Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I think as a fan of CBJ I'm cleary out of my element talking about playoff appearances.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I think I'm okay with calling it the Metro division. It's what they call the Subway in Montreal. It sounds a little more classy, but Metropolitan division sounds ridiculous.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Hey all, haven't posted in a while (this is my first in the new thread) but I'm in San Jose at the Sharks training facility right now for an exhibition that involves several former Sharks including Nabokov and Owen Nolan against a Russian team that includes Valeri Bure, Darius Kasparaitis and Alexei Yashin. And Phil Esposito is here and my son just got his autograph.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

That's some great stuff. Your son will have an awesome memory to keep with him for a long long time.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Anyone else notice the new NHL divisions kinda spell out CUP?

http://www.crossingbroad.com/wp-cont...3.24.05-PM.png

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Why the fuck are they watching me pee

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Yashin and Nabby are apparently good friends, spent the entire first intermission chatting on the bench. Yashin then promptly scored on Nabby early in the second and lovingly patted his head.

Nolan and Alex Korulyuk scored the Sharks' only goals, Russia won 6-2, which wasn't surprising.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

The New Yorks should've gone to the Northeast. I get the preserving rivalries angle but those Florida teams are just ridiculous, especially when you put it on a map.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

looks like the Midwest division is sniffing some Central bootie.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

that's like saying the land between Hudson River and East River looks like the shape of a leg and foot.

http://dabrownstein.files.wordpress....ni-spa-3lg.jpg

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Not really

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2013/7...-to-back-games

Since so much had been talked about travel here is the breakdown. It also shows past years travels too but not including last year's since it was so screwy. Obviously some East teams travel a little more with playing all the West teams. Surprised how little Minnesota's travel changes.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

coots signs two-year extension.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Need to go back to old school conference/division names.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Two years, $3.5 million for Sean Couturier.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Away for the weekend with the wife but just stopping in to say metropolitan sucks. Bring back the Patrick division!!

http://boston.barstoolsports.com/m/r...at-td-tonight/

So awesome lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Well done, Boston :lol:lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:lol

Last night at that Sharks event some girl in front of me had a Believe tour shirt on.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

ESPN has it, too.

http://espn.go.com/boston/nhl/story/...-justin-bieber

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

The Bruins are brilliant :lol:lol:lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I was looking through a bunch of old stories I wrote and found this on a 13-year-old hockey player named Troy Henley from Paulsboro, NJ (born in Philly). He's now 16 and was drafted in the second round by the Ottawa 67's of the OHL back in April. Glad to see he's still on the right path.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/...or-ice-hockey/

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

He was also selected to the U-17 team for the US, which is a sweet fucking honor.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Someone told me that Jagr is holding off from signing with the Devils because he's hoping that the Flyers will offer him a contract.

Yes, please.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

No, please.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Maybe, please.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

He doesn't belong on the Flyers top 6 and would be useless on their third line. It would also take ice time away from Brayden Schenn if he does crack the top 6. Plus they're over the cap limit.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

He's supposed to sign with the Devils today from the last few tweets I have seen. I dunno why a team like the Flyers would want him. How much better does he make them? It'll be for one year too. I don't see them as a Cup contender so why waste your time on him for one year? This team needs to look beyond Oct-April of the 2014 season.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

rangers start the year on a 9 game road trip that includes PHX, SJ, LA, ANA, WASH, STL, DET :lol could easily start the year 2-7

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Tough start but that also means it's a lot lighter later in the year.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Oh, I totally agree with you guys. I was just being the middle guy smartass. Jagr should have been on the Flyers last year. He has no business on this team anymore.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

was supposed to be that way this year, too. we'll see

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Don't worry he's in Jersey now. He'll totally replace Kovy.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

^ True. Broduer and Jagr will lead them to yet another Cup. As a Flyers fan, that pleases me. And by pleases me, I mean, makes me want to jump out of my window here at work.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Goalies Team Canada has invited to camp:

Roberto Luongo
Carey Price
Braden Holtby
Mike Smith
Corey Crawford

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

i hope luongo crushes it

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Same. I really hope Luongo wins the Vezina this season. I've always liked him

Luongo
Price
Crow

I've really come around to Luongo. I like him a lot.

I couldn't stand Luongo during the 2011 finals, but his tweets have kind of won me over he's hilarious

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

A lot of people out there surprised Marty didn't get an invite to Canada's camp. Am I the only one who isn't surprised? He's still a quality goalie but he was injured last year, getting old and lost the job in Vancouver 4 years ago.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm more shocked Cam Ward and Devin Dubnyk didn't get an invite.

I always love this list, because it reassures me that Canada's "b" team could still beat any other "a" team thrown it's way.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Normally wouldn't be surprised Dubnyk not being invited but with Holtby being invited I am. Ward I very much am surprised.

I know a lot of people will question stuff, but they were 4 years ago too and that turned out well. However, if they don't recover after the loss to the US we wouldn't be saying it worked out. A fine line between great job and wanting someones head.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I see no Alexandre Daigle on that list.

Not impressed.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I think Ward over Holtby makes sense. Maybe they saw this picture and just hoped he'd bring some girls with him to camp:

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/B...LiFxlN7U9x.jpg

But I'm gonna disagree with you here...the USA team has by far the best group between the pipes. Canada's "B" team that surpasses most "A" squads is their group of forwards...certainly not goaltenders.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm guessing you all saw this?

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Tea...on-Camp/Roster

....that list of forwards....my God......

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Fair .

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

https://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun/...79639921164289

I would too, Pierre. I would too.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Holy shit:eek

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

At least they can't all play....
You'd have your ex-husband Bolland on there too.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Trying to come up with my 12 forwards for Canada. This is impossible.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:lol No Bolland. Can't agitate as much in the Olympics.

I can't believe Benn didn't get an invite. That guy is overlooked so much it's ridiculous. How did fuckin' Marchand get an invite, but Benn didn't?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Yup, I'd have Spezza come out over Marchand too.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

No shit hahaha

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

The best I could do was get it down to 15 or 16 guys, and said "There is no way I'm cutting that guy"

Edit: Apparently Stevie Y is thinking the same
@reporterchris Canada will bring 14 forwards to Sochi, according to Steve Yzerman.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Here's my thought:

Forwards:

Eric Staal - Sidney Crosby - Steven Stamkos
Rick Nash - Jonathan Toews - Claude Giroux
John Tavares - Patrice Bergeron - Cory Perry
Patrick Sharp - Ryan Getzlaf - Logan Couture

Mike Richards/Martin St. Louis

Defenseman:

Duncan Keith - Shea Weber
Kris Letang - Drew Doughty
Marc Staal - Brent Seabrook

PK Subban/Alex Pietrangelo

Goaltenders:

Roberto Luongo
Corey Crawford
Carey Price

That's what I got it down to so far.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

This is gonna be even more fun:

http://olympics.usahockey.com/news_a...1?referrer_id=

FUCK YEAH BRANDON SAAD!

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Some names surprise me on that list but so did some in 2010 and I was thinking, we're gonna get killed, but they put a good team together then so gonna reserve judgement until later.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I love the idea of Yandle being paired with Suter.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

sharp-getzlaf-couture as a possible 4th line for canada

fucking gross

the hopeful fans in sochi might be disappointed...

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I mean, if the top line in Russia can gel, it's the scariest line in the Olympics...

Ovechkin - Datsyuk - Malkin

wuuuuuuuuut

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm just glad Brian Burke has a role in the team again. USA was smart four years ago by putting a TEAM on the ice.

Yeah, Canada is unbelievable but it's all about team chemistry.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

This is exactly how I feel right now about it :thumbsup

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Ehhhhhh, not really. A lot of those names are just for the experience they want to give these guys. The core remains the same.

Kane, Kesler, Brown, Parise, Suter, Callahan, Johnson, etc.

Guys like Leddy, Saad, etc. won't make the actual roster, but it's good to get them in there when they are young.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

How can you not be on board with this signing for the Devils? One year deal, and he'll bring a tremendous boost to the PP.

Also doesn't hurt to have a name that the team can market to the casual fan base.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Don't forget Corey Schneider. You know, the franchise goaltender we fleeced from Vancouver on draft day while the Flyers remain in goaltender purgatory.

:hug

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Agreed about what the flyers are as it relates to goaltending. But. I'm not sold on Schneider. Do I wish the flyers made a deal to have him? Sure. But I'm not sold in the guy as a whole. He's a wait and see for me.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

So looks like I'll have a chance to purchase Winter Classic tickets this afternoon. I'm not sure if I'm gonna do it or not. Expensive for crap seats. Well most seats will be crap and I'm sure season ticket holders got the good ones already. I'll see what's available at 2pm I guess. I'll have much better seats at home on my couch.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

get my tickets today in about a hour. Should I see Los Angeles/Rangers or Chicago/Detroit?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'd do Chicago and Detroit but of course that's me. Kings would be cool but Rangers are just eh to me personally.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Surprised Dubinsky didn't get an invite

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm surprised to see that Jason Pominville isn't on that list......

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Happy for JvR

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Yay for JVR! His play won me over last year. He doesn't play nearly as physical as I'd like a man of his size to play but he plays with tons of heart and will drive to the net at every opportunity.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Everything I noticed in Philly. Do I want him to be more physical? Yup, especially at his size. But the kid played his balls off here and I will always have love for the kid. He's also a Jersey kid

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I hope JVR cuts back on the diving a bit if he's going to be wearing a USA sweater.

Seriously, I always liked the guy in Philly. This year in the first round was ridiculous though.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I just posted this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WedvOdw-eG8 in the best defensive play thread. Can't wait for the bedlam to start. :lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WWEJa17GBk

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Another one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbu3M-HTRdY

and for Chris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf8vQ-dg64k

That ones not as good as the blocked shots but still had post it.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Fuck...that shift still gives me nightmares. Fuckin' Cam Barker...

I still love this though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GClclAQfXK8

When the UC was still the UC, and before it became the winter version of Wrigley Field (during the regular season).

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Blocking shots instantly makes me think of Lappy :(

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

That was a really good game. Started out crappy for me but then it became fun late in the 2nd period.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Already getting impatient for hockey to be back. I was just really looking over the Rangers schedule today and it is just sinking in that having Detroit in the East means we get to play them several times this year! That's pretty sweet.

I am also really looking forward to the Rangers Preseason game in Vegas.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm bored, so fuck you guys if this is too early: (Conference champion in bold, X marks WC teams

Worst Division ever full of cheaters, divers, and assholes:

Kings
Sharks
Canucks
Oilers - X
Ducks - X
Coyotes
Flames

Matty VS Chris made up rivalry Division:

Blues
Blackhawks
Stars
Jets
Wild
Avalanche
Predators

Old Man Tim can finally stay awake for games Division:

Red Wings
Senators
Bruins
Canadiens - X
Lightning
Maple Leafs
Sabres
Panthers

Pierre McGuire's boner Division:

Penguins
Rangers
Blue Jackets
Capitals - X
Hurricanes
Islanders
Flyers
Devils

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Old Man Tim can finally stay awake for games Division:

Love it! lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Leafs re-sign Paul Ranger for a 1 year 1.0 Mil. contract. I like this a lot. He had a great year in the minors last year and I think he can be a bit of a hidden gem if he can get back to anything close to what he was in Tampa Bay. I think it spells the end for Fraser who I really liked as a bottom pairing guy but he can sneak into the top 4 and really succeed (so I think).

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Finally back! Chris FB'd me the link to the US camp roster... Interesting. Here's the roster I posted back in May. I still think they could win gold if they went this route.

The only guy on my roster who ended up not being invited to the camp was Legwand. Understandable, as he's not exactly a big name guy. I like him because of his veteran sauce, great defensive skills, size, and ability to pot a few when needs be. In my book, the perfect 4th line center for Team USA. BUT, if I had to replace him with one of the guys on the current camp roster, I think I'd go with Abdelkader. Yes, Abdelkader. The team has enough stars, and Abs pretty much checks off all the boxes I just listed for Legwand.

I've got a Team Canada roster floating around these parts somewhere, but haven't taken the time to find it yet. May have to do that just to see where my brain was at back then. Love me some roster speculation talk!

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I like what that division could do though. I mean it's a lot of the old Norris. Obviously minus two of the 4 good teams from the 90's of the Leafs and Wings but still could be fun.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Oh yeah, I was going to comment on this, thanks for reminding me Tim.

Here's what I was going to post: :lol :lol

Word.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I dig that roster, Matty. I think Stastny needs to have a good first half of next year to prove he belongs, though. He may be playing himself out of a roster spot.

Oh, for sure. Blues/Blackhawks is always fun. I think having the Blackhawks-North (aka Jets) in the same division will be fun too.

One thing I noticed when doing predictions though, is how much more insanely difficult it will be to make the playoffs in the East than the West. Those 2 less teams makes a huge difference.

:lol Might as well come up with better division names since the ones the NHL came up with suck so much.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Agree. At this point, he's third line. And perhaps that's where he belongs with the way his style of play is evolving. He's been playing with a lot more of a physical edge and is solid in his zone. Not an excuse for his lack of offensive production, as he's still got the talent to do more there, but perhaps his niche on an olympic caliber roster would be more defensive than offensive. Bottom six.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'm just most excited about Yandle and Suter playing together. I don't see how you can ignore that pairing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92wbX_Mrhrk

playing with this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V86cj9iOXfY

Sick.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

It's not just the teams it's who those teams are. I mean if teams like the Flames were coming over no one would care. Jackets are a team on the rise and the Wings are the Wings. If you were one of the teams at the bottom of the playoff picture or just outside you aren't gonna be happy about this. I am interested to see how the Caps do now that they don't have the Panthers, Canes, Jets/Thrashers and Lightning to beat up on all year.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

While I love roster speculation, I'm not so keen on lines because I really like to see how guys play together beforehand. With Olympic-caliber rosters, it's much more complicated than looking at stats and putting the highest scoring guys on the top line, next highest on the second, and so on. You've really got to see who is going to complement each other the best and go that route, regardless of whether it's the 1st line or the 4th line.

BUT, if I were to take a stab at it, I think it would go like this:

Ryan-Parise-Kane
Brown-JVR-Kessel
Oshie-Kesler-Callahan
Legwand-Stastny-Backes
Alt: Galchenyuk

Suter-Yandle
McDonagh-Shattenkirk
Johnson-Johnson
Alt: Bogosian

Quick
Miller
Anderson

Yeah, some guys are out of position, but that's how it goes with rosters like this. I believe those lines contain the right amount of grit combined with speed, and complementary pieces to make each line dangerous in its own way. But that's what's great about olympic rosters... the ones I project could completely suck. Stastny might find some uncanny chemistry with Patrick Kane and Ryan Callahan (just an example) and completely change everything. Exciting stuff. :thumbsup

EDIT: Chris, just saw your post about Yandle/Suter. Great minds!

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Exactly. The Old Man Tim Division is honestly really, really tough. There are two clear cut bottom feeders, and then the rest are legitimate playoff teams. One of them can't make it, likely two of them won't.

Then the other division is the same story. Probably 1 (maybe 2 if you count the Flyers) bottom feeders, and then the rest you could make a legitimate argument for the other 6 to be legit playoff teams. Carolina is apparently close to signing Morrow, and I think they're going to make a run next year at a playoff spot.

It will be ridiculous in the East, and the West is basically a cake walk to the playoffs for some teams.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Parise-Kesler-Kane
Brown-Backes-Kessel
Ryan-Callahan-Oshie
JVR-Stastny-Legwand
ALT: Saad (seriously though, probably Stepan)

Suter-Yandle
McDonagh-Shattenkirk
Johnson-Johnson
ALT: (NOT BYFUGLIEN) Bogosian? Martin? I don't know. Not having Rafalski is a bummer. I don't know who the 7th should be.

Quick
Miller
Anderson

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

The more and more I play defense though, the more I fall in love with guys like Yandle. That goal I posted is SO dirty. The last replay they show with him pinching and going top shelf is just ridiculous.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:thumbsup I can see Saad being a really good international player (probably because he already has been!). That's the great thing about these rosters, I like my line combos, but I love yours too!

Go Bogosian for your 7th. Rounding into an Adam Foote-ish dude. Needs to access that mean streak a little more, but would be effective against the not-so-physical European teams. And yeah, been saying for at least the last couple years that Yandle is the REAL DEAL.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I'd interchange Callahan with Kesler on that first line. Callahan has more of a scoring touch. Kesler would be my go-to for a shutdown 3rd line center.

Does Brown strictly play left wing? I could have sworn he saw some time at center.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Buffalo and Florida?