Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Looks like he's actually siding with the flyers. :lol

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The lightning refuse to forecheck so the flyers refuse to move the puck out of their own zone.

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Like really, Jason. Coburn, Pronger, and Timonen all have just skated circles in their zone for about 30 seconds a piece. In fact, Coburn just stood there but the refs told him that the puck has to be in motion at all times.

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I'm so glad boucher is getting blasted for this right now. I cannot stand that guy.

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Guy Boucher should have never quit making Bond movies.

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And boucher has waaaay too big of an ego to switch out of the system even though the flyers aren't moving the puck.

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:lol

Guess I missed the whole 1-3-1 stand-off because when I turned it on the two teams were too busy exchanging penalties. Really impressed with the Flyers so far this season.

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In a very short time, it's going to be very noticeable that the Flyers completely hosed Columbus in the Jeff Carter deal. Jake Voracek needed a change of scenery and another playmaker to play alongside, and Sean Courterier is the real deal.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Courterier = Couturier?

:lol Hard not to be impressed with him, though. The production of Couturier and Jagr has to be a bit of a surprise with how great they are both playing. Flyers offensive lines look really dangerous.

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Rangers!

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Yeah, fucking French Canadians with their "quarts" "iereeee" shit.

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I love a good defensive struggle.

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That standoff is one of the weirder things I've ever seen in a hockey game.

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Glad I didn't watch it.

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The realignment talk from FS-Detroit.

http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/page...sharepermalink

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I would be pleased with this kind of alignment if this is in fact true. The only push back I see is from teams in the western conference not feeling that its fair having the extra team on their side, but its immaterial if you ask me. Thats the way the MLB is set up and I don't think its deterred the playoffs for that league.

The other thing that I think the owners will buy into is that this leaves the door open for league expansion whenever the time is right. I don't necessarily think expansion is the right thing to do, but its more money gained for the league if it happens. I think this might be the happy medium that a lot of teams will buy into.

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For the 16 teams in the West it would make divisional play a little weird. The East teams it's easy. You play the other 23 teams twice for 46 games and then the 6 teams in your division 6 times each to get to 82. It's not an even split for the teams in the 8 team divisions but I I wouldn't think that would hold it up.

The schedule makes it fair pretty much across the board though. Teams like Detroit and Columbus are going to LA or Vancouver just as much as New York or Boston. Plus the playoffs would be great for the Western teams. SJ's not going to Detroit or Chicago in the first rounds and Detroit and Chicago aren't going out there either. While some people might not like Philly leaving the NY teams you can't please everyone. You kinda have to make a choice Pitt or NYC? I like the divisions in the East. It keeps NYR, NYI and NJD together and it keeps the SE teams together. The other one keeps the Canadian teams together along with Boston/Mont, Boston/Philly, BUF/TOR and of course Philly/Pitt. Washington might like Pitt not being in theirs too.

I wasn't thinking expansion like you but I was thinking it sure leaves the door open for moving the Coyotes to the East if they don't sell.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I can't speak for Philly fans, but I think generally speaking they'd rather stay with Pitt and leave the NYC teams than the opposite. Pitt isn't gonna put up a fight about Washington, but I'm sure the caps might have some push back due to the inferiority complex that they have with the Pens.

I had heard the expansion thing tossed around a few times in the media and having that imbalance leaves the door open for a number of options between teams moving or new teams starting. Moreover, if any new teams were started in the western regions, Detroit, Columbus, or Nashville could seamlessly move into the east.

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Heading to my first Bruins game of the year tonight. Pretty excited to see the young talent on the Oilers.

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No Crosby this weekend

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No longer essited huh

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:lol not anymore :shrug

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It will be very disappointing if the Hawks can't beat Steve Mason and the Jackets tonight.

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Nice, a Johnny T sighting.

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Stalberg is an idiot and this PK is horrible.

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Special teams rearing its ugly head so far...

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Yup. Hawks have dominated so far and if they could do anything at all on the PK or PP it might be 2-0 instead of 1-1. The PK is just awful. So much standing around.

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Stalberg just has ZERO hockey IQ. Not suited to really play on any line on this team. He has speed but no hands, no smarts, no defense. Time to call up Smith or Morin to replace him. Sure he's not the main problem but he really adds nothing.

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Exactly. He never, EVER passes and all of a sudden he's on the short side point blank with the goaltender and he tries to drop it off to Toews. I've seen him botch so many set-ups from Toews over he past handful of games as well.

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:lol:lol That was actually the play that set me off for that post.

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Mason....just a terrible goal to give up hahah

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PP goal!!!!!!

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I could give a shit that we whooped Columbus.

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Team looked a lot better tonight but against a really bad team. So, whatever. Toews stepped up and was looking like a beast out there.

PK is still dreadful, though. Stop being so passive, Q.

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Tyler Seguin is an absolute monster.

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Q isn't in charge of the PP.

Not much to take away from this one, I mean, it's the Jackets. At least we didn't lose to them like the Wings. 2 points is 2 points.

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How can a hockey team be so bad? Speaking of them: The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded D Kris Russel to the St Louis Blues in exchange for prospect Nikita Nikitin.

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How about them Rangers?! They are going to be an underrated team this year and no one will see them coming. They are exploding.

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Rangers have actually been overrated, IMO. Yeah, they're putting up the numbers now but I don't think it can last. Gaborik is usually hurt a long time at least one time in the season, and Brad Richards doesn't do anything for me.

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But he is in charge of the people who do run the special teams. So it is his prerogative at any time to make a change.

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Gabby is great, and Richards has not impressed me much this seasons but I am giving it time. There were a lot of changes and new guys in their line up. But, young stars like Stepan are being over looked as well. A lot of great , solid players get over looked on the Rangers: Anisimov, Giradi, Fedotenko and Del Zotto is even making a spectacular come back this year. This team has a lot of young players who have been playing together now for years. They are all finally clicking and making great plays.

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I tend to agree with this. Richards has been pretty pedestrian in all of the Rangers games I've seen.

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Can I get a reality check in here?

Been speaking with my nonsensical Pens fan friend at work (see italics) who keeps telling me how furious he's been due to how poorly the team and organization is being handled. They aren't being truthful to the fans and he's sick and tired of players sitting out and wishes the team wouldn't coddle players like Malkin, Crosby, and Kennedy and just make them play already. They aren't getting paid millions of dollars just to sit on their asses and watch the game from Lemieux's box.

Malkin is not at all committed to the team and only plays for the pay check. He pushes through nothing, if he hurts a little bit, he's out. If he would just reattach his balls they wouldn't have lost as many games this year and the team would be fine. Yada yada yada...this team pisses me off and I'm angry.

This guy is insane right? It makes perfect logical sense that injured players don't "suck it up" to play in games in October and November right? This guy is so adamant about his position that I started to question whether I've been too forgiving of the situation or something. I just needed to speak with some logical folks about this. Thanks

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

'lost as many games this year', as in like 3? :lol:lol:lol

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Yeah he does realize they are tied for 1st in the East right? Questioning Malkin is fine most of the timecause we know he doesn't always bring it. But for the most part that dude's crazy.

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inorite? He's been most hung up about losing to da 'Peg and giving them their first win. Apparently that will forever be stamped in the history books now and his blood boils over giving them that satisfaction. He definitely attributes the two regulation and one OT losses without Malkin to him not playing. Nevermind the fact that there's 18 other skaters on the ice

This is the part that baffles me the most. I could understand this behavior from Detroit, Boston, or Columbus fans (not to knock on anybody here, they've just all had "not up to par" seasons thus far). He's assuming that if things persist as they have been, which if Crosby is back within the month will not be the case, that they won't be able to perform this well for the rest of the season. WHICH IS WHY PLAYERS AREN'T PLAYING NOW SO THEY'RE HEALTHY ENOUGH TO PLAY LATER!!!!11!!!ELEVEN!!111.

ugh, ok. sorry about that last part.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, your friend's a little high strung. The team and organization is being handled poorly? He does realize they are not going to win every game, right? And they are, what, 9-3-3 or something like that? And that's with a bunch of injuries. I think that is a testament to how well the team is being run and how deep the talent pool is.

Malkin does deserve some criticism every now and again for not fully stepping up. But Kennedy and Crosby? Provide him with the unfortunately long list of players who have had great careers effed up royally by concussions, i.e. Lindross, Lafontaine, Savard, et al. They'll play when they are good and ready.

Yeah, the Pens are fine and will be better once everyone is healthy. Hockey is my favorite sport , but my interest is probably at it's lowest point in November/December. The initial excitement of the opener has worn down, and there's still a ton of season left. In other words, remind your friend there's not much to worry about right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hawks look like a complete soup sandwich thus far. I'm honestly surprised that Emery hasn't looked comical.

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Emery looks sharp so far (fingers crossed). Hawks opened up looking pretty bad but once they got their feet under them have been a lot better.

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Cooke with the PS goal. Niicccccce

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Marian Hossa is Marian Hossa, and no one else is.

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Holy God that pass was gorgeous. Hossa has been the best Hawk lately, IMO.

Very good showing from the Hawks. Best game in a while. Love seeing Keith and Seabs pick up the first two goals and Ray Emery was excellent.

Also, Marcus Kruger is filling in for Bolland very nicely. He is really picking up his play lately.

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Been incredibly tired after late commutes the last couple of weeks, so haven't seen much live hockey, but I just caught up on a couple weeks' worth of Sabres' highlights. Don't know what the hell is wrong with Ryan Miller right now (5 GA vs. the Jets?!?), but I'm glad that Enroth has stepped up while Miller figures things out. That, and Derek Roy is playing like a man possessed these days. He may only have 9 points this season, but I think almost all of them have come in the last 4 games, so now, when they're finally breaking out of playing .500 hockey, is a great time for him to get going.

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Pens won last night against the red hot stars. cannot wait to see this team when completely healthy.

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Best team in hockey.

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the depth is just amazing. a guy goes down and someone gets called up from wbs and the team doesnt miss a beat. this team is going to be even more amazing when crosby and michalek come back.

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Can't wait to play the Penguins

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Dave Bolland out again tonight.

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Bruins are on an absolute tear. Seguin has been unbelievable. 11g and 9a on the year already, only 1 goal behind Kessel for the league lead.

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the oilers we know so well are back!

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What a move by....Steve Montador?!!?

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Well done.

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Detroit Sucks

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Flyers get a nice win against the Florida Blackhawks. Solid.

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Ryan Miller has a concussion. Out atleast a week.

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Seabrook hasn't returned since he went out in the 2nd period. Not encouraging. Now Hawks finishing game with 5 defensemen, one of whom is Scott.

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Pretty shitty for Lucic to run Miller. I thought that was disrespectful. The score wasn't out of hand, and nothing else was going on. You only do that to make a statement.

On the flip side, Buffalo should be fucking embarassed for not responding. The fact that Miller is out indefinitely just goes to show you how soft that team is. Bet you ten dollars, if it was any other team, they would go after the Bruins in a heartbeat.

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I agree on both accounts. Didn't like it when he did it but I hated buffalos reaction. Millers interview after the game made him sound like a little bitch too. If he had that much of a problem with it his teammates should have taken care of it or at least tried.

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And I definitely agree it was done to make a statement. Buffalo got a ton of hype before the season started and I think he was trying to let them know the bruins aren't going to back down. Don't agree with it but lucic plays on the edge a lot.

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Great effort from the Hawks. Phenomenal job holding the Oilers to only 7 shots in the 3rd with only 5 d-men. Nick Leddy and Duncan Keith having excellent games yet again. Leddy has looked so, so good lately. He's throwing his weight around a bit more and is a force moving the puck up the ice. The possibility of losing Seabrook for an extended period of time is scary, though. That did not look good.

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I don't have a problem with Miller speaking out. Goalies aren't supposed to be run like that, and so he's got a reason to be upset. More importantly though, it's a message to his team that they failed to step up.

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Yay for 4 game winning streaks. Howie's looking pretty damn good. He's getting written in for goalie on my ballot. Fucking Jame Reimer is on the ballot but Howie isn't? Had a good year last year with a good playoff and this year is 5th in save %, 3 in GAA and tied for 1st in shutouts. Imagine if his team could have scored for those 6 games that they went 0-5-1.

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Bruins got 6 on the all star ballot and Seguin wasn't one of them. Not sure how that makes sense.

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I was watching NHL on the Fly last night when I saw the clip. Before commercial they just showed Lucic hitting Miller and I was thinking "oh boy, I am sure that caused an uproar with the Sabres!" Then when they played the whole clip I was amazed at the lack of back up the team had.

I didn't see Miller's interview about it, but he has every right to speak up about the incident. I am really interested to see what Lucic faces. Completely uncalled for.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Lucic won't get more than a game or 2.

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Doesn't surprise me about the Sabres. They've had problems with protecting their goalies for the past few years. That's why you often see Miller punching opposing players since his own teammates won't. Lucic is a punk, though I would take him on the Sabres any day

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What makes even less sense is that Crosby is on there. :lol :lol

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And he'll get voted as a starter too probably.

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Absolutely. You can't have an All-Star game without the face of hockey! :rolleyes

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^ While I dislike Crosby as much as the next Atlantic division (and anyone outside the Burgh'.) person, because he's so damn good. He is the face of hockey and it would be a shame if he weren't there. So hopefully he would get voted in or invited there. I'm just saying.

:rolleyes I just wanted to roll my own eyes as well.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/...with-coyotoes/

Averaging just over 10k fans a game. Wow way to go boys! Quebec City are you ready?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol Looch was just on the radio and was asked about the Miller comments, he said he wants to correct Miller, he has 60 pounds on him, not 50.

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He also said his hearing is done, and he hasn't heard anything on a suspension yet, but he's not expecting one.

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Completely ridiculous to have Crosby on the ballot. He can be invited and sign autographs, or drop the ceremonial puck or what have you. But he shouldn't be playing in it. Gimme a break. The all-star game is a celebration of players who did a very good job in the first half. Since Crosby hasn't played a game yet, no dice.

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This is how I feel. He shouldn't be on the ballot just cause he's popular. I mean if he came back today and was great from now until the rest of the players are picked and deserves to be there the league can have him on the team. Same thing with Jeff Carter. And Halak totally deserves it. Who care if he's getting out played by the guy who got drop kicked out of Ottawa and is 2-6-1. When was this list made? The 2010 playoffs?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Wow, Shanny said there was "no intent" on the Lucic hit.

I don't know what's worse: the fact that Lucic wasn't suspended, or the Sabres just standing there without a response.

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I still disagree for the fact that he is the face of hockey. The all star game (despite how bad it has been the last 10 years (save for last year's branched out idea) is one of the few games where you might get some outsiders to watch.

Having him there just makes sense. I'd rather see him in there rather than some veteran who has played in a million of em. I'm not saying it's his right to take the spot of a kid who's playing well in the first half. I'm just saying, if he's healthy, he should be marketed and playing.

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It's embarrassing that Buffalo didn't do anything. Even with Vanek, Pominville, Myers and Sekera on the ice, the 5th guy was Gaustad. He's supposed to be one of the enforcers on this team and he did nothing but say a few words to him.

I believe I read that McCormick never was on the ice the rest of the game at the same time as Lucic. Was Ruff trying to make sure nothing happened?

:lol:lol:lol

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Yeah get Sid off that ballot. Dont need him playing in any unnecessary games when he gets back.

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If Crosby is going to play then there should be a write-in campaign for David Steckel.

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Lucic should not be suspended.

He's still a bitch though. If anyone did that to Crawford I would expect that player to die at the hands of the Hawks, so the Sabres are pussies.

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Agree. Wasn't a hit to the head, and Miller had to expect some contact if he's going to come out that far for the puck. A minor penalty was the right call there.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Claude Giroux >>> rest of the NHL

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I really just think they were scared. Lucic would destroy anyone on their roster besides maybe mccormick.

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Truth.

I hate alot of fellow Buffalo fans. They feel like since we were screwed in 1999 (I hate Brett Hull) that the NHL is out to get us. Somehow some people see that Lucic's elbow came up and caught Miller in the mask, which couldn't be farther from the truth. These same fans feel that the league favors Boston and that's why Lucic isn't suspended, and if it was Kaleta/McCormick/Gaustad they'd miss 4+ games.

Truth. And even McCormick would end up getting destroyed. We have no fighters on this team. Enroth took some hits tonight as well (Cole ran into him pretty good in overtime). It's going to happen alot until somebody on this team man's up and does something. Unfortunately for Enroth/Miller, nobody will.

Gaustad said after the game that he was disappointed in himself for not doing anything even. Come on.......

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Helping my fantasy team out.

Not much new here:

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/72...hl-realignment

But what Snider says about "We'll have all of our traditional rivals, even under a four-conference set-up." That sounds a lot like what Ken Daniels was saying on Fox Sports Detroit. Hoping that ends up being right.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I disagree and think that both McCormick and Gaustad could at least hang with Lucic in a fight or scuffle. But you're right that one of those players need to man up and actually do something.

Also, I really don't have much of a problem with Lucic not being suspended but I think the way Brendan Shanahan has handled this is strange. First, he meets with Lucic and says that he is fine with Lucics explanation for the hit. Obviously, Lucic is going to say the right thing and not admit to maliciously hitting Miller. What does meeting with him really accomplish? Shouldn't he also meet with Miller to hear his side of the story? Second, after the Sabres responded in anger to no suspension, he responded by firing back at the Sabres calling them irresponsible, which seems to be a very petty and unprofessional thing for a league official to do.

Either way, the Sabres may have pussed out in the Boston game but they've also won 5 of 6 games and sit in first place in the NE so I'm satisfied. Something tells me we may see some fireworks next Wednesday when Boston and Buffalo meet again.

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I don't think that will end too well for Buffalo. Bruins have about 6-7 guys that are used to dropping them somewhat regularly, I don't think Buffalo really wants to get into a game like that. Bruins also tend to play their best in highly emotional games like that. But who knows, if anything that hit added some intrigue to all the games between these 2 teams for the rest of the season.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I think Ruff will be smart about it but I think he's willing to put McCormick, Kaleta, Ellis out there to get dirty. Regher, Gaustad (except for last week) and Weber are also no slouches when it comes to physicality. You're right that it might not end well for them but I've got to think he will do something. The Sabres could also get creative and call up Kassian (who has been described as a player in the mold of Milan Lucic) or Brayden McNabb (Big, Tough Defenseman) although I think that's unlikely. There is probably going to be quite the circus around next weeks game, especially if both teams keep playing well.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yea I don't know if the Sabres should call up goons because these games are still very important. These 2 teams will likely finish 1-2 in the division standings so calling up goons isn't too smart if it means sacrificing performance. The good thing about the Bruins is that our normal line up is very well suited to hold their own even if other teams opt to call up goons.