NHL 2009 Off Season Thread

[DAMN iNATOR]

Alright, the "celebration" in the main NHL 2009 thread has gone on long enough. Time to talk postseason. Have fun.

P.S.--Someone get this stickied ON THE DOUBLE!

[road doggy dogg]

GO PENS
crossrine

[LoDownM]

GO PENS
crossrine

[LoDownM]

I hope Hossa resigns with the Red Wings. And it's a long term contract. So they get stuck with the Hossa Curse until he retires.

[parkmania]

City of Champions FTW!

[Blitz]

Dear God, please let Toronto make some significant moves.

[Kapoutman]

Probably not gonna happen, but I'm still wishing for Lecavalier to make it to Montreal somehow.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I'm hoping the Wild will get rid of Gaborshit, and bring in somebody who will score a ton of goals, and not get injured every frickin' second.

[LoDownM]

I wouldn't mind Gaborik on the Pens if they could even afford him and he stayed healthy. But neither of them two are possible.

[Gertner]

Gaborik is gonna be new york bound

[weather vane]

lucic

[LoDownM]

Great Hall of Fame class this year. Hull, Yzerman, Leech and Robitaille.

[YOUR Hero]

Gaborik and Hossa to the Canucks. They'll also trade for Heatley and pick up Boumeister.

[LoDownM]

Alittle ambitous there Hero.

[Gertner]

Can't wait for the nhl draft this weekend

[DAMN iNATOR]

Great Hall of Fame class this year. Hull, Yzerman, Leech and Robitaille.

Yeah, pretty awesome, especially considering 3 of them played some or all of their careers for the Red Wings. More stoked about Yzerman than any of them, though really, because, lets face it, whether you liked the guy or you don't you have to admit he worked his ass off at all times during games and that is a huge part, besides Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood in 1997 & 1998 that allowed us to win those back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Frankly though, the one guy who I'm still modestly shocked is still around would be Chris Chelios. I mean the guy is going on, what, like 48, and he's still oh so awesome. However, I wouldn't be surprised, or upset with him, if he decided to retire soon, because, I mean he will probably be able to do something with his "Cheli's Chili" or whatever in downtown Detroit when he finally does.

[Zen v.W.o.]

lucic

Fears BGL.

[YOUR Hero]

Yeah, pretty awesome, especially considering 3 of them played some or all of their careers for the Red Wings. More stoked about Yzerman than any of them, though really, because, lets face it, whether you liked the guy or you don't you have to admit he worked his ass off at all times during games and that is a huge part, besides Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood in 1997 & 1998 that allowed us to win those back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Frankly though, the one guy who I'm still modestly shocked is still around would be Chris Chelios. I mean the guy is going on, what, like 48, and he's still oh so awesome. However, I wouldn't be surprised, or upset with him, if he decided to retire soon, because, I mean he will probably be able to do something with his "Cheli's Chili" or whatever in downtown Detroit when he finally does.

Detroit has stated they are not resigning him.

[LoDownM]

He should go back to the Hawks for his last year or two.

[DAMN iNATOR]

He should go back to the Hawks for his last year or two.

Or he could consider retiring, if he wants to...I mean he's almost 48.

[LoDownM]

Goride Howe played till he was 51 and then came back at 70 for 1 shift. 48 is nothing. Just about any team with a young core could use him in a leadership/mentoring position even if he only plays 10 games a year.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Goride Howe played till he was 51 and then came back at 70 for 1 shift. 48 is nothing. Just about any team with a young core could use him in a leadership/mentoring position even if he only plays 10 games a year.

Yeah, Howe was and still IS, the shit. And personally, no matter what may have happened earlier this month, I will still never forget him sharing the ice for the ceremonial puck drop before Game 1.

[LoDownM]

Oh and to keep the status quo. New sig.

[Gertner]

Goride Howe played till he was 51 and then came back at 70 for 1 shift. 48 is nothing. Just about any team with a young core could use him in a leadership/mentoring position even if he only plays 10 games a year.

He was friggen awful last year. He's a huge liability on the ice.

[LoDownM]

Fedorov is off to Russia for 2 years. Hugish lose for the Caps.

[Gertner]

Not surprising. I heard the Fedorov's father had a lifelong wish wanting Fedor and Sergei to play on the same team, so this is their chance.

[Skippord]

Fedor Fedorov

coolest name ever

[parkmania]

Nah, sorry. I went to grade shool with a kid named Travis Travis.

[Shadow]

Fedorov is off to Russia for 2 years. Hugish lose for the Caps.

This is true. Hopefully we can pick up somebody to replace him.

Or clone Ovechkin.

[LoDownM]

Shit. Progner is a Flyer now.

[Gertner]

Leafs take Nazem Kadri. Was hoping for Magnus Parnjvii Svensson, but ah well. Solid pick.

[Gertner]

Wow, no draft talk here.

[Zen v.W.o.]

I wanted a big power forward.

[Hanso Amore]

Sabres finally draft some toughness.

[Triple Naitch]

This girl I used to hang out a lot with in high school's little brother got drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 5th round. :cool:

[Zen v.W.o.]

Is he gonna give you some money?

[Skippord]

tell me about the guy the Avalanche drafted

[Zen v.W.o.]

He was a huge avs fan growing up.

[LoDownM]

tell me about the guy the Avalanche drafted
http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?csid=607924#&intcmpid=hdr-scrbrd-draft

[Blitz]

Wow, no draft talk here.
Because it was the most boring draft in a long time.

[LoDownM]

Yeah. Aside from the Progner trade and seeing weather or not the Islanders would fuck up and not draft Tavares was all the draft really had this year.

[LoDownM]

Adams and Guerin resigned. Now the Pens just need to resign Scruderi, Gill, and Fedotenko.

[El Fangel]

Yeah. Aside from the Progner trade and seeing weather or not the Islanders would fuck up and not draft Tavares was all the draft really had this year.

And seeing if Ottawa could successfully move Heatley. Which they didnt.

[YOUR Hero]

They don't have to move Heatley, he's under contract for 4 more years.

[LoDownM]

Yeah really, no team is going to take someone with 4 years left in the salary cap era. I forget how much he's supposed to make over those 4 years, so that's probably another reason.

[Gertner]

Montreal just made a friggen horrific trade. Higgins plus prospects inludng 2007 1st round pick Ryan McDonaugh for Scott Gomez and minor prospects.

[weather vane]

hahahahaha habsssss

[Kapoutman]

Oh goddammit.

[LoDownM]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=432360

Disregard my last post...

Edit: Nevermind apparently the deal is on hold now.

[LoDownM]

Hossa apparently is a Blackhawk now.

[Gertner]

Colton Fucking Orr boys!

[LoDownM]

Bah @ the Pens not resigning Gill :rant: If they don't resign Scruderi i'm going to be pissed.

[Blitz]

Leafs also sign Brad Komisarek and trade Pavel Kubina to the Thrashers for Garnet Exelby and Colin Stuart.

Really wish we could've got Cammalieri :(

[LoDownM]

Thrashers not Preds

[Blitz]

That's what I said :shifty:

[Zen v.W.o.]

Habs got smaller but much faster. At least forward wise. Also, they may be smaller, but they brought in North Americans who dont play soft..so no smaller euros. That is a plus.

Still want Kovy back though.

Gill and Spacek? Spacek gives us a PP shot, and Gill a big body, but he's a pylon too.

It's hard to tell how all of this will affect the team. Have to wait and see.

As for the Leafs, they sure got bigger and tougher, but hey Burke..who is going to score the goals?

Also, who is BRAD Komisarek?

[weather vane]

hahaha habssss

[Kapoutman]

I think we have a more talented team now with all the players we've signed. Can't tell if the chemistry will be there, but at least it's a start.

[LoDownM]

Montreal was busy today.

[Gertner]

I think we have a more talented team now with all the players we've signed. Can't tell if the chemistry will be there, but at least it's a start.

You're horribly small up front and I'm not crazy about your defence.

[Blitz]

Also, who is BRAD Komisarek?
I am fucking useless today, is who he is.

[weather vane]

i think you are still brtl and just overpaid huuuuuuge

[Hanso Amore]

Have Fun with Spacek...I always hated him. But of course the idiot Sabres let him walk and sign a middling journeyman to replace him.

[YOUR Hero]

Gomez is a good player, but that 7.5 million dollars is terrible. What was Mntrl thinking?
There goes Lecavelier, I guess.

[LoDownM]

Lecavelier was never moving, get over it. Whats left of Tampa's fan base would of disappeared had they traded him.

[LoDownM]

fdgdsjkgkl;jsdgl;jksdkljsdfaopui4oui Scruderi signed with the kings :rant:

[Shadow]

That a bad thing?

[Gertner]

lol kings paid that much for scuderi

[Kapoutman]

You're horribly small up front and I'm not crazy about your defence.

Yes, we're smaller and that scares me a bit, but in term of raw talent, we're better than last year. I don,t care if the guys get hit, I just want them to get up and not start playing like sissies and fearing going into corners because of it. I don't know how the new guys will play though, so I will wait until the season starts to judge.

As for the defence, I think we'll be OK with Markov, Hamrlik, Spacek, Gorges and Gill. I just hope they give Subban a chance this year.

[Gertner]

Laraque is actually gonna have to enforce this year and want to fight.

[Kapoutman]

I hope Martin will let him play more than Carbonneau. He needs to be dressed for every game.

[Stickman]

Canucks resigning the twins for below market value is great news.

Ohlund signing in Tampa is good for both sides but 7 years, come on what a terrible decision by Tampa.

[Gertner]

I hope Martin will let him play more than Carbonneau. He needs to be dressed for every game.

He's gonna have to be against the Leafs. Christ did my Leafs ever become bad ass in a hurry.

[LoDownM]

Well, the Leafs do have a pretty good GM now. So not surprising.

[El Fangel]

I cant wait to watch the Habs kick ass this year. Now if only they can get Price to stop 1/10

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Goodbye Gaborshit. Let the rangers waste $7+million a year for you to sit on your ass all season.

Hopefully Havlat can provide the offence which, on occasion, Gabby did provide.

[LoDownM]

Havlat's supposedly just as injury proned, so same situation.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Aye, just looking at his stats. he did play a full season last year, which the same can't be said about gaborshit. But Havlat's previous three seasons seem to have been riddled with injuries. Hopefully, last season was a sign that he is in better shape and will contribute to the team come next season.

[YOUR Hero]

So Heatley rejected the Edmonton trade. Wow. What does this guy want? He's going to be staying in Ottawa and probably booed all the time.

[Stickman]

So Heatley rejected the Edmonton trade. Wow. What does this guy want? He's going to be staying in Ottawa and probably booed all the time.

Maybe he'll pull the Pavel Bure and sit out.

[Stickman]

Well, the Leafs do have a pretty good GM now. So not surprising.

Don't let the Toronto media fool you.

Burke is a good GM, but not nearly as great as the TO media makes him. He promised to make a splash at the draft..did nothing, he promised to make a splash July 1...did nothing. Don't tell me about Orr being a savior. What has he done in Toronto? Flew to Sweden to try to talk to the Sedins just after the Canucks signed him. The Sedins in TO would be horrible for that team. So what is his great GM record?

[LoDownM]

Because, I get all that "Toronto Media" way down here in Colorado don't I? I'm going off him turning the Ducks into Cup champs.

[road doggy dogg]

Pretty sure Burke had an amazing reputation as a GM long before he ever joined the shitty Leafs.
crossrine

[YOUR Hero]

Burke's good. But he inherited a lot of other people's projecvts that were well under way. This time, with T.O. he's got to do it from the start on his own. This 'experiment' will be a good gauge of just how good he truly is.

[Gertner]

Don't let the Toronto media fool you.

Burke is a good GM, but not nearly as great as the TO media makes him. He promised to make a splash at the draft..did nothing, he promised to make a splash July 1...did nothing. Don't tell me about Orr being a savior. What has he done in Toronto? Flew to Sweden to try to talk to the Sedins just after the Canucks signed him. The Sedins in TO would be horrible for that team. So what is his great GM record?

He flew to Sweden to try and sign Gustaffson the goaltender from Sweden.
What has he done?
-Shed the contract of Kubina to free up $ to sign the best defensive d man in the pool.
-His draft was given an A+ to A- in every publication
-Made the Leafs tougher since we got pushed around horribly.
-Dealt Antropov and Moore for 2nd rounders which we draft two great players.

He's only been the GM for half a year and he had a ton a shit to deal with from Fergie's tenure.

[Zen v.W.o.]

OH NO!!!!!

no...NO!!!..no!

[Blitz]

Leafs sign Francois Beauchemin to a 3 year deal. I like.

[LoDownM]

What are you "NO"ing about? Kovalev signing with the Sens?

I'm have no idea who the latest 2 signings for the Pens are. Anyone know if they're any good?

[YOUR Hero]

Leafs sign Francois Beauchemin to a 3 year deal. I like.

Good Dman, bit over rated here in the West, but lots of years left in his too.

[Zen v.W.o.]

What are you "NO"ing about? Kovalev signing with the Sens?

I'm have no idea who the latest 2 signings for the Pens are. Anyone know if they're any good?

Yes. Kovy to a divisional rival. 6 games vs L'artiste.

[LoDownM]

I wonder if the Sens are just gonna send Heatly home or put him in the minors all year.

[Gertner]

Good Dman, bit over rated here in the West, but lots of years left in his too.

Set us up to deal Kaberle for a forward. Beauchemin lessen's the effect of losing a puck moving d man.

[YOUR Hero]

To me Burke has added size. He had to, but he can't just have a bunch of tree.
Kaberle would be a great fit to that blueline. He himself (Burke) said if they moved Kaberle, he'd be spending the year pursing and over paying for a puck moving Dman. I hope he moves Kaberlae and it's Vancouver that gets him. (to replace Ohlund) but really, Burke should be keeping him.

[Gertner]

Leafs sign Jonas Gustafsson from Sweden. Only 1 year though. Interesting.

If the Leafs threw out White-Komisarek, Schenn-Beachemin, Exelby-Van Ryn, that'd give Toronto 3 stay at home and 3 puck moving and would still be able to deal Kaberle. We need a top 6 forward badly.

[LoDownM]

Looks like Sakic is done on Thursday.

[El Fangel]

Leafs sign Jonas Gustafsson from Sweden. Only 1 year though. Interesting.

If the Leafs threw out White-Komisarek, Schenn-Beachemin, Exelby-Van Ryn, that'd give Toronto 3 stay at home and 3 puck moving and would still be able to deal Kaberle. We need a top 6 forward badly.

Kadri looks good on paper, just hope that he can play big league hockey.

However it looks like its going to be a more defense oriented team ala the ducks championship team of 2006

[Skippord]

Looks like Sakic is done on Thursday.
:'(

[LoDownM]

:'(

If the press conference is him announcing it, his number needs to be retired the very 1st Av's home game. None of this waiting till the second half of the season crap.

[Gertner]

Kadri looks good on paper, just hope that he can play big league hockey.

However it looks like its going to be a more defense oriented team ala the ducks championship team of 2006

Kadri's size worries me. I'm kinda hoping they move Kadri to the wing due to his size (6"0, 177).

I agree. For this team to have any success they will have to be defence minded.

[Volare]

My Wild are screwed, yeah I know we got Martin Havlat, but we lost Marion Gaborik to the Rangers who was the backbone of our team. Gonna be weird not seeing him on the ice.

[Gertner]

Gonna miss those 20 games he plays?

[LoDownM]

Well, looks like Im trying to go to the first Av's home game now.

[Skippord]

I wanna go to the first Avs game also

SUPER JOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

My Wild are screwed, yeah I know we got Martin Havlat, but we lost Marion Gaborik to the Rangers who was the backbone of our team. Gonna be weird not seeing him on the ice.

Gabby was a waste of space. Good riddance.

[YOUR Hero]

Gaborik is a superstar when he plays healthy. He had to move on.

[LoDownM]

Looks like the next winter classic is gonna be in Fenway Park seeing as the NHL is gonna have a "major" announcement on Wednesday from it.

[Volare]

Gaborik is a superstar when he plays healthy. He had to move on.

Just seems like luck though. Watch him play good for the Rangers now.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Today is a good day.

Travis fucking Moen.

[LoDownM]

Flyers vs Bruins for the Winter Classic this year. Should be a great game.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Gonna be tough to get tickets but I think I am gonna give it a shot. Would be pretty sick to see something at Fenway other than a baseball game.

[Volare]

Lemair coaching the Devils again...might get interesting.

[Gertner]

Tampa has made some good moves this summer. Hoepfully tweddle dee and tweedele dum let Lawton do his damn job.


lol here's a great tidbit. Tampa help it's prospects camp last week and opened it to the public. Pretty cool thing. 4500 fans came out.

Here's the kicker: Oren Koulas had his 15 year old son skate with them.

[LoDownM]

Tampa made some good moves last year, and we all saw how that worked out.

[Gertner]

Tampa made a couple good moves, but then fucked it up fast. Tampa never should have taken Stamkos IMO which I've said from day one.

If Koulas and Barrie let Lawton do his thing they'll be alright.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Tampa made some good moves last year, and we all saw how that worked out.

That's because they weren't good moves. Sorry but Roberts and Recchi are done, and the others are non factors.

[Gertner]

That's because they weren't good moves. Sorry but Roberts and Recchi are done, and the others are non factors.

Problem was, Tampa had no direction. They dealt for Matt Carle, and than dealt Carle for Eminger, and then dealt Eminger for Noah Welch lol.

They dealt Kuba and Picard for Mezaros. You don't deal two d for 1 when you're lacking in defensive depth.

Signing Malone was a good move, although they over-paid. The Vrbata signing was awful, as was Roberts and Recchi.

They paniced when they lost the first two games in Europe against the Rangers and started making deals before the team had a chance to gel.

[YOUR Hero]

Stamkos wasn't too bad as the season went on. You might be basing your opinion on his start, which is what everyone remembers.

[Gertner]

Stamkos wasn't too bad as the season went on. You might be basing your opinion on his start, which is what everyone remembers.

No i'm basing it on Tampa being better served drafting Doughty which would fill a need instead of Stamkos which was filling a want.

[YOUR Hero]

Well they lost Richards, might (still) lose Lecavalier, they need anew offensive dynamo. Stamkos was their hope. Keep butts in the seats.

[Gertner]

They still had Prospal, Recchi, Vrbata, Roberts, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Malone going into that season. Nobody would have guessed that half wouldn't pan out, but looking at Tampa's forward and d core going into last season it was obvious that they made a mistake.

They had Jamie Friggen Heward playing 20 minutes a game to start the year.

[YOUR Hero]

Stamkos was the best player.

[Gertner]

Stamkos was the best player.

I disagree. Doughty was. Tampa needed a defenceman.

[YOUR Hero]

Well. It's come to this then.

Guns at sunrise.

[YOUR Hero]

(behind the school gym)

[Gertner]

You son of a bitch!

[YOUR Hero]

you no-showed.

[Gertner]

I was there. GIVE ME YOUR ADDRESS!

[weather vane]

Stamkos was the right choice.

[Gertner]

Sure it was. They can't stop anybody because their defence is awful, but yeah Stamkos was sooooo the right pick.

[owenbrown]

Judge expands bidding for Coyotes to any buyer

<!-- // Writer Attribution// --> Associated Press


<!-- Meta Tag For Search --> <!-- meta name="author" content=""--> <!-- meta name="source" content="Associated Press"--> <!-- meta name="eventId" content=""--> <!-- meta name="contentTypeCode" content="1"--> <!-- meta name="editorContentCode" content="1"--> <!-- meta name="blurb" content="A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge has expanded bidding for the Phoenix Coyotes to include potential buyers who would move the team. Judge Redfield T. Baum ruled Wednesday that all bids, those to keep the team in Arizona or to move it elsewhere, would be accepted for the Sept. 10 auction. He specifically said the $212.5 million offer from Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie would be considered."--> <!-- meta name="modDate" content="August 6, 2009 01:24:04 GMT"--> <!-- // Story Tools // --> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/fe/css/story/story_tools.css"> <!-- printtracker start --> <link href="http://msn.foxsports.com/fe/js/printtracker/fdprint.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="print"> <script type="text/javascript" name="cleanprintloader" src="http://foxsports.cleanprint.net/js/2275/pd.js?ps=38"></script> <!-- printtracker end --> <script type="text/javascript">addthis_pub = 'foxSports';</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script> <script> function BlogThisStoryTools() { var headline = "Judge expands bidding for Coyotes to any buyer"; var url = document.location.href; var destination = "http://blogs.foxsports.com/BlogThis.aspx?r_title=" + escape(headline) + "&r_url=" + url; window.location.href = destination; } </script>




<script type="text/javascript"> //document.getElementById('number_of_comments').innerHTML = commentCount+" Comments"; </script> <!-- // Story Content // --> <script> if(fanid.length > 0 && typeof(nflDefaultLeague)!= "undefined") { leagueId = nflDefaultLeague; //find teamId of default league (if exists) for(var i=0; i < teamsInfo.length; i++){ if(teamsInfo[i][4] == leagueId){ defaultTeamId = teamsInfo[i][0]; } } var fantasyLeaguePlayerJsPath = 'http://msn.foxsports.com' + '/nugget/200002_' + leagueId + '|||' + fanid; } </script> PHOENIX (AP) - A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge has expanded bidding for the Phoenix Coyotes (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/phoenix-coyotes) to include potential buyers who would move the team.
Judge Redfield T. Baum ruled Wednesday that all bids, those to keep the team in Arizona or to move it elsewhere, would be accepted for the Sept. 10 auction.He specifically said the $212.5 million offer from Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie would be considered. That sets up another showdown between Balsillie and the NHL, because the league's board of governors has unanimously rejected him as an owner.


Balsillie's bid is contingent on moving the team to Hamilton, Ontario.
Balsillie spokesman Bill Walker praised the judge's for creating a "fair and transparent" sales process.
"It's the best outcome for creditors and for the future of the franchise," Walker said. "We think Jim Balsillie's bid will emerge the winner because it offers the best financial terms and the best market in Hamilton, where hockey fans are thirsting for this team."
But Balsillie's bid faces several major hurdles.
The NHL has made it clear it doesn't want Balsillie as an owner, and the league hasn't ruled on whether it would allow the team to move or what fees would be included to enter territory now claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/toronto-maple-leafs) and Buffalo Sabres (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/buffalo-sabres).
Additionally, Baum has not ruled whether Balsillie can escape the lease the Coyotes (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/phoenix-coyotes) have with the city of Glendale to play at Jobing.com Arena.
Baum scheduled a hearing next Tuesday to consider issues that have been raised by his ruling.
An auction had been set for Aug. 5 for potential buyers who would keep the team in Arizona.
<!-- ========== LINKS ========= -->


But the NHL, Glendale and the two apparent local bidders asked for a postponement to Sept. 10. That raised the possibility of adding bids from buyers who would relocate the team.
Balsillie's bid is by far the biggest.
A group headed by Jerry Reinsdorf - owner of baseball's Chicago White Sox and the NBA's Chicago Bulls - has offered $148 million to buy the team and keep it in Glendale but is still working out details with the city and other creditors.
A third group known as Ice Edge, headed by Canadian and American investors, told the court it intends to submit a bid of about $150 million but was still gathering financing.
Earlier Wednesday, Baum delayed a hearing on whether to find the owner of the Coyotes (http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/team/phoenix-coyotes) and his lawyers in contempt of court for publicly filing documents that were supposed to be kept confidential.
Team owner Jerry Moyes opposes the Reinsdorf deal, which would give him little or no money. He supports Balsillie's proposal, which would give him about $100 million.
Attorneys for Moyes posted confidential documents to the public docket last week. The documents were later removed, but Glendale sought the contempt order on Monday, saying the city was "absolutely outraged" by the release of the information.
The Arizona Republic saw the appendix before it was removed.
It showed that Reinsdorf has asked for a special taxing district to be created near the arena that would pay the new owners as much as $23 million next year. And if the team was still losing money after five years, Glendale would have to pay Reinsdorf $15 million for each year of losses or allow the team to be sold and moved without penalty, according to the newspaper.
Glendale contends the release of confidential negotiations would discourage potential buyers from participating and have a "chilling effect" on the sale process.

[Gertner]

I can understand the NHL's point here. They need to try at all costs to keep franchises where they are. They can't let owners pick up and leave whenever they want to. Also, putting a team in Hamilton is a bad idea from the NHL's standpoint. The NHL is trying to grow the product and putting a team in Hamilton is counterproductive because all it does is take fans from Ottawa, Buffalo and Toronto and spread them out without drawing new fans. I really think putting a team in Hamilton would kill the Sabres franchise.

[LoDownM]

I'm surprised their isn't a group from Kansas City in the mix.

[owenbrown]

The Coyotes haven't made the playoffs since '01-02, and have been 4th of 5th in their division since with their best record being 38-37-7 in '07-'08. If they are staying in Phoenix, they better make some major moves before the season starts to avoid another abysmal year.

[parkmania]

I'm surprised their isn't a group from Kansas City in the mix.

QFT. They almost got the Pens a few years ago.

[LoDownM]

lol. Not even close, Lemuiex admitted he was just talking to people from KC to put pressure on the city to build the new arena.

[El Fangel]

I am saying it now to prevent the bandwagon accusations later.

I am rooting for the Habs this year, as I did last year.

I am also rooting for the Islanders and Columbus as both teams really grew on me last year.

Also, its insanely hard to be a Malkin fan and be happy that Pitts won the cup when Crosby is on their team.

Though Crosby gained a little respect in my books by taking the Cup to the IWK Childrens Hospital

[YOUR Hero]

I can understand the NHL's point here. They need to try at all costs to keep franchises where they are. They can't let owners pick up and leave whenever they want to. Also, putting a team in Hamilton is a bad idea from the NHL's standpoint. The NHL is trying to grow the product and putting a team in Hamilton is counterproductive because all it does is take fans from Ottawa, Buffalo and Toronto and spread them out without drawing new fans. I really think putting a team in Hamilton would kill the Sabres franchise.

I don't get this whole logic of trying to expand your fan base when you have an existing fan base that you can make money off. And we're talking about rabid fans, not casual fans. Why try and make new fans when you have hungry fans ready and willingly to spend their money.

In any business you shore up your base before you make a leap into expansion. Simple, sound business startegy. The NHL needs to stop taking risks and make expansions into safe places as well. All this instant money they covet is beginnning to take a toll on their long term stability.

Poor business management. Bettman is going to be ousted soon I believe.

[YOUR Hero]

Oh and I didn't even point out the absurdity of your "at all costs" comment.

[Gertner]

I am saying it now to prevent the bandwagon accusations later.

I am rooting for the Habs this year, as I did last year.

I am also rooting for the Islanders and Columbus as both teams really grew on me last year.

Also, its insanely hard to be a Malkin fan and be happy that Pitts won the cup when Crosby is on their team.

Though Crosby gained a little respect in my books by taking the Cup to the IWK Childrens Hospital


You obviously aren't a real sports fan, because REAL fans don't have 50 back ups teams. You're a typical bandwagon jumper.

[El Fangel]

So tell me, besides your favorite team there is no other team that you like or root for?

Also good to see that you can count.

I root for the habs.

The last place team from last season and a team that only made the playoffs for the first time last season.

...Real bandwagon jumper...

[Gertner]

I don't get this whole logic of trying to expand your fan base when you have an existing fan base that you can make money off. And we're talking about rabid fans, not casual fans. Why try and make new fans when you have hungry fans ready and willingly to spend their money.

In any business you shore up your base before you make a leap into expansion. Simple, sound business startegy. The NHL needs to stop taking risks and make expansions into safe places as well. All this instant money they covet is beginnning to take a toll on their long term stability.

Poor business management. Bettman is going to be ousted soon I believe.


Do you think though going into Hamilton would kill the Sabres? Moving the team back to Winnipeg makes a hell of alot more sense than Hamilton. I really don't think they could support a team in Hamilton.

[El Fangel]

Winnipeg would be awesome for them, sadly the US seems to need 80% of the teams to ensure they win a cup every year.

[Volare]

I'm guilty

Minnesota(home) Carolina(living here now)

[El Fangel]

Well

Habs - Dads favorite team, mine too
Columbus - Mason is awesome, Nash is awesome
Islanders - Pretty big Tavares fan TBH.

[Gertner]

Well

Habs - Dads favorite team, mine too
Columbus - Mason is awesome, Nash is awesome
Islanders - Pretty big Tavares fan TBH.

Rooting for another team other than your own is sacreligious!

[YOUR Hero]

Do you think though going into Hamilton would kill the Sabres? Moving the team back to Winnipeg makes a hell of alot more sense than Hamilton. I really don't think they could support a team in Hamilton.

Um. Hamilton and Buffalo are like 50 miles apart, in different countries and Hamilton is in the denses location of populations in Canada. Buffalo shouldn't be bolstered by Canadian fans that are starving for another team. Ask the people of Hamilton if they would like a team. Isn't it up to them to decide who and where they support. Why is 3 teams in NY OK, never mind Philly, Washington. but not 3 in the Golden Horseshoe. And yeah, another teasm in Winnipeg might work too. So let's move Atlanta out of theior market and set a team back up in the Peg.

[El Fangel]

Rooting for another team other than your own is sacreligious!

Hey, Ill still be mad pissed if the Habs dont make the playoffs.

Im confused, are Habs fans supposed to have seething hatred of other teams like they do for Toronto?

[Blitz]

Wow, how fucking stupid can you get.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=287230

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane was charged with attacking a cab driver in his home town Sunday, a beating police said was triggered when the driver did not have 20 cents in change to give the player and his cousin.

Buffalo police said the 20-year-old Kane and his 21-year-old cousin, James Kane, had apparently caught a cab from the city's downtown nightclub district at about 4 a.m. ET. The cab driver suffered cuts to his face and his glasses were damaged, police spokesman Michael DeGeorge said.

Both men were charged with felony robbery and misdemeanour counts of theft of services and criminal mischief. Patrick Kane, who earned US$875,000 last season, pleaded not guilty in local court Sunday, WIVB-TV reported. It was not immediately clear when James Kane will appear in court.

The driver said he was punched and hit by both men because he did not have 20 cents in change to give them, according to the police report.

A message left at the home of Patrick Kane's parents was not immediately returned Sunday afternoon. Relatives who answered his grandfather's phone and his mother's cell phone declined to comment and could not say whether either Kane had a lawyer.

A Blackhawks spokesman said the team is aware of the allegations against Kane.

"He is a big part of our organization and a team leader and we stand behind him," spokesman Brandon Faber said. "As we are still collecting all the facts, it would be premature to comment further at this time."

On Thursday, Patrick Kane was at a Buffalo ice rink where he played hockey as a child to help Mayor Byron Brown announce funding for improvements.

He said at the time he was happy to have time "to hang out back home in Buffalo."

"The best thing about it is my friends treat me like I'm a regular kid," said Kane, the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft. "They don't treat me like a celebrity or whatever they might treat me like in Chicago."

Kane played his first two NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and had 46 goals and 96 assists. He won the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie, in 2008.

[Gertner]

Um. Hamilton and Buffalo are like 50 miles apart, in different countries and Hamilton is in the denses location of populations in Canada. Buffalo shouldn't be bolstered by Canadian fans that are starving for another team. Ask the people of Hamilton if they would like a team. Isn't it up to them to decide who and where they support. Why is 3 teams in NY OK, never mind Philly, Washington. but not 3 in the Golden Horseshoe. And yeah, another teasm in Winnipeg might work too. So let's move Atlanta out of theior market and set a team back up in the Peg.

I don't think there's enough casual fans who aren't tied down to a team to support it.

[YOUR Hero]

Screw Buffalo anyway.

Put a team in Halifax.

Halifax Sabres.

Your argument is pretty weak. Don't allow competition. You are a fricken' communist.

[Gertner]

Screw Buffalo anyway.

Put a team in Halifax.

Halifax Sabres.

Your argument is pretty weak. Don't allow competition. You are a fricken' communist.

Brining in an unknown quantity, plopping them in Leafs Nation central where you'll get no Leaf converts and have to rely on casual hockey fans to fill the seats and risk destroying a franchise that has been around for 40 years isn't a good idea in my opinion. They would be better served moving to Winnipeg.

[Gertner]

lol love this shirt

http://i.ebayimg.com/16/!BYHKnHw!Wk~$(KGrHgoOKicEjlLmZB)tBKfz5Vltbw~~_12.JPG

[Blitz]

Where can I buy that.

[El Fangel]

Screw Buffalo anyway.

Put a team in Halifax.

Halifax Sabres.

Your argument is pretty weak. Don't allow competition. You are a fricken' communist.

Potential life season ticket holder.

[YOUR Hero]

Gertner is just trying to 'protect' The Maple Leafs. Give me a break.

[Gertner]

lol what's there to protect. We have the most loyal fans in the NHL. Like any of them would leave to follow Hamilton.

[Kapoutman]

Hey, Ill still be mad pissed if the Habs dont make the playoffs.

Im confused, are Habs fans supposed to have seething hatred of other teams like they do for Toronto?

It's pretty much just Toronto and Boston you're supposed to hate. Even then it's a suggestion more than anything.

[YOUR Hero]

lol what's there to protect. We have the most loyal fans in the NHL. Like any of them would leave to follow Hamilton.

Then why so scared?

[Gertner]

Scared of what? I'm just saying moving to Hamilton makes no sense from the NHL's standpoint.

[El Fangel]

lol what's there to protect. We have the most loyal fans in the NHL. Like any of them would leave to follow Hamilton.

Except when they win the cup.

It's pretty much just Toronto and Boston you're supposed to hate. Even then it's a suggestion more than anything.

I like Boston, hate Toronto.

[YOUR Hero]

Scared of what? I'm just saying moving to Hamilton makes no sense from the NHL's standpoint.

Chicken

[Gertner]

lol

[YOUR Hero]

bawk-bawk-bawk

[Gertner]

This is one cock that won't be choked!

[CSL]

Bertuzzi signs with the Redwings, sure the fans will be DELIGHTED with that

[LoDownM]

Red Wings sign washed up veteran. No surprise there.

[Skippord]

Fuck Bertuzzi

[Gertner]

He'll do well in Detroit. Everybody does.

[YOUR Hero]

Theo's 2 month old baby died?!

Was the baby born sick? That's really sad. :(

[DAMN iNATOR]

He'll do well in Detroit. Everybody does.

Yeah, and ya know why, Gertie? Because, all due respect and everything, but it's a proven fact that Detroit's fans are far more loyal to the Wings than Toronto's fans are to the Leafs...I'm sure they are a very close 2nd, though in that category...Besides, your boys have the most cups of all time, like what, 24 or something ridiculous, plus it's home to NHL H.Q., so it's not as though there's really that much to bitch about is there?

[YOUR Hero]

Montreal, not Toronto has the most Cups ever.

[Zen v.W.o.]

TO's fans are pretty loyal. They sold out even when they were at their worst. Cant say the same for Detroit. Heck even now there's more buzz for the Leafs in TO then there is for the Wings in Detroit.

But yeah, Montreal is the epicentre.

[Blitz]

Yeah, and ya know why, Gertie? Because, all due respect and everything, but it's a proven fact that Detroit's fans are far more loyal to the Wings than Toronto's fans are to the Leafs...
Show me the study you're quoting from here.

[Gertner]

Yeah, and ya know why, Gertie? Because, all due respect and everything, but it's a proven fact that Detroit's fans are far more loyal to the Wings than Toronto's fans are to the Leafs...I'm sure they are a very close 2nd, though in that category...Besides, your boys have the most cups of all time, like what, 24 or something ridiculous, plus it's home to NHL H.Q., so it's not as though there's really that much to bitch about is there?

dude what the fuck are you talking about. He'll do well in Detroit because EVERYBODY DOES THERE! Leaf fans are way more loyal than Wings fans. Detroit doesn't even sell out playoff games. You're so fucking retareded it's ridiculous.

[El Fangel]

Damn inator

- Montreal has 24, Toronto has 13 and Detroit has 11
- Toronto has fans from before they won their last cup (43 years ago) so their fans are pretty loyal
- I like Detroit far more then Toronto so maybe I am biased, but Detroit is a far better team and always has been, because they have someone who always manages to find that 5th-7th round superstar (Zetterberg, Datysuk)
- I have been a Buffalo fan, a Detroit fan (I followed Hasek, I know he played for the Sens but fuck the Sens) and now, Carey Price so I am Montreal fan.

[LoDownM]

Wow. I've had one favorite team my entire life. wtf FA.

[El Fangel]

Like I said, I was always a Hasek fan, so I rooted for the team he played for, I was loyal to a player, not a team.

Anywho, even if Price moves I am sticking with the Canadiens

[Gertner]

lol no you won.t You're a pens fan this year and if someone like the isles win next year you'll be the first to buy a blake comeau jersey. ONE TEAM AND ONE TEAM ONLY!

[El Fangel]

Like I said, Montreal bitch.

I think I would be a Pens fan if Crosby didnt play for them, I like Fleury, Malkin and Staal, but fuck, I cant root for a team that Cindy is on.

Isles win next year? Man are you a Toronto fan or something? While I am not an Islanders fan, I quite like Tavares.

So from now on

MONTREAL

TO

THE

DEATH!

[LoDownM]

FA doesn't like Crosby because his girlfriend once told him she saw him get mad at a waiter for screwing up his order at some restaurant.

[El Fangel]

FA doesn't like Crosby because his girlfriend once told him she saw him get mad at a waiter for screwing up his order at some restaurant.

Oh yes, exactly right.

[weather vane]

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boston Bruins
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. Washington Capitals
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. New Jersey Devils
7. New York Rangers
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
-------------------------------
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Montreal Canadiens
11. Ottawa Senators
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
13. Florida Panthers
14. Atlanta Thrashers
15. New York Islanders


WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Calgary Flames
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Dallas Stars
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Anaheim Ducks
----------------------------
9. Los Angeles Kings
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
11. Edmonton Oilers
12. Nashville Predators
13. Minnesota Wild
14. Colorado Avalanche
15. Phoenix Coyotes

[DAMN iNATOR]

Show me the study you're quoting from here.

Who needs studies? All you have to know is that our fans in Detroit are so fiercely loyal and die-hard to their own team, and nobody else, that ever since the Original Six days, one of Detroit's nicknames, of course relating to the Red Wings, has been "HOCKEYTOWN", ever hear of that?

Also, Detroit will win the Western Conference, and they WILL NOT fail this time in their quest for a 12th Stanley Cup.

[LoDownM]

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boston Bruins
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. Washington Capitals
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. New Jersey Devils
7. New York Rangers
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
-------------------------------
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Montreal Canadiens
11. Ottawa Senators
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
13. Florida Panthers
14. Atlanta Thrashers
15. New York Islanders


WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Calgary Flames
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Dallas Stars
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Anaheim Ducks
----------------------------
9. Los Angeles Kings
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
11. Edmonton Oilers
12. Nashville Predators
13. Minnesota Wild
14. Colorado Avalanche
15. Phoenix Coyotes

Blackhawks no 1 in the West? 4th is the highest, unless the Wings have a terrible year.

[LoDownM]

Also, Detroit will win the Western Conference, and they WILL NOT fail this time in their quest for a 12th Stanley Cup.

Hmmm. This looks awful familiar.

[LoDownM]

Also:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/2174/lolwings.jpg

[Blitz]

Who needs studies? All you have to know is that our fans in Detroit are so fiercely loyal and die-hard to their own team, and nobody else, that ever since the Original Six days, one of Detroit's nicknames, of course relating to the Red Wings, has been "HOCKEYTOWN", ever hear of that?

Also, Detroit will win the Western Conference, and they WILL NOT fail this time in their quest for a 12th Stanley Cup.
You are so comprehensively stupid, it is astonishing.

[Gertner]

Who needs studies? All you have to know is that our fans in Detroit are so fiercely loyal and die-hard to their own team, and nobody else, that ever since the Original Six days, one of Detroit's nicknames, of course relating to the Red Wings, has been "HOCKEYTOWN", ever hear of that?

Also, Detroit will win the Western Conference, and they WILL NOT fail this time in their quest for a 12th Stanley Cup.

lol first of all. Detroit gave themselves that name. Listen to sportstalk radio in Detroit. Nobody talks about the Wings. They don't sell out all of their games like the Leafs, Habs, and they are not diehard at all. During the 80's nobody came to their games. Leafs and Habs fans did. It's actually a running joke on the radio that Detroit is hockey town. You could buy 4 tickets to a playoff game easily the day of. I should know because I went even though I'm a Leafs fan. How can a fan base be so "loyal and diehard" when they can't sell out a friggen playoff game?

[weather vane]

Make your lines for Olympics

TEAM CANADA

Nash - Crosby - Iginla
Staal - Thornton - Richards
Carter - Getzlaf - Heatley
Lucic - Lecavalier - St. Louis

Extra - Doan
Alternate - Toews


Niedermayer - Pronger
Green - Weber
Phaneuf - Bowmeester

Extra - Regehr
Alternate - Boyle


Brodeur
Luongo
Ward

[Gertner]

Nobody is beating the Russians.

[weather vane]

so make a line up faggo

[LoDownM]

They cloned Oveckin, he's playing every postion.

[Gertner]

so make a line up faggo

Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk
Semin-Datsyuk-Kovalev
Frolov-Fedorov-Radulov
Afinogenov-Kozlov-Morozov

Defence

Zubov- Gonchar
Andrei Markov-Grebeshkov
Volchenkov-Tyutin

Goaltending

Nabokov
Bryzgalov
Varlemov

Nobody is beating Russia. They are built for the International game.

[CSL]

Nash - Crosby - Iginla
Staal/Carter - Thornton - Heatley
Carter/Staal - Lecavalier - St. Louis
Lucic - Getzlaf - Doan

Niedermayer - Pronger
Green - Phaneuf
Bouwmeester - Weber

Brodeur/Luongo

[weather vane]

Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk
Semin-Datsyuk-Kovalev
Frolov-Fedorov-Radulov
Afinogenov-Kozlov-Morozov

Defence

Zubov- Gonchar
Andrei Markov-Grebeshkov
Volchenkov-Tyutin

Goaltending

Nabokov
Bryzgalov
Varlemov

Nobody is beating Russia. They are built for the International game.


Bet?

[Gertner]

I'll take that bet. What do you wanna do? Who goes further, or who wins gold?

[LoDownM]

Russia, Canada and the US are gonna win the medals, in what order, who knows. Russia is going to be a beast tho, that's for sure.

[weather vane]

Whoever wins the gold.

It SHOULD be Canada/Russia final.

[Gertner]

Whoever wins the gold.

It SHOULD be Canada/Russia final.

Sounds good. What's the stakes?

[El Fangel]

If Canada loses, I will change my username to Tiny Penis

[weather vane]

What should we bet?

[Gertner]

hmmmm. Something embarassing like : Dave the Thug was right. I'm a huge douche as your sig for a week.

[weather vane]

Nah sig is no good.

Change names for a month?

Money?

Doing something ridic in a picture...?

[Gertner]

Nah sig is no good.

Change names for a month?

Money?

Doing something ridic in a picture...?

The picture thing would work. The loser holds up a sign saying "I'm _____ 's bitch"

[Zen v.W.o.]

They're built for the international game on an international ice surface. Those russians are gonna get smacked around on smaller ice.

And Canada mixes in that grit, with skill. The most complete roster going.

[YOUR Hero]

on paper

[Zen v.W.o.]

Who could be better?

Our goaltending alone rapes every other nation. Defensively there is no contest. Only on offense can the Russians hope to match us, and even then it isn't like we're overmatched...but in every other aspect they over match the Russians. Not to mention any other nation.

[YOUR Hero]

Still gotta play the games. That's where they are won.

[Volare]

Alright, I know my Wild are getting a 3rd jersey this year, who else is getting them?

[Gertner]

They're built for the international game on an international ice surface. Those russians are gonna get smacked around on smaller ice.

And Canada mixes in that grit, with skill. The most complete roster going.

If the smaller ice is such a factor, then why do Russians lead the NHL in scoring every year? Russia is going to tear Canada apart.

[YOUR Hero]

I think Canada will win too. I don't think it'll be an easy task, mind you.

[YOUR Hero]

Why don't you two bet a cab ride with Patrick Kane?

[Gertner]

Loser spends a week in Sibieria.

[Zen v.W.o.]

If the smaller ice is such a factor, then why do Russians lead the NHL in scoring every year? Russia is going to tear Canada apart.

They dont lead every year first of all, and secondly, that's a tad different, as they are playing amongst a bevy of other nationalities and of course, Canadians.
I mean if you wanted to go this route, why is it that for the longest time euro captains or euro centric filled teams had trouble winning championships.
I know all about Detroit but their true leader isn't a russian.

[El Fangel]

Alright, I know my Wild are getting a 3rd jersey this year, who else is getting them?

Florida (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panthers), Calgary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary_Flames), Minnesota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Wild), Nashville (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashville_Predators) and Colorado

[LoDownM]

Colorado already have one.

[El Fangel]

Yeah I know, but from what I heard is they are getting rid of it for a new one.

That or making their third their home jersey.

Philly is doing that with their third <3

[CSL]

Colorado don't have a 3rd jersey

[El Fangel]

Colorado don't have a 3rd jersey

I had to check, what happened to the one that they had a year ago or two. Maybe it looks so similar to their away jersey I thought they still had it.

[CSL]

That went when the Edge jerseys were introduced

[El Fangel]

Have I seriously not noticed this.

Fuck.

[LoDownM]

I coulda swore I saw them use the one with COLORADO going diagonally across the front this year.

[Gertner]

They dont lead every year first of all, and secondly, that's a tad different, as they are playing amongst a bevy of other nationalities and of course, Canadians.
I mean if you wanted to go this route, why is it that for the longest time euro captains or euro centric filled teams had trouble winning championships.
I know all about Detroit but their true leader isn't a russian.

Um, check the scoring leaders in the past 3-4 years. Canada dominating hockey is outdated. What have they won lately? 2006 World Championship? Thats about it. If you take the Russians out of Detroit they arent remotely the same team. Fedorov was the best playoff performer in the 90s. Malkin carried the Pens to the championship this past year. There is no way Canada can stop the Russians firepower. It's quite possibly the best collection of scoring talent I've seen in a decade.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Um, check the scoring leaders in the past 3-4 years. Canada dominating hockey is outdated. What have they won lately? 2006 World Championship? Thats about it. If you take the Russians out of Detroit they arent remotely the same team. Fedorov was the best playoff performer in the 90s. Malkin carried the Pens to the championship this past year. There is no way Canada can stop the Russians firepower. It's quite possibly the best collection of scoring talent I've seen in a decade.

Difference is that Canada has both scoring and defense, not to mention great goaltending. We can stop Russia, not so sure they can stop us.

[Gertner]

Difference is that Canada has both scoring and defense, not to mention great goaltending. We can stop Russia, not so sure they can stop us.

What happened last olympics? Russia had Nabokov in net, who is pretty good. Their defence won't blow you away, but it isn't a liability. God help Canada if they get into penalty trouble against Russia. Nobody can keep up with that group of forwards.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Trust me...Canada is winning gold, and they may not even have to beat Russia in the finals to do so.

[Gertner]

Just like Canada was winning in 2006. Canada will be lucky to win bronze. Sweden is tough, the Slovaks will be better, and the Czech's are always solid.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Shit man, you've suddenly got the slovaks being a threat to Canada now.

Lucky to perhaps even get a shot at winning a bronze?


Care to make it interesting?

[weather vane]

Gertner you are so off on this... wow.

Yes Russia is going to be good but DO NOT compare this years Canada team with 2006. We will get Silver minimum. That is a fact.

[Gertner]

How am I off on this? what has Canada won lately? Russia has a puck possession team with the best offence in the tourny. This have a solid netminder and above average defence.

[Zen v.W.o.]

They are going to get stomped! The past is the past anyway, that really doesn't matter.

You're looking at regulation ice rinks of North America, Canada being GREAT in every kind of category you can come up with, including any sort of possible intangibles, and a roster that will quite frankly shut down the russians when push comes to shove.

Of course Russia has the explosive offense, but so does Canada.

[Gertner]

Not as explosive as Canada. Canada will run around, try to hit everything that moves, get into penalty trouble, which is where Russia's offence take full advantage.

I wish this fucking thing was closer. It seems like ages away.

[Zen v.W.o.]

To be honest I cant even wait much longer for simple training camps to start up. I need the NHL badly.

[Gertner]

Me too. even if the Leafs do shit this year, at least it'll be fun watching them fight 15 times a game.

[El Fangel]

Me too. even if the Leafs do shit this year, at least it'll be fun watching them fight 15 times a game.

They will likely lose at that too :(

[Gertner]

They will likely lose at that too :(

lol I HIGHLY doubt people will pound on Colton Orr. He's a top 5 fighter in the NHL.

Exelby and Komisarek are alright, and Mayers is a solid middleweight. Schenn isn't bad, although I don't want him fighting alot, plus we have Greencop and Rosehill in the minors.

[asphyXy]

Orr's a decent fighter with a lethal right hand. If he gets his right hand tied up, he's beatable.

That being said, as a Ranger fan, I'd much rather have Orr than Brashear.

[Kapoutman]

lol I HIGHLY doubt people will pound on Colton Orr. He's a top 5 fighter in the NHL.

Exelby and Komisarek are alright, and Mayers is a solid middleweight. Schenn isn't bad, although I don't want him fighting alot, plus we have Greencop and Rosehill in the minors.

We thought Komisarek was a good fighter. We got proven wrong last season. He's great when it comes to crushing players into the board, though.

[Gertner]

Orr's a decent fighter with a lethal right hand. If he gets his right hand tied up, he's beatable.

That being said, as a Ranger fan, I'd much rather have Orr than Brashear.

Orr is a very solid fighter. Top 3 in the league last season behind Belak and Godard (just talking about the 08-09 season).

He's also pretty responsible defensivly.

[El Fangel]

I want to see Orr and Crosby fight. :)

[El Fangel]

Also, Gertner, watch your head ;)

[weather vane]

Maybe the Leafs will get Kessel. As far as i'm concerned ... take him and give us the picks.

With Sturm back we don't exactly NEED Kessel. Also with Lucic/Savard/Wheeler to sign we need the cap.

[Gertner]

lol we NEED Kessel, so I'd gladly take him. He's more of a sure thing than a first rounder, especially with our draft record.

[LoDownM]

Just bought my tickets for the Avs home opener & Joe Sakic number retirement :cool:

[Gertner]

lol it'll be the only sellout of the season for the Avs.

[Blitz]

Surprised no one has posted this. Dany Heatley to the Sharks for a 2nd round pick in 2010, Milan Michalek, and Jonathan Cheechoo.

Pretty nice deal for the Sens.

[LoDownM]

Don't think there is a single Sharks or Sens fan here for anyone to care.

[Gertner]

Michalek is solid. Cheechoo is an AWFUL salary to take on, but I guess Ottawa was forced to take it on in order to get Milan.

[YOUR Hero]

CheeChoo scored 50 goals before. He could be a 30 goal scorer again. I hope he is successful in Ottawa.

[El Fangel]

CheeChoo scored 50 goals before. He could be a 30 goal scorer again. I hope he is successful in Ottawa.

Yeah, he scored 50 with Thorton as his set-up man.

He sucked, going from 37 last year to 12 this year because he wasnt playing with Big Joe.