Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Anyone think that the Yotes or Kings could knock out the Canucks? I'm thinking yes.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The Coyotes are really not that good. LA could...they are a pretty decent team. Still would absolutely take the Canucks against them, though.

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Not sure about that exactly, but looking at the current standings, if they playoffs started today, there are only a few matchups that I could definitively say who would win. That would be the 1-8 matchups and 3-6 matchup between the Panthers-Devils. Devils all day there.

Can't wait for the playoffs, never know what's gonna happen

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Very tough to see the Flyers winning that series. I mean, I know they just beat Pitt last weekend but...I don't know. I could see Pitt rolling everyone on their way to the SCF.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yes. I think Phoenix is sneaky good. I've been a vocal supporter of the Kings from day 1 here, so I definitely think they could. Quick is a monster. I want to see LA in that 7 spot with Dallas in the 3.

Meanwhile, Montador and Kruger traveling to NJ with the Blackhawks. Toews "real close" to being cleared for contact.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Well, it's either them or the Rangers. Either way whoever is coming out of the East is going to be bruised and battered by the time they face Western opposition.

I'm just sick of either losing to the Pens and Rangers all year, it's our time.

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In all fairness, I think everyone will be bruised and battered by the end of this. Nashville, St. Louis, Vancouver...not exactly clean hockey. Walking out of a series with any of those teams with half your roster and you're ahead of the game.

It's going to be a bloody, intense playoffs. And I love it.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The Bruins seem to finding their stride once again. I just hope Ottawa stays in that 7 spot. I really want them in the first round.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Dont know if anyone has kept up with the ants fantasy league, but its the championship round this week, and its me (Giroux Grux King) attempting to retain my title against Minnesota Danglers.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, it seems that this happens every year to me. I have a really solid regular season (2nd overall this year) and then in the first round my team completely shits the bed with poor play/injuries.

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:thumbsup:thumbsup It always is. Can't wait for them to get started. Things look fantastic for the Pens, but I fully expect at least one or two series to be ridiculously hard fought. Especially against the Flyers and/or Rangers.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

So you're the caps of the fantasy league?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Short of sending a message out to the league saying that "I've Arrived", yes

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Coyotes are a tough team to play against so I think they could cause issues. Win? I dunno. LA would be more likely I think cause they now finally have some offense.

edit: and by Coyotes I mean next years Nordiques.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

what team were you?

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I don't know, I think you're opinion is skewed by the fact that the Yotes have played real well against the Hawks. But, they have less talent than they've had the past couple years when they've been obliterated by the Wings. They are a very disciplined team built to make it through the regular season haul. Don't think they have anything for the playoffs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Crosby, Staals, and Nash

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I love you too, man :hug
Unfortunately I will stake my claim for that title. I was far and away in 1st place throughout the season (Thackalanche). I don't think I ever had a "losing week", but lost in the first round. :lol

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:lol:lol Where have you been? I've been dying to talk Avs but haven't seen you around in here.

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You've been dying to talk Avs? Yeah, probably about as much as Tim. ;) :lol

Been in Vegas for work. Nope, not prostitution. My real job.

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Yeah happened to me last year and this year where I was doing good but fell off late.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Playing in the finals this week in one of my leagues. I'm playing against the guy who has hands down dominated the entire league. Basically the team quality looked like this.

Him


Me




Next two guys

everyone else

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

We've got a date this week to determine who's the fifth best! :lol

Bring it :violent

EDIT: Please don't. My goaltenders have been atrocious. My team has improved this week because Craig Anderson is back in the lineup.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol I'm pulling so hard for them to make it. It's a team I don't hate that has some players I like, which is rare in the West.

Plus, I've watched "...and after 22 years...RAYMOND BOURQUE!" about 100 times the past 3 or 4 days.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Flyers vs. Pens/Rags is going to be a fantastic 1st round matchup, can't wait to watch that one.

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Thanks buddy :thumbsup They do indeed have some really cool role players on the team this year. All of them work their butts off too. Loving Landeskog, and the additions of McGinn and Downie.

Oh man, I tear up every effin' time I watch that :lol Don't know what gets me more: Bourque's face (like the weight of the world just fell off his shoulders) as he lifts the Cup, or Super Joe barely even looking at the Cup and skating it right over to Ray.

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:lol:lol You're on, buddy! If second place is the first loser, I guess we're fighting it out to see who's the... fourth loser? I'll match my crappy goaltending to yours any day!

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Fine, I see how it is. I'ma remember this.

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Yea I lost in the semis last week....stupid Crosby coming back

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One of us going to be hating the other pretty intensely after tonight.

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:lol Very true. Also, I think we both find ourselves in the very odd position of pulling hard for the Nucks tonight.

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:lol:lol Sorry.

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If LA and SJ win tonight, Colorado is basically out of it.

^Captain obvious

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I hate that feeling.
This one too.

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Once again, I have done my duty of being the village idiot who never checks his fantasy team. I'm too scared to even look at how far down I am.

Also, Giroux < Stamkos

Hope I did that one right.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This is why I don't bother with fantasy sports. I'd always be that idiot.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I haven't either, but I do have Patrick Sharp...so....pretty sweet.

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there are 3 huge games that are going to greatly effect the western conference race tonight, and NBC Sports Network is showing a game where one team has clinched, and the other won't be making the playoffs. East Coast Bias.

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I'll definitely be watching the SJ-COL game on Altitude (Denver's local sports station). Possibly the defining game of the season for the Avs.

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Rolston has 11 points in his last 6 games for the Bruins after having 9 in 45 games for the Islanders. :lol

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Not defending East Coast Bias, but I'd hope they might have thought about switching, if not for the time slot problem. The earliest game that involves a team that's fighting for its playoff life is DAL-CGY at 9 ET. They are showing the LA-VAN game after the early game.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

What is the Western Conference?
Is that like the AHL?

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well then that is ok. I didn't know that.

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Briere must have been traded to the Bolts. Sweet assists, dude.

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Holy DatsyukZetterberg those were amazing assists.

God I wish the Datsyuk-for-Nabokov rumor I heard many years ago had become reality.

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Who made up that rumor? You? :lol

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You guys got Joe Thornton for free. You're never allowed to complain about near trades ever again.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It was many years ago when Nabby was considered a top goalie and Datsyuk hadn't shed the disappearing in the playoffs label yet, and who knows if it was ever even proposed, but I did hear it once, and not from me.

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Considering Thornton's dissapearing act every postseason I'd say he can!

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:lol Thank you.

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I mean his point totals in the playoffs aren't really bad or anything, but I find it pretty amazing that he has NEVER scored more than 3 goals in a single postseason.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Matt Carle with a Steve Smith moment.

Where is our resident Oilers fan. :lol

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its not often im cheering for the Canucks

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Three Stars of the Night for the Philly/TB game....

1). Roloson (TB)
2). Briere (TB)
3). Carle (TB)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Erik, I want you to know I don't hate you. I don't even hate the Sharks.

I hate the Avalanche.

I hate them so much.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol Sorry man.

Tonight went absolutely perfectly for the Sharks. Started the day in 9th, finished in 3rd. The team played the best it has in over a month, top to bottom. Niemi looked in control, effort was everywhere, it was great. And Dallas and LA lost.

Of course, if we slip up we could tumble as fast as we climb.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Here is the lovely pass by Pavel.

http://youtu.be/cUDRlZrFqmQ

Now hoping for a Nashville loss I guess.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Since the end of November the Wild are 16-26-7. Before that they were 15-7-3. How things can change.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

"Last four years combined, Leafs have more points than only three teams: Columbus, NY Islanders and Edmonton. That puts them 27th under Burke."

Good job Burkie.

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If Florida makes the playoffs the Leafs will also be the only team that hasn't made the playoffs since the lock out.

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Everyone in the Leafs organization has to go. It's unfathomable to me that this has gone on for so long. Toronto simply has not had luck since '67, but still--no playoffs since what? 2004?

Yikes.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yup 2004. Burke has done a bad job. He did well in Vancouver but inherited a pretty good team in the Ducks and made them better but then made a few poor choices before he left.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

trading for Phil Kessel still blows my mind

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, I definitely need to give credit where it is due. Both teams recognized the seriousness of this game, but the Sharks obviously rose to the challenge more so than the Avalanche. They took advantage of sloppy, lazy defensive play in the Avalanche zone. In the defensive zone, they did a good job of clogging up the middle of the ice and keeping the speedy Av forwards to the outside. The avalanche have a ton of speed and quickness, but not much size meaning they have trouble penetrating into the slot against staunch defenses. The Sharks recognized this and capitalized on it.

Funny how loyalty keeps you with a certain team, because the style of hockey I like (which, I'm sorry I've rammed down all your throats repeatedly) is the exact opposite of that which the Avalanche play. I love the speed and high octane offense, but good hockey revolves around playing solid team defense... something the Avs are woefully inconsistent with.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Big night tonight. Can Pens take over first?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

And now Franzen is back and Ericsson might be. Getting close. Still scared of the Preds in round one though.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm probably most afraid of playing the Preds at any point because they play the exact way you want to play against the Hawks, and they play it perfectly.

They were our toughest series the year we won.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

For the Wings in 08 too. Had to go 6 against them. But then swept the Avs, went up 3-0 on Dallas and 3-1 on the Pens before both of those going 6.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

we were tied 2-2 and Kane tied it with 14 seconds left, shorthanded. We won that game it OT after we killed the penalty and then won the series in 6. We then killed the Canucks, swept the Sharks, and the Finals were a little more difficult but nothing compared to the Preds. The Nashville series is the only time I was worried that whole playoff run.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Wings were 2-2, up 1-0 the whole game pretty much and dominated the crap out of them and the Preds tied in the final minute, I swore at the tv and almost chucked the remote at it and then they won in OT. I know the feeling.

The positive I take out of it, all 4 years the Wings won the Cup, they had a tough first round. I think it makes you more prepared for later.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hawks had that, Bruins had it last year.

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Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The 1st round was the toughest series the Bruins had last year.

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Seriously?! Damn, he may just have to sit out. His health and future are more important. He can't seem to go three games this year without getting rocked in the head.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

https://twitter.com/#!/Dejan_Kovacev...60498220978176

Seems like its not that serious

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Good. If Letang could have stayed healthy this year, he likely would have been a Norris candidate.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pens & Islanders tonight and I really hope the Wild can hold the Rangers

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sounds like its something to do with his ankle or knee is my guess cause it whatever is hurt is a result of that trip that made his legs crash into the boards awkwardly

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah i thought he was going to be out again. Im glad it looked a lot worse than it was.

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Win tonight and we're basically a lock for 6th. God, I would love to be fully healthy and be playing the Sharks.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, I suppose. Would rather see Dallas win that division but it's not gonna happen. Sharks or LA are the best team there.

SJ is still a good team, though. I mean they have been to the the WCF 2 yrs in a row. Hawks match up pretty well with them but still they are a team that has scorers in guys like Couture & Pavelski that seem to show up big time in the playoffs.

If Hawks are healthy they can certainly beat any team but it's definitely going to be tough without home ice.

But let's just make the playoffs first. Get a couple more wins plz.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Looks like Letang will be out tonight and Lovejoy had knee surgery this morining and will be out 3-4 weeks :BANG

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SJ is a shell of what they were the past 2 years. I really don't like the moves they made both at the deadline and this past offseason. I would be a lot more worried going up against the Kings.

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Agreed. Around the league he's noted mostly for his offensive skills, but he's actually a pretty good defenseman. Not a lot of size, but has the right instincts for the position and plays smart.

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If Karlsson wins the Norris it will be an absolute joke. I understand he's incredibly talented on the offensive end but his defensive game is still very below average.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I agree completely. My vote goes to Weber. I know he's seen as the "easy" answer, but there's good reason. Such an all-around force. Karlsson deserves consideration, but isn't the top defenseman. I'd say the Norris candidates right now are Weber, Chara, and Karlsson.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'd vote for Weber as well. Chara hasn't been as good this year as he was last year. I thought he should have won it last year.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Oh God. Universe is injured.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Great stuff from one of our favorite hockey personalities:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7715471

EDIT: The "let's go boys" is so classic.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sorry for the Bucci overload, but I really enjoyed this mini expose on fighting he wrote in his most recent Bucci's Mailbag segment. ESPN or not, this is one of the few major media personalities who actually gets it.

Quote:

I agree that if fighting is viewed as a reason for some not watching hockey, it is a very small number. The physical aspect of the game is actually why the demo skews young and why the sport is vibrant, healthy and exciting. A few games a year, I drive to Boston (80 minutes away) and sit in the 300 level with my cousin Eddie, who has season tickets. This is where you feel the soul of the fan. It always enriches my fandom and my work covering the NHL. It's invaluable. The possibility of fighting gives NHL games an edge, especially in person, and a possibility of machismo and justice served. Some hockey people also view fighting as an ethic and value of either protection or support of a teammate. It is practically a political view. This "protection" could be for the star of the team or those who can't physically protect themselves, whether it's their size or because they were injured. Some feel this is very important, that it actually makes us more human. I think they have a point. How many people in your life do you think would actually put themselves in harm's way to fight for you or with you? And not just to fight for you or with you, BUT DO IT WELL. No offense, but if you got my back I prefer you are very good at distributing "justice." Part of the fighting dynamic is also a romantic Canadian image of the farm boy making it to the NHL with blue-collar toughness, and staying there with selfless acts of courage and charm. What other blue-collar job pays the $1.2 million salary that the Bruins' Shawn Thornton pulls in? It's part prize, part role model. It's why fighters are often the most popular players, especially among the young adult fans. Most people aren't rich. And most young people are in debt. I know I was in my 20s. I charged milk and bread and wondered how in the world I was going to fix the clutch on my '87 Maxima. That's why Cam Neely was my favorite player in my 20s -- because he could score with Hall of Fame frequency but also ferociously fought with the anger of a street kid. I strived to improve on any skill I had and lived vicariously through Neely's anger when he fought Scot Kleinendorst. When Neely was punching Kleinendorst, he was punching the credit card company operator calling my house every day looking for the minimum payment. I felt better. That being said, I called three NCAA hockey games last week and there was no fighting and, being college hockey, no threat of fighting. There were no cheap shots and I was thoroughly entertained by fast, hard-hitting hockey. Hockey doesn't have to have fighting to be entertaining, especially in a playoff situation like the NCAA East Regional. The NHL's dilemma is that the regular season is so long, wayyyy too long, that fighting keeps the arduous six-month regular season energized and on edge. And that's the beauty of the Stanley Cup playoffs -- so much just washes away. The rule debates, the rumors, the moral dilemmas and, yes, the need for fighting. It's just the objective scoreboard and series standing.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/77...shioned-emails

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

such a fan of lovejoy...i'm glad he's getting it fixed now instead of hurting it more tonight or in the future.

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Let's go, Pens! Get your shit together - it's the Islanders!

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they stink again. im not coming back to this thread until they are good!

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Wow thanks Isles. How will they find a way to blow this one?

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Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

We're clearly returning to our true form. Goodbye forever?

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jk! tie game im back! blolol

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(han) sololololololololololololololololololololololololo

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Earliest whistle ever takes a rangers goal off the board but they score 30 seconds later, Boyle from Dubinsky in the crease.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hawk PP is a complete joke.