NHL 2008-2009 Season Thread

[El Fangel]

Ok boys, we gots a little under month before the puck drops in Prague for the Lightning vs The Rangers.

Make your team clear in advance, who is going to take the cup this year.

Thoughts so far?

[El Fangel]

To be quite honest, my most anticipated thing going into the season is seeing how the Leafs do this year, some big changes made.

[Gertner]

Red Wings are the team to beat and my pick to repeat this year vs the Pittsburgh Penguins in a rematch.

[Mayo]

Pittsburgh lost a lot of players in Malone, Roberts, Hossa. Still think they have an awesome team though, and I dont know if anyone can really challenge them in the East. Maybe the Habs if Price really comes into his own this year :$

Detroit definitely in the West (and overall).

[Gertner]

i would say Tampa if they didn't have such a suspect defence. Pittsburgh did add Satan and Fedotenko which should soften the blow.

Montreal is too soft. They have the same problem as Ottawa. It's fine and dandy to add Big George, but if your star players are soft you can't win

[El Fangel]

Man, Pittsburgh was a power-house at the end of the playoffs, my prediction is they dont make the playoffs this year.

[LoDownM]

My predicition is FA and me will not be on speaking terms in a month :mad:

[Gertner]

Man, Pittsburgh was a power-house at the end of the playoffs, my prediction is they dont make the playoffs this year.
how the hell aren't they gonna make the playoffs in the weak east

[El Fangel]

how the hell aren't they gonna make the playoffs in the weak east

Pittsburgh lost a lot of players in Malone, Roberts, Hossa.

[El Fangel]

My predicition is FA and me will not be on speaking terms in a month :mad:

We are now?

[LoDownM]

Doing the offseason yes...Do you not remember the post?

We got replacements for Malone and Roberts. Hossa was a big loss, but i'm pretty sure we can make a run again without him, only played 3/4's the season without him and still did good.

[El Fangel]

Nah, they will make playoffs, im just fucking with ya :love:

[Gertner]

How is a roster with satan, crosby, malkin, fedotenko, whitney, fleury, gonchar, sykora,talbot, orpik, staal not good enough to kae the playoffs in the weak East?

[Gertner]

lol i was gonna say

[Blitz]

It's Detroit's cup to lose.

[Zen v.W.o.]

i would say Tampa if they didn't have such a suspect defence. Pittsburgh did add Satan and Fedotenko which should soften the blow.

Montreal is too soft. They have the same problem as Ottawa. It's fine and dandy to add Big George, but if your star players are soft you can't win

Detroit....and dont tell me their star players arent soft..Datsyuk owns that lady byng.

Habs have enough grit after the top lines anyway to compete on that level, and adding Goerge will make everyone play that much bigger and tougher.

Komi should have an exceptional season.

[Gertner]

Zetterberg is tough, franzen is tough, datsyuk showed that he's willing to go itno corners

[Zen v.W.o.]

They are hardly tough at all. Holmstrom is their "toughest" name player, for his crease work, which is among the best in the league.

But that team overall is one of, if not, the weakest in the league in terms of toughness and grit. No doubt.

They just have so much chemistry, work ethic, skill and great coaching it doesnt matter as much.

[Gertner]

Franzen is very tough. Being from the Detroit era I've had to watch alot of their games, and they certainly don't get their credit for being tough.

[YOUR Hero]

Did Sundin meet with the Habs today?

[El Fangel]

How is a roster with Satan, not good enough to kae the playoffs in the weak East?
:lol:

[Gertner]

i think Sundin is gonna pull a Nidermayer and come back mid season

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Hopefully the Wild won't bottle it this season in the playoffs... and Gaborik stays healthy.

[Gertner]

Problem is, the Wild didn't really do anything in the off season except lose Rolston

[Gertner]

The Wild need James Sheppard to take another step this season because the Wild lack a second line centerman. Zidlicky will help the PP, but he is sometime lax defensivly

[Zen v.W.o.]

Did Sundin meet with the Habs today?

Yeah he did. A courtesy call so to speak, or as others have put it. But it was all over Montreal sports radio today. Gainey trying to convince him one last time to hurry up and make his decision.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Problem is, the Wild didn't really do anything in the off season except lose Rolston

We got Brunette back, which is always a good thing. But I do think Wild will be weaker this season without Rolston and Demitra. And Owen Nolan hasn't exactly been a prolific goal scorer in recent years. And Gaborik's inability to stay healthy doesn't exactly help us offensively, either.

[Gertner]

A second line centerman and you guys should be fine. I really like Sheppard and I expect a jump to between 35-45 points. Move Boog's up to the second line

[LoDownM]

This should be stickied since the season starts tomorrow. And I cannot wait.

[weather vane]

woooooooooop

[SammyG]

The Los Angeles Kings will win the Stanley Cup.

[Kapoutman]

I'm hoping the Habs will make it all the way to the cup this year. Their pre-season has been pretty good and I think they only got better with the players they added.

[El Fangel]

3 hours 40 mins

[LoDownM]

I'll feel bad for Tampa Bay if they don't make the playoffs this year. All those offseason moves and no results.

Also, fuck Ottawa :mad:

[El Fangel]

Stamkos was a bit underwhelming, 8 mins 25 seconds ice time, what is that shit.

[Gertner]

I said this a while ago to my friends. Tampa should never have taken Stamkos and went with Doughty. You can't play Jamie Heward 20 minutes a game and expect to win.

[weather vane]

lol noooo

[Mike the Metal Ed]

I don't keep up to date with the close season, so the start of the NHL season is always quite alien to me.

Looking forward to another season of owning the league but underpeforming in the playoffs with the Senators. Especially since the goaltending situation is far from solved.

[MCEazy]

fucking sharks :mad:

[Gertner]

Leafs beat the Wings. I've already got my lawnchair set up for the parade.

[Blitz]

What's more, they beat them because they actually played well :love:

[Blitz]

Return to form for the Leafs last night.

[El Fangel]

That was fucking sad to watch :(

[LoDownM]

Atleast if the season goes bad and the Leafs end up 1-81-0 you can say your one win was against the defending Cup Champs.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Love that Habs PP.

[El Fangel]

UFC 100 - Buffalo vs Islanders

[Gertner]

Godard just went with Cote in an epic fight!


Did anybody else see the Krys Barch vs Jared Boll fight? If not, youtube it because it was incredible.

[CSL]

Holy shit, Alex Cherepanov died during a game for Omsk just after a shift with Jagr. Fucking 19. Kid had skills :(

[LoDownM]

Crazy start to the season. Rangers 5-0. Avs, Ducks, and Flyers(Tho no one cares about them) all winless.

[Gertner]

Watching Florida vs Minny tonght to hopefully see my fav player Belak go with Boogaard.

[Gertner]

ONG BELAK BEAT UP BOOGAARD!!!!!!!!!!!

[El Fangel]

Wow, Brodeur with a shutout, who would have thought.

[U-Warrior]

How are the sabres doing this? Seriously, they look really good. Epecially on D. What the hell did they do in training camp to improvethis much.

Will prolly end against vancouver tho,since key players are injured already.

[El Fangel]

Know that since Hasek retired there is no longer ever going to be a one-man team for Buffalo, and they will have to pull their socks up and play hockey.

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Went to the Kings/Hurricanes game last night (tonight). Never been to one before. We were right up by the glass. It was pretty awesome. I have nothing of value to add.

[CSL]

Wade Belak of the lockout season Coventry Blaze :cool:

[Gertner]

Belak is amazing. We exchanged emails frequently. My friends and I are his fan club. Here's us at a game. I'm the "B"

[U-Warrior]

Sabres sill undefeated. Bills having the best start in over a decade.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!

[Kapoutman]

That must suck. Going undefeated like that only to lose to Atlanta.

[Mayo]

Briere out one month with abdominal strain that needs surgery.

And I have him in one of my pools :'(

[El Fangel]

Malkin is points leader FTW

[Splaya]

Went to the Wings game tonight.

Marian Hossa's goal was so sick. Lehtonen's jock was hanging from the top of the scoreboard

[Blitz]

Leafs beat the Sens :cool:

[Skippord]

Avs beat the Sabres :cool:

and I was there

[U-Warrior]

Only because we had injuries.

And I'm fairly certain Zelda went to the game and did something to make the sabres lose, as we are embroiled in somthing of a war, due to our respective team's current records.

I suspect she got seats behind the goal area, and flashed the sabres whenever they had a scoring oppurtunity.

At least I hope thats what she did, since I recorded it.

[Gertner]

Colorado is always going to be an injury prone team.

[Skippord]

Only because we had injuries.

And I'm fairly certain Zelda went to the game and did something to make the sabres lose, as we are embroiled in somthing of a war, due to our respective team's current records.

I suspect she got seats behind the goal area, and flashed the sabres whenever they had a scoring oppurtunity.

At least I hope thats what she did, since I recorded it.
Jordan Leopold blind luck goal :cool:

[El Fangel]

Back to fucking back shutouts for Thomas!!!!!!!!!!!


wooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[LoDownM]

Refs blew an icing call with 10 seconds left in the Pens/Sharks game which pretty much ruined any chance the Pens had at tieing it... Sharks dumped the puck from behind their blue line, went all the way down the ice and no call.

[El Fangel]

Still cants believe it, what a night

we had back to back shutouts from Thomas
a 7-0 game
and the pens losing to the sharks.

Next thing you'll see is Kaberle with the cup.

[El Fangel]

Leafs just scored twice in 2 mins to take a 5-4 lead :wow:

[El Fangel]

And just as I typed that. Parise tied it back up :(

[El Fangel]

Leafs win in shootout, what an intense game :)

[El Fangel]

Getzlaf with 5 fucking assists in a single game.

Hell yeah

[LoDownM]

I'm watching Tuesdays, The Hockey Show on NHL.com, and I must say Carrie Milbank is my new celeb crush :love:

http://www.atexansblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/carrie-3.jpg

:drool:

[El Fangel]

Oh god, I want her to tell me her fantasies all night long.


Fantasy scores I mean. :shifty:

[Zen v.W.o.]

Fuck she is hott.

Put her in a Habs jersey and she multiplies the hottness factor by 1000.

[LoDownM]

Wow, GG Leafs scoring 5 goals in the last, what 7 minutes?

[YOUR Hero]

Luongo with 3 shut outs in a row. 5 already on the season.

[Gertner]

Assume the position Habs fans.

[El Fangel]

What position, on top?

[Gertner]

bent over, grabbing your ankles.

[Blitz]

Hey Fallen Angel, remember how you were a Leafs fan, and then they had a few bad seasons and suddenly you liked a team that was doing good?

[El Fangel]

I like a canadian team that made it to the playoffs, but yeah I remember.

[Gertner]

Fallen Angel. Did you buy a Tampa Bay Rays jersey when they amde the playoffs?

[Mayo]

lol leave FA alone, hes already getting raped enough guys

[El Fangel]

Fallen Angel. Did you buy a Tampa Bay Rays jersey when they amde the playoffs?

Who the fuck are the devil rays?

lol leave FA alone, hes already getting raped enough guys

Yeah Luongo raped me bad, thankfully Price is dicking Spilchuk at the moment.

[Kapoutman]

Who the fuck are the devil rays?



Yeah Luongo raped me bad, thankfully Price is dicking Spilchuk at the moment.

LOL. Good job showing you don't know the team at all. He called them the "Tampa Bay Rays" and you called them "The Devil Rays". I think he might be on to you now.

[LoDownM]

lol. Good job FA.

[LoDownM]

Also, Jordan Stall > Red Wings.

[El Fangel]

LOL. Good job showing you don't know the team at all. He called them the "Tampa Bay Rays" and you called them "The Devil Rays". I think he might be on to you now.

lol. Good job FA.

I remember some team called the Devil Rays, maybe it was in a movie or something. If I remember correctly I think its a baseball team.

I rarely if ever watch baseball by the way.

[The Franchise]

Why does Ovechkin suck this year? He's on pace for 22 goals!

[Mayo]

Who the fuck are the devil rays?



Yeah Luongo raped me bad, thankfully Price is dicking Spilchuk at the moment.
Price got shelled tonight bud, don't speak too soon :p

[Gertner]

Why does Ovechkin suck this year? He's on pace for 22 goals!


Semin is doing all the scoring.

[LoDownM]

That save Sabourin made on Richards in the shoot out was amazing.

[MVP]

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh losing streak against Montreal is over. I love the Bruins right now. :love:

[ClockShot]

:rofl:

Lightning fire Barry Melrose after 16 games.

Probably will be back in Bristol begging for his old job pretty soon.

[El Fangel]

Fuck you Price, Fuck you.

I benched Thomas and the fucker won.

[weather vane]

MILAN LUCIC

[El Fangel]

AND CHONG

[Gertner]

ugh. Toskala's rebound control is AWFUL

[IC Champion]

Toskala is awful.

[YOUR Hero]

Cujo will be the #1 pretty soon.

[Gertner]

That just makes me sad.

[El Fangel]

Where is the fucking NHL Forum?

Also Cujo was good about 5 years ago and he is soon to be Toronto's #1 goalie

Makes me sad.

[Gertner]

Cujo's # are worse than Toskala. He ain't getting the job

[Blitz]

Shawn Avery suspended indefinitely for calling Elisha Cuthbert sloppy seconds.

In far awesomer news, Brian Burke=New Leafs GM :cool:

[McLegend]

Shawn Avery is hilarious.

[Londoner]

Been getting into NHL a lot recently(the new ps2 nhl hockey game is great btw)we've got chicago v anaheim on live atm. Should be good.

[Gertner]

ugh it's "sean" ffs.

[Blitz]

It's actually "Faggot".

[BCWWF]

What did Sean Avery say? I was listening on the radio yesterday about how ridiculous it is that the NHL is suspending him for saying something off color. Without knowing what he said, I have to agree that suspending a player for comments that have nothing to do with hockey is ridiculous. Fine him, don't suspend.

Anyway, went to my first Wild game of the season last night. Fun game against the Blues. Never sat where I did before -- upper deck right on the end -- but it was a really good seat as they all are in that arena. The fans booed Gaborik when some promotion came on the scoreboard though, and I hope we can move him soon and get some value for him.

[YOUR Hero]

He said it was good to be back in Canada again. Then said he wondered why other hockey players (he was referring to Calgary's Dion Phaneuf) where dating his "Sloppy Seconds". You can probably YOUTUBE it by now.
He's been known to say off color things to players before but it was always his word against the players. This time he said it things to a news reporter. It's not just what he said in this instance, but because of his history of off colour comments, including an 'unproven' racial one to George Laraques, he's going to receive a suspension. Even his team mates say he deserves it and it sounds like the Dallas players would be quite happy if he never played for them again.

[YOUR Hero]

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[Gertner]

Avery is friggen awesome

[El Fangel]

All Hail King Malkin

[BCWWF]

Lol, what race is George Laraques, and what racism was said to him?

Anyway, I saw that Dallas players don't even really like him, but I think it's a terrible precident to suspend a guy for a non-hockey related, non-threatening comment. It's clearly a fineable offense, but suspension??

[LoDownM]

Jarkko Ruutu is a better player and "pest" than Avery is.

[El Fangel]

Lol, what race is George Laraques, and what racism was said to him?


Anyway, I saw that Dallas players don't even really like him, but I think it's a terrible precident to suspend a guy for a non-hockey related, non-threatening comment. It's clearly a fineable offense, but suspension??

He is black and the comment is self explanatory.

I really couldnt feel any happier, the guy is a douchebag who is eventually going to get banned from the NHL, or be on the free agent list forever because no team can put up with his shit.

[/color]

Jarrko Ruutu is a better player and "pest" than Avery is.\

True Story

[LoDownM]

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[LoDownM]

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[El Fangel]

What was the stick stuck on?

[Zen v.W.o.]

Tucker owns them all because his premeditated actions physically hurt people.

With Avery it's only words.


And words are all I have....

[The Franchise]

All Hail King Malkin

Yeah. I'm a huge Pens fan and Malkin/Crosby are HOT STUFF COMING THROUGH and Ruutu is just such a goon it's awesome.

Canucks are awesome too. :D

[El Fangel]

I have malkin in my fantasy pool. he is a fantasy...god [/jbl]

[Stickman]

Canucks are going all the way :P

[El Fangel]

Canucks are going all the way :P

Would be awesome, but they need Luongo back bad.

[Splaya]

Anyone know how much longer Alexander Semin is going to be out for the Caps

[Gertner]

annnnnnnd Belak beats up Boogaard again! :)

[El Fangel]

When the fuck is Thomas coming back? He had a cold he did not get shot!

[Kapoutman]

Claude Lemieux is the greatest example of what a pest should be. He kept it all on the ice. Dale Hunter is another good example. Avery is just an asshole who runs his mouth on and off the ice but rarely backs it up. He's like the idiot kid in school who tries to be mean but he's the only one to laugh at his own jokes. And as someone said, Ruutu is also a better pest than Avery.

[El Fangel]

I want to see Phaneuf and Avery fight so bad right now. I think Dallas will bench him against Calgary.

[LoDownM]

You know, if Scott Stevens had been playing last year, no one would know who Sean Avery was except for Ranger fans.

[El Fangel]

I am not saying this just because Malkin is points leader, but I think I have a new favorite player. (My old being Hasek) Very unlike me to like any skater and not a goalie as my favorite player.

Fuck Crosby!

[The Franchise]

Malkin is insane. On pace for 136 pts, Crosby is on pace for 124.

Also the Canucks aren't doing too hot lately. :(

[El Fangel]

Yeah, Luongo is the Brodeur of that team. However they are no Tampa Bay or Dallas Stars.

[El Fangel]

How many ways can you spell fuck up?

Shawn Avery
Montreal Canadians
Marty Turdco
Carolina

[Zen v.W.o.]

Well you did manage to misspell the first three names on your list.

[El Fangel]

1) You knew what I meant.
2) Who cares about Avery
3) Apologies to Habs
4) I didnt make a mistake on Turdco
5) Carolina sucked tonight

[LoDownM]

5) Carolina sucked tonight

Well, they lost in a shoot out, not like they lost 9-2.

[El Fangel]

They blew a 5-1 lead...

Also.

All Hail King Malkin and Prince Sykora

[LoDownM]

Come on now FA, no lead is safe in the NHL anymore.

[El Fangel]

Oh now, that 8-1 lead after 2 periods was in horrible danger. I know that.

[LoDownM]

Well, the Islanders suck tho, that one was safe. Plus, a 7 goal lead is much harder to come back from than a 4 goal lead.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, but still.

OK FINE

5) New York Islanders

[El Fangel]

Happy?

[Heyman]

Claude Lemieux is the greatest example of what a pest should be. He kept it all on the ice.

Although I loved Claude Lemieux as a player, I'll disagree with this comment. A few things:

A) Outside of the rink in the newspapers, Lemieux joked about mauling Draper's face in 1996. This was one reason why McCarty went after Lemieux so hard a year later.

B) Lemieux openly declared that he would be cheering Team USA back in 1998 when he was not selected to play in Nagano for the Olympics.

[Gertner]

1) You knew what I meant.
2) Who cares about Avery
3) Apologies to Habs
4) I didnt make a mistake on Turdco
5) Carolina sucked tonight

Yeah who cares about Avery? It's not like he's the most talked about person in the NHL right Now.:roll:

[El Fangel]

Yeah who cares about Avery? It's not like he's the most talked about person in the NHL right Now.:roll:

Its a fucking soap opera/drama, its a storyline to a game. I mean wrestling is more interesting when there is reason behind why people are in the ring.

This is just adding flavor to Dallas/Calgary games.

[Blitz]

Saw some random thing on Sportsnet tonight about Toronto possible trading Jason Blake to Dallas for Avery. Would slam my head against something very hard if this happens.

[Gertner]

Its a fucking soap opera/drama, its a storyline to a game. I mean wrestling is more interesting when there is reason behind why people are in the ring.

This is just adding flavor to Dallas/Calgary games.

lol yeah but the fact that you can't spell Avery's name right and blame it on that nobody cares about Avery is retarded.

[Gertner]

Saw some random thing on Sportsnet tonight about Toronto possible trading Jason Blake to Dallas for Avery. Would slam my head against something very hard if this happens.

It would make my friggen day to get Avery.

[El Fangel]

lol yeah but the fact that you can't spell Avery's name right and blame it on that nobody cares about Avery is retarded.

How many times do you see Sean and not Shawn.

Not knowing how to spell his name just goes to show that I dont care about him.

It will be a sad sad day in Toronto if they get the Dallas stars sloppy seconds.

[Gertner]

lol that's no excuse. By not knowing it's Sean and not Shawn shows how little of a fan you are. That and you're a bandwagon jumper.

[El Fangel]

I dont like Dallas, why would I pay attention. I am not an Avery fan, I dont have a favorite team right now, I guess if any it could be the pens, but since I hate Crosby and love Malkin its a love hate thing. How am I a bandwagon jumper by the way?

[Gertner]

There's a ton of teams I hate, but I know alot about them.

[Gertner]

I dont like Dallas, why would I pay attention. I am not an Avery fan, I dont have a favorite team right now, I guess if any it could be the pens, but since I hate Crosby and love Malkin its a love hate thing. How am I a bandwagon jumper by the way?

What happened to you loving the Leafs?

[El Fangel]

What happened to you loving the Leafs?

Not so much a fan as I would like to see them win, I would like to see any canadian team win for that matter. If they do good, but im not going to say I supported them from the start. I have merely commented that the leafs might do good this year, I never said I was rooting for them. If any American team were to win it I would prefer the Pens.

[El Fangel]

Apparently a decision will be made by or on the 15th.

I think Sundin is going to pull an Axl Rose TBH

[Blitz]

Fallen Angel you are such a ridiculous fair weather fan.

[LoDownM]

Fucking Flyers :mad:

[Gertner]

Philly is my team to come out of the East this year. If their defence can ho,d it together.

[El Fangel]

Fallen Angel you are such a ridiculous fair weather fan.

Doesnt being a fair-weather team constitute you cheering for them when they are doing good. If that truly is the case and since I dont have a favorite team so I cheer for canadian teams instead hoping they bring the cup home, isnt your logic a bit flawwed seeing as no canadian team is doing exceptionally good?

Fucking Flyers :mad:

Seriously, how? Thats all I got to say.

[LoDownM]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=398063

Looks like Avery's NHL career is over. I really doubt another team will pick him up.

[El Fangel]

Haha, I dont know if any team would pick him up because if they played Dallas the sloppy seconds chant would get rather annoying dontchatthink?

[Heyman]

Philly is my team to come out of the East this year. If their defence can ho,d it together.

To be honest, I'm not sure if I would go with Philly. Last year - they caught some superior teams (i.e. Montreal) off-guard. I'm not sure if that will happen again this year.

Boston look deadly but they always seem to choke when it matters most.

I'll probably be wrong but I think Pitsburgh will be the 1st team (in 8 years I believe) to come out of the East, back to back. If I recall correctly, the last team to do this was the New Jersey Devils back in 2001.

As far as the West goes, I can't see any other team coming out other than Detroit or San Jose.

If Luongo gets healthy AND if Sundin signs with the Canucks, then I would put the Canucks in that same category. Otherwise - it's between those two teams.

[Heyman]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=398063

Looks like Avery's NHL career is over. I really doubt another team will pick him up.


It's too bad. Avery is a decent player when focused. Last year was a good example of that. Unfortunately however, Avery will now carry *way* too much baggage...even for his standards. The only team that might pick up Avery would be the New York Rangers (since they are familar with him).

My guess is that if the Rangers traded someone (large salary) to Dallas for Avery, and then sent Avery down to the minors, they would have a chance at signing Sundin (Sundin would probably sign with NYR for a reasonable discount).

NYR is where Sundin's heart is. $$$ wise however, Vancouver is the only team that can afford him straight up.

[El Fangel]

Is there some type of rule that I havent heard of where older well-liked players go to finish out their careers in New York? I mean is it a rule to play there once?

Gretzky, Messier, Jagr and now possibly Sundin? Whats so great about the place?

Also as for my predicted matchup, is that Detroit and San Jose is Westren Conference Finals and Boston and Pittsburg in East

Now as for that, I think

San Jose vs Pittsburg - Pitts in 6
San Jose vs Boston - San Jose in 7
Detriot vs Pittsburg - Pitts in 7
Detroit vs Boston - Boston in 6

[Gertner]

To be honest, I'm not sure if I would go with Philly. Last year - they caught some superior teams (i.e. Montreal) off-guard. I'm not sure if that will happen again this year.

Boston look deadly but they always seem to choke when it matters most.

I'll probably be wrong but I think Pitsburgh will be the 1st team (in 8 years I believe) to come out of the East, back to back. If I recall correctly, the last team to do this was the New Jersey Devils back in 2001.

As far as the West goes, I can't see any other team coming out other than Detroit or San Jose.

If Luongo gets healthy AND if Sundin signs with the Canucks, then I would put the Canucks in that same category. Otherwise - it's between those two teams.

If Philly can add a d man, then I'd make them the fav out of the east. There are talks of JB coming from Florida to Philly.

[Splaya]

Is there some type of rule that I havent heard of where older well-liked players go to finish out their careers in New York? I mean is it a rule to play there once?

Gretzky, Messier, Jagr and now possibly Sundin? Whats so great about the place?

Also as for my predicted matchup, is that Detroit and San Jose is Westren Conference Finals and Boston and Pittsburg in East

Now as for that, I think

San Jose vs Pittsburg - Pitts in 6
San Jose vs Boston - San Jose in 7
Detriot vs Pittsburg - Pitts in 7
Detroit vs Boston - Boston in 6




Boston in 6 over Detroit eh...







HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Lara Emily]

If Philly can add a d man, then I'd make them the fav out of the east. There are talks of JB coming from Florida to Philly.


Biron is too all over the place, tbh there is no clear cut in the east other than maybe Boston right now.

[El Fangel]

Boston in 6 over Detroit eh...







HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Osgood/Conklin vs Thomas/Fernandez

[Zen v.W.o.]

Boston? They better hope they dont play the Habs.

[LoDownM]

So Sundin is a Canuck.

[Heyman]

SUNDIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blitz]

Fuck Sundin.

[El Fangel]

Fuck Sundin.

[El Fangel]

2G 2A 1 Power Play Point +3 Rating and 2 Penalty Mins

ALL HAIL KING MALKIN!

[The Franchise]

Fuck Sundin.

Fuck Sundin.

I'd like to add: Fuck Sundin!

[The Franchise]

He better not wear the C.

[SammyG]

That Avery stuff still makes me SO MAD. Why the fuck would someone not be allowed to play ever again for making a hilarious comment?

[Adder]

So when do you guys think we'll see Sundin suit up for the Canucks? I don't even know if he's in game shape.

[IC Champion]

NHL thinks it has an image to protect, mid you this is the same league that encourages fighting, and allows head shots.

Also, Gary Bettman.

[SammyG]

Image to protect. You pay that dude so much money to light people the fuck up and knock out their teeth and then you are going to suspend him for making a comment that most people found funny, and did not harm anyone really. Come on.

[IC Champion]

Hey, Im on your side here, Brett Hull is a tool.

[IC Champion]

And calling Gary Bettman a tool would be admitting he serves a function.

[SammyG]

Wasnt Brett Hull this amazing player for the St.Louis Blues? I used to watch a little hockey when I was growing up in Greece, don't remember too much though.

[LoDownM]

NHL thinks it has an image to protect, mid you this is the same league that encourages fighting, and allows head shots.

Also, Gary Bettman.

You're dumb. Neither of those are true. If fights were encouraged you wouldn't get a penalty for it.

[IC Champion]

Wasnt Brett Hull this amazing player for the St.Louis Blues? I used to watch a little hockey when I was growing up in Greece, don't remember too much though.

Yeah he was a great player, but a crap GM.

Gretzky was the greatest ever, and is a mediocre coach.

[IC Champion]

You're dumb. Neither of those are true. If fights were encouraged you wouldn't get a penalty for it.

It certainly doesn't discourage it. Otherwise you would get 10, and the game like in international play.

[SammyG]

Of course Gretzky is the best. He was an LA KING.

[El Fangel]

Yeah he was a great player, but a crap GM.

Gretzky was the greatest ever, and is a mediocre coach.

To his credit, he is coaching Phoenix, Hull is coaching Dallas (A former Stanley Cup Champion)

[LoDownM]

Hull is not coaching Dallas, he's Co-GM.

[El Fangel]

Train of thought mistake lol. Anyways you know what I meant.

[Gertner]

So Fallen Angel did you jump off the Pens bandwagon and back on the Leafs, because I thought I heard a big bang last night?

[weather vane]

milan lucic

[El Fangel]

Nope, I dont really want the pens to win, because you would never hear the end of how Saint Crosby brought the Stanley Cup to Nova Scotia for the first time.

I would however love to see the Leafs win this year just to laugh at Sundin

[Zen v.W.o.]

milan lucic

sucks.

[El Fangel]

Price did good tonight even though he lost.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

So it looks like the Wild have had a enough of Gaborik and trying to trade him to atlanta for Kovalchuk. Personally, I think this would be a good thing. Gabby can't stay healthy to save his life.

[YOUR Hero]

Why would ATL give up Kovalchuk? Especially for the often injured Gaborik.

[LoDownM]

Yeah, don't see that happening unless Kovalchuk really wants out of Atlanta.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, don't see that happening unless Kovalchuk really wants out of Atlanta.

Who wouldnt want out of Atlanta? First WCW Wrestlers, now NHL Hockey Players.

[LoDownM]

Because it's entirely impossible for someone to like the city they play in right? Just stop posting dumb shit like that.

[El Fangel]

Because it's entirely impossible for someone to like the city they play in right? Just stop posting dumb shit like that.

I feel your pain, Pitts lost to Toronto and Tampa, though no reason to take it out on me.

[Gertner]

Kovy is gonna get dealt by the deadline imo but NOT for Gaborik.

[YOUR Hero]

Canucks should go after him. Trade prospects and make a serious cup run.

[Heyman]

Canucks should go after him. Trade prospects and make a serious cup run.

Can the Canucks afford Kovalchuk's salary? Pro-rated, I think the Nucks can afford up to $6 million in cap space come trade deadline. Doesn't Kovalchuk make more than that?

Also - I would love to have Kovalchuk but he'd cost the Canucks are entire farm practically (i.e. Schneider, Hodgson, Suave, etc.).

I would rather the Canucks try and sign Shanahan (for just $$$$$) or go for a guy like Tomas Kaberle or Jay Bouwmeister. Since our blue line is very injury prone, those guys would give us depth back there.

[El Fangel]

Kaberle has not really been doing well since last year. Not sure picking him up would be a good idea.

[YOUR Hero]

Sedins, Sundin... this may be there only time together, they could all very well be gone after this season. Winning the Cup is what it's all about. Trying to hold prospects so you can make a run one day is foolish if you can do it now. There is a bit of a chance if they got Kovalchuk and a healthy Luongo. I believe Bouwmeister, who earlier this year was being considered as shop bait has been internally reevaluated and won't be going anywhere.

[LoDownM]

There's not a whole lot of teams in the running for the playoffs that would need a guy like Kovalchuk for a rent-a-play. I could see him MAYBE going to the Canucks.

I see him going to the Stars if there seasons keeps turning around like it is and come trade deadline they are 5th or 6th in the West.

Hell I could see Ottawa trading Spezza for him too.

[Heyman]

Trying to hold prospects so you can make a run one day is foolish if you can do it now.

Agreed, but at the same time, you don't want to piss away the farm either. Having said that - I do think it's important to be aggressive (i.e. perhaps using Raymond and a 1st to get someone).

I wonder - if the Canucks were to get a guy like Michael Peca, it would...

A) Perhaps free up Kesler to play on our top 6.
B) Give us extra leadership and penalty killing help.
C) Give us more grit
D) Give us a guy that consistently plays well come crunch time.
E) Give Sundin a familar friend in the lockerroom.

[El Fangel]

Agreed, but at the same time, you don't want to piss away the farm either. Having said that - I do think it's important to be aggressive (i.e. perhaps using Raymond and a 1st to get someone).

I wonder - if the Canucks were to get a guy like Michael Peca, it would...

A) Perhaps free up Kesler to play on our top 6.
B) Give us extra leadership and penalty killing help.
C) Give us more grit
D) Give us a guy that consistently plays well come crunch time.
E) Give Sundin a familar friend in the lockerroom.

I can see why Kaberle would be a good pickup for them if he started playing a little better.

[YOUR Hero]

Peca?
No thanks, he's done. He hasn't played anything close to a full season since '05. Even then his numbers were, with all due respect, pitiful. He's been done for a long time.

[El Fangel]

Peca?
No thanks, he's done. He hasn't played anything close to a full season since '05. Even then his numbers were, with all due respect, pitiful. He's been done for a long time.

And your busting a load over Sundin?

[YOUR Hero]

busting a load? No, but he will be a top 6 forward. He's overpriced, I don't like what the Canucks have committed to him but at leat it's only for this year. Peca is no where near a top 9 anymore... and Sundin at least plays every game unlike Peca, who you'd be lucky to get to play on avg. 1 out of every 3

[El Fangel]

Im just messing with you, I hate that the canucks are treating him like a Malkin or Ovechkin

Also, I want the Maple Leafs to win so bad now its not funny.

[YOUR Hero]

Well the Canucks can't call him anything but. They've got to sell it to the fans as well as the team.

[El Fangel]

Well the Canucks can't call him anything but. They've got to sell it to the fans as well as the team.

If he gets 30 goals, I will be shocked.

[YOUR Hero]

in 1/2 a season? If he gets 15 I'll be shocked.

[YOUR Hero]

but it's not just about what he does, it's also about how much of an elevation of other players he creates.

[El Fangel]

but it's not just about what he does, it's also about how much of an elevation of other players he creates.

a 10million dollar pep talk?

Seriously Sundin is good, but he is no savior.

[YOUR Hero]

5 million. It's not about what he says, although he will be always has been respected, but it's about the depth he brings to the team and opens up other players for being less watched defensively. Teams will put their top checkers on him and his line. He's also a good play maker so his line mates will be open to more scoring chances

[Zen v.W.o.]

Vancouver will ride on Luongo, Sundin helps a rather mediocre offense but it wont nearly be good enough unless Roberto is completely healthy.

Having said that, Go Habs Go.

[LoDownM]

Not NHL, World Juniors so close enough, but what a fucking goal.



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[YOUR Hero]

Tavares will be a #1 draft choice. Stay tuned.

[Blitz]

God I hope the Leafs bomb this season so we can get Tavares :'(

[YOUR Hero]

I just hope the NYI don't get him. GRAVEYARD

[LoDownM]

Well, if the Islanders do get him, and they build the team around them, like the Caps did with Ovechkin, Pens did with Crosby and the Hawks did with Kane, Isle's could be back in contention in no time.

Watch him end up on Tampa Bay though lol.

[YOUR Hero]

Islanders are a dysfunctional organization. Much like Tampa. They don't properly build. Look at their recent history.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Carey Price OWNING the Pens. Absolutely brilliant.

MAF over Price at the ASG? Fuckin no way. Price owns him.

[IC Champion]

I haven't seen Price give up a weak one in a while either.

[YOUR Hero]

pRICE SHOULD WIN THE vEZINA. i THNK lUONGO MIGHT STILL CHALLENGE HIM, BUT HE'S BEEN OUT SO LONG, IT WOULD ONLY BE FAIR FOR pRICE TO GET IT. [/CAP LOCKS]

[El Fangel]

Winter Classic mo'fos who's watching?

[Zen v.W.o.]

I am...awesome game. A fight would make it pretty perfect, but it's the wings..they dont have anybody willing.

[LoDownM]

Needed to snow. But was still awesome.

[YOUR Hero]

I thought it was on later in the day. I knew it was on early, but didn't realize it was that early. Anyway, what I saw looked good. Too bad there wasn't some seating on the field. That would have be cool.

[El Fangel]

I agree it didnt look right at all. I mean they had like random people standing around. If it didnt show the crowd it would look like a house league.

Also mad hard hit into the chicago bench early on.

[YOUR Hero]

Gaborik is opting for hip surgery. His second time, other hip. Minnesota says he can manage it and play through it.

[LoDownM]

Pens need to get out of this fucking slump before they end up missing the playoffs.

[El Fangel]

That was a fucking sad game to watch.

[YOUR Hero]

Crosby got me some PIMS tonight.

[LoDownM]

Just got back from the Pens/Avs game, aside from the fact the Pens lost, was awesome.

[El Fangel]

Fleury needs to start stopping pucks from entering the net.

[LoDownM]

He only played in the 3rd.

[El Fangel]

Of this game. I need Pittsburg with high scoring wins.

[Gertner]

Fleury needs to start stopping pucks from entering the net.

scathing analysis from Fallen Angel.

[El Fangel]

:D

[Adder]

Pittsburgh needs to get their mojo back period.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Pittsburgh are the pits.