanta Hawks of which the latter is not losing money.  It sounds like that ownership just wants to unload the pink elephant and keep the Hawks and the arena. 

Ho hum, let me know when we get a team. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 4, 2011, 03:09 AM
TSN was talking about this last night too, so I can only imagine the buzz that's going on in Winnipeg!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 4, 2011, 10:38 AM
Yeah, a media article a day, radio stations chatting it up.  Right now the suggestion is we could see an NHL team by this fall.  I'll believe that once tickets are on sale.  At the same time talking to some friends that are far more connected to the entertainment industry than I am say it's likely to happen.  Those same folks had also indicated last summer that fall of 2011 was the likely time for a team to return and the owner of the Moose has apparently been working on moving that team to either Regina or Saskatoon. 

From some of the stuff I've read the watchdog in Phoenix is a huge stumbling block because essentially the City of Glendale is trying to buy the parking rights for 100 million but they already own them.  So the watchdog is saying no way are you using public funds to buy something you already own, which is essentially giving the new proposed owner 100 million for nothing.  Can't say I blame a watchdog group for not being a fan of that. 

We'll see what happens.  This has been discussed so much over the past couple of years it's become boring.  I'll buy a ten game minipack if they come back, but don't think I'd spend much beyond that.  Sure would like to be at the home opener though.  :o

I'd also like a name change from both the Coyotes and the Jets.  But I'm pretty sure there'd be a bloody revolution around here if they weren't called the Jets.   ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 4, 2011, 12:08 PM
Sure would like to be at the home opener though.  :o

No doubt!  The energy in that building would be unreal.

I'm obviously an outsider, but it would seem kinda weird to see them named anything but the Jets. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 4, 2011, 12:44 PM
Well I really don't think you'd have to worry much about that as I'm sure we'll end up with the Jets again and probably the same logo and classic colors as well. I'm just trying to be somewhat pragmatic about marketing opportunities that would help the team actually stay here.  The "Jets" were the worst selling of the logos/teams etc. in the league each year.  Not that I necessarily want to see us in San Jose colors with a stylized logo like that but some improvement on the old logo and name are pretty desperately needed. 

The whole notion of the Jets name as being relevant to Winnipeg is pretty silly too.  When the WHA established back in 1972 Winnipeg was trying to be a large player in the air transportation industry.  Winnipeg was the third largest city in Canada and the goal was to have a very large airport as a North American distribution hub.  But that ended up being Chicago, not us, so we really have no legitimate reason to lay claim to the name other than nostalgia and personally I'd like to move beyond that.  I think we should claim something to do with Polar Bears if only to piss off Bruins fans.  Minnesota did a good job with the Wild but maybe we should claim something like the Wolves.  And didn't Minnesota kill off all its wildlife in the great American tradition anyway?   :P  Badgers?  Wolverines?  There really aren't any of those in Wisconsin or Michigan are there?  Just skeletal or stuffed remains in museums?  Maybe we could go with skunks?  We have lots of skunks  :D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on March 4, 2011, 01:09 PM
Sure would like to be at the home opener though.  :o

If you get a spare ticket, I'll drive up for that game.  :D

Minnesota did a good job with the Wild but maybe we should claim something like the Wolves. 

There was a lot of pressure on them to re-acquire the North Stars name from Dallas, but in the end it was probably for the best they ignored those folks and went with something new and let the past be the past.  The whole Wild logo took a while to understand/appreciate, but really everyone was so glad to have hockey back it didn't matter.

I sort of see your point with the Jets.  I'm sure there will be lots of nostalgia/desire for that old logo/name, but like you said starting over would probably be easier.  Appreciate the past, but build for the future and that sort of thing.

And finally, I really hope that if you guys get a team (like Phoenix) they stick you in our league and put the Canucks in the Pacific.   I hate staying up for those 930pm West Coast games, I'd much rather they be more 7pm games against you guys. :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 4, 2011, 02:14 PM
I'll see what I can do about tickets (if).  It'll be a crazy hot item to get hold of for sure.  Probably the only hockey game I'd pay a lot extra to get into aside from an all-star game. 

I hear ya on the games on the West Coast.  We used to have Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton so all the games were late.  Would make a lot of sense for the Wild and Winnipeg to be in the same division with the likes of Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, St. Louis or something like that. 

We'll see what happens. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 5, 2011, 12:16 AM
I can see them sticking with the Jets name, but there's no doubt they need to update the logo -- that way you get a little bit of old for nostalgia, a little bit of new for moving on to even bigger things.

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 8, 2011, 01:41 PM
The drama continues (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgxFxDXDGhxP8OgIBPosnG97vLYF?slug=nc-coyotesjets030711).  I'll sue you!  Then I'll sue you back!  Ugh. 

Hard to believe that Quebec City has a larger television audience than us.  The population of the general areas are pretty much identical and I'd think that they'd lose a chunk of their fanbase to the Habs.  I'm also not keen on the Federal government contributing to an arena in that city since they didn't contribute to ours.  I honestly think that they have to get both federal and provincial money to build a new arena would put their ownership group well behind the one in Winnipeg but who knows what the NHL thinks or if they even do. 

I do agree though that we'd be the smallest city in Canada with an NHL team.  I would also agree with the contention that they could put another team in southern Ontario (Hamilton-ish) and it would probably do better, so long as they had a solid ownership group (cough*Balsillie*cough) with deep pockets but clearly that situation is all screwed up in general and made more complex by the proximity of Toronto/Buffalo.  Obviously the Leafs wouldn't bat an eye at the notion but it may well impact Buffalo. 

I'll get fired up when they have dates for season tickets to go on sale.  And if they do keep the Jets name I'll have home and away jerseys still.   ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on March 8, 2011, 09:36 PM
Probably a good enough reason they wouldn't keep the Jets name...

I really think Winnipeg would do better than Hammilton...  Ottawa's not THAT far from there either.  That's a lot of teams in a tight area, but I guess it's not really any different than the eastern cities in the U.S. either.  I just think WInnipeg makes a lot more sense.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on March 9, 2011, 05:06 PM
Lots of press last night, way too much Bettman for most humans to consume.  "No firm deadline" from the Supreme being (because it's two and half months gone already dumbass) so the team is still meant for Phoenix in his eyes.  Yawn. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on March 21, 2011, 10:49 AM
So... we're fighting to hang on to a bottom rung playoff spot in the West and we add to our 5-game losing streak with an 8-1 home loss to MTL?  Fug-n-ugly.   >:(

Yesterday's game was pretty much the worst Wild game I've ever watched, without a doubt (and I've seen some bad ones in those early expansion years).  These last six games have been the epitome of 'die' in our "do or die" situation to make the playoffs.   :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on March 21, 2011, 05:20 PM
Don't worry Jeff, the Stars will choke their way to the end of the season, so there is one open spot in the top 8 right now.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on March 30, 2011, 08:53 AM
Did anyone catch the hit Todd Bertuzzi put on Ryan Johnson during the Red Wings / Blackhawks game the other night?  At the time the announcers were talking about it being a hit worthy of a suspension/fine.  I really didn't think so after watching the replay; to me it just looked like his arm came up as part of the momentum of the hit.

So it came out that he will not be suspended for the hit afterall.  The question I have for you guys is, do you think the 'no suspension' is based on the fact that the hit wasn't that bad, or because the Blackhawks and Red Wings still have two more games to play against each other before the end of the season and they don't want to handcuff Detroit?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on March 31, 2011, 04:24 PM
Neither.  It's because Collin Campbell's a moron who can't level consistancy within the NHL's rules.

THey want to eliminate head hits and make players more responsible.  I disagree that Bertuzzi's hit looked like his arm just came up from momentum...  he's a tall guy, and could've easily not done what he did.  He should've been fined.  Campbell did the same lame **** with the Islanders and others...  He's handed down a fine to Matt Cooke that nobody in Pittsburgh disagreed with.  But he's been inconsistant with everything else, all year, and he's a detriment to their attempt to end head hits in the league.

Till they get tough, and actually levy things heavy-handed to everyone instead of being selective about it, they're pathetic and hurt the league.

I completely felt Bertuzzi's hit was BS, avoidable, and he's a repeat offender...  he got a pass for some reason.  Oh well.  Another day in the NHL, where the ref's may decide to call the game the way it should be, or put their whistles away and let everyone enjoy a rugby game on ice.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 6, 2011, 02:16 PM
Just wanted to express my joy that the Toronto Maple Leafs failed to make the playoffs this year.   :)

1
9
6
7

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 7, 2011, 12:21 AM
I was actually kinda hoping they'd make it.  I've got a soft spot for them, maybe because a friend of mine in high school was such a huge fan.

I'm pretty stoked to see the Bruins clinch their division, and it looks like they may be playing the Canadiens in the first round which always makes for great hockey.  Although it makes me nervous too.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on April 10, 2011, 06:46 PM
If Dallas can hang on, they will have the opportunity to be swept in the first round of the playoffs!!!

Thank you Detroit for at least making this last game worth watching (and giving me an excuse to hide in the man cave)...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on April 10, 2011, 09:25 PM
Ok, I jinxed it, or actually the Family did.... they served me a beverage in a Stars glass.... my full on rooting jinx is in effect. 

That being said, I will be selling my rooting services for the playoffs.  For a low price I will root for and cheer for your round 1 opponent, for the deluxe price I will buy logo wear and a cup.  I have no shame and I will even talk smack if you pay a premium.  I am the sports Albatross.

Just sayin.

As crappy as it is, I will get to watch the entire Stanley Cup playoffs able to just enjoy the games and not have to worry about who wins.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on April 10, 2011, 10:44 PM
Thank you MN!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 10, 2011, 10:56 PM
Sorry, Paul. :(

You're welcome, Michael! :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 11, 2011, 03:36 AM
That being said, I will be selling my rooting services for the playoffs.  For a low price I will root for and cheer for your round 1 opponent, for the deluxe price I will buy logo wear and a cup.  I have no shame and I will even talk smack if you pay a premium.  I am the sports Albatross.

Excellent, what's your charge to cheer for Montreal?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 11, 2011, 04:05 AM
Hmmm, how'd I know that was coming?  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 11, 2011, 11:53 AM
Wild fire head coach Richards (http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/119601474.html).

Well, that didn't take long.   :P

I read a bunch of "youth movement" and "rebuilding phase" stories over the weekend.  Guess we can just gloss over the last two years of "rebuilding" and just look at that as "laying the foundation for the future". ::)  ::)  ::)

We've got very little talent on the team, very little talent in the pipeline, and it's going to be a sucky free agent market this summer.  Yeah...   :'(
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: EdSolo on April 12, 2011, 06:53 AM
I'm just hoping that the Caps can actually win a series as the one seed this time around.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 12, 2011, 05:28 PM
Jesse, is this that special project you've been working on? (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Prepare-to-be-jealous-of-this-Penguins-fa?urn=nhl-wp2277)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 12, 2011, 08:06 PM
Wow, he has one of the goal lights...  I'm actually insanely jealous right now.

True story, I tried to get some seats from the old Civic Arena but couldn't afford them.  :'(  I wanted a couple seats to put in my collection room just to have them...  I don't collect/display much Pens stuff.  I actually was just thinking about selling my early 90's memerobilia because Iv'e got Francis, Ulfy, Stevens, Tocchet, etc. autographs and I just don't display any of it since I was a kid when I got that stuff.

I have one Pen's autograph displayed, Lemieux's, which I got for writing to him and telling him how my health was bad and things, and how he inspired me to keep playing and trying to improve...  He wrote me back and sent me an autograph.  I'll never part with it and I've already asked to have it in my pocket when I'm burried, haha.

That guy's room  has me seriously jealous...  I mean, chairs, lights, concourse signs, and a flippin' turnstyle from the entrance...  I wanted  one set of chairs and just couldn't justify the cost.

The guy who wrote the article mentioned a Star Wars bathroom...  Kind of a creepy coincidence there. 

I have no clue where Clinton PA is, but that guy's got some of the coolest stuff a common man could've afforded from the Arena. :)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 13, 2011, 11:49 PM
One game down.  Go Wings.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: GrandMoffNick on April 14, 2011, 12:46 PM
Since the Wild didn't make the playoffs again I will once again be rooting for the Canada-cup drought to reach 18 years. Go U.S.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 14, 2011, 01:56 PM
Since the Wild didn't make the playoffs again I will once again be rooting for the Canada-cup drought to reach 18 years. Go U.S.

Tsk, tsk.  Didn't you know Obama decided you're part of Canada now?  We're buying Minnesota to help offset the deficit.   :P

Predictions:

Canucks over Hawks in 5
Sharks over Kings in 6
Wings over Yotes in 6
Predators over Ducks in 7

Caps over Rangers in 5
Flyers over Sabres in 6
Bruins over Habs in 7 (300 PIM in the series)
Lightning over Pens in 6

Canucks beat Caps in final. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: EdSolo on April 14, 2011, 02:18 PM
I think you may be too kind to Caps assuming they won't self destruct again before reaching the finals.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 15, 2011, 03:27 AM
Game 1 of Boston vs Montreal.  0-2.   >:(

WTF?  Paul?  Weren't you wearing your Montreal jersey tonight?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 15, 2011, 03:52 AM
Maybe his curse isn't easily duped?  It realized what he was trying to do, and you wound up reverse-screwed on that Jesse.   :-\

It was all like, "Whoa!  Paul's trying to help a friend?  Forget that.  Go Habs."
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on April 15, 2011, 07:24 AM
I didn't get the check/pay pal yet. 

And the curse sets you up, making you think good things are happening. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 15, 2011, 03:27 PM
I don't suppose anyone else is following the whole Coyotes/Jets thing as closely as I am, but wow, is there ever a lot of anger and misinformation out there. 

I can't comment on what's really happening because the NHL isn't letting that out.  There's an incredible amount of speculation locally and nationally in Canada though. 

Probably the most fascinating aspects for me though are the views of those posting on various web pages that have so very much information wrong about what happened when the Jets left and why.  A really common sentiment is that Winnipeg shouldn't get a team because they couldn't support one before, which is erroneous in the first place, but incredibly silly to read because of all the other locations that hockey has returned to.  On top of that, most of those commenters then single out various U.S. cities that actually either had an NHL or a WHA team and then lost it as more suitable replacement locations.  It's getting really interesting. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 16, 2011, 11:37 PM
Hmph.  Game 2.  Montreal 3 Boston 1.  Argh.   >:(
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 17, 2011, 07:53 PM
Hmph.  Game 2.  Montreal 3 Boston 1.  Argh.   >:(

I watched that game.  I didn't see game 1, but if they keep playing that way, they deserve to lose.  They seemed disinterested and unmotivated.  Have fun in Montreal.  I know I picked the Bruins to win the series in seven but thankfully not to be in the Cup final. 

Fascination with the Coyotes thing continues for me.  Constant news items locally and clearly the good people of Arizona hate us.  Funniest thing I've read is that some folks down south think the Goldwater Institute funding is coming directly out of Winnipeg.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 17, 2011, 09:40 PM
There's not been much mention of the move going on here...  I can sort of understand where the three hockey fans in Phoenix are coming from with focusing anger at the city that wants their team...  At the same time, how can you blame anyone up your way for feeling the same way? 

I know Kansas City was the focus city of much mockery from our fans though, when they were making their push to take our team all over the lack of a new arena.  :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 18, 2011, 10:55 AM
Fascination with the Coyotes thing continues for me. 

I read that the Coyotes are asking Red Wings fans to NOT wear their reds, becuase they don't want to be embarassed when VS shows the arena and it's 75% Red Wings Red. :P

Detroit fans: If you can't stay away, please wear white (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/DanBickley/124970)

I also read that you guys were already starting the process to bid on 3-year packages for season tickets to once again highlight that the commitment is there for NHL.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 18, 2011, 12:47 PM
The three year thing is highly annoying.  It's based on an article from a Winnipeg Free Press reporter and nothing other than that.  There's no basis in fact but absolutely everything to do with "the return of the Jets!!!1!!1!" just takes off running like wildfire  ::)

I can tell you based on what I know about the population of Winnipeg that if they're looking for full 40+ game commitments from people it will be a lukewarm response.  I have zero doubt that the luxury boxes (something NOT present in the old Winnipeg arena) would sell out in a fraction of a second with a healthy waiting list.  Not all of the current tenants will ante up at the NHL pricing which is estimated to be 3-4 times as much as they pay for a box for the Moose. 

I think the lower seats (reds) would probably sell out or would be 75% or so sell outs at the full commitment.  After that it gets iffy.  Winnipeggers are inherently cheap and in past they used to sell a ton of what we called mini-packs.  I think that's what you have for the Wild right Jeff?  Up here they are typically ten game packs where they bundle some big draws like Montreal, Toronto  ::), Boston or others with some weaker teams (I imagine Edmonton and Calgary would be the other games they'd try to fill, along with the Carolina or Florida types of teams) - basically games that otherwise people aren't dying to get tickets for.  So the blues and the upper deck would largely be sold as mini-packs or as single game seats rather than true season ticket packages. 

The other hitch is we have no idea what the schedule is going to be.  So what division are we in?  If we're in the central with Minnesota and other true Midwest teams it would work well.  If they slap us over in the Pacific then not so much.  There's really not much love, rivalry inspired or otherwise, for the Calgary/Edmonton/Vancouver/Colorado types of teams locally.  I guess we probably have our share of fans for each team but no real major draws there like the Canadiens and Bruins and Leafs.  Sound familiar? 

And I just don't see people ponying up the money for three years.  That's a serious financial commitment for just about anyone when you figure $4000 a year ($100/ticket average) for a single seat so you're looking at three years $12,000 and you're probably buying two seats doubling that.  One year commitments I think would be easy but laying it out front for $24K on average?  Uh, no, not here and I don't think there are too many places where you'd get a positive affirmation on that concept. 

I think the owners here understand that won't fly so well and if they don't then they should probably rethink relocating a team.  I see no problems with the team being well supported going forward for years to come but that too will depend on the product they put on the ice. 

The good news is that this arena is owned by the ownership group already.  They own a pile of the buildlings around the arena so they can expand if they want.  They can tear them down for parking if they want.  They aren't dependent on government funding for anything at this point so it's a really positive situation.  They're also being absolutely silent on this as compared to a Balsillie type of approach and I think that'll sit well with the NHL owners that these guys seem to understand their place already and aren't trying to do anything other than what the NHL wants. 

Will the NHL return?  I dunno, I've seen it so many times I'm not getting too fired up just yet.  As I said I am really entertained by it all, the ignorant comments on both sides are fascinating to see and pretty equal in their stupidity.  But I will be in for a pair of ten-game minipacks so about $2000 from me. 

I'll go this far:  Winnipeg is small enough that there's really only about 2, maybe 3 degrees of separation here.  Based on what I hear from the guys in the restaurant industry we'll have a team in the fall for sure.  What team it will be is yet to be determined - it could be the Coyotes, it could be Atlanta.  From what I hear the NHL would much prefer to keep the Coyotes where they are and move Atlanta here.  I think Phoenix/Glendale isn't a bad market, but they put the arena in a bad place and that does really impact attendance.  So with the fiasco that's ongoing in the ownership issues, we may get them yet. 

We do also hear an awful lot about the Quebec City, Hamilton and Kansas City sites as getting the Coyotes.  Quebec City is supposedly much better liked by players and is ready to go with the old Coliseum but their new arena is dependent on both provincial and federal dollars.  I see no problem with he provincial funding but the federal dollars opens the door to all the other Canadian teams getting money at some point down the road once the precedent is set and I don't think the Feds want that.  Hamilton is a great site and they'd have no problem, but Balsillie is the probable owner in that area and I think the NHL might hate him more than they hate Winnipeg (WHA stuff) plus they have the potentially very large impact on the Buffalo market.  Toronto is like Green Bay  in terms of security for tickets so there is zero issue there.  KC?  I don't know here, I heard they have an arena and they have the population but I think that's another Columbus ultimately.  A good core of fans but maybe not rabid and no real ownership group has been discussed. 

True North Entertainment in Winnipeg racks up money from the use of the arena (top 20 busiest in North America for various events like concerts, exhibitions, etc.) and has played completely by the rules.  HD video broadcast equipment was installed a couple of weeks ago.  The fan base is rabid.  The arena is owned by the ownership group free and clear with room to expand.  Everyone I know that's supposedly in the know says it's happening. 

For now: GO WINGS!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2011, 12:14 PM
GO WINGS!

Man, that was a good 3rd period last night.  I got sucked in and when Cleary scored, the Coyotes were done.  You could see it in their faces.  They put together a few good chances, but honestly from that goal on out, the Wings were in control and PHX never had a chance.  I'm still not a big Bertuzzi guy, but I liked the way he turned it up a notch at the end there, Modano played well at the end too.

Now we wait to see what happens in the desert...

I love reading some of the stories out of Phoenix, where fans are complaining about having their team stolen from them.  It's like none of them see the irony about being pissed someone is "stealing" their team, when the people doing the "stealing" are the ones who suffered the same fate 15 years ago.  Karma's a bitch.   :P

Also, I saw this today: "Fifteen years ago, Doan was a rookie with the Winnipeg Jets. They reached the playoffs only to be knocked out in the first round by the Detroit Red Wings."  Fitting, no?  >:D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 21, 2011, 03:11 PM
Yup, both Doan and Lidstrom (and I think maybe one other wing) played in that last game in 1996. 

I've never really bought into the notion that anyone is stealing anyone else's team.  I've never been happy that the team left and I certainly didn't buy into following the Coyote's because they used to be our team either.  But I do feel for the fans down there right now. 

Beyond the wings knocking them out of the playoffs there are other similarities:

Crappy economy: sucked here in 1990s and the U.S. is certainly struggling.  Where it gets funny/ironic is how the Phoenix fans say we had a team and lost them because we couldn't afford them.  No sympathy for the economics of the 90s at all. 

Poor ownership: dubious in the current situation, dubious in the 1990s.  Winnipeg needed an arena because we had no luxury boxes and concessions/parking were going to Winnipeg Enterprises, not the ownership.  Winnipeg was looking for government money for the new arena and got none.  Now Phoenix has the building but the ownership is looking for a government handout as well. 

Lousy record: Phoenix has carried on the Winnipeg Jets theme of one and done in the playoffs admirably.  Though in Winnipeg's case at least a few years they had to continually contend with the Oilers during their dynasty.  But we averaged 13K in attendance in a building with a capacity of 15565 whereas Phoenix's attendance has been weaker. 

The next great simiarity will be that two cities loathe and despise Gary Bettmean. 

Truthfully I would rather Atlanta relocate to Winnipeg instead of Phoenix.  I think that team has a better, younger core going forward.  There also wouldn't be all the hatred from the Arizona fans.  Who knows though, maybe we'll get nothing.  Wouldn't really be all that surprising.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2011, 03:54 PM
Truthfully I would rather Atlanta relocate to Winnipeg instead of Phoenix.  

Not me...
- PHX moving probably means VAN/COL head to the Pacific and you get us, CGY, EDM, and VAN/COL (and share my late night hockey game pain)
- ATL moving probably means sending Nashville to the SE and you get their place in the Central (with fewer mountain/pacific time zone games)  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 21, 2011, 04:33 PM
Yeah, that's a part of the reason I want it to happen.  I've always hated those Mountain/Pacific time zone games and I think the team would draw better in the Central.  Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver with Winnipeg in a division isn't so great for the Winnipeg fans.  I completely support Calgary and Edmonton being in the same division to maximize that rivalry but I don't only want to see Canadian teams roll through here and I believe that would negatively impact ticket sales.  And Vancouver being in the division currently is just stupid. 

I guess if it was MN, Col, Cal, EDM and WPG I'd be ok with it.  At least we could play a couple of U.S. based teams on a regular basis.  Might even get a rivalry going between MN and WPG. 

I'd like to see a more true Central or Midwest division though with Minnesota, Winnipeg, Dallas, St. Louis and someone else; I guess leave St. Louis out of it and bring Calgary/Edmonton.  Throw San Jose, Vancouver, LA, Anaheim and Colorado into the Pacific.



Rumors locally are still that it will be the Manitoba Jets if the Coyotes move and the Manitoba Falcons if we get the Thrashers. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on April 21, 2011, 09:02 PM


I'd like to see a more true Central or Midwest division though with Minnesota, Winnipeg, Dallas, St. Louis and someone else; I guess leave St. Louis out of it and bring Calgary/Edmonton.  Throw San Jose, Vancouver, LA, Anaheim and Colorado into the Pacific.




Agreed.  Nothing like the 10pm start for all the divisional away games.  I would love Dallas to be in a true Central division.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2011, 01:05 PM
Heading back to Game 6 in Chicago?  Not looking good for Vancouver, seems destined for a Game 7 in that one.  Good for the old Wings to get the extra rest while Vancouver/Chicago and Anaheim/Nashville burn through a couple extra games.

Bruins/Habs seems to be another series destined for a Game 7. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Scott on April 22, 2011, 01:45 PM
I'd like the Wild to be in the old pseudo Norris with Detroit, Chicago and St Louis.  Detroit and Chicago are rivals in Football and Baseball already...and used to be in Hockey.  Having Vancouver in the Wild division is asinine...if Atlanta moves hopefully they shift Nashiville and Columbus to the East and the Wild to the Central and Manitoba ::) to the Northwest.  Phoenix moves, Vancouver to the Pacific and Winnipeg to the NW which won't be horrible but still 3 of the 5 in MT time.

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 22, 2011, 02:56 PM
Hey, sorry, the suggestions are it'll be Manitoba now, not Winnipeg, in the team names.  I'm just telling you what the rumors are.  I'm fine with it being called Winnipeg. 

I don't at all disagree with Minnesota in the old Norris though.  I could see Edmonton, Calgary, Colorado, Winnipeg, Dallas as viable.  It's a pain to always have to watch later games and the travel expenses would certainly add up relative to a MN team playing Chi/Det/St.L all the time, but hopefully the league would recognize that.  I fully expect the NHL to manage to botch it no matter what. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 24, 2011, 12:09 PM
Looks like I need to update my post from the other day...

Heading back to Game 6 in Chicago Tampa Bay?  Not looking good for Vancouver Pittsburgh, seems destined for a Game 7 in that one.    :-X

Seriously, JJ - your team looked terrible.   :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 24, 2011, 01:58 PM
They looked bad in Game 2 also though, so I have hope.  Make no mistake though, there's not much of anyone here who has cup hopes this year.  They got lazy yesterday and really didn't play their game.  If I worried about how they were going to perform this year in the post-season, my ulcer would've tripled in size I think.   :-\  They were competing for the #1 seed in the East right up till the end, and without their top 2 forwards.  I'm just happy they've done what they've done.  If anything Tampa should've blown them out every game and yet they're the ones facing elimination every game now.  Weird stuff.

Everyone's in love with the team right now, even if they don't do anything this year...  They've got a lot of heart and grit.  When they play their system and force the other team to adjust, they're really tough.  Just a matter of putting full games together playing their system.  I'm just kind of disappointed that Kovalev won't be around next year most likely, as I would've liked to have seen him on a line with Malkin or Crosby.  He's up there in age, but he's still got it and I think he just needs to be with the right players to be a big performer.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on April 24, 2011, 11:06 PM
Heading back to Game 6 in Chicago?  Not looking good for Vancouver, seems destined for a Game 7 in that one.    :-X

Had to send your quote back to the original Jeff...  Huge win by Chicago tonight, but I'm honestly shocked that they pulled it out.  Looking at Vancouver's shots on goal in the 3rd and OT, I can't believe that Crawford stopped them all (and had a few lucky bounces as well).

I would not want to be Luongo on Tuesday night.  That guy has all the pressure in the world on him...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 24, 2011, 11:18 PM
There have been some great OT games in the last couple of days.  I've been really enjoying the playoff games of late.   
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 25, 2011, 09:27 PM
OK, now I'm worried.  The Pens are down by two, and they just can't score a goal...  It's really sad on the power play anymore, to watch it without any of the set-up centers needed to make it work.  Letang is a shell of his former self.

If there's a game 7 I don't think the Penguins will win.  They're not forcing their game anymore, and Tampa just feeds off of it.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on April 25, 2011, 09:31 PM
As a guy from Tampa who's been working late every night for the last few weeks and hasn't had a chance to watch any of the Lightning games, I'm really hoping they advance.   :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 25, 2011, 09:43 PM
You may get that Rob...  The Pens are basically a shell of a team, and can't seem to establish the game that works for them in that situation against Tampa right now, at least for these past two games.  It was close tonight, and both teams had their games on at different times, but Tampa poured it on in the third.

They're a team right now I'd root for out of the East too, should they move on.  Game 7 coming up...  Doesn't look good for my Penguins at this stage though.  I always hold out hope till it's over though.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jimree on April 26, 2011, 01:48 AM
Pens just looked tired tonight. I will be surprised if we win on Wednesday.
Tampa is playing really well too tho

Jim
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on April 26, 2011, 08:51 AM
Caps look like the cream of the East.  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 26, 2011, 09:16 PM
Obviously a big couple of nights in the playoffs tonight but as an aside: think Friday.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on April 26, 2011, 11:51 PM
Vancouver is looking more like the Game 1-2 team tonight than the Game 4-6 team.  Should be an interesting 3rd period...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 27, 2011, 12:55 AM
Holy crap!  OT in game seven!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on April 27, 2011, 12:56 AM
Holy crap!  OT in game seven!

Thanks to a short handed goal with under 2:00 to go no less...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on April 27, 2011, 08:35 AM
Glad to see that the Blackhawks made a series out of it, but would have liked to see a better Game 7 effort (short-handed goal aside).  Overall, I think that Vancouver out hustled them and out muscled them in the games that they won.  Oh well, there's always next season!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 27, 2011, 09:34 AM
Good game.  Unfortunate for the Hawks who did a fine job of embarassing the Canucks for a good chunk of time but they made a nice showing overall considering they just squeaked into the playoffs. 

The Manitoba Moose pulled off the upset last night in the AHL so any impending announcement that was expected Friday has probably been put off since they have three home games next week for the next round of the playoffs.  A couple of AHL teams have moved around already, potentially to make room for the Moose to head out to the west coast.  Time will tell. 

As for the NHL, I am absolutely loving the overtime games.  I'll admit to being thankful last night's game wasn't a multiple overtime period game though.  Thank goodness they didn't bring in the shootout for playoff games. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 27, 2011, 10:47 PM
Bummer for the Pens and Habs fans tonight.  Pens ran into a hot goalie (dig his greying playoff beard).

Canucks over Hawks in 5
Sharks over Kings in 6
Wings over Yotes in 6
Predators over Ducks in 7

Caps over Rangers in 5
Flyers over Sabres in 6
Bruins over Habs in 7 (300 PIM in the series)
Lightning over Pens in 6

Canucks beat Caps in final. 


Didn't get the games right other than the Bruins and Habs and there were a lot less PIM than I thought.  But of course this is the first year in a long time I didn't go into any online things where you win money, so I go 8/8 on the series' winners.

Here are my early predictions on the next round, though I'll give myself until Saturday to change my mind:

Canucks over Predators
Wings over Sharks
Caps over Lightning
Philly over the Bruins
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 27, 2011, 10:52 PM
More good games tonight... I'm really not as disappointed as I was last year that the Penguins got eliminated.  Tampa was just a better team.  I am sort of pulling for them or Boston now in the 2nd round, but more Boston...  I like Tampa I just don't know that, after they actually had trouble with Pittsburgh, that they can compete with a team like Washington who have grit, depth, and scoring talent...  The lack of a power play for us killed our chances of moving on.  Washington, in theory, shouldn't have that same disability hampering them.

Boston I like...  I think they just needed to get past their first round and they're going to be a much stronger team, and could really give Philly fits.

I'm bummed, but they got a standing O from the fans after the game because they never should've been where they were in the first place.  I'd have liked to have seen that power play change though, and I'm irked Bylsma didn't seem to want to do a whole lot of shifting around here.  Regardless, I think every team in the west right now is pretty superior.  Not a lot in the East matches up well.

And absolutely, Roloson was playing well, but I think their defensive play was every bit as big as anything Roloson was doing.  Our offensive talent was non-existant though, and the lack of Cooke was huge.  I brought that up to some local reporters, and they all agreed.  He's maybe the best penalty killer on the team aside from Fleury...  He's also a potent offensive threat, and the Cooke/Staal/Kennedy line was maybe our best going into the playoffs (without Malkin/Crosby).  *shrugs*  That hurt bigtime.  

I'm going to be bummed that Kovalev won't be here to play with Malkin/Crosby.  He isn't the player he was when he was here last, but he's still got the hands, and I'd have liked to have seen him with Malkin.  I think that could've brought a lot of life to his game (and Malkin's as well).  Fortunately he was basically a freebie for the playoffs...  And who knows, maybe he likes it here.  I guess he owns a home here or something, and was happy to be back, so maybe he'll want to see how next season pans out.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on April 28, 2011, 12:47 PM
Obviously a big couple of nights in the playoffs tonight but as an aside: think Friday.  ;)

I saw that Domino's is on board with you guys, nice!  :P

Anymore of that "Friday's the big day" stuff?

Here's some more on potential re-alignment, from one of the local NHL beat writers who is pretty tapped in on league stuff -
Quote
The Winnipeg situation is worth paying attention to. There's a last-ditch effort to make Phoenix work in Glendale, while Atlanta is on perilous times. I'm not throwing dirt on either grave, but both these situations do affect the Wild. IF Phoenix moves, I'm hearing Colorado would ultimately wind up in the Pacific and the Wild would be in the Northwest Division with four Canadian teams. You can bet the Wild is not happy about that. If Atlanta moves, Atlanta may ultimately move to the Northwest, the Wild to the Central Division, where it's always wanted to be, and Columbus somewhere in the East. We'll see, but keep an eye on this.

Dear Pacific - please, please take Vancouver and not Colorado.  Thanks!    And re: Atlanta - I'd take the Central division... though it'd be scary (albeit fun) to have so many games againse the Winged Wheel.  Would be nice to get a rivalry with Chicago back though...

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 28, 2011, 01:10 PM

Anymore of that "Friday's the big day" stuff?


Kind of been killed for now.  According to the cop that lives down the street from me there were City permits pulled to close off the street but those have now been cancelled.  Why?  Probably because the situation in Phoenix has changed.  Apparently the NHL is lowering the price to sell, Hulsizer has a partner and they're going to put up more of their own money and this will take Goldwater out of the equation because the bond sale is no longer an issue.  That said, and if you can believe anything about this these days, Atlanta has always been the favored option around here.  Um, ok. 

I understand the distinct possibility that Winnipeg has been a pawn in the Phoenix situation all along.  While I'd enjoy seeing Bettman eat crow by returning that team, the sneaky little weasel probably has been playing this all along.  Atlanta on the other hand has been quiet.  No buyer has stepped forward for the team at all and the Spirit group is still supposedly interested in selling.  This also fits well with the seemingly odd suggestion of naming the team the Falcons. 

The True North Group, the presumed ownership group of the next NHL franchise in Winnipeg, also owns the AHL Manitoba Moose.  So they need to be cautious to not kill their revenues from that team this year as well.  The Moose surprisingly upset the team they were playing in the playoffs on the 25th or whatever and advanced to the next round.  No one was expecting that, so I think that's playing a role in an announcement too.  They're waiting until the Moose are eliminated is the speculation locally. 

So no to Friday is now the rumor.  Sometime next week after the Moose have played their 3 home games in the next playoff round.  The assumption I suppose is they'll lose to the Hamilton squad that finished ahead of them in the regular season. 

As to divisional alignment I really don't want to see Winnipeg in a division with Calgary AND Edmonton AND Vancouver.  That's just not going to be great for team finances because we don't want to see those guy all the damn time.  But I do agree with moving Minnesota to the Central Division.  I still think you move Vancouver to the Pacific division with LA, Anaheim, San Jose and then drop Colorado in with them.  You move Dallas into a division with Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Minnesota.  I know it doesn't get you guys into the Central where you want to be but to me it makes more sense from a time zone perspective for all the teams.  Colorado sort of gets screwed but it means less travel to Canada for them. 

Although if Phoenix stays, you should probably create a division where Winnipeg plays them because lots of animosity has been built this season creating a natural rivalry.  So if Phoenix stays, you bump Minnesota to the Central and leave Wpg/Dallas/Edm/Cal/Pho as the division.  Maybe Dallas gets a bit screwed that way, I dunno. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on April 29, 2011, 11:24 PM
Yikes... the Caps miss a goal off the post by inches and Downie scores when he wasn't trying to... a win is a win but I'm thinking it was a little too much luck and a little too much rust for me to think this gives the Lightning a shot here.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on April 30, 2011, 12:29 AM
A quote from one of my coaches was something like, "Ugly goals count too, so don't be a ***** in front of the net".  If it weren't for those ones, I wouldn't have have made the stat sheet too often besides PIM.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on April 30, 2011, 02:16 PM
Style is for spectators; they don't ask you how, they ask you how many.   ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 1, 2011, 11:59 PM
Lightning win again, and Bin Laden ends up dead.

What a day!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2011, 12:05 AM
Can't beat that Rob.

Good win too...  They looked good against Washington.  I was surprised they played such a good D against them, however that series keeps having these moments where it opens up and goes ape**** offensively both ways.  Fun one to watch.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 2, 2011, 12:08 AM
Yep.  They've got to keep the pressure on this Tuesday.  I could see them losing one or two at home after such a great streak on the road.

Anyone know the playoff record for penalty kills?  This 45 our of 46 business is incredible.  Maybe they should just play with 4 guys from now on.

When Ovechkin scored I figured the wheels were about to fall off and the direction of the whole series was about to turn... then one good play in OT...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2011, 12:12 AM
If it holds against Washington, it's incredible.  :) 

Against us...  eh, I wouldn't get too jazzed on it is all I'm saying, haha.  ;D  Ours was dismal WITH Crosby and Malkin.  Locals were making jokes about a new rule where we can decline penalties because our PP seemed to slow our game down even more.  It was pathetic.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 2, 2011, 12:17 AM
If it holds against Washington, it's incredible.  :) 

Against us...  eh, I wouldn't get too jazzed on it is all I'm saying, haha.

11 for 11 so far against Washington's. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2011, 12:22 AM
That's pretty good (11 in 2 games?  That seems like a lot!  Must be getting ugly).

Hopefully Ovechkin doesn't start clicking...  Once he does, their PP is frightening.  Shots flying from all angles, and the deflections the Cap forwards manage are really almost art to watch...  Tampa's done a really good job at collapsing down to their net on the PK though, and in the game overall.  that's part of what killed the Penguin's chances.  They'd get chances, but rebounds were swept aside by the 4 or 5 guys standing in front of Roloson before you could even get down to pounce on them.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 2, 2011, 12:39 AM
yeah... there were 6 or 7 tonight.  The Lightning committed some bad penalties (and at least one very good one).
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 2, 2011, 10:04 AM
Not feeling real confident in my round two picks right now. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 3, 2011, 09:33 PM
3-0  :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 3, 2011, 10:18 PM
Frigging Caps are choking again...unbelievable. Why do all DC teams break your heart or just suck outright?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 3, 2011, 10:48 PM
The caps were tops in the East...  They look dismal now at times.  They've got healthy players, they've got depth, they've got it all.  Looks like someone's going to be looking for a coaching job real soon.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: EdSolo on May 4, 2011, 06:55 AM
At this point I have to wonder how the Caps would fare during the regular season if their schedule was more like baseball.  Meaning that they play a three games series with the same team.  For yet another year where the Caps can be the top seed and just stink in a playoff series, I just wonder if they could win consistently during the regular season if they played the same team in small series.  It just seems the opposing team can figure them out, but they can't figure out the opposing team for the long haul.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 4, 2011, 10:01 PM
Not feeling real confident in my round two picks right now. 

I wonder how many sane people said Lightning in 4...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/nextseason/Misc/Experts.jpg)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 4, 2011, 10:22 PM
Jeez, I'm completely in line with the 'experts' and it looks like we may all be wrong on three of the four series'.   :o

I felt comfortable with the Vancouver pick.  I'm still leaning towards the Wings but I confess to really having doubts about picking the Flyers.  I thought the Caps could come through but it looks like Roloson is going to shut them down (along with the rest of the team).  Didn't thing Tampa had it in them.  My bad.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 4, 2011, 11:14 PM
I wonder how many sane people said Lightning in 4...

Long live the Trap!

Er, I mean...  hooray for Tampa's innovative 1-3-1 play.  :-X

(http://images.athlonsports.com/d/7166-1/JacquesLemaire.jpg)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 5, 2011, 03:55 AM
Yeah, the local announcers were stumbling over calling it "the 1-3-1"...  I even heard Errey chuckle a few times at its name, break down, and say, "it's basiaclly just the trap"...  It's funny.

BTW Rob, I'd avoid using ESPN for anything that involves the words "experts", and "hockey" together.  :D  Somehow I'm not shocked at all that they could be that far off...  Brent I am though, and he should feel shame (go to box!), but ESPN I completely believe they aren't getting anything right.

Matt Barnaby's on their hockey coverage?  Kee-rist.

I'm really pleased that at least some of my picks are going right for the 2nd round, but I really thought Tampa wouldn't have won their series with the Crapitals, and convincingly.  I don't think the Pens would've beat Washington if they'd advanced either, but Tampa really shocked me...  I just wonder if Roloson is going to fold at some point.  At his age that's pretty hellacious.  Nobody will appreciate the break more than him, but on the roll that they were on, the Lightning overall may not dig the down time between series.

Congrats though Rob, very cool.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Mikey D on May 5, 2011, 08:01 AM
Flyers have the Bruins right where they want them.

Or not.  :'(
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 5, 2011, 12:22 PM
Yeah, my second round sucks. 

I still think the Canucks win. 

I still think the Bruins win, but last year looked like that too, so I'm nervous.  But in picking the Flyers I was more looking at how the Bruins played in the first round against the Canadiens - they didn't seem to have it together.  At the start of my predictions I was honestly thinking Canucks - Bruins.  Probably should have stayed with that. 

Tampa - we'll see if the league cracks down on the trap in the next round.  Good defense, boring hockey.  Sure as hell did not expect them to win that series.  I know the Caps tend to suck come playoff time, but nope, can't say Tampa ever crossed my mind for this year after the first round.

Detroit - San Jose still giving me fits.  Wings were so convincing in the first round and I think the quick disposal of the Coyotes (ptui!) probably hurt them with the long layoff.  I think they can come back from it but San Jose is a talented team no doubt. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Mikey D on May 5, 2011, 01:19 PM

I still think the Bruins win, but last year looked like that too, so I'm nervous. 

Don't be, because there isn't going to be a comeback this year.  The Flyers looked completely beat last night after those two early goals by the B's.  I knew it was over right then, no way they were coming back.  Add that to the previous game, which by all rights they should have won and were clearly the better team, only to lose because the opposing goaltender stood on his head while their goaltender lets in soft goals, the Flyers are cooked. I was actually more pissed with Monday's game than last night's.

The Flyers aren't winning a Cup until their **** ass goaltending is fixed.  They haven't had a solid presence in net since Ronnie Hextall.  Bobrovsky might be the solution as he's shown glimpses he can be an elite goaltender, but I'm not 100% convinced.

After the B's beat the Flyers, I'll be rooting for them for the remainder.  A San Jose-Jumbo Joe Thornton vs. Boston finals would be great to see.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 6, 2011, 10:40 PM
Well I'm happy with the outcome of tonight's games.  Nice to see the B's win. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 7, 2011, 12:20 AM
Yeah, I'm sort of pulling for them Bruins right now (sorry Rob).  They looked like a really good team I thought, and good goaltending which Tampa didn't face last round (though they did with us IMO, so that doesn't really matter I suppose).

In completely unimportant news, I never shaved my playoff beard because I've been really lazy, and I now look like a guy too lazy to shave.  I need to buzz this off though soon.  I look like a homeless dude.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 7, 2011, 02:25 PM
Yeah, I'm sort of pulling for them Bruins right now (sorry Rob).  They looked like a really good team I thought, and good goaltending which Tampa didn't face last round (though they did with us IMO, so that doesn't really matter I suppose).

No worries... I'm expecting this to be the end of the line here.  The only thing giving me some hope is that the Lightning made quick work out of the 1 seed and Philly hasn't exactly put up any more of a fight against Boston.  Hopefully Roloson will keep playing well... he'll probably need to be even better against Thomas.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 9, 2011, 01:26 AM
After last year, I was scared to even say anything about the Bruins.  I really didn't think they could sweep the Flyers because I think they are a better team than that.  But like Mikey said, without reliable goaltending they're going to have problems.

Living in BC, I'm definitely enjoying the Canucks / Preds series, especially Kesler's play.  I think it's a little early to be talking Conn Smythe since he didn't do much in the 1st round, but he's definitely starting to make up for it now.  It would be nice to see the Sedins perform like they can though.  Pekka Rinne has been amazing for the Preds and will be the deciding factor for whether the Canucks can beat them.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 9, 2011, 12:03 PM
Think Glendale will vote tomorrow to pony up another $25mil to Bettman for 2011-12?  Sure sounds that way...  and I heard that some insiders are now saying that Hulsizer is now more interested in buying STL instead.  That may just be his group posturing to affect the price though, pretending like they can walk and screw Glendale/NHL.

I know the league really, really doesn't want to admit they screwed up when they put hockey in the desert, but it should be oh so very telling to them that Dallas seems to be poised to get $250mil offers while Phoenix can't even get close to less than half that.  Same in Hotlanta - $110mil is a steal compared to what the Stars bidding opened with ($225mil).


I think they can come back from it but San Jose is a talented team no doubt.

Looks like the Winged Wheel may still have some fight left it them after all...  despite the nice diving exhibiton put on by Thornton.  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 9, 2011, 12:30 PM
I think the pricing situation of Phoenix speaks volumes about how desperate the NHL is to NOT admit a mistake.  Would the Hulsizer group be allowed by the NHL to buy the Blues if they back out of Phoenix?  I think that'd put that ownership group in the same boat as Balsillie is - persona non grata. 

Also interesting to see how much TNSE is willing to pay to get a franchise here in Winnipeg relative to what they could pay to keep own and keep the franchise in its current location, whether it's Atlanta or Phoenix.  They'd probably save sixty million dollars by owning them in their current location.  I wonder why they aren't willing to do just that? 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 9, 2011, 11:00 PM
Whoo.  At least the 'Nucks came through.  I need Detroit to make a huge comeback just to hit 50% on my predictions for this round.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 10, 2011, 11:35 PM
Game 7 ought to be exciting to watch.  Tonight's game was very entertaining. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 11, 2011, 11:57 AM
Glendale voted to pony up another 25 million.  Wow.  It's quite comedic when it comes down to it.  It will be curious to see what efforts will now be made to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta. 

I'll admit I'm more keen on the Thrashers coming here than the Coyotes given I didn't want the baggage associated with it.  At the same time, I'm starting to think more and more that Winnipeg is nothing but a pawn to Bettman and the NHL and we won't see a team.  It's absolutely crazy from a business sense on the NHL's part given you have an owner, an arena and a rabid hockey area all waiting to have a team, no government funding involved, but you still don't rate.  And I don't care if you're Phoenix, Winnipeg, Toronto or anywhere else, direct government funding with tax dollars to millionaires is just simply idiotic. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 11, 2011, 12:40 PM
Game 7 should be a classic. If I were a betting man, I'd probably put straight-up money on SJ, though I won't be surprised at all if Detroit wins. I do believe that beyond the scope of the playoffs, this game is a lot more important for San Jose than Detroit.

Go Sharks!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 11, 2011, 02:26 PM
Glendale voted to pony up another 25 million.  Wow.  It's quite comedic when it comes down to it.  It will be curious to see what efforts will now be made to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta. 

RIP Manitoba Jets.  Long live the Manitoba Falcons?

Seriously.  Glendale is now pissing away $50mil to keep the team there? Crazy.  Why not throw in $100mil more and buy the team themselves? Best of all, Goldwater might still be able to sue on the grounds that this is a corporate subsidy to the NHL and those types are illegal in AZ.  The city is selling it as a "service agreement", but it still may end up in court - then what?  The Coyotes are stuck in Glendale with no cash from the city?

I can't believe it's been two years and the thing is still festering...  I wonder what Balsillie thinks now?

ps. Go Wings!  ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2011, 11:46 PM
Well congrats to the Sharks.  That's proof why you won't home ice advantage right there. 

So lousy second round predictions, let's try third round.

Canucks over Sharks in six  - I think the Sharks are drained.
Bruins over Tampa in six - Can Rollie the goalie hold out?  If not, B's take it. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 12, 2011, 11:53 PM
I'd say basically the same thing but maybe a game less in both series...  Which of course will be the polar opposite now of anything I predict probably.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 13, 2011, 12:57 AM
Well congrats to the Sharks.  That's proof why you won't home ice advantage right there. 

So lousy second round predictions, let's try third round.

Canucks over Sharks in six  - I think the Sharks are drained.
Bruins over Tampa in six - Can Rollie the goalie hold out?  If not, B's take it. 

I hope your picks this round are just as good as they were last round.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 13, 2011, 08:39 AM
Home Ice means nothing in hockey, IMO. It provides the least advantage of any professional sport. The Sharks certainly didn't get the benefit of any "home town ref" calls...seemed like every time I turned around they were handing the Wings another Power Play.

Thornton was a monster and Niemi just keeps standing on his head out there, incredible.

I have to go Sharks/Lightning for the final. That would at least salve a little of the wounds over the CAPS choking again.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 13, 2011, 12:32 PM
So you think the fans contribute nothing to the game?  I wasn't talking about the refs, they are, after all, supposed to be calling the game fairly, not for the home team (or against them). 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 13, 2011, 12:43 PM
So you think the fans contribute nothing to the game?  I wasn't talking about the refs, they are, after all, supposed to be calling the game fairly, not for the home team (or against them). 

Don't home teams have a ridiculously high winning percentage in game 7's? 

That'd be all I would need to know right there.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 13, 2011, 02:02 PM
I believe home ice allows the home team to make line changes after the visiting team...I think. This makes for better matchups.

Also, every rink is different, so most teams are built with their own rink in mind. Some have notoriously fast ice and boards, like the Red Wings'.

Add to those the crowd noise, and I believe home ice is a definite advantage. The Shark Tank is extremely loud.

My girls and I walked to the Arena (we live about two blocks away) last night before the game, and the crowd outside was electric. Nothing beats game 7s in hockey. It was fun to be a part of it, even though we didn't have tickets.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 13, 2011, 03:51 PM
Yeah, basically all the reasons listed are why HI is really important in the NHL...  Match-ups have become increasingly large topics in the NHL...  What line is out against the opposing team's top line?  It's always a big deal.  For instance, looking at the Pens/Montreal series last year, getting that right match-up was a huge thing for Montreal to shut down Crosby's line, and it worked pretty well.  Countering that is tough.

Also like stormie said, every rink is different...  The Civic Arena's boards were pretty dead, but the Console's are lively now, and a lot more like Detroit's.  In our first final with Detroit, I think the first goal was scored by a lively goal coming off the boards right in front of Fleury and past him.  It looked completely like a set play.

And I'm a firm believer in the energy of crowds in the NHL...  momentum is a HUGE factor in hockey.  A crowd can swing that back to their team easily.  They can help rattle an already shakey goalie...  Or they can just look like they're clueless about  what they'er watching, but are at least enjoying themselves, haha.  :)

Or they're Montreal.   :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jayson on May 14, 2011, 06:34 AM
TBoogaard dead at 28 (http://www.kare11.com/news/article/923099/391/Former-Wild-player-found-dead-in-Mpls-apartment)  :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 16, 2011, 02:47 PM
Getting closer or another set-up for disappointment? (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy;_ylt=AiR0T1XkmiSYwLoGNJz.hCt7vLYF)

I love how some of the media are starting to write the "Why isn't the NHL sticking up for Atlanta" stories....  and I've seen some speculation that NHL owners may not let Atlanta go north because there is more money of them if they wait and send PHX north.  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 16, 2011, 10:14 PM
Yup.  I'm distinctly feeling Winnipeg is but a pawn in all these negotiations for the NHL.  It's a perfect setup with a fanbase that was "wronged" by the NHL, will support the team.  New ownership, new (albeit smallish) arena, good situation for revenue.  Helps out some of the league alignment, it's all good right? 

Meh.  I think I'm just tired of it.  Make the deal and let me know when it happens. 

I will say the same people I know that are closer to the True North group say it's a go.  They said last year we'd have a team by fall of 2011.  They also hinted strongly about the Coyotes, though I guess that did look positive for a while. 

As for what the league is or isn't doing with the Thrashers vs. Coyotes, it's an entirely different scenario IMO.  Coyotes at least have Glendale city council footing the bill for a portion of the losses, so that's something.  But people forget the owner of that team is the NHL and they can do as they like.  The last owner declared bankruptcy and left the league holding the bag.  The Atlanta ownership group is still there and sees huge potential in selling the team to Winnipeg because there seemingly is no one wanting to own it in Atlanta.  They get $100 million for their troubles and the league pockets $60 million in transfer fees.  That's not appealing to the board of governors?  That offsets a ton of the Coyotes losses right there.  Is the league doing nothing for Atlanta?  Maybe, but really they did everything for the Coyotes because they own the Coyotes. 

There is also the part of me that will not forget that Bettman would look really bad taking the Yotes back to Winnipeg and tucking his tail between his legs.  If Atlanta goes, he'll play it up as taking back a team to a market where there always should have been a team.  But no egg on his face with the Manitoba Falcons, unlike the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets. 

Lastly I'll be happy if it is the Thrashers.  I like the team as it is, they should get some good draft picks going forward and we won't have to call the team the Jets.  Though I think the league will allow them to use the Jets jersey as a retro/third jersey. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 16, 2011, 10:26 PM
As for what the league is or isn't doing with the Thrashers vs. Coyotes, it's an entirely different scenario IMO. 

Definitely.  The league owns the Coyotes, so yeah it makes sense they protect their investment.  I think some are seeing "more" for the owners if they sell PHX ($140mil vs only 60mil in reloaction fees for Atlanta), but like you said - I see it more as $60mil for relocation PLUS $140mil for the Coyotes, not an either/or type thing for them.

I have read some things that say that Bettman doesn't like the ATL owner - I guess there is some bad blood between them for the way they took over the Thrashers as part of the Thrashers/Hawks/Arena deal and then basically ignored the Thrashers and let them run themselves into the ground.  Moving ATL is a win-win for him then - he gets revenge on owners he doesn't like (they lose tons on their investment) and he gets to be "right" about Phoenix (for a while longer anyway).
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 16, 2011, 10:44 PM
The only fly in the ointment is that I don't think the league (BOG) or Bettman really like Winnipeg as an option either.  Winnipeg's history with the NHL is extraordinarily contentious going back all the way to the WHA days.  I think that history lingers to this day and I think sending a team back here is a bitter pill. 

That said, I think the TNSE group has been exactly what the BOG wants: very quiet, very patient, everything by the rules, no rumours, no bravado.  And deep frickin' pockets.  Sure, the arena is small but they own surrounding land and if they want to expand, they'll do it with their own cash and only need the City to shut down a portion of one street, something that wouldn't really bother the City.  They own concessions, parking and everything they need.  They've got deep pockets and have proven themselves successful in arena ownership with only a minor league team.  They aren't going to hurt too badly if the NHL team suffers, though it won't for years.  The arena itself is one of the 20 busiest venues in North America between concerts, shows, etc. and they get a share of it all. 

All I know is if we do get a team, I'm drafting Byfuglien in the first round of the fantasy draft.  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 17, 2011, 10:25 AM
All I know is if we do get a team, I'm drafting Byfuglien in the first round of the fantasy draft.  ;)

Remind me to have the pick right after yours.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 17, 2011, 10:52 PM
Rumors today about government money being involved to help TNSE relocate the Thrashers to Winnipeg.  If that's the case I don't want NHL hockey here.  It's a goddamn business, not a charity.  Let's not be as idiotic as Glendale.   >:(
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 17, 2011, 10:59 PM
They were chatting this up tonight on the local sports show...  Fun conversation.  Lots of Bettman bashing.  You'd have enjoyed it Brent.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 18, 2011, 11:41 PM
Not sure if anyone is watching the Sharks-Canucks game but it looks like a cheap shot by Eager woke up the Sedin brothers  :o  That may turn out to be a huge mistake.  They just finished a shift in the San Jose end where I kept counting the Sharks players on the ice because it looked like a power play.  It wasn't.   :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 19, 2011, 12:19 AM
Yeah, in the ammount of time it took me to run up in the garage and put a coat of varnish on something I'm working on, then come back, it went from 4 to 7 goals for Vancouver...  Wow.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 19, 2011, 09:48 AM
WTF happened to Niemi? Dude was standing on his head all last series and now he just looks lost out there...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 19, 2011, 07:49 PM
Yeah, Eager sort of went overboard, to say the least. I think Marleau started everything by trying to pick a fight with Bieksa, and then getting his face familiarized with Bieksa's fist. Marleau's NOT a fighter, but I think he was trying to get his team going. Instead, Eager took it upon himself to be personally offended that anyone would touch the delicate flower that Marleau is.  :)

But...

As a Sharks homer, I can't help but try to rationalize it all. They were losing 3-2 and playing a little flat. Marleau's been maligned by everyone for not being tough enough. Eager's been there before and he's a big presence on the ice (for good or bad). The Sharks need something to light a fire under them. If it takes Eager to get them going, then so be it; however, if it's just going to result in penalties then they need to rethink. It goes without saying that if the Sharks lose Friday, they're toast, but if they come out invigorated, then I might tend to think Eager's outburst was the catalyst.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 19, 2011, 09:56 PM
I dunno, I think if Eager was trying to motivate his team there were ways to do it without being embarassing. 

Kudos to Marleau though, he's no fighter but he tried.  Eager's comments on that one were idiotic as well, calling out Bieksa for fighting a goal scorer.  Uh, dude, Marleau dropped the glove's first. 

In other news, Globe and Mail is reporting the Thrashers have been sold to TNSE group.  I'll be happy once it's confirmed and not until. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 19, 2011, 10:36 PM
NHL currently denying reports of sale of Thrashers.  Current rumour is Bettman will be in Winnipeg on Tuesday for an announcement.  

Yeesh, had to edit this to avoid posting three in a row. 

Bruins 2-1 in their series, Canucks 2-0 in their series.  If I get this series right, I'm predicting the team I don't want to win to be the winner in the next series.   ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 19, 2011, 11:22 PM
Lightning looked completely flat tonight.  If they don't figure something out soon, this series is over in 5.

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 20, 2011, 08:35 PM
Winnipeg Sun is confirming a source that says Thrashers are moving here.  Still waiting on confirmation from Bettman.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 20, 2011, 11:44 PM
Wow.  I was about to praise the Sharks for coming back and being disciplined and playing well but then the third period happened.  I guess they still deserve the praise for playing a much, much better game and Vancouver seemed to adapt the Sharks lack of strategy from the last game and penchant for penalties.  The Sharks sure threw them off with the two man forecheck though. 

And then the third period.  Yikes.  Dominating and up 4-1 to all the pressure in the last couple of minutes with Vancouver nearly tying it.  Kudos to the Sharks for winning but I think the momentum swung back to Vancouver in the third. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 23, 2011, 09:56 AM
Ugh, these series have been so boring for some reason. Stick a fork in the Sharks...try adding the phrase "Penalty kill" to your lexicon.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 23, 2011, 01:12 PM
Killing a 5-on-4 is one thing, but three continuous 5-on-3s against the Canucks is literally impossible...especially after they were able to stave off the 5-on-3s on Friday night. Playing with fire you will get burned. The most telling statistic from Sunday's game, though, was the Sharks' inability to score on any of the power plays the Canucks gave them in the first period. The Canucks ability to adjust their game is a marvel, though.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 24, 2011, 12:04 AM
The Sharks sure didn't capitalize in the first period either.  There were a fair number of Vancouver penalties that they had chances to take an early lead on. 

Nice to see the B's come back tonight as they darn well better have at home. 

So, lets start a pool.  The new Winnipeg team will be called:

A. Jets
B. Moose
C. Thrashers
D. something else
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 24, 2011, 09:56 AM
Reports are that an announcement should come once this round of games is over.  So obviously I'm hoping for the Canucks and Bruins to wrap it up in the next game. 

It's funny that the rumour of fans having to commit to three years of season tickets is still floating around out there.  They may well ask for that, but the original notion started with a Winnipeg Free Press writer and nothing more than that.  It was supposed to be floated to show a level of commitment on the part of the fans.  So with a team supposedly signed and coming, what point would there be now?  Lots can change over three years for folks so it seems a bit presumptious.  Ah well, I'm working on finding guys to share tickets with.  I'm hoping they don't leave the team in the southeast because I've already got guys committed for the games to see Edmonton and Calgary.  I think I'm going to have to package them as four game sets though and include a Panthers and Blue Jackets game with them  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 24, 2011, 12:46 PM
The new Winnipeg team will be called:

D. Manitoba Monarchs
(And you can have fancy orange/black sweaters to match!)

Reports are that an announcement should come once this round of games is over.  So obviously I'm hoping for the Canucks and Bruins to wrap it up in the next game. 

I heard Kid Rock screwed it up for you... that's what you get for letting Kid Rock into the MTS. :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 24, 2011, 01:30 PM

I heard Kid Rock screwed it up for you... that's what you get for letting Kid Rock into the MTS. :P

Are you kidding?  That makes it safe to go into all Winnipeg Walmarts today. 

But yeah, I heard that story this morning too.  Apparently they want the announcement to be made at the MTS Centre and he's in da house ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 24, 2011, 04:14 PM
E)  Mannitoba Pemmican Traders

or

F)  Winnipeg Phoenix Phuckers
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 24, 2011, 04:29 PM
(http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2011/5/23/meter_33778.jpg)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 24, 2011, 11:31 PM
Damn.   :o

I guess they don't want to go back to SJ...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 25, 2011, 12:04 AM
The whistles have been put away for overtime  :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 25, 2011, 12:53 AM
Man, what a crazy goal to end things on...  :o

So obviously I'm hoping for the Canucks and Bruins to wrap it up in the next game. 

One down, one to go...  >:D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 25, 2011, 08:33 AM
Will the Sharks EVER shed that "choker" label? Guess not.

If Boston comes out of the East, I'm done with watching hockey this year. I just have no interest in that match up.

At least if the Lightning win it takes a little tarnish off the Caps loss to them.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 25, 2011, 09:13 AM
No interest in watching teams that have been in the league for at least 40 years each.  Would rather see late expansion teams playing.  You related to Bettman?  ;)

Sharks sort of got hosed if that puck at the end really did touch Sedin's shoulder, but I watched the replay of Boyle's clearing shot around the borders probably a dozen times and couldn't see it touch.  Tough call to make but the end result being tougher for the Sharks.  I think the only consolation is that for most of the series Vancouver did seriously outplay them.  And full props to Luongo for that first overtime period :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 25, 2011, 01:07 PM
There was no choke. Choking is when you lose to an inferior team or miserably fail to play up to your potential. The Canucks are a better team than the Sharks and SJ gave them all they could handle.

Seriously, I'm a little tired of this choker talk. All teams have had their fair share of choking in the playoffs. The Sharks have been good in the regular season for several years, yet whenever they don't win the Cup, they're labeled as chokers. They've only been around for 20 years, for crying out loud. The Canucks have been around for 40 and have never won the Cup, and until last year, it'd been nearly 50 years since Chicago had sniffed the Cup. I think the Blues and Caps, as well as some others have never won a Cup, either. Each year, the Sharks entertain and give fans hope in the playoffs.

I have no regrets about the Sharks' season. I'm just sad that's over already and now have to wait months for the season to begin again.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 25, 2011, 01:09 PM
I agree that it isn't a choke losing to the Canucks, but, and I'm just basing this off of the handful of games I watched of the Sharks this postseason, they sure do seem to blow a lot of third period leads. They seem like they can't close to me. Is Joe Nathan or Matt Capps on their team (had to take my chance to pour some salt in my MN Twins woes).
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 25, 2011, 01:26 PM
Losing the series is one thing, but giving up the tying goal with less than 20 seconds to play in a game you HAVE to have is pretty choke-worthy, IMO. Dudes, I was rooting for them, believe me, I rooted for them against the Red Wings and they almost blew that too, this after that poor showing last year.

Much as I root for 'em, the Caps certainly deserve that rep too now. Ya just gotta own it until you prove otherwise. No offense to anyone.

And ya, no interest in Bruins/Canucks, just no "zazz" in that matchup for me. Both teams just bore me to tears. Great franchises, lots of history, just not the marquee-type storylines an average joe like me could appreciate.

Admittedly, I'm just a casual fan.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: stormie on May 25, 2011, 02:07 PM
Poor showing last year? Losing in the Conference Finals against the eventual Cup winner (Chicago) doesn't seem like a poor showing to me.

You could argue they choked the previous year when they won the President's and lost in the first to the Ducks, but they aren't the only one-seed to lose to an eight (I'm thinking back to '93 when they were the eight and beat the Wings).

Yeah, I'm a Sharks homer, admittedly, but I don't really like the choker label bandied about so much, especially when SJ has only been around since '91. It's a little insulting to the teams that have been around longer. The playoffs are fun and anything can happen.

As for failing to close out games, sure there were some that went that way, but they also came from behind in some, too. The LA series had a couple great comebacks. The problem is that most games were one-goal games, so the advantage can turn abruptly.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 25, 2011, 03:16 PM
Outside circumstances aside, I don't believe a #1 seed beating a lower seed can be called choking on the other team's part either.  #1 losing in the first round is a choke, or lower seeds taking out higher seeds often times can get that label.  It depends a lot on who's healthy on either team, and all that stuff.  I don't think San Jose did poorly.  They hung on a while, but Vancouver was just better I think.  I doubt they lose the Stanley Cup either.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 25, 2011, 10:48 PM
I'm distinctly feeling Winnipeg is but a pawn in all these negotiations for the NHL. 

Bettman got cranky today, wondering again.

Nice game by Tampa, though they were at home.  I think Bruins take it next game. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 25, 2011, 11:33 PM
Nice game by Tampa, though they were at home.  I think Bruins take it next game. 

I think so too... game 7 on the road isn't exactly an easy thing to pull off. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Mikey D on May 26, 2011, 10:10 AM
Don't be so confident with the Bruins winning you two.  I'm a Flyers fan, but living in Boston, I watch enough B's games and listen to enough sports radio to know there's this stigma about the Bruins that they can't close out series that they should win.  Two years ago they lost in second round to the Canes, at home in game 7 (that shouldn't have went that far) after winning the Presidents Trophy that year and then last year's epic choke to the Flyers.  The Flyers were probably the better team going in, but up three games to none, there's no way the B's should have lost that series.

The Habs took them to 7 games in the first round and they needed OT in that game to win it.  The second round against the Flyers doesn't really count as they had something to prove and the whole revenge factor plus the Flyers **** ass goaltending lead to that dismantling.

By all rights, the current series against the Lightning should be over.  They had a three goal lead in game four they blew.  I give the Lightning credit for fighting back, but the Bruins just seem to relax and take their foot off the pedal when they have a chance to bury a team.

Bruins fans wanted nothing to do with a game 7 and I can guarantee they're nervous as all hell.  The Garden will be loud as **** Friday night at the start, but if the Lightning score quickly (as they seem prone to do), you're going to see that nervousness come out in full force.  The B's need to score first and keep the crowd in the game.  If they only take 20 shots like they have the last two games, they aren't going to win.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 26, 2011, 10:57 AM
By all rights, the current series against the Lightning should be over.  They had a three goal lead in game four they blew.  I give the Lightning credit for fighting back, but the Bruins just seem to relax and take their foot off the pedal when they have a chance to bury a team.

Same thing could be said in the other direction... the Lightning have scored 5 goals 4 times in 6 games.  If they lose tomorrow night, the fact that they gave up 6 in one of those will be the thing that drives me the craziest.

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 27, 2011, 10:21 AM
Game 7 is anybody's game for sure.  I'm just hoping the B's make it through.  I don't really begrudge Tampa having a team, I think that's the correct Florida market for it.  And the Lightning have good talent for sure, I'm just preferring old school hockey.  Toe Blake.  Eddie Shore. 

Theoretically the next date for the announcement of NHL returning to Winnipeg is again on a Tuesday, this time May 31st.  This is just before the finals start.  It is subject to Bettman's whims of course, so we'll see.  Clearly helping out Winnipeg on getting going for next season really isn't much of a concern for the league.   
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 27, 2011, 01:17 PM
Interesting things to ponder...

1 - Lots of Phoenix to Seattle rumors popping up over the last few days now that W'peg is seemingly taking ATL.  I always thought KC or Quebec would be next after Winnipeg, but I guess after losing the Supersonics, there are a more than a few folks up that way who would like something to do on a rainy December afternoon.

2 - is it sad to anyone else that the NBA finals are set before the NHL finals, despite the NHL starting a good 2-3 weeks before the NBA?  And the fact that, if we get to Game 7, he NHL playoffs could last until JUNE 15th? 

3 - WPG - I heard the same Brent - it's Tuesday the 31st or it has to wait until after the finals.  More wait and see...

4 - For Game 7, I'm picking TB in 1OT, like maybe...  4-3.   Think of the airfare they're going to have to spend, flying back and forth Vancouver to TB - that might be the biggest distance possible between two NHL teams?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 27, 2011, 01:28 PM
Tons and tons of rumours out there regarding teams moving.  Lots of suggestions of other cities throughout the U.S. as opposed to Winnipeg.  I'm not opposed to a lot of them either and I'm quite confident Bettman would find Seattle, K.C., Green Bay, Indianapolis, Houston and others preferable to Winnipeg.  The key difference being where is the ownership group for each of these cities.  Over the past couple of years Phoenix has been dangling out there like bait for interested parties, why has no one but Winnipeg and Hamilton stepped up?  Winnipeg is prepared to pay the asking price for Atlanta and the absurd NHL transfer fee (I think the NHL should be paying Winnipeg for bailing out the Atlanta ownership group and preventing another bankruptcy in the NHL, but that's just me).  Where are the other interested parties to bid on that team?  There are none. 

Agree on the playoffs taking too long.  I think the gaps between games are too long as well.  It should be two in a row with a day off for travel then two more nights in a row.  They do lots of travel and same day games during the season, they can do it in the playoffs too. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: GrandMoffNick on May 27, 2011, 01:32 PM
I like the drawn out playoffs. To me the NHL regular season is pretty worthless, relatively. With 16 teams making the playoffs and that it seems like there are more "upsets" in the NHL than other sports in the playoffs I like that the "real" season takes this long. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2011, 02:33 PM
I'd like to see the NHL playoffs shortened a little as well... 

An NHL team in Seattle (or Portland?) would be neat I think.  I wonder though, if Atlanta moves out of the East, who moves in?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 27, 2011, 02:43 PM
Personally I like how long it takes... I'm no purist and I don't even follow hockey that closely during the regular season, but I love playoff hockey (especially when Tampa is in it).  The way it's so spread out kills a lot of the drag between football seasons. :)

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 27, 2011, 02:55 PM
if Atlanta moves out of the East, who moves in?

Everything I read says Detroit (if they re-do the divisions) or Nashville (since they are closest to SE).  

Then MN would slide into the Central, and ATL/WPG would go in the NW.  Or, if you believe some other sources, Dallas goes to the Central, Vancouver/Colorado go to the Pacific, and ATL/WPG takes the open spot in the NW.

I've also seen some rumors that have the NHL blowing up the whole thing... one I saw was pretty crazy -

"Prince of Wales"
Great Lakes = MON, OTT, TOR, BUF, DET
Mid-Eastern = CBJ, PIT, PHI, CHI, STL
Atlantic = BOS, NYR, NYI, NJD, WAS

"Clarence Campbell"
Southeast = FLA, TB, CAR, NAS, DAL
Northwest = COL, MIN, WPG, EDM, CAL
Pacific = LA, SJ, ANA, VAN, PHX

That one drops the SE into the "West" and basically sends the Central teams to a revampes "East" (Wales).


I saw another version of that one that moved teams around a little, mostly to keep Boston and Montreal together...

"Prince of Wales"
Adams = MON, OTT, TOR, BUF, BOS
Mid-Eastern = CBJ, PIT, PHI, CHI, DET
Patrick = CAR, NYR, NYI, NJD, WAS

"Clarence Campbell"
Southeast = FLA, TB, NAS, DAL, STL
Northwest = COL, MIN, WPG, EDM, CAL
Pacific = LA, SJ, ANA, VAN, PHX

Imagine that - The Penguins and Detroit in the same group, with the Flyers and the Blackhawks too.  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 27, 2011, 03:21 PM
Yeah, I don't like that.  Our divisions hard enough these days.

They should move Columbus here...  That'd be my personal take since it's a hop skip and a jump West on I-70, from Pittsburgh.  Nashville and Detroit are both further drives for sure.  I think The Pens take a bus to Columbus as it is.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on May 27, 2011, 09:50 PM
Great game...scoreless after two! Next goal may win it. Both teams are skating well, refs are letting them play.

That play where the dude got smashed in the face with the puck was brutal. I never want to know what that would feel like.

Hockey players are the toughest mofos in sports, for shizzle.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 27, 2011, 10:33 PM
1-0 Bruins in the 3rd.  I'm crapping my pants here.   :o
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on May 27, 2011, 10:43 PM
One ******* mistake and your season is over... damn.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 27, 2011, 10:49 PM
Congrats to the B's.  Tough, tough loss for the Lightning who equally deserve to be going forward. 

Next series is a tough one.  I'm more of a Boston fan than a Canuck fan, that much is certain.  As a Canadian I'd like to see the Cup north of the border for the first time in a very long time.  Hmm....

Bruins in six.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 28, 2011, 02:07 AM
Canucklefucks in 6.

I'm more a Beantown fan myself, and Recchi will forever be a favorite of mine...  I don't think they can match Vancouver right now though.  I don't think many in the East could this year.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 30, 2011, 08:38 PM
10:00 CST?  Tuesday?  Maybe? 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 31, 2011, 09:39 AM
11:00 CST.  Polar Bears?   :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 31, 2011, 10:24 AM
This will be a day long remembered...  in a show of provincial brotherhood (what with us being the 11th province and all), I'll be buying a sweater to help your club get back on it's feet. ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on May 31, 2011, 01:40 PM
No comment yet?  He must be down at the Forks having a cold one.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on May 31, 2011, 02:31 PM
He's probably drunk at his computer and cannot find "Post".  :) 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on May 31, 2011, 05:26 PM
He's probably drunk at his computer and cannot find "Post".  :) 

Hic.  Found it. 

Pleased I am.  Bettman looked angry throughout the entire press conference.   :D

(http://mit.zenfs.com/206/2011/05/Screen-shot-2011-05-31-at-12.43.30-PM.png)
(http://mit.zenfs.com/206/2011/05/Screen-shot-2011-05-31-at-12.43.21-PM.png)

Trying to figure out season tickets.  I'm somewhat pleasantly surprised by the prices but disappointed by the terms.  I'd like P2's but don't like the five year term associated with it and don't even really like the four year term with the P3 level. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 31, 2011, 11:42 PM
Congrats Brent, it's gotta feel damn good hearing the OFFICIAL news of the NHL's return.  8)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 1, 2011, 12:20 PM
I can't wait for the game tonight -- the Bruins, the team I've cheered for since I was a kid, vs the Canucks, the team that I now live close to; my 2 favourite teams.  Should be a blast!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 1, 2011, 12:48 PM
I'm on team Canada tonight.  I can't stand Boston.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 1, 2011, 09:08 PM
1870 season tickets sold in the first hour.  Not too impressive until you realize that the ticket sales are only currently available to Manitoba Moose season ticket holders from last season.  There were 2000 season ticket holders for the Moose, the rest was walk up traffic.  So 130 people have two days to decide if they want to buy their tickets before they all go on sale to the general public. 

I'm still not sure what to do but I've got a funny feeling that it's going to take about a week at most to sell 13,000 season tickets.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 2, 2011, 03:32 PM
Old time hockey.  Toe Blake.  Eddie Shore.

Nice 1-0 game last night.  Tough to see Boston lose, but that was a nice goal.  Looks to be a great series. 

It would appear I've been able to assemble a group of shareholders for a season ticket package.  Two major buyers at 10 games each and then four guys for five games each.  P3 level if we can get it. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 2, 2011, 06:05 PM
(http://www.driveto13.com/images/ticket_tracker.jpg)

Two days, a quarter of the way there.  I'm thinking season tickets sell out on Saturday. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 3, 2011, 05:35 PM
Man, over half-way there and 'regular' folks haven't even had a chance to buy yet?  :o

I didn't know what to expect when they first announced that "drive to 13" stuff, but man.  If they are getting a minimum three-year commitment from 13k fans in basically 5 days, you guys deserve your new Manitobah Polar Bears Locust Falcons whatever... 

Makes me wonder what I'll have to pay stubhub when I drive up there to see a game...  :-\
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 3, 2011, 05:45 PM
I have ten games out of the 45 (41 reg/4 pre).  If there's a particular game you want, pm me and I can shoot for it in the draft. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 4, 2011, 02:01 PM
Somebody please inform Mr. Bettman that it took 17 minutes to sell out the season tickets in the dubious market of Winnipeg.  No hockey fans there, no corporate support.  Nope.  None. 

P1 sold out by early yesterday.  The P2 seats sold out last night after the drive to 13 meter was updated to about 7000 fans.  Apparently the P7 cheap seats were almost all gone last night too.  So only about 6000 seats made it to the public sale today. 

I'm in P3.   ;D
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 4, 2011, 02:08 PM
Here's a fun one for you guys... I had game one on in the background the other day so I didn't watch it all that closely... assuming there was one day off between games I looked for game two last night.  The guide said Stanley Cup Finals at 10:00 on NHL Network.  I thought it was a little weird that it wasn't on Versus or a major network, but I figured if the NHL wanted the broadcast, they'd have it.  The time slot didn't seem that weird to me given that the game is in Vancouver.

So I turn it on around midnight in the third period and watch... stunned that it was a 0-0 game, again, heading late into the third.  Then when Vancouver scored with less than 0:30 left I couldn't believe that Thomas fell for the same thing again...

So yeah, I was watching a game one replay thinking until about a minute after I saw the goal scored that I was watching game 2.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 4, 2011, 10:20 PM
Somebody please inform Mr. Bettman that it took 17 minutes to sell out the season tickets in the dubious market of Winnipeg.

"While I had no doubt the 'Drive to 13,000' would reach its destination, the remarkable speed at which it got there certifies the fans' hunger for NHL hockey and their commitment to True North's initiatives," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in Vancouver.


Holy cow, that is awesome (and even better that you got your tickets too :)).

At least we know that the Manitoba Prairie Dogs Donuts Touks whatever will be around for 4-5 years at least :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 4, 2011, 11:46 PM
The story going around now is that the tickets were actually gone in two minutes.  It took fifteen more ot process the orders. 

I've heard from a ton of people that were there right at noon and got shut out  :o  I'm guessing I scored tickets because I went for the best available seats.  I'm about one quarter of the way in for seats in the P3 section based on my numbering. 

I've been giddy as a school girl all day.  This week has been stressful; each time they bumped up that bar on the graph I was more concerned.  I should sleep like a baby tonight.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 5, 2011, 12:58 AM
Wow, 2 minutes??  Suck on that Bettman.  >:D

Meanwhile, Boston is now down 2 games to 0 to Vancouver, yikes.  Who do they think they're playing, Montreal?  If they do, then I call Boston in 7.  :P
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 6, 2011, 11:02 PM
Wow.  Can I take my prediction back?  Because if tonight's any indication, Vancouver really should just forefeit the series.  Yikes.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 6, 2011, 11:04 PM
I think that's just old school assuming the series is over on the part of Vancouver.  They came in, forgot they actually had to play.  Boston had their backs up, home ice and had played tight games in Vancouver.  Boston finally got some breaks and the 'Nucks forgot to bring their game. 

Much outrage in Winnipeg that *gasp* people not in Winnipeg were able to buy season tickets solely with the intent of reselling them.  Welcome to the big leagues folks, things have changed in 15 years. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 6, 2011, 11:14 PM
I'd like to think that, but man...  8...  2 Short-handed, and scoring right up to the last second.  Part of me thinks maybe Boston just got a major head of steam off tonight and Vancouver may be sent back home in Game 5 with their tails tucked between their legs.  Should be a really interesting next game.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: I Am Sith on June 7, 2011, 08:05 AM
Kind of reminds me of when Vancouver had a hiccup (or 3) against Chicago in the first round.  I can totally see Boston taking advantage of this and winning the next game as well.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 7, 2011, 10:04 AM
Between game 2 and 3 I decided that I like Tim Thomas and was bummed that he played two good games (one fantastic one) and lost both... so I switched over to rooting for Boston and all of the sudden they scored 8.

I take full credit.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 7, 2011, 10:08 AM
I'd like to think that, but man...  8...  2 Short-handed, and scoring right up to the last second.

Scoring those last three goals on the last three shots of the game - yeesh.  I sort of agree with Jesse.  When it was 4-1, I was thinking Vancouver still had a chance to bounce back, but when you pile on 8 like that, man that has to get in Luongo's head doesn't it?


And on the Rome/Horton situation... they almost have to suspend Rome, right?  Horton got away with the water bottle and Burrows got away with the bite because "it's the playoffs", but if they let the Rule 48 hit to the head go by without a suspension, especially after Horton is out now with a severe concussion...  can you say ultimate double-standard?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 7, 2011, 03:22 PM
Well Rome is gone for the rest of the finals (I'm assuming it's the next four games, not four games next season) so good on the league for that.  Nasty hit. 

As for Luongo, yup, gets in his head.  So does he respond by getting mad and shutting them out or is he toast?  Do they put in Schneider for a game?  Either way, Luongo doesn't have much leash there for the next game. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 8, 2011, 09:38 PM
Here they go again!
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 8, 2011, 11:06 PM
  So does he respond by getting mad and shutting them out or is he toast?  Do they put in Schneider for a game?  Either way, Luongo doesn't have much leash there for the next game. 

Toast.   :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 9, 2011, 12:02 AM
Yup.  Looking for a little home ice help and the sitting of Luongo for the next game. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 10, 2011, 11:01 PM
Oops.  No sitting of Lu and he comes back with a shutout.  Wonder if home ice matters?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 13, 2011, 10:34 AM
Alright, now that that other league is done, let's talk hockey.  I'm pretty comfortable with saying Boston wins tonight.  Kind of frightening from a Vancouver standpoint that the top offense in the league hasn't put up many goals against Boston.  Pretty annoying to have a layoff this long between games though. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 13, 2011, 08:45 PM
Vancouver is incredibly lucky that they have home ice.  I can't believe they have a (good) chance to still win this series.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 13, 2011, 09:31 PM
Alright, now that that other league is done, let's talk hockey.

Other league??  MLB is still going, NFL in in limbo...  other league?  Weird.

Re: Period 1 - man, Boston hates Vancouver.  And is it possible to give the Conn Smythe to the home-ice?  Seems like that has been the most important player so far this series...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2011, 09:45 PM
Yeah I seriously cannot believe how badly Luongo has been in Beantown.  I mean, my god. 

Still, it doesn't help when the guy in his 40's is standing right in front of the goalies without anyone even attempting to remove him.  Tough to blame the guy in net when **** like that's going on.  I'm amazed we haven't seen some ankle slapping going on more often.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 13, 2011, 11:15 PM
I dunno, that massive Vancouver outburst in Boston might have the Bruins worried.  Geez, they doubled their previous output from the other two Boston home games...
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 14, 2011, 11:47 AM
Rumor is that the Wild will get two games against the Manitobahs (home and road)...  hoping to make it to one of them for sure.

Re: Game 7.  Looking forward to seeing how this one plays out... also looking to see which team will make more stupid penalties - at this point it sure looks like one of them will do something stupid, give up a power-play goal and lose 1-0 in Vancouver.  :-X
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 14, 2011, 12:05 PM
Rumor is that the Wild will get two games against the Manitobahs (home and road)...  hoping to make it to one of them for sure.

Re: Game 7.  Looking forward to seeing how this one plays out... also looking to see which team will make more stupid penalties - at this point it sure looks like one of them will do something stupid, give up a power-play goal and lose 1-0 in Vancouver.  :-X

I thought we got only one game, home OR away, against teams from the other conference?  I'm hearing we're playing out of the SE this year, so other side from MN? 

As for game seven I'm expecting an overtime 1-0 win. 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 14, 2011, 12:29 PM
I thought we got only one game, home OR away, against teams from the other conference?

The schedule allows for you to get a "home and road" with three teams from the opposite conference.  Last year our three East teams were NYR (home and road), CAR (two games played in Finland), and TBL (home and road).

24 = Six games against each of your divison teams
40 = Four games against each of the rest of your conference teams
18 = games against opposing conference - 1x each team, a second game against select three teams

There is some method to the madness for which teams you get (though the NHL doesn't fess up to it).  Example, we got NYR twice last year due to the Gaborik/Boogaard connection.

For Canuckia teams, the extra three games are almost always against the Canadian teams.  So, VAN, EDM, CGY all get to play twice against TOR, MTL, OTT every year.  I am guessing that since you guys are being added to the mix, they are adding us into that mix to balance things out at eight teams instead of seven. 

Or maybe it's just dumb luck since we were 'supposed' to play ATL twice next year and it just worked out?
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 14, 2011, 02:19 PM
Ah, interesting, thank you for the explanation.  Adding the Wild makes sense since you guys are Canadian and just don't know it. 

That's also very cool news going forward too because Toronto and Montreal are going to be huge draws in Winnipeg.  Prior to the Jets arriving in the WHA most kids grew up cheering for an original six team, most often one of those two.  When the Jets left most people adopted other Canadian teams to cheer for, so the Flames, Oilers or Canucks.  That makes next season good for offloading tickets.  But I am going to really enjoy our one year in the east with a couple of games against the Pens and three against the Caps at home.  Should be fun. 

It's interesting to see how many nuances I'm now missing in scheduling and other league stuff.  It will be entertaining learning all this stuff when it matters to "my" team.   :)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: DSJ™ on June 15, 2011, 12:22 PM
Win or loose, Vancouver will riot... that is all... kak! 
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 15, 2011, 10:51 PM
Congrats to the Bruins.  Didn't I pick that from the start?  ;)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 15, 2011, 10:52 PM
Congrats to the Bruins and to Jesse for seeing them get a cup...  Cool beans man.

Good game.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 15, 2011, 11:00 PM
I'm happy that they did it... and a shut out on the road no less.

I've had a soft spot for the old guy finally getting the championship at the end of a great career - Ray Bourque, Dave Andreychuk, Jason Kidd ( :) ).

I'm glad it went down this way - for Thomas too, the guy was phenomenal.   
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Morgbug on June 16, 2011, 12:41 AM
Win or loose, Vancouver will riot... that is all... kak!

Nice call.  Idiots abound in Vancouver right now  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 16, 2011, 01:51 AM
No coverage here of what's going on in Vancouver.  I'd kind of like to see.  I hate seeing people rioting over ****...  Light a couch on fire?  OK, fine...  Especially in college towns.  But when it gets to fighting, tipping people's cars, damaging people's property...  bleh.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: DSJ™ on June 16, 2011, 03:04 AM
Win or loose, Vancouver will riot... that is all... kak!

Nice call.  Idiots abound in Vancouver right now  ::)

PMSL... yeah no matter what happens, they are all numpty's... happened before, happened again & will happen in the future..  ::)
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 16, 2011, 03:09 AM
Wow, I've been waiting a long time to see the Bruins win the Cup, it's pretty sweet.  What can you say about Thomas?  Just amazing.

I just wish the yahoos in downtown Vancouver wouldn't tarnish what that team did for the city, they should be damn proud of them.  That being said, it's not the fans that usually start this ****, it's the morons that are there just to cause problems.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on June 16, 2011, 07:27 AM
I guess the "everybody gets a Trophy" syndrome that has taken over youth sports has finally made it to professional sports.  Now everybody gets to riot even if they lose.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jeff on June 16, 2011, 10:44 AM
Looking through some of the riot coverage (http://live.theprovince.com/Event/Game_7_On_the_streets?Page=0), I'm really glad these dumbasses did not win the cup.  ::)

Sorry Canada, better luck next time.  Congrats to the Bruins and their fans.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: McMetal on June 16, 2011, 11:36 AM
So was anyone disappointed Vancouver lost?

I have been around enough obnoxious people from Boston to never be able to root for any of their teams again. That is one spoiled-ass sports town. That fan base can really be insufferable.

I really wanted to see the Cup back in Canada for a change. Felt a little sad for them today.
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Rob on June 16, 2011, 12:06 PM
Flash bang to the nuts:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9fd_1308208545
Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Paul on June 16, 2011, 01:42 PM
I would have liked Vancouver to win it, just as a Western Conference bias point of view.  Besides think of the Riot they could throw if they weren't so heartbroken.

I guess it is the Star Wars geek in my, but I love me some Riot Police Gear.

Title: Re: NHL 2010-2011 Regular Season
Post by: Jesse James on June 16, 2011, 09:00 PM
That video is great.