Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I don't think you'll have to worry about that. :lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Maybe I'm not the first person in this thread to say this but I think Dale Hunter is going to be a massive failure. The Caps should have traded Semin first. If the Caps quit on Brice, chances are they are going to quit on Hunter faster.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

From the Bruins thread:

Not a bad cap hit for the Bruins. Looks like the Bruins won't be trading him for Ryan.

Edit: link didn't post. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=604091
3 year ext. for Krejci at $5.25 mil.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol:lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Time will tell....

I'm calling it now!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Nice situation for Bruce. As someone else said, he does well with youngsters (that sounds pedo-ish ;)) from his AHL days.

Again, I think trading Bobby Ryan is a knee-jerk move. Unless they can get a proven scorer (as I mentioned a couple pages back, the Ducks forward depth is atrocious) and a high prospect, they should not move him.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This is a definite possibility, my friend. It will go one of two ways: Either they quit on him without even giving him a chance; or the Boudreau firing gave them the wake up they need and they're ready to buy into a team concept.

I doubt the latter. Too bad for Hunter - He's getting into a tough situation as a coach. Not easy when the inmates run the prison.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I was wondering that too. I mean it works great or it'll fail massively. There is no in between.
Dreger posted something this morning that someone told him last night the asking price for Ryan was so high that they expected a firing was more likely.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Is this because Joel Ward is on the team? n/r

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah... it just seems strange that they would trade a young, proven scorer for what? Another proven scorer. I can see changing things up to wake up the team, but if they do they better get some good returns. With him gone, and Selanne retiring, they are going to be in even more scoring trouble. Not convinced they need anymore D, but they need a couple quality forwards and a prospect.
:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol ... and this is why I love you.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

They need depth and they don't have it.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Also, will be interesting to see the effect Boudreau hiring has on the Ryan rumours. I wonder if they'll slow down for a bit and see how things work out under the new bench boss. I think they'd be stupid not to.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

At forward? Agree absolutely.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yup. While their top 3 are some of the best in the league, after that they've got nothing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:thumbsup I posted this a couple days ago:

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That seems high for a guy who has cracked 20 goals in a season only once and hasn't done it in the last 2 years. But the Bruins have done no wrong lately so he'll probably have a huge year. That team absolutely looks noticeably better than last year's team.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

He just led the playoffs in scoring and he has always steps it up come playoff time. It's not a coincidence that when he went down in the Flyers series 2 years ago the Bruins collapsed. His play making ability is what he's getting paid for.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Great dads think alike?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You know it! How is the Griffster these days?

Oh, and you'll be pleased to note, I tweeted last week: "Pavel Datsyuk is making it awful hard for me to hate him. #mostcompleteplayerinNHL"

There. You win this round.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It's hard to find players who have as good a two-way game as Krejci does, yet can still run with the big boys on the top line. Not to mention he's still got youth on his side. A lot of intangibles in his game that make him worth the dough.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This makes me sad

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/73...-sabres-sharks

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Character player. The type any coach would like on their team.

However, he got screwed in the hockey card department:
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl...:0&tx=38&ty=57

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol:lol:lol I've never seen that before. Who thought that would be a good idea for a sports card?

I will never forget Grier during the Sabres 05-06 run. He was a penalty killing machine and it seemed like he had at least one breakaway a game, although his stone hands didn't help him much in those situations.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sounds like Daniel Paille. :lol I still can't believe he had a 19 goal season for you guys.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The other sad thing that Grier's retirement reminds me of is how old I'm getting - to the point that I've seen players play their whole careers and retire... I remember Grier as a rookie... Damn...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If I remember correctly he was on the 2nd line for most of that season. Which speaks to the mediocrity of the post-Drury and Briere Sabres from 07-08 and 08-09

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Ouch. Then again he was on the Bruins first line due to injuries in the 2010 series against the Flyers.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

G man had an ear infection this week so that was fun but getting better. Crawling up a storm now and pulling himself up on things. I'm scared. lol

I do love Pavel. Hard to hate a guy who goes about his business so quietly.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Just wait til they climb to the top of the table and try to jump off.

Yeah, the class with which he goes about his game is what I love the most.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2...medium=twitter

Hawks fan concerned about their goaltending? Yes? Getting there? No way?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Scored a chance to buy Winter Classic tickets. Hard to pass this up.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You gotta do it. Wish I woulda had the chance when the game was at Fenway.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Not really. I'm still confident in Craw, the blue liners in front of him haven't been solid at ALL. Lots of the opportunities guys are getting are way too good of chances. Craw has been incredibly average lately, for sure, but worried? Not yet.

In other news, Kruger promoted to the 2nd line center, and Kaner moved back to wing.

25-19-88
10-16-81

19 and 88 are back together. Apparently we've ruled the Kaner at center experiment is a failure.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Do it. You'll regret it forever if you don't. Think about telling your grandkids how you "almost" went to the Winter Classic... you'll instantly become "almost" the coolest grandpa.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That is interesting....other than being pretty bad on face offs I thought he was fine...

Not sure I like this.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

19 and 88 are magic together. Might as well get them back together. I like what I've seen from Kruger so far this year.

Goaltending concerns? Not really, Crawford has been pretty average lately, especially Tuesday, but the D in front of him have been pylons the entire year. If Hawks want to get back on track look no further than 2 and 7 getting back to form.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Dustin Browns wife texted me the other day that she is working on getting us tickets. We were totally bummed out that we had little to no chance of snagging tickets, so I am hoping she can pull some strings!

BTW, you should totally buy them.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You should ask your friend to ask Dustin to ask Mike Richards if he ever did coke--cause we're all interested here back in Philly. :lol:lol:lol

BOOM. ROASTED.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol seriously?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

What? Is Dustin Brown not your friend, or not? ;)

No, don't ask him that because I already know the answer. Tell Dustin to Mike that I said, "thanks for making me waste 50 bucks on a jersey with your name on it. I knew I should have went with Pronger."

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

you should just get Dustin Brown in here. He is one of my favorite players in the league (USA)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol I'll be sure to pass that along. It'll be even better because his wife is a huge Pronger fan.

He really should. You all can't damage him more than he damaged himself with that whole water bottle stint.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

14 different Rangers with points tonight.


Just sayin'

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If you're not joshin' us, there is no way I would make fun of Dustin Brown...that much. For real though, he is one of my top favorite players in the league.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Kruger to the top 6 is really, really stupid. The only C worse than Kane so far at faceoffs has been....Kruger. Should've kept going with Viktor-Toews-Hossa as the 1st line. That line was dominating.

The funny thing is that Q's way of mixing things up is to shuffle the F lines. When the real problem is, like you said, the defense's terrible play. They simply cannot clear the zone effectively anymore, for whatever reason, and it's painful to watch. This team could be fighting for a playoff spot if that continues.

I'm a little worried about Crawford, and though he has let in a few soft ones lately, it's mostly because his movement is looking very slow. That's the biggest concern.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Eh, he was doing pretty well in the offensive end with the role, but the backcheck has been suspect at best over the last few weeks, and I like Kruger, a lot. I'm good with this move.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I like what Kruger has done, no doubt. And I think Kane has not been on his game lately. But I like what he has added to his game with the poke check, and I'm not sure Kruger is ready for this role. Hossa, in particular, absolutely rakes when he has a legitimate playmaker feeding him the puck, and Kruger has not shown that ability yet.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

if Kruger has shown anything, it's this. He has just never had people to finish

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

We should start a "Get Dustin Brown on Ants" campaign.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

lollercaps, lollerbrohan.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Looks like the Pens finally beat the Caps. Took you trolls long enough

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

yeah we need Dustin Brown in here now

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

1 - to the bolded:

In November, Patrick Kane won only 41.5% of his faceoffs. Krüger won 48.6% of his.

2 - Kruger has been extremely solid on his playmaking abilities. What are you talking about? I think this line has lots of potential. Kane's backchecking ability has seriously started to come into question the past couple weeks, and he's been exploited more than once as a center. Sticking Kruger in this role is certainly interesting, and it'll be fun to see if he can make something happen with two insanely talented wingers opposite him. 10 and 81? Can't ask for much more to show what you're worth.

Plus, 19-88 being back together is awesome.

Yup, this. I love Kruger's game. This could be a really good thing. We'll see.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol WHAT?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Going for the hat trick-

Also, saw this question posted on Reddit, figured I'd ask you guys:

Who is your favorite NHL'er that doesn't play for your team?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

pretty tough between Bobby Ryan, Dustin Brown, and Andrew Ladd.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The only reason I like Kane at the C is he has the puck more, which is never a bad thing. Having him with Toews though, there aren't many more dangerous duos in the league.

Kruger has been great on the kill and defensively, but playmaking has always been his strong point.

Bolland and Brunette need to stick together with Frolik or Ben Smith. As long as Brunette isn't Forechecking he is fine on any line.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Mine are either St. Louis and Datsyuk.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I still think Smith needs to fit in somewhere. Bickell has had his time, stick a fork in him. See what Brunette-Bolland-Smith can do.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Brunette Bolland and Smith does not make me upset. Where do you stick Frolik? 4th line? For the price he is making that ain't too good.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That's a great question. I really don't know. Definitely not Patrick Kane. It used to be Max Talbot, but now he's on the Flyers.

If we're saying former players--Simon Gagne.

But, I'm gonna have to go with Nick Lidstrom. Guy is a stud. Love him.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, fuck it. Contract be damned. He can skate on the 4th line, the PK and the 3rd PP unit.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I didn't realize Kruger had improved his FO% that much. He has played solid, but I'm going to disagree about him being a big play-maker. We'll see, but I haven't really seen that out of him. I agree that putting him with Sharp and Hossa will give him a chance to show something. He should be able to rack up the assists with those two on his line.

19-88 will be refreshing, but at the same time, I think 19-81 is just as dangerous.

Brunette has looked 'ok' lately, but he's so slow, I just wish they'd give him some nights off so we can see what Ben Smith can do. No way I put 15 on the third line over Frolik. At least Frolik can skate and he is very effective defensively. His shot is dreadful, but at least he can backcheck. Brunette is just too old, too slow.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Lindstrom isn't a bad choice, for sure. St. Louis is probably my #1. Gotta love that guys heart. Datsyuk is just so fucking dirty.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Keep Brunette in there, fuck Bickell.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Jesus, I forgot all about Bickell because he's become so damn invisible. He started the season so well, put in a couple of nice goals and had some really solid hits. And then he just stopped. Bickell can sit, I'd rather see Ben.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol at brohan calling the Pens fans trolls.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I know the Caps stink right now, but if the Pens would ever get healthy they're going to be amazing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Tough with him on the Hawks but might go with Taves (yeah I spelled it that way) cause he reminds me of Stevie Y who is, and will always be, my all time favorite player.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Toews, for much the same reason that Tim likes Stevie Y... only replace Stevie Y w/ Joe Sakic. Johnny T fits perfectly into that mold of quiet leader who does anything he needs to for the W. He's a winner.

Also, Shea Weber. You won't find a more complete defenseman in the NHL.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Must be the #19 thing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I have no problem with Toews--guy us a beast. He deserved that Cup. Everyone else can die in a fire.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

^ That seems a bit harsh. :lol

As for the question being asked. I really like the way Andrew Ladd plays. Would love him on the Flyers. I know he's not a superstar and a beast. I just think he's a gamer. I'm also a big Simon Gagne fan. Sure he's not that good anymore. But he's not a Flyer anymore and that still makes me sad.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Okay well not like die in a fire but maybe have Scott Stevens come out and Lindros everyone.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol:lol:lol:lol Yep, that's better ;)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

For the love of god why does this team play so passively on the points on the PK? Start pressuring someone and maybe they won't get a prime scoring chance everytime from the top of the circle. No wonder we're dead last in PK.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

What a gorgeous play by Carcillo to O'Donnell to Brunette. Wow.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This defense is brutal. And they continue the sloppy, careless play.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yup, not much of a sense of urgency right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Stalberg with a classic momentum-killing penalty.

But Ben fucking Smith, thank you!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

#19 is a beast.

This game should be 5-2 by now but so many players on this team are trying to be way too fancy. They could've had 20 shots in that period.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Much better effort that period.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This is a pretty embarrassing performance in the third. Can't believe it's still 4-4.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Flyers look very shaky tonight.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Big comeback for the Flyers tonight. Sick one-timer from Giroux to win that one.

Glad the Hawks pulled out 2 points but that was one pathetic 3rd-period effort. They gave up 23 shots to the Islanders in the 3rd period. Ouch. Crawford victimized on teh stick side a few times, as well. Obviously you can't continue to give up 4 goals a game and hope to beat good teams.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Of course, the Flyers come back and win after I go to bed.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Timmy's boy is gonna be exactly like this, jawing with Alex Burrows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFOw2...eature=related

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Reimer will start tonight against Boston. This will be his first game since October 22. I don't think it will make to much of a difference the way Boston is playing, but it sure is nice to have him back. The leafs went 10-8-2(Not sure about the OT loss stat) with him gone and managed to not have a season killing November.

With Reimer in the lineup throughout his career (albeit short) the Leafs are 24-10
With him not in the lineup they are 14-14.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

19 is the man. I'd die if he didn't retire in the Indian Head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IvK5t3pRwk

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

When 19 drops the gloves...you know shit is going down...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol God the Blues are a bunch of goons.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It's about time the Bruins (the Champs!) get some love. They are, simply without peer, the very best right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I hope something bad happens to Tootoo soon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKIf3aYmBoA

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Jesus God. Fuck Tootoo.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Fuck Tootoo. Nice to see the Sabres actually stand up for Miller tonight.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It wasn't that bad in terms of intentional. Tootoo definitely tried his best to get out of the way. I mean seriously, look at the way he's in midair--that's not a lunge. Tootoo is definitely a grinder and a pest, but he's not that stupid to run into a guy whose coming back from a concussion.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Bruins to win out?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Bruins are absolutely the best team in the NHL right now. Rock solid on both sides of the puck and with Tyler Seguin breaking out, they have significantly more firepower than last year. Is a better G duo than Thomas and Rask in the entire league? Not a chance.

I'm not sure they were the best team in the NHL last year (despite winning the Cup), but this year they are easily the best team right now. I mean, the team has a goal differential of +34 in 24 games. That is unbelievable. But, let's see where things are at 3/4 of the way through the season.

The battle for the Eastern Conference is going to be insane if Pitt gets and stays healthy. Wow.

Also, Hawks win. One of their best performances all year.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I've gotta agree. Maybe he could've tried to go around the back of the net, but I think he figured he was either going to run right into the post or Miller, and he definitely wasn't trying to lay a hit on Miller. It was a reckless, out-of-control play, and I don't have a problem with the call either. But he really didn't have much chance there. I kind of also take issue with Miller whining about what Lucic did to him, and now he's repeatedly punching a guy who's head is pinned to the ice and is totally defenseless.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Tomorrow should be the day we find out realignment stuff. Hoping for the 4 divisions thing for sure. HNIC talked about it last night and it sounds like it's either Detroit moving East or the 4 divisions.

West would be the 15 now plus Winnipeg. East divisions have changed again according to HNIC. Division 1: NYR, NYI, NJD, PIT, PHL, WASH, Carolina. Division 2: Boston, MON, TO, BUF, OTT, TBL, FLA. If PHX moves to Quebec they'd be in that division of course.