The official NHL thread

[Redman77]

^^^^ Ha! I knew that was coming. That's an old photo though,from his rookie season(The Pens no longer use the jersey with the shoulder logo).
That's Osgood's glove,you know the same one that Max Talbot took advantage of twice in game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrX1u-oP ... r_embedded

Better? Wait for the end.

[SkyDog112046]

I just got a call from the Bruins ticket office. They are calling everyone who went to a game this year and asking them if they want more tickets. I'm guessing the last couple of games aren't selling so well. I told the guy I went to see them 3 times this season, the last time being Ottawa on MLK day and that they looked like they were sleep walking through the game. He said "Yeah, it was a tough one." Now there's an understatement. My comment was "I haven't seen a team look so bad against an opponent since the last time I watched 'Eight Men Out' "

Here's a thought: Maybe if the team tried every night it wouldn't be so hard to sell out the remaining games.

[alecjonsludge]

Saw that already,wish he wouldn't complain like that,but it's a matter of taking the good(outstanding skills,Stanley Cup,making Ryan Miller feel like shit) with the bad(whining),I suppose. He has curtailed it somewhat, you should've seen him in Major Junior.He had a way of infuriating everyone,me included,at the Moncton Coliseum when he played against the Wildcats with his antics.

[chungasrevenge]

I just got a call from the Bruins ticket office. They are calling everyone who went to a game this year and asking them if they want more tickets. I'm guessing the last couple of games aren't selling so well. I told the guy I went to see them 3 times this season, the last time being Ottawa on MLK day and that they looked like they were sleep walking through the game. He said "Yeah, it was a tough one." Now there's an understatement. My comment was "I haven't seen a team look so bad against an opponent since the last time I watched 'Eight Men Out' "

Here's a thought: Maybe if the team tried every night it wouldn't be so hard to sell out the remaining games.

I paid $20 for a seat 8 rows from the glass on Sunday vs. the Rangers. A disgruntled season ticket holder sold them to me. 2010 has been an unmitigated disaster for Chia and the Bruins. They did bring some grit to the game against the Rangers, but I fully expect them to shit the bed against Atlanta this evening.

[pieceofme]

Red Wings are coming into form at the right time plus their players are coming back. Being a playoff team i'm sure no one wants to face them. They've also got a great record against the top teams in the western conference.

[WOLF]

I'm actually cheering for the B's tonight. The Habs have looked bad their last two games and their starting to worry me. They have a tough sched this week and aren't assured of anything yet.

Habs were poised to have their full lineup, for the first time this year, in Buffalo tomorrow. Alas, Travis Moen got cut for 50 stitches yesterday and is out. At least Cammalleri and Bergeron are back. They'l make a huge difference on the PP.

Bruins this year, compared to last, are a lot like last year's Habs compared to the season before. Both teams overachieved and finished number one - for a lot of reasons, such as hot goaltending, numerous players having career years, lack of injuries, etc. The following year, in both cases, was just the opposite: goaltending falls back down to earth, same for certain "star" players, tons of injuries, etc. The reality is the Habs weren't as good as they appeared to be the 1 seed, not were they as bad as they seemed when they were #8 last year. Same can be said for the B's. The big difference is that the Habs haven't had the Toronto Maple Leafs help them like the B's have had. Rask for Raycroft? Two 1sts and a 2nd for Kessel? Oy vay - imagine Hall, Seguin, or Cam Fowler on the Bruins! It kills me. Damn you Toronto fuckin' Maple Leafs. The only solace I'll have is watching Brian Burke's face when one of those guys puts on another team's jersey.

[Anne_Thrax]

I just got a call from the Bruins ticket office. They are calling everyone who went to a game this year and asking them if they want more tickets. I'm guessing the last couple of games aren't selling so well. I told the guy I went to see them 3 times this season, the last time being Ottawa on MLK day and that they looked like they were sleep walking through the game. He said "Yeah, it was a tough one." Now there's an understatement. My comment was "I haven't seen a team look so bad against an opponent since the last time I watched 'Eight Men Out' "

Here's a thought: Maybe if the team tried every night it wouldn't be so hard to sell out the remaining games.

I paid $20 for a seat 8 rows from the glass on Sunday vs. the Rangers. A disgruntled season ticket holder sold them to me. 2010 has been an unmitigated disaster for Chia and the Bruins. They did bring some grit to the game against the Rangers, but I fully expect them to shit the bed against Atlanta this evening.

All we have here in atlanta are disgruntled ticket holders. And we lost last night against the Bruins. Color me shocked

[chungasrevenge]

I just got a call from the Bruins ticket office. They are calling everyone who went to a game this year and asking them if they want more tickets. I'm guessing the last couple of games aren't selling so well. I told the guy I went to see them 3 times this season, the last time being Ottawa on MLK day and that they looked like they were sleep walking through the game. He said "Yeah, it was a tough one." Now there's an understatement. My comment was "I haven't seen a team look so bad against an opponent since the last time I watched 'Eight Men Out' "

Here's a thought: Maybe if the team tried every night it wouldn't be so hard to sell out the remaining games.

I paid $20 for a seat 8 rows from the glass on Sunday vs. the Rangers. A disgruntled season ticket holder sold them to me. 2010 has been an unmitigated disaster for Chia and the Bruins. They did bring some grit to the game against the Rangers, but I fully expect them to shit the bed against Atlanta this evening.

All we have here in atlanta are disgruntled ticket holders. And we lost last night against the Bruins. Color me shocked

What ticket holders? That arena was empty last night for one of the biggest games of the past few years for Atlanta. Jack Edwards said during the telecast that he's seen libraries that are more exciting.

[chungasrevenge]

Bruins this year, compared to last, are a lot like last year's Habs compared to the season before. Both teams overachieved and finished number one - for a lot of reasons, such as hot goaltending, numerous players having career years, lack of injuries, etc. The following year, in both cases, was just the opposite: goaltending falls back down to earth, same for certain "star" players, tons of injuries, etc. The reality is the Habs weren't as good as they appeared to be the 1 seed, not were they as bad as they seemed when they were #8 last year. Same can be said for the B's. The big difference is that the Habs haven't had the Toronto Maple Leafs help them like the B's have had. Rask for Raycroft? Two 1sts and a 2nd for Kessel? Oy vay - imagine Hall, Seguin, or Cam Fowler on the Bruins! It kills me. Damn you Toronto fuckin' Maple Leafs. The only solace I'll have is watching Brian Burke's face when one of those guys puts on another team's jersey.

Spot on analysis. With all the problems, I'm still pretty optimistic about the near future. Rask is going to be special. Have to give credit to the B's for not rushing him along. He's the only shot we have at a major upset in the playoffs.

[SkyDog112046]

Bruins this year, compared to last, are a lot like last year's Habs compared to the season before. Both teams overachieved and finished number one - for a lot of reasons, such as hot goaltending, numerous players having career years, lack of injuries, etc. The following year, in both cases, was just the opposite: goaltending falls back down to earth, same for certain "star" players, tons of injuries, etc. The reality is the Habs weren't as good as they appeared to be the 1 seed, not were they as bad as they seemed when they were #8 last year. Same can be said for the B's. The big difference is that the Habs haven't had the Toronto Maple Leafs help them like the B's have had. Rask for Raycroft? Two 1sts and a 2nd for Kessel? Oy vay - imagine Hall, Seguin, or Cam Fowler on the Bruins! It kills me. Damn you Toronto fuckin' Maple Leafs. The only solace I'll have is watching Brian Burke's face when one of those guys puts on another team's jersey.

Spot on analysis. With all the problems, I'm still pretty optimistic about the near future. Rask is going to be special. Have to give credit to the B's for not rushing him along. He's the only shot we have at a major upset in the playoffs.

They should have traded Thomas at the deadline. I'll bet a team that is desperate for goaltending like Philly would have worked something out for him. Not that they would have gotten much in return, but thay could have done it as a salary dump. But they gave him a stupid contract and it's going to be tough to move him in the offseason.

I know much was made of there being an issue between Kessel and Julien, but if you could get a "do over" you'd be nuts not to sign Kessel, say goodbye to Thomas, and canned Julien. They knew Rask was in the system and ready to become a #1, and 30 goal scorers are tough to come by. How would this team look right now with Joe Thornton and Phil Kessel on the top line? Certainly not near the bottom of the league in goals scored.

[chungasrevenge]

Bruins this year, compared to last, are a lot like last year's Habs compared to the season before. Both teams overachieved and finished number one - for a lot of reasons, such as hot goaltending, numerous players having career years, lack of injuries, etc. The following year, in both cases, was just the opposite: goaltending falls back down to earth, same for certain "star" players, tons of injuries, etc. The reality is the Habs weren't as good as they appeared to be the 1 seed, not were they as bad as they seemed when they were #8 last year. Same can be said for the B's. The big difference is that the Habs haven't had the Toronto Maple Leafs help them like the B's have had. Rask for Raycroft? Two 1sts and a 2nd for Kessel? Oy vay - imagine Hall, Seguin, or Cam Fowler on the Bruins! It kills me. Damn you Toronto fuckin' Maple Leafs. The only solace I'll have is watching Brian Burke's face when one of those guys puts on another team's jersey.

Spot on analysis. With all the problems, I'm still pretty optimistic about the near future. Rask is going to be special. Have to give credit to the B's for not rushing him along. He's the only shot we have at a major upset in the playoffs.

They should have traded Thomas at the deadline. I'll bet a team that is desperate for goaltending like Philly would have worked something out for him. Not that they would have gotten much in return, but thay could have done it as a salary dump. But they gave him a stupid contract and it's going to be tough to move him in the offseason.

I know much was made of there being an issue between Kessel and Julien, but if you could get a "do over" you'd be nuts not to sign Kessel, say goodbye to Thomas, and canned Julien. They knew Rask was in the system and ready to become a #1, and 30 goal scorers are tough to come by. How would this team look right now with Joe Thornton and Phil Kessel on the top line? Certainly not near the bottom of the league in goals scored.

Philly and Boston supposedly had a deal in place for Thomas at the deadline, but Philly's plans to fit him under the cap fell through. I assume Thomas waived his clause. I wouldn't be surprised if a similar deal between the 2 teams happens in the offseason. That will move $5 million from the cap. Thomas probably won't see the net for the rest of the year.

[Anne_Thrax]

What ticket holders? That arena was empty last night for one of the biggest games of the past few years for Atlanta. Jack Edwards said during the telecast that he's seen libraries that are more exciting.[/quote]

Yeah I was pretty horrified by the lack of people that were there for that game. I decided to go at the last second only to find out my company's seats had been taken by a coworker. I was like figures, that game gonna be packed. But then i watch tv and see an empty arena. Then I see our seats, and they were empty lol. Even my coworkers were like screw this.

[WOLF]

What ticket holders? That arena was empty last night for one of the biggest games of the past few years for Atlanta. Jack Edwards said during the telecast that he's seen libraries that are more exciting.

Yeah I was pretty horrified by the lack of people that were there for that game. I decided to go at the last second only to find out my company's seats had been taken by a coworker. I was like figures, that game gonna be packed. But then i watch tv and see an empty arena. Then I see our seats, and they were empty lol. Even my coworkers were like screw this.[/quote]

The anounced attendance for that game was over 14,000! So, according to Gary Bettman, hockey is doing just fine in the southland.

[chungasrevenge]

What ticket holders? That arena was empty last night for one of the biggest games of the past few years for Atlanta. Jack Edwards said during the telecast that he's seen libraries that are more exciting.

Yeah I was pretty horrified by the lack of people that were there for that game. I decided to go at the last second only to find out my company's seats had been taken by a coworker. I was like figures, that game gonna be packed. But then i watch tv and see an empty arena. Then I see our seats, and they were empty lol. Even my coworkers were like screw this.

The anounced attendance for that game was over 14,000! So, according to Gary Bettman, hockey is doing just fine in the southland.[/quote]

I think Bettman multiplied the actual attendance x 2.

What about Hartford for one of these sunbelt teams? A new arena would be needed, but the Whale averaged around 13k of so before Francis was dealt. Youth hockey is huge in CT. They would also have good attendance guaranteed for 10-15 games against Boston and the NY area teams.

[Anne_Thrax]

What about Hartford for one of these sunbelt teams? A new arena would be needed, but the Whale averaged around 13k of so before Francis was dealt. Youth hockey is huge in CT. They would also have good attendance guaranteed for 10-15 games against Boston and the NY area teams.

I tried to get an ECHL team in Hartford in January. I pitched the idea to my boss who I convinced to pitch the idea to Thomas Hooker, president of Hooker Beer out of Bloomfield, CT. We wanted to call them the Hartford Hookers. I still think that would be bad ass, but he passed on the idea
I have always thought Hartford needed a hockey team. Then when I saw this Hooker Beer article in beverage digest I was like hmmm...But damn, nothing came out of it.

[chungasrevenge]

What about Hartford for one of these sunbelt teams? A new arena would be needed, but the Whale averaged around 13k of so before Francis was dealt. Youth hockey is huge in CT. They would also have good attendance guaranteed for 10-15 games against Boston and the NY area teams.

I tried to get an ECHL team in Hartford in January. I pitched the idea to my boss who I convinced to pitch the idea to Thomas Hooker, president of Hooker Beer out of Bloomsfield, CT. We wanted to call them the Hartford Hookers. I still think that would be bad ass, but he passed on the idea
I have always thought Hartford needed a hockey team. Then when I saw this Hooker Beer article in beverage digest I was like hmmm...But damn, nothing came out of it.

Hooker IPA rules! Love that beer. Great idea, but it might be a tough sell. Hartford does have the Wolfpack of the AHL playing at the old civic center now.

[Anne_Thrax]

What about Hartford for one of these sunbelt teams? A new arena would be needed, but the Whale averaged around 13k of so before Francis was dealt. Youth hockey is huge in CT. They would also have good attendance guaranteed for 10-15 games against Boston and the NY area teams.

I tried to get an ECHL team in Hartford in January. I pitched the idea to my boss who I convinced to pitch the idea to Thomas Hooker, president of Hooker Beer out of Bloomsfield, CT. We wanted to call them the Hartford Hookers. I still think that would be bad ass, but he passed on the idea
I have always thought Hartford needed a hockey team. Then when I saw this Hooker Beer article in beverage digest I was like hmmm...But damn, nothing came out of it.

Hooker IPA rules! Love that beer. Great idea, but it might be a tough sell. Hartford does have the Wolfpack of the AHL playing at the old civic center now.

I wanted to do it in Bloomfield and call them the Bloomfield Hookers, but I didn't know how big that town was. Oh well, Mr. Hooker didn't like the idea, even though it would have been cheap to pull together.

[Anne_Thrax]

Also, we didn't know what they would call those girls that skate around in the skimpy outfits and shovel the ice in between periods...

[SkyDog112046]

What about Hartford for one of these sunbelt teams? A new arena would be needed, but the Whale averaged around 13k of so before Francis was dealt. Youth hockey is huge in CT. They would also have good attendance guaranteed for 10-15 games against Boston and the NY area teams.

Hartford was a good place to go see Bruins games back when the Bruins used to sell out the Garden all the time and it was tough to get tickets. Games were cheap too.

[WOLF]

Habs win

Flyers lose in OT (earth to Flyers management: G-O-A-L-I-E)

Bruins lose (how do you lose a game like that, at home, after seemingly turning the corner?!)

Thrashers lose in OT

Pretty good night for me. It only could have been made better if the Flyers and Thrashers didn't pick up points, and maybe if the Rags had lost.

[WOLF]

Duplicate post - fuckin' server!

[SkyDog112046]

Bruins lose (how do you lose a game like that, at home, after seemingly turning the corner?!)

1. Quitting on your coach
2. Your best scoring threat got traded
3. Your 2nd best scoring threat got knocked out for the season and the rest of the team didn't care enough to do anything about it until they found out the fans were pissed.

[chungasrevenge]

Bruins lose (how do you lose a game like that, at home, after seemingly turning the corner?!)

1. Quitting on your coach
2. Your best scoring threat got traded
3. Your 2nd best scoring threat got knocked out for the season and the rest of the team didn't care enough to do anything about it until they found out the fans were pissed.

All these and Rask had an off night. 15-15-6 at home this season. This team isn't going to last a week in the playoffs.

I've about given up on Wheeler. He needs to follow Ryder and Wideman out the door in the offseason. 2 offsides on break out chances, an interference call that resulted in the 4th goal, a mishandled pass on a breakaway chance and 2 mishandled passes on one timers with an open net. For fuck's sake he was a walking disaster.

[SkyDog112046]

The Eastern Conference race is getting interesting. 3 teams tied for 6th with 6 games left and a team 2 points back with 5 games left. 6th place gets to go against Buffalo while 8th place has to go to Washington.

Looking at the Bruins schedule:
Florida
@ Toronto
@ Washington
Buffalo
Carolina
@Washington

Maybe they catch a break in that last game vs the Caps if they decide to rest some players since everything is wrapped up?

[chungasrevenge]

The Eastern Conference race is getting interesting. 3 teams tied for 6th with 6 games left and a team 2 points back with 5 games left. 6th place gets to go against Buffalo while 8th place has to go to Washington.

Looking at the Bruins schedule:
Florida
@ Toronto
@ Washington
Buffalo
Carolina
@Washington

Maybe they catch a break in that last game vs the Caps if they decide to rest some players since everything is wrapped up?

I think 3-3 might do it for them. These next two games against FLA and Toronto are must wins. They're pretty much 3 points up on Atlanta with all the tiebreakers going in their favor. Atlanta also has Pitts twice, Washington twice and Jersey once down the stretch, so I think we can eliminate them at this point. I'm hoping that last Washington game won't matter for either team.

[WOLF]

Habs, Philly, and B's need to watch out for the Rags. They have an "easier" schedule down the stretch and Lundqvist is playing well.

[chungasrevenge]

I'm giddy that Rask is going to be the B's goalie for the next ten years. Holy shit.

[SkyDog112046]

Stupid fucking Bruins had a chance to edge towards the 6th seed and blew a must-win against a shitty team. At least beat Toronto tomorrow, not so much for the 2 points but more to take away 2 from the Leafs and lock up the #2 pick so they have a chance to get something useful in exchange for their top scorer.

Boston, Philly, Montreal and Atlanta are fighting for 6th, 7th, & 8th and all lost their last game although Atlanta can be excused for losing to Washington. They should just eliminate all 4 of those teams right now and hand out first round byes to the top 3 seeds in the east. The way it looks now all three of those series will be sweeps anyway.

[WOLF]

Stupid fucking Bruins had a chance to edge towards the 6th seed and blew a must-win against a shitty team. At least beat Toronto tomorrow, not so much for the 2 points but more to take away 2 from the Leafs and lock up the #2 pick so they have a chance to get something useful in exchange for their top scorer.

Boston, Philly, Montreal and Atlanta are fighting for 6th, 7th, & 8th and all lost their last game although Atlanta can be excused for losing to Washington. They should just eliminate all 4 of those teams right now and hand out first round byes to the top 3 seeds in the east. The way it looks now all three of those series will be sweeps anyway.

The Bruins, Habs, and Flyers are playing the classic game of "you take it, no I insist you take it, no please you take it". I was in shock that BOTH the B's and Philly lost on Thursday. In the Habs defence, Carolina is the #2 team in the league since Jan. 1 - if they hadn't had such a slow start they'd be a playoff team. Still the Habs have got to learn to score 5-on-5!

Like I said above, look out for the Rangers. I think they're going to sweep the Florida teams this weekend, while the Habs will maybe get a point against Philly and Buffalo, and the Rags will be in 8th by weekend's end.

Montreal/Philly tonight is HUGE. I hope Boucher lays another egg.

[chungasrevenge]

The battle of mediocrity.