Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hamilton>Landeskog ;)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol Time will tell, my friend.

I've watched some clips of Hamilton, and I love his all-around game. Rob Blake Jr. The B's were smart to pick him up, and the timing is perfect. He could make the club as soon as next year, where he can learn from one of the game's best (Chara) for a few years before (hopefully) taking over. If everything goes correctly, it should be a seamless transition from Chara to Hamilton as the Bruins #1 defenseman.

All in all, these two will be pillars on their teams for a long time, me thinks.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I think the plan is to carry 7 defensemen the whole year next year. Have a serviceable 7th dman so they can pick and choose their spots on when they want to play Hamilton. He'll obviously struggle a bit so watching some games from the press box will be a good thing for him. I think they have to carry him for sure next year because he won't benefit much from another year in juniors. Before he got a 10 game suspension he was top 10 in scoring in the OHL as a defenseman.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:thumbsup there comes a time in the development of a prospect where it really doesn't do any good to keep a guy off the roster.

But yes, with a defenseman you've gotta take it slow. Very few are able to make the leap in their rookie season. It takes time to adapt to the speed of the NHL game, the strength of the forwards, etc. He'll log some decent minutes, get some PP and PK time here and there, but the real growth will come off camera, just spending time with the boys in the room and in practice, seeing how the vets prepare for games, getting into a strong training regime, studying tape, etc. If all goes correctly, he'll really blossom by about his third season.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Following you both :thumbsup

Can't wait for the barrage of Pens tweets that will now be flooding my feed.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

ORLY?

Personally I think Malkin has to be ahead of Giroux mostly because of his track record. However, if Giroux continues putting up the kind of numbers he is this year while winning faceoffs and improving his defensive game, then he could certainly become the 2nd-best player in the NHL.

Who said I thought Toews was better than Malkin?

Like I said, 2-6 is basically interchangeable. Just depends on how much importance you place on elite goal-scoring compared to forwards who play very strong defense and win faceoffs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Read > both. :thumbsup

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Daigle > All

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Except I was serious. :)

Edit: And biased.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Patrick Stefan trumps all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Z9UspUHqg

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

^ Incredible highlight. I watched that live back when I used to have the CI Package. Unbelievable the odds of all of that having to happen. Overlooked in that whole thing is the whiff by the Oilers defenseman on the initial pass that allows Stefan to steal it.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That man right there, and sorta that play, symbolize the entire history of the Atlanta Thrashers. One big whiff.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvw04W98yiM

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

THANK GOD!!

https://twitter.com/#!/freepwings/st...16820192444416

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That's what I'm talking 'bout.

Although Patrick Stefan is right up there.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Daigle beats him out just because he was put in the same class as Joe Sakic, Pat Lafonatine, among others. Daigle was a major junior superstar and the fact that teams salivated over him, makes him the all-time bust.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm seriously starting to worry about Toews.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Agreed. If only he had Fata and OMGCG with him...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Just looked through the box score of last night's Pens/Rags game. Kind of overshadowed in all of the Crosby hooplah was the return of Kris Letang, who quietly got an assist and was only a +5...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Well.....yeah. Obviously any time a player gets a concussion you really never know how long it will take. What bothers me is that we don't really even know when he sustained it or on what play because I don't really remember him taking a really severe shot to the head.

Very similar to Bolland last year, it seems. Hope he will be back for the playoffs if the Hawks make it. Win in regulation tonight, please.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Malkin should be higher than Giroux, IMO. I'm really shocked that Giroux went from Top 250 to #3. It means he's highly respected in the league, which I like from Flyers players.

Malkin is a beast though. He can take over a complete shift in the offensive zone. Giroux is much more defensively sound though.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I completely agree with this. I think what this shows is that Giroux is very talented and is better respected around the league than other super stars

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Malkin gets underrated just a tad because all the pressure is on Sid when he's healthy. Obviously it's Crosby's team. But in '11 and this season, it's been noticable that Malkin can be just the same type of leader as well.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

"It was a good game but we only scored 4 and they scored one, that's 3 goals and 3 years ago we lost in the WCF, so we're toast."

Who am I?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Me?

Was pretty impressed with that performance from the Hawks. Really enjoyed a pretty stress-free hockey game with the Hawks mostly in control for the entire game. Not much to complain about. Let me try to think of something....hmm...

Oh, Keith. He was awesome tonight, except for the horrible turnover that ruined Crawford's SO.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWqyc...layer_embedded

Jets fans taunting ovie haha

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol :lol :lol :lol winner!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Winnipeg fans seem pretty damn amazing. Was watching the 3rd period of that game and they just wents nuts any time Pavelec made a save. Crazy environment. Really hope they can get into the playoffs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

#7 seed Boston? the fuck?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That's crazy. They had a rough first 10 games but were on such a tear for a while after that. At one point had twice as many goals scored as goals given up. I thought they were the favorites to come out of the East but they have definitely been playing pretty mediocre for a while lately.

Definitely going to catch some of Boston - Philly and NJ - Pitt today, though. Some really good games in the East.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

pens breaking this game up in the 2nd. 3 goals in about 5 minutes or so.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

They lost Horton and Rask among other injuries and Thomas is playing his 11th straight game today. Not really an ideal situation they are in right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Matt Cooke trolling the league, 4 goals in last two games.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Marty has played a really good game, the score doesnt really indicate that, but he has stood on his head, the pens could easily have another 3-4 goals.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

haven't seen the Bruins feed yet this year but I am reminded today how AWFUL of a fuckin announce Jack Edwards is. Man, he is terrible. Back to back shoutout flubs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Good thing Bryz doesn't have to face the shootout in the playoffs....0-3 on the Bruins there. Good hockey game.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

so glad the refs put the whistles away in OT....not.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Lollerbriere.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm glad Bryzgalov put his glove away for the shoot out.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

pens have now beaten Boston, the Rangers, and the Devils 5-2 in consecutive games now

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Excuses.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It's Canada, you can't trust them in anything

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pointless post.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Eh, how many teams, at this point in the season, are in an "ideal situation?"

Other than the Pens getting Malkin, Letang, and Crosby all healthy at the same time :lol

Actually teh Bruins are probably in a pretty favorable position because whether they win the division or not, whether they finish 2 or 7, they'll still probably end up drawing Ottawa in the 1st rd. Which looks pretty good when you consider that 2 of Pitt/NYR/Philly are going to have to go up against one another in the 1st round.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pathetic showing by the Devils today. Outclassed for a full sixty minutes by a largely superipr team.

Marty deserved better.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I was never trying to say they are the only team going through injuries. The Tukka one is rough though. Thomas is playing way too much right now and will not be fresh come playoff time at this rate.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

the bruins are tired and injured. they played three 7game series while winning the cup last year. thats a short offseason. it's the reason you don't see a lot of back to back stanley cup champions. there's a lot of reasons for their poor play lately, but no one is bitching about it. it's hockey.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah definitely. You don't want to have Thomas gassed before the playoffs.

But again, they are sitting in a very good spot if the standings remain about the same. Would be a 1st-rd matchup with Ottawa then either NJ or the Panthers in the 2nd round.

Meanwhile NYR, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are going to be beating the hell out of each other.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Indeed. Apologies for not elaborating more, Richard.

Not bashing on the Bruins, because they are one of my favorite teams, and I know injuries are frustrating, especially when they come at bad times, but I don't buy that, or a Stanley Cup hangover, as valid excuses for poor play. Teams like the Penguins, Red Wings, (and gulp, Flyers this year) have proven that you can still be successful even amidst injuries (crazy to believe Malkin, Crosby, and Staal have only played like a dozen games together in the past 2 seasons). And with the Cup hangover thing... these guys are professional athletes, I'm sorry but they can't use the "we're tired" excuse. They get paid millions of dollars to train to compete at a high level night in and night out.

I'm cheering for them to get better. Hopefully Rask can make it back sooner rather than later.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Thomas is definitley tired. What goalie out there has had to play 11 straight? Call it an excuse if you want but it's just common sense.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Richard. :lol :lol :lol :lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah that's my name. Pretty hilarious.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Do people call you Dick?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

No......

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Completely valid point. Eleven games is a lot. But not once did I single out Thomas in my post. I've watched a couple recent B's games, and IMO he's not the main contributor to their recent struggles. There is a lot of corner cutting going on right now with the Bruins. I've seen many of the forwards not pinching enough in their own zone, instead cheating up Ovechkin style. They are settling for quick dump-outs/dump-ins instead of making the smart play. Their neutral zone play is sloppy. They are not nearly as physical as I know they can be in their own zone. They could be tired, yes, but they are simply not playing smart hockey right now. You can be tired and still play smart hockey, and the Bruins - as a whole - are not doing that consistently right now. It's a mental thing more than anything, and the B's just need to dig their way out of it.

Was at a game the other night for our local minor league club. Due to call-ups and injuries, they were down to 4 defenseman and 9 (yes, 9) forwards. Minor leagues or majors, that's gonna be a tiring game no matter what. The bench was basically empty. They were also playing their third game in 4 nights. They kicked the trash out of their fully-stocked and more rested opponent by playing smart hockey. They didn't cut corners, but they used their energy efficiently and made smart choices.

I'm ok with the Bruins being tired. I believe they are. But to state that as their excuse for sloppy play is just a cop-out.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Big game for the NYR tonight, these 2 points are a must have considering how well the penguins are playing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I think Jonas Hiller has started 30+ straight for Anaheim, but yeah, I see the point you're trying to make.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

5 out of six points for the Avs on their trip back east. Will still be tough for them to hold onto a Playoff spot with the race right now. Love this time of year when every game is a big one.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:thumbsup again, I agree Thomas is probably beat. But also again, I don't think he's the major problem right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

He is giving up over 4 goals a game in March. His fatigue is most definitley a major problem.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

But it's not the major issue of this team right now. If he had a team playing smart hockey in front of him, his GAA for the month would be vastly different.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Ok, so I went to the Devils V Penguins game at 1, got on a train and went to the Rangers v Aves game at 7.

First off, two games in one day is crazy haha. As for the games...I am devastated lol. As a Rangers fan I basically watched the Pens take over the Atlantic through two games.

As much as I hate to say it...after watch these two games live today it is clear that Pittsburgh is on a different level than anyone else in the east. I mean it is not even close right now. I don't know if they will remain at that level from now until the end of the post season, but if they do they will win the east pretty easily( and that is coming from a Rangers fan).

As for the Rangers, I don't even know what to say. They can't score goals. Over 40 shots tonight and couldn't find the back of the net. It may prove that not trading for Nash winds up being a huge mistake. I don't know why this team becomes so weak at the end of every season. Perhaps they just out work people to win games and when the end of the season comes everyone is working as hard they are able to win on talent ( which the Rangers are still lacking on).

Anyway, if the Rangers don't score more I see them as an early exit in the postseason. All in all pretty bad day of hockey for me.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sorry it didn't go as Planned man, but two NHL games in one day is always a good day of hockey. :) good for you man.

I agree about the Pens.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Big game on NBC. I'm afraid the Pens are going to steamroll us. But here's hoping for a good one!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hey look the Wings got a point. lol Unless the Blues tank the Central is done. Just have to hope for 4 now so they have home ice in round 1. But as of right now I don't see them getting out of round 1.

As for the Blues they are red hot but can they keep it going? Kinda reminds me of 2000 when they were the best team but lost in round 1. Would be funny if they ended up seeing SJ in round 1 too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2r3eHGIk88

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

At that time my mom was working in St. Louis so I was following them pretty closely. Was really upset with the Sharks series over those few years haha. But they always produced some good fun playoff hockey to watch.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Before Bryz got really hot he was letting up a lot of goals, but a good majority of them were due to the sloppy play in front of him. You can give up 4 goals a game and still not be the source of the problem as it sounds is happening here with Thomas

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I think the problem with the Rangers is the style of play they impose. An emphasis on shot blocking, finishing checks and all out fore-checking is difficult to maintain over an 82 game span.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Congrats to the playoff bound fantasy owners out there. After a Win and a 2nd place the past two years I found my heart just wasnt in it enough this year. I tried to manage my roster each week and get active players in on game days but didnt care enough to add/drop players, make trades etc. Ah well, cest la vie.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

There are four teams who really boil my blood: Boston, NYR, NJ and PIT. Got the Penguins today. Prepare for anger haha

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

it was a tough year for me trying to defend my title, i wasnt around for the live draft so i didnt get a starting goalie, the draft picked Rask for me, i ended up having to constantly pick up and drop goalies like Dubnyk, Khabibulin, Giguere, and McDonald. but im in the playoffs and have a strong showing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Wouldnt be shocked to see the streak end today. Flyers have been playing very strong.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I love the playoff atmosphere. Also, I forgot (I don't know how) how much Pierre skeeves me out

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Possible 1st-rd matchup unless Pitt catches NYR. This should be a hell of a game. Giroux, Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Jagr, Bryz v Fleury....a ton of talent on these two teams.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm not afraid to play Pitt in the first round it would be a hell of a series. I just will hate the 24/7 Crosby talk. And fuck

Edit: Fuck off why zoom to Crosby to see his celebration when he was on the bench for the goal...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You mean you didnt want to see his reaction?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Well you got me, of course I did. I wish they could get rid of 24/7 on HBO around the WC and make a 24/7/365 starring Crosby. I want to see every aspect of his life. I was also going to add a joke about living with Lemieux but I am just not sure if he still does.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

na he doesnt. im not a fan of the whole 'crosby cam' either. the pens are about more than crosby.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Letang is playing some outstanding hockey.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You can't take stupid penalties like this against a team like the Penguins.

And I can't believe I am going to say this, but I dont think Crosby cares for all the attention as well. He knows he wouldn't be able to be successful without his team either. I don't think he is a glory hound. He is a whiny little bitch though (sorry I had to even out the positives with an insult :lol)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, that made me wince too. Crosby's back. Yay. Let's move on. But it's not the fault of Crosby, and never has been, that so much attention is focused on him.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Its been all Penguins so far. Flyers need to get something going

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

i dont like we only have 1 goal, with so many shots

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That is a good thing for the Flyers, I guess. They need to get the action the other way before the flood gates open. Bryz has been on top of his game

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

letang says hai guyz

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

stupid nbc. id like to see what happened.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Letang is a bitch I mean that with respect

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

you misspelled hartnell. only hartnell would clip his own guy when trying to attack letang after a clean hit.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pierre McGuire: Oral Surgeron.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I couldnt help but laugh at Hartnell hitting Rinaldo with his stick

Edit: Holy shit 23 shots to 8 shots

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Rinaldo is a diver. Isn't that what you call someone who loses teeth in philly? ;)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:lol

Flyers need to score on this power play to get momentum

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

flyers one shot this period. something tells me their next will be a goal.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

malkin went beast mode on omcg

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Genooooo!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This just in: Crosby is excited to see his team score when on the bench

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pens are playing their best hockey since 1993.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

They were absolutely awful in 2009

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

this team is better than 09, imo.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

could see that one coming