Nhl

[lensnart]

What's up with no NHL section. Where can Canadians go to profess their universal (except Toronto) disdain for the Leafs?

By the way I can't wait for this season, the Leafs look worse than ever, here's to hoping they can go another 65 years without a cup.

[Frontman]

Well, until Hockey can recover, it will be put with soccer, Olympics, gymnastics, and curling.

Hell, even Tiger Woods gets no love, man. And he made more money this year than a dozen hockey teams! ;)

[theanalogkid]

I made more money than some hockey teams and I am still recovering from my strokes!

[Konmel]

I should try to find out if the Stanley Cup is on display in Anaheim and check it out while I have the chance. I wonder if I already missed my chance and it is now being passed on from player to player. How long does a player usually get to hang onto the Cup?

[Psylockeslover]

Each player gets 1 day with the cup. A pretty sweet tradition, if you ask me.

[Frontman]

Each player gets 1 day with the cup. A pretty sweet tradition, if you ask me.

That truly is the best tradition for a championship trophy.

I do like the fact that baseball has two trophies. One that the owner gets (and keeps) and one for the team, which then can be used for charity work and the like. Because of that, I got to see (and unoffically, touch) the World Series trophy.

And it would of been freakin' sweet for a baseball player to get to keep the WS trophy for a day.

[Obsidian3d]

Hell yeah, we need a place to trash the Leafs! I mean, isn't that what being a hockey fan is all about?!

[JGonspy]

Hell yeah, we need a place to trash the Leafs! I mean, isn't that what being a hockey fan is all about?!

My plan is to go to a bar here in downtown Toronto on the night of the first game. Two minutes after the puck is dropped, I'm going to say "Oh well, better luck next year."

That is the condition of a Leafs fan. Oh, and also: Go Leafs Go!

[iameleveneight]

I may be a horrible person, but I have to say that I'm glad Bill Wirtz is dead. Best thing to happen to the Blackhawks in about 20 years.

[Frontman]

I may be a horrible person, but I have to say that I'm glad Bill Wirtz is dead. Best thing to happen to the Blackhawks in about 20 years.

I'll at least give you credit for waiting 24 hours before typing it. Some morons on the radio yesterday were basically celebrating the man's passing, which is a bit much.

[iameleveneight]

I'll at least give you credit for waiting 24 hours before typing it. Some morons on the radio yesterday were basically celebrating the man's passing, which is a bit much.

Ehh, I know LOTS of people who are like that. Unfortunately, its the day most of us Blackhawks fans have been waiting for because they couldn't progress while he was still alive and god knows he'd never sell the team.

Yeah, hes really a good man and done a lot for the sport in his time, but he put the Hawks into a steed downward spiral mainly because hes cheap, stubborn, and obsolete. Its sad but its what the team needs, now hopefully his son is either smart enough to change things or to sell off the team. Its sad when I get to the point that I'm contemplating writing the team off, but this at least gives me hope now that they're under new leadership.

[lensnart]

The leafs are even worse than I hoped. I love watching the clueless players talk about how they need to play to their potential to win games after every loss. It is great knowing that they are playing to potential right now, but they are just not an NHL quality team.

HA HA stupid Leafs

[RCricket55]

Go Flyers...anyone else suprised by them??

[lensnart]

I think everyone else is surprised by them, they really didn't change that much to be this much better, even with Gagne injured. I am also pleasantly surprised by the Canadians.

[Frontman]

I'm still enjoying the occassional Blackhawk home game. Its so.....alien of a concept.

[NeoShazam]

I'm still enjoying the occassional Blackhawk home game. Its so.....alien of a concept.

Yeah they spanked the Lightning tonight. And that goal by Toews that was on the highlights early in the year was amazing. Got some young talent in Toews, Sharp , and Kane.

[iameleveneight]

I'm still enjoying the occassional Blackhawk home game. Its so.....alien of a concept.

Tell me about it. I feel like its Bizarro world or something.

[houdinimachine]

All is right in the world as long as the Blues keep staying competitive with the Blackhawks. ;)

[Iron Man 49]

My Islanders aren't sucking.

I love you, Rick DiPietro.

If we can lock up Gervais long term and re-sign Joe Vasichek and The Tank cheaply, we'll just need to buy an actual first line. :cool:

[NeoShazam]

Game of the week 2 weeks ago was good. 1-0 win by Dallas over Detroit.
The intensity is picking up and things are getting exciting.

[Iron Man 49]

Roll On, mighty Islanders.

[pxb006]

Not sure what the Blue Jackets were thinking. They actually had a chance to make the playoffs (granted, a weak chance), and they trade veterans away for prospects. When is this team ever going to get it together?

[rouge2]

Not sure what the Blue Jackets were thinking. They actually had a chance to make the playoffs (granted, a weak chance), and they trade veterans away for prospects. When is this team ever going to get it together?

Hey, we'll take Fedorov. We needed a vet to hang on a line with Semin and break him of some bad habits. Go Caps!

[NeoShazam]

Playoff time. Go Pens !

[BudPalmer]

Let's go Flyers!

[Superfro]

Let's go Flyers!

Word. Vancouver is my first choice, but the Flyers are right there behind them. (They're actually the team that got me into hockey in the first place, not even sure how anymore.) :cheeky:

Pens vs. Flyers is going to be sick. Can't wait! :cool:

[BudPalmer]

The Flyers have a long road ahead of them. They have to beat the Pens and the refs. I'd just hate to see them win only to be swept by Detroit again. I just don't think I could take that again.:disappoin

[lensnart]

The Flyers are not skilled enough to beat the Pens, If they can take two games I will be surprised. Crosby and Malkin are way too much for the Flyers.

[NeoShazam]

Flyers have shown their skills in the playoffs, all I saw in preseason and regular season was gooniness.

I like Mike Richards , but Briere needs to be knocked around. Go Pens and Stars !

[BudPalmer]

The Flyers are not skilled enough to beat the Pens, If they can take two games I will be surprised. Crosby and Malkin are way too much for the Flyers.

OK.

The Flyers games agains the Penguins in the regular season (too lazy to give dates):

W 3-1
W 5-2
W 8-2
W 4-3
L 3-4 This was durring the Flyer's slump where they almost didn't make
L 7-1 it into the play-offs
L 4-2
W 2-0


The Flyers scored 30 goals to the Penguins 18. I know the regular season doesn't mean much what with the Flyers losing every game to Montreal but to say the Pens are too much for the Flyers to handle is silly.

What changed? The Pens gave up young talent for Hossa. Why would they have issues dealing with them now (you know, other than every call going against the Flyers!)?

[lensnart]

What changed is Crosby is as close to 100% as he has been all season, and the Penguins are playing some fantastic hockey in the playoffs. During the season these kids matured a ton and they learned to play and win without Sidney, now that he is back they are unstoppable. Also giving up young talent for a fantastic player like Hossa helps the Pens right now, maybe if this series lasted two years that deal would hurt them, but right now it makes them more than the Flyers can handle.

It is also a bad sign that you are already making excuses that the refs are going to make Philly lose this series, I don't think even you think the Flyers can really win it.

[NeoShazam]

What changed is Malkin has turned into a Power forward and Hossa has kicked off the playoff disappointment moniker. Plus Fluery is on a hot streak in the net.

[hail_eris]

Flyers fans need to embrace their inner Hextalls (http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/clips/15205/&ref=rss). Your team might not bring home the Cup, but they're going to knock the daylights out of the opposition. Man, do I miss the goon line that the Blackhawks had back when Probert and Manson were playing...

[Superfro]

Flyers fans need to embrace their inner Hextalls (http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/clips/15205/&ref=rss). Your team might not bring home the Cup, but they're going to knock the daylights out of the opposition. Man, do I miss the goon line that the Blackhawks had back when Probert and Manson were playing...

:laugh:

As long as winning comes at a price, I'd be ok with the Pens moving on. :p

I'm super excited for the series to start.

[BudPalmer]

It is also a bad sign that you are already making excuses that the refs are going to make Philly lose this series, I don't think even you think the Flyers can really win it.

You misunderstand. I'm not making excuses. I just wish they disn't have to deal with the calls going the way they do whenever the Flyers play the Penguins. The good news is that it went that way the whole season and it didn't hurt too much. :nervous:

What changed is Malkin has turned into a Power forward and Hossa has kicked off the playoff disappointment moniker. Plus Fluery is on a hot streak in the net.

I'm still not sold on Hossa. Too bad the Flyers don't have a hot goalie right now, huh? :rolleyes:

[Frontman]

The Blackhawks announced today that they are bringing back the voice of Blackhawk hockey for 22 years, Pat Foley.

[NeoShazam]

I'm still not sold on Hossa. Too bad the Flyers don't have a hot goalie right now, huh? :rolleyes:

Yeah he's been good. But I've only seen 1 clean Briere goal, the others seem to be where he gets lost down low on powerplays. Umberger and Upshall have been the people pulling the flyers through.

Pens will get it done.

[BudPalmer]

The Flyers do have three solid lines that can score now that Umberger has been dropped to the third line (Imagine if Gagne was healthy!). It should be a great series. Dallas/Detroit should be fun to watch as well.

[NeoShazam]

The Flyers do have three solid lines that can score now that Umberger has been dropped to the third line (Imagine if Gagne was healthy!). It should be a great series. Dallas/Detroit should be fun to watch as well.

Agreed.

You think the Flyers/Pens will be referees giving the game away ? This 1st period @ Detroit is ridiculous. Detroit gets so many breaks at home it makes me think the refs are on the take.

[BudPalmer]

Home Ice Advantage was in full swing tonight. I mean last night.

[NeoShazam]

1-0 Pens. Game 2 Tonight !

[BudPalmer]

Yeah, yeah. :nervous:

[NeoShazam]

2-0 Pens. Richards is a beast, but Briere is playing like I expected him to.

[BudPalmer]

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong. The Pens seem to be too much for the Flyers. It would be great if their defensemen weren't dropping like flies too!

[Superfro]

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong. The Pens seem to be too much for the Flyers. It would be great if their defensemen weren't dropping like flies too!

Even when the Pens are not getting goals that they totally should've. That one in the first period last night by Crosby was totally a goal. It was on the edge of the line when the glove covered it, and even then it still continued to move into the net. Apparently the laws of physics are not used in looking at the video tape review. If they can't see it, it didn't happen. :cheeky:

[BudPalmer]

Even when the Pens are not getting goals that they totally should've. That one in the first period last night by Crosby was totally a goal. It was on the edge of the line when the glove covered it, and even then it still continued to move into the net. Apparently the laws of physics are not used in looking at the video tape review. If they can't see it, it didn't happen. :cheeky:


I completely agree with you. There was no question about that. But the rules are set up that you need video proof and Biron's glove kept them from getting it. It was the ref's fault for calling it a no-goal.

[NeoShazam]

Stanley Cup Finals :
# 2 Pittsburgh Penguins @ #1 Detroit Red Wings

Lets go Penguins !

I'm expecting a huge upset, Pens in 5.

[DeadpoolDX]

wish Biron played this good when he was with the Sabres

[theanalogkid]

Yay Wings!

[theanalogkid]

2 Down, 2 to go.:cool:

[NeoShazam]

2 Down, 2 to go.:cool:

Your one of the small % of people enjoying the games. Game 2 was horrible for any non Detroit fan, so boring.

Go Go Pittsburgh !

[theanalogkid]

Your one of the small % of people enjoying the games. Game 2 was horrible for any non Detroit fan, so boring.

Go Go Pittsburgh !


True. I make no apologies in liking them. It is nice to see Detroit learning from past playoffs and playing, good solid defense. I am sure the Pens will win 1 in Pittsburg but I still have the Wings in 5.

[NeoShazam]

Take that Detroit !

This game was like a zillion times more exciting than the first two combined. Detroit actually had to come out of their shell and play.

[theanalogkid]

3 down, 1 to go. Another great game. I am glad we are not in the same conference, I would hate to play the Pens in the regular season.

[NeoShazam]

It was a good game, better than games 1 and 2.

It was aggravating to watch Malkin and the penguins struggle on the Power Play where they didn't enter the zone for over a minute and didn't even get a shot. And then struggling to enter the zone on a 5 on 3 is unexcusable.

[theanalogkid]

It was a good game, better than games 1 and 2.

It was aggravating to watch Malkin and the penguins struggle on the Power Play where they didn't enter the zone for over a minute and didn't even get a shot. And then struggling to enter the zone on a 5 on 3 is unexcusable.


That was the turning point in the game I thought. Will the Pens get chippy with their backs to the wall?

[NeoShazam]

That was the turning point in the game I thought. Will the Pens get chippy with their backs to the wall?

They've been chippy, but in the wrong way.

Detroit has been dirty on the puck and haven't been called much. Pittsburgh has been dirty away from the puck and haven't been called much. Its annoying that they don't want the teams to fight...I think it'd actually start settling things down instead of this uneasy state of random punches and after play skirmishes and late hits.

Zetterberg and Lidstrom are amazing ( as well as Datsyuk ), the rest of the team I don't really like.

EDIT : And Mike Babcock is a good coach.

[theanalogkid]

They've been chippy, but in the wrong way.

Detroit has been dirty on the puck and haven't been called much. Pittsburgh has been dirty away from the puck and haven't been called much. Its annoying that they don't want the teams to fight...I think it'd actually start settling things down instead of this uneasy state of random punches and after play skirmishes and late hits.

Zetterberg and Lidstrom are amazing ( as well as Datsyuk ), the rest of the team I don't really like.

EDIT : And Mike Babcock is a good coach.


Didn't they call obstuction against the Wings lat night? I am just worried about any cheap shots. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Pens win Game 5 like Dallas did.

[NeoShazam]

Didn't they call obstuction against the Wings lat night? I am just worried about any cheap shots. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Pens win Game 5 like Dallas did.

Yeah, later in the game they finally started to call them...particularly on rafalski and lebda. Earlier in the game though there was quite a few early hits anticipating the puck that could've been interference, boarding, roughing , or charging. Nastiest one was on Maxime Talbot by Drake...puck was about 6 feet away from him coming at him and he got drilled into the boards from a very dangerous position. I don't understand a lot of the non-calls because the puck is within 6 feet or so.

Cleary shooting the stick at Crosby was pretty gross too, watching it live it seemed accidental but replay shows otherwise.

If Pittsburgh wins Game 5, Detroit better win game 6 or they'll get rolled up.

[NeoShazam]

Before this Game 5 ends, I think its ridiculous that Detroit has only been called for 2 penalties.

The league said they were gonna call more interference/obstruction penalties to break up the trap and obviously that hasn't happened to Detroit at all in this series.

[technohead]

2 ot's this is great freakin game to watch... Lets go Wings..

[NeoShazam]

Yessss !!!! Pittsburgh !

[Superfro]

I had my Clix tourney and was thinking I was going to miss the game. :cheeky:

Awesome stuff!

[NeoShazam]

sassa frassa detroit.

Refs and the NHL continue to drive me crazy with calls/non-calls.

Exciting 2 last games to what was otherwise a horribly boring series.

[musashi77777]

WWWIIIIIIIIINGGGSSSSS!!!!

Great series in the end by Pittsburgh, though. For you Penguin fans out there - your time is coming.

But in the meantime.... :)

[Iron Man 49]

Next: The Rebuild on the Island ramps up to take Stanley Home.

Nikita Filatov = Mike Bossy

[theanalogkid]

Good game. You still almost pulled it off.

[Iron Man 49]

Next: The Rebuild on the Island ramps up to take Stanley Home.

Nikita Filatov = Mike Bossy

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0620,0,2848258.story

If chalk holds and Filatov is the player falls to the Islanders, the Russian said they won't have to worry about signing him.

"I finish my contract [with his former CSKA team]," Filatov said, "and I refused a new one." '

and NOW I'm excited. :classic:

[theanalogkid]

Sorry about the poach on Hossa. Barring injury, we should be loaded for bear again this year.

[NeoShazam]

Yeah, in a sense Pitt seems to be coming apart. The closest team to me (Tampa Bay Lightning ) have really changed and I like the pickups of Malone, but Roberts and Kolzig seem like really bizarre additions.

Chicago Blackhawks got exciting in a hurry and I think them and Phoenix will play meaningful hockey this year to get into the playoffs.

[theanalogkid]

I agree. If Phoenix's draft picks work out, they will be a playoff calibre team.

[NeoShazam]

After yesterday, I really have to give up it up to San Jose...jeez !

[BudPalmer]

I agree. If Phoenix's draft picks work out, they will be a playoff calibre team.

As my favorite west cost team, I hope you're right. I miss them in the playoffs (ah, the good old days of '97).

[Iron Man 49]

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

Otherwise, bad men do bad things. :eek:

[NeoShazam]

I didn't know Doug Weight could do that. He's been an assist guy for a decade.

[Iron Man 49]

I didn't know Doug Weight could do that.

Neither did Brandon Sutter. :devious:

[Frontman]

I didn't agree with the firing of Dennis Sevard (why 4 games in? That just didn't make sense) but the move so far has worked. The 'Hawks look like a completely different team now; even though they lost last night in a shootout.

[BudPalmer]

The Flyers won... twice! (Hope that isn't the last time I'll be able to post that!)

[Ouchmaker]

So, who do you think is going to make it to the playoffs? And who's going to get left crying on the outside?

[BudPalmer]

I'd love to see the Pens get knocked out but after seeing that game between them and the Rangers, it's pretty clear that the Pens are a LOCK. It really is a shame when officials decide a game.


I don't see too much changing from the current teams though I wouldn't be shocked to see Florida sneak in at the Ranger's expense.

[Ouchmaker]

As a Penguins fan I'm happy to see them (most likely) make the playoffs, but fear that any team in the current top four in the eastern conference is going to go on top against them on the first round, even the Flyers.

I know it's a long shot, but given their last shutout game against Calgary, I'm hoping to see Minnesota clinch the final spot in the western conference. Just hoping that it's not Anaheim that loses their spot in the end.

Atleast there's Finns in the playoffs again this year.

[Ouchmaker]

Two games in, and the Penguins have won them both. Yeah!

Hopefully Calgary and Montreal manage to tie up in the next game.

[lensnart]

I hope I'm wrong but honestly I don't see the Flames or the Habs making it to round two. If I had to bet right now I would say Chicago versus Pittsburgh in the final.

Shutting down Washington means shutting down one guy (it is hard but it can be done), Detroit doesn't have the goaltending this year (I hope), Boston had a padded record playing in a terrible division and will come back down to earth in the playoffs (I hope), San Jose is San Jose. Vancouver is scary but being from Calgary I hate them too much to admit that they have a chance, Calgary aren't going to realize that they need to put winning lines back together before it is too late and they're missing some key players like Regehr, Philly are already behind the 8-ball and not coming back.

[BudPalmer]

Yup, Flyers are done and I expect Coach Stevens isn't too far behind. Someone has to pay and the coach is usually the first.

[Ouchmaker]

Western Division

I hope Ducks will win against the Sharks, but you never know how well Nabokov can play. He could end up shutting the Ducks.

As much as it would be great to see Columbus beat Detroit, I feel they still lack the experience in the Playoffs, and Detroit will prevail.

Vancouver is going strong, and despite their efforts, I don't think the Blues can come on top.

As much as I would like to see the Flames win, the 'hawks are a tough team. This one could go either way.

Ducks or Sharks against Detroit, Detroit will be tough to defeat, Sharks would have better chances against them.

Vancouver against Chicago or Calgary, Vancouver would have what it takes this year.

Detroit vs Vancouver, Canucks might go with a surprise victory. Against Sharks, same thing.

Eastern Conference:

Boston vs Montreal. Montreal just doesn't have what it takes. But they're going to fight for it.

Washington will make it tough, this one might go either way. Rangers might come on top though.

Devils vs Carolina, a battle of the goalies, hopefully ends with Carolina winning.

Pittsburgh against Flyers, Pittsburgh is going to win, eventually.

Boston vs Washington or Rangers, Boston will have the team better together, but you never know.

Pittsburgh vs Carolina or Devils, either way it's about Penguins offense beating the goalie. Tougher time against Carolina.

Boston against Carolina, Boston will win. Against Penguins, Penguins might be better.

Final: Vancouver/Detroit against Pittsburgh/Boston

Although a lot can change during the second matches tonight.

[phantalien]

Look at this headline!

Satan in, Sykora out for Game 5

I knew the devil was working with Pittsburgh! Too bad it didn't get Crosby rookie of the year.

[BudPalmer]

Oh good. The Flyers wanted to bring the heart-break home. Now their fans can suffer closer to home!

[The Vision]

Go Flames!!!!

[Superfro]

Oh good. The Flyers wanted to bring the heart-break home. Now their fans can suffer closer to home!

:cry:

It started off good......:angry:

Oh well....at least I still have Vancouver to root for. :cool: (And ultimately dreaming of a Chicago/Vancouver matchup as I would definitely get to a game!)

[BudPalmer]

Well Carolina still has a butt-load of former Flyers on board. And they managed to force a game 7.

[Superfro]

NJ can eat it. I hope the Canes take it. :cool:

[theanalogkid]

I can't believe I have to root for the Sharks to win. I don't want the Ducks in the second round. The West Coast is death for Michigan teams (just ask my beloved Wolverines). I'd rather take the chance the Sharks get knocked out in the second round or face them in the conference finals.

[Superfro]

NJ can eat it. I hope the Canes take it. :cool:

Big props to Brodeur for totally eating it tonight and losing it all in the last 30 seconds of play. The crowd reaction was hysterical! Everyone in the arena either had their hands on their head or were flipping the bird. AWESOME! :laugh:

In other news...Chicago/Vancouver is a go!! Time to see what game I can get too. AWESOME x 100! :cool:

[BudPalmer]

I'm backing the Canes from here on out (if they like it or not!)!

[Ouchmaker]

Well, it was a arther anticlimatic ending to a spectacular series, but I'm happy to see the Pens victorious.

Tonight is probably not going to disappoint, I'm hoping for the Canes to win and fear for the Wings to win as well.

[theanalogkid]

No more West Coast trips for my Wings! More proof that we belong in the Eastern Conference anyway.

[theanalogkid]

Nice to see al you Pen fans fans again. Lets have a good, clean series.

[batfink]

Go Pens!
filler

[hail_eris]

Detroit, Pittsburgh Both Attempting To Lose Stanley Cup, Avoid Expensive Victory Parade (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/detroit_pittsburgh_both_attempting?utm_source=a-section)

One of the more entertaining commentaries on the state of two post-industrial American cities that I've read...

[Ouchmaker]

It's going to be an exciting 5th game as we're tied for two.

[theanalogkid]

Detroit, Pittsburgh Both Attempting To Lose Stanley Cup, Avoid Expensive Victory Parade (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/detroit_pittsburgh_both_attempting?utm_source=a-section)

One of the more entertaining commentaries on the state of two post-industrial American cities that I've read...

I had to check to made sure it was fake.

[Harpua]

Sweet Christmas...what a game.

Go Pens!

[Ouchmaker]

YYEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is all.

[theanalogkid]

Congrats to all the Pens fans. It was an exciting series.

[DeadpoolDX]

Let's Go Sabres!