Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It's just not a fair option. Call me as soft as four-ply or a candy ass if you want, but I think these guys give enough of themselves for our entertainment that rooting for them to allow to play in the tournament that actually matters to them (and providing them a fair CBA) isn't too much to ask.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Oilers falling back to earth/reality. 5 game skid currently.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Did anyone see Marner's goal last night? It was insane.

https://www.nhl.com/video/marners-go...498/c-46451103

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I know they'll replay it but I'll know the outcome so what do I care? I don't watch hockey games later. I do record the west coast games that I don't stay up for but it's just to fast forward to the goals that I already know happen.

I don't really like using this that way either and as a normal polite (ok sometimes) human being I wouldn't but this is a business and both sides will be douchebags to an extent. They've gotta work it as best they can. If you got some of us to work on the CBA (if we new the legalities side), you could get it done fast and it would probably ok but both sides will try their best to get every ounce they can.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

yeah fuck that shit, Talbot was really helping my fantasy team out. Last 7 days a 3.42 GAA....

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

yup. not fun or surprising.

need Russel back, need Eberle to ... do something? stop doing things?

Seems like teams are figuring out how to slow McDavid down a bit - lots of just-about-but-not-quite-penalty clutching and grabbing. And even when he gets a great pass off no one else finishes.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I just don't agree man. I am against any sporting event where the playing field is really lopsided over an extended period of time. Olympic hockey has become just that. World Juniors are not. As a result, I would prefer to see the juniors in the Olympics.

Also, I pay around $200+ for NHL games in my area. Players in the NHL make a league minimum of over $500,000 per year. I understand where you are coming from, but honestly, I don't buy into the "they give enough of themselves" argument when all of them make more per year than I ever will to play a game that doesn't actually contribute to society in any way. The only thing they contribute is mindless entertainment, and currently, I don't find the Olympics very entertaining. I am being harsh but honest about how I feel. It is totally fine if you don't agree.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

sports of all kinds absolutely contribute to society far past mindless entertainment

and yes, Canada is always the favorite for gold in the Olympics, but it's not as big of a gap as people think. hell ,2010 gave us maybe the best gold medal game ever and 2014 game us the amazing US v Russia shootout IN Russia

Olympic hockey needs the NHL players

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

That was slick. That pass was even more impressive though. Damn.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I know this is beside the Olympic point, but I strongly disagree with this part of your post.

As for the Olympic thing, my personal feeling is that the Olympic Games should feature the best athletes/players/competitors in the world. For hockey, that means the guys in the NHL. I don't think it's fair to pro players in any sport to say, "sorry, you're actually SO GOOD at this, we're not gonna let you play in the Olympics". That literally makes zero sense to me. I think saying that you'd prefer to restrict the talent level so the competition is more even cheapens what the Olympics should be about. If Canada can ice the best group of 20-ish hockey players time and time again, so be it. Should we restrict the Jamaicans from using their best athletes because Usain Bolt keeps winning gold every 4 years? Should the US swimming program send only their B squad because Phelps dominated for so long? It just doesn't make sense to me.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Couldn't disagree more. With all of this.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Sports absolutely contribute to society. Tax on tix, supporting surrounding businesses, media etc. Not a hard concept to grasp.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Exactly. And, it's not just economically, either.

The power of sports on the psyche should not be underscored. Even just the mere feeling of having something fun to look forward to in the evening (like watching a hockey game) can help provide the boosts we need to productively move through our days. And obviously it can evoke great emotions from a person, which is something that must be fascinating for people who aren't sports fans. Additionally, the impact on a community that comes from a successful, or unsuccessful, sports team is significant. It provides a common ground for people of all different backgrounds to connect and socialize over.

Basically, the impact of sports on society is huge. Like mega-gigantic huge.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Little after the moment, but the Caps played the Penguins goal song after Ovi made the game 6-0 :lol :lol :lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It's amazing how far in the caps head's the Pens are.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

^^ agreed. kind of admitting to it by doing something like that

Philly is the same way too

focusing more on the opponent than your own team

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It would be nice if just once the Caps did something that didn't make themselves look completely foolish.



How to properly respond to Banner tweet:

1. Don't engage with the tweet.

2. Even if you have something really witty, don't engage with the tweet.

3. Win the game by many goals (this part they got right)

4. Don't play the Pens goal song after any of the goals, only your own (they lost it here)

5. Continue on about your life, as if the tweet was beneath you (this step has not been realized, unfortunately, as I could link to a half dozen articles about how badass it was when they beat them 7-1 after the tweet)



It's just not that hard. I don't understand why they have to always shoot themselves in the feet.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

i mean it's not a huge deal, the Caps should feel great after that win

but i could never in a million years imagine the Penguins playing a goal song other than their own.

and on the philly aspect, would never imagine a time when the crowd jeered an opposing player instead of cheering for their own guys EVERY TIME that player was in town for an ENTIRE decade

it's just weird and makes you look/sound dumb

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Nothing quite like an inferiority complex.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

TJ Oshie listed week-to-week. Caps also lost Eller and Burakovsky last night. Yikes.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

What a fucking day for Matt Calvert, eh?

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

:lol I didn't even see that little Twitter spat until just now. What was the account thinking?

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Holy shit! I just saw that!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Don't agree with the Olympic part.

I also think it needs to be clarified about what contributes and what does not. I agree that the NHL and the individual franchises do play a role in their respective communities. I didn't mean to say that the NHL or the NY Rangers (for example) don't contribute to society. In fact, many "football clubs" in Europe (like Celtic FC) were formed specifically for these purposes. They raise money for their communities, and helped run many community events. Celtic FC was formed to help Irish Catholic immigrants find a home in Scotland.

Today, these teams do a tremendous amount of charity work.

Don't agree again with the Olympics part. I believe that the Olympics should be the best amateurs in the world. If the NHL always sent its best players, 1980 never would have happened. I want that magic back.

Sorry you don't agree. Although I do feel that I didn't word my society comment the way I wanted to in my post.

See above. I didn't mean to say the sport (the NHL or its teams) does not contribute to society. What I meant was that I don't feel the players performing the act of playing the game is contributing to society in any other way than entertainment. For example, an Engineer may build a bridge or design a new method that advances the world. A doctor cures and finds new ways to heal and save lives. Inventors and R&D people create and promote the advancement of our civilization. Teachers help to form our futures. Ect, ect, ect....

Sports players play a game. The act of playing that game does not advance society in anyway. It also does not contribute to society other than entertainment. These players makes more money than any of the above mentioned by an insane amount. I don't complain, because they entertain me, and I like sports.

That said, I don't agree with the argument of "these guys give so much of themselves" when arguing about the Olympics. I know a lot of people that "give ALL of themselves" for far less in their every day jobs. They don't make millions of dollars and get several months off every year. I actually find it a bit offensive to other professions to make this the argument. If you want to say you feel they should participate in the Olympics for all of the other reasons used (best of the best, personal preference, ect) I have no problem with it. My issue comes when I am supposed to feel bad for people playing a game and have listen to an argument that makes it seem like they work harder than the rest of the working world. That doesn't sit well with me.

I appreciate what these guys do on the ice. Many of them do contribute off the ice in charities and other events (like going to hospitals for example). That said, the act of playing the game does not do anything more than entertain in my opinion.


The above here can be very true or very untrue depending on the area or individual. I know a lot of people in NYC that don't care about any sports at all. Their lives are not impacted in ANY way if the Yankees, Rangers, Giants, ect win or lose. There is literally nothing that will alter their lives in anyway from sports (in most cases).

The exception that makes me agree with you is when there is a tragic event such as 9/11 or the Boston bombings. Sports helped the healing process in for much of the community (though not all, because again, sports don't speak to everyone).

A lot of the sentiment I hear from you all are things that I share. You all see how much a Rangers win or loss can impact me. My point is that just because I feel that way about the Rangers (or who ever you root for), doesn't mean other do as well. Furthermore, my opinion on who should go to the Olympics is not going to be altered by feeling bad for guys who make a very large salary to play a game.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Nah, they just put a P on the sweater where the C or A would normally be! :)

Yeah, have been reading a lot about how the compressed season may be contributing to these injuries, lot of great players going down - Stamkos, Oshie, Quick, Johnny Hockey, etc, etc.

As I was reading this I was slamming down a bowl of iced cream! :lol

Gretzky gets a new contract - with the Simpsons!!!!
http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/1...isode-simpsons

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Gonna try to attack this in multiple parts:

In literally 0 other sports is it "the best amateurs". The NBA sends their players. Soccer sends theirs. Track, swimming, etc.

Is Michael Phelps the best amateur swimmer? Is LeBron the best amateur basketball player? It's the world's biggest stage and it should have the world's best players.

The "1980 would have never happened" honestly might be the worst argument I've ever heard. Besides trying to recapture that magic being impossible (unless you want to stage another super power cold war), it's also not realistic.

The society thing was just part of the reason I didn't agree with it.

1) It's "etc." not "ect." ;)

2) This is such a horrible and simple way of looking at it, and you're not seeing the forest for the trees. Watch this and tell me they don't give more than that:

https://youtu.be/MiWeKA-cv3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snyz9x2gNTw

You can't mention the work they do in the community and then just throw it away like it's just pure entertainment. These guys aren't gladiators or Jersey Shore. These guys become role models in their community. I truly believe I am the person I am because of sports. I grew up playing them and learning how to interact with people, what teamwork means, how to be a friend and how to stand up my friends...it taught me the meaning of hard work and the success that comes from it...it gives kids purpose and drive.

Beyond kids, it gives people a release, and a way to bond. My relationship with my father is built around sports. We still talk about the 2010 playoffs, or the 1990s Bulls, or the 2005 White Sox...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-utIirEFVk
https://youtu.be/OQ7pR87sfV0?t=5m37s

I mean, if you really can't see the role professional athletes and sports play in our society and how they're bigger than just "entertainment", then I really feel sorry you're missing out on some of the best parts of sports.

3) A bit offensive? Come on. No one is saying they work harder than anyone. We all work hard. I don't care if you're an engineer or a teacher or a professional athlete. We're all out here just giving our best (for the most part). Let's not get all sensitive.

But how many engineers have to go to work knowing this reality?

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/nhl...ontador-video/

Or this one?

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/1/2...delphia-flyers

How many teachers have this as part of their job hazard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jimZ1tSdPY0

Or this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2mX7LqBGo4

Or this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gVlfLCtzA0

I'm not saying whether or not they work harder, but these guys take some SERIOUS long term health risks to do what they do. Whether it's stupid stuff like looking like a goon:

http://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img...h_1296x729.jpg

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/7...63b?width=1024

Or the serious effects on their brain that leads to depression and suicide problems...these guys take some serious risks that are not a normal job hazard. What they get paid doesn't matter. It could be $30k or $10 million, they're still taking the risk. Besides, their salaries are more than justified, pretty simple economics that justify their salaries, but that's neither here nor there.

I think it's pretty selfish to want to take a side other than what they want. It's their game, it's them playing for pride in their country, it's their body and health. Guys like Ovechkin have said they're playing regardless of the NHL's stance. This means something to them. Who am I to want that to be taken away from them?

You seem really focused on this "very large salary to play a game" argument. You understand why they're paid that much...right?

Besides...WHO CARES? Do you believe that celebrities should deal with paparazzi because they're wealthy? You can hang out with the Gawker girl and talk about how these guys don't deserve things because they can hide behind piles of money?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-avakrRUaU

The Olympics mean something to them. It means something to a lot of people. You know how many kids showed up to local rinks in Chicago in their Team USA "Kane" jerseys in 2010? LOTS.

This shit is important. And it means a lot beyond entertainment. Really sorry you can't see that.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Aero with all sorts of blasphemy is this place

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I know this is probably a pointless attempt in the NHL thread. It is obvious that the message I am trying to covey is never truly given a chance here. With that said, here it goes.


I honestly don't know what else to say. I hope I have made my points clearly. I am a huge fucking hockey fan. I love this sport and it means a lot to me. I have always just felt uncomfortable with the huge salary gaps between individuals who show excellence in a sport, and those who show excellence in other very important fields. I do believe that people lose site of the fact that as much as we live for sports, they are just games. It is a form of entertainment that moves us. The moments you talked about above with your father can be compared to others going to a broadway show or an amazing movie. Hell, I will never forget watching Saving Private Ryan with my grandfather who served in WWII. That was an amazing experience. The movie was still entertainment though. Yes, I can make an argument that it was more than entertainment because it was about history and it created a moment with my family member. At the end of the day, on face value, movies are entertainment, and the actors in the movie are entertainers.

I did my best to explain myself here. Maybe it was just a long ramble, but I feel we both have done that at this point.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Why can't a damn presidential debate ever feature arguments this well thought out? Well done, guys. Interesting to read both of those posts.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Another reason why the NHL thread is the best.

Greg - I'll respond a little later, but I think we're getting close to an "agree to disagree" point.