Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, I don't know. Hard to say right now. Vancouver plays in such a shit division that it seems like they have stopped really caring about the regular season. But I fully expect them to kick it back into gear for the playoffs. Certainly think getting so close to the Cup will give them the confidence to know they can do it, but then again you never know whether Luongo is going to blow a couple of games in a given series.

If Radulov joins Nashville, I certainly think they have a chance. Suddenly with the bros Kostitsyn, Fisher, Erat, Legwand, picking up Gaustad, the rookie Craig Smith.....add Radulov and that is a lot of forward depth. Maybe not a ton of high end talent but very deep.

To me, if the Blues & Wings met up in the 2nd round, whoever came out of that would be beat to hell for the conference finals. 2/3/6/7 seeds would have a much easier road to the SCF if St. Louis stays in 1st in the conference.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

My point is I just don't trust St Louis to be able to go deep in the playoffs.

I'm absolutely biased though. I hate those bastards.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yeah, they are kind of obnoxious. Hawks tie game > Backes runs over Crawford :rolleyes

I always am biased against teams that don't score all that much so I would tend to agree with you. To me their lineup is pretty Nashville-esque with a bit more top end talent in MacDonald and Perron, but certainly not the same top-line defensive talent. To me, they are still a bit of a system team and that can only take you so far. In 2 of the last 3 games against the Hawks they went into a shell with a 1 or 2-goal lead and how is that going to work for you in the playoffs?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Real nice effort tonight to get the win especially after how bad that 1st was. Good 2 points.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Bryz

Ga

Lov

Huge right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Like universe huge?

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Oh and will comment on my Wings even though I didn't watch last night. They need health damn it!!!

oh and HAHAHAHAHAHA to the Leafs. Kessel was totally worth it.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Can't wait to read all the comments on philly.com saying "it's about time Bryz comes around", "Hope he's like this in the playoffs", etc.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Well I'd be saying that one too.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Found out yesterday that NBC and TSN are going to nationally broadcast the Pittsburgh ROOT Sports feed for the Pens-Rags game tomorrow. I apologize in advance to all those that watch. Be prepared for the camera to miss unlimited faceoffs, focus on Crosby skating to the bench during a break away, and Paul Steigerwald's overt homerism. Hopefully he doesn't make a 9/11 joke or something horribly offensive.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Ah shit. When they said they were broadcasting I was hoping THEY were actually broadcasting. I guess I'm not surprised cause this is what they do for the playoff battles late in the season for the Thursday games just pickup the local feed.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Couldn't have said it better.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

And I agree. But I agree with Tim too. We have to see it in the playoffs. He could just as easily revert to soft Bryx under the humangus big bright lights of playoff hockey in Philadelphia. Not Phoenix anymore....

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hey Tim, happy bday to the Griffster! Unbelievable how time flies, eh?

And hey y'all don't count STL out of the west. I don't think I'm ready to send them to the SCF yet, but they will do some damage. Nashville is poised as well for a deep run. Guys like Erat are quietly putting together a really good year.

My Avs are currently sitting in 8th, but if they make the show they will not get past the first round. Plain and simple.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Colorado - Buffalo game should be entertaining tonight. Two hot teams scrambling to get into the playoffs.

The race for the 7 and 8 spot in the West looks insane right now, probably will be decided in one of the last games of the season

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hell of a Caps game last night. At least the last few games of the season are going to be real interesting.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

So weird that we are about 12 or so games away from playoff time...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Let's Go Buff-a-lo!!!!!!!


(Sorry Matt)

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

feels like playoff time. beautiful outside!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I love playoff hockey! It gets nice out, I'll be graduated, and the games are just absolutely beautiful.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

We're going to be hating each other quite a bit over the next couple weeks. Nothing personal and I apologize in advance. :cool

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Meaningless Observation: Its kinda strange how much the Atlantic and Central Divisions mirror each other in regards to the points race in their respective conferences

http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm...d=nav-stn-conf

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sweet! Backstrom skated for the 20 minutes today w/o any issues. That would be huge for the final stretch of the regular season and if we get him back before the playoffs major +.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Haven't followed Backstrom's situation too closely, but if his progress is at all similar to Crosby's, he's probably got awhile to go. Never know I guess.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If caps make playoffs, he'll be rushed back. If not, he wont play this season.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Thank you very much. Yeah it sure does fly. I remember him being born like yesterday. Think I was posting in here while just sitting around the hospital room after he was born. lol
Yeah you've still gotta do it. I question everyone in goal. You've got to be able to do both. This isn't just him.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Very true. It is the optomist in me though :)

I hope no matter what, they do not rush him back. I would rather them stand pat with what we got right now, than to endanger him for down the line.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Oh. My. GOD! :BANG

The former Shark scores his 7th goal since the trade, with less than two fucking seconds left, to tie it for the Avs. This is a bad dream right?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

how much ice time you think Crosby is going to get tomorrow night?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Entirely way too much.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The West is crazy right now....5 teams in 7th - 11th separated by 1 or 2 points on any given night.

And the East is just fucked up, and just goes to show how much better the new format would be. Bruins 5th in Conference in pts but are sitting in 2nd place, while Florida is 7th but sits in 3rd place. If season ended today Pitt and Philly play each other, and Florida goes up against the Devils. The teams with the 2nd and 3rd most points in the Conference would have to play each other. :rolleyes

And yet the players voted down the realignment.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If it is a dream, it is a very good one. Loving' the sauce the Avs are Playing with right now. Downie and McGinn have turned out to be the perfect complements to the team

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm happy for Ginner, just not happy that he might end up keeping us out of the playoffs. The race for the 7th and 8th spot is going to be nucking futs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Stars vs. Hawks Friday. Probable first round matchup...Go Hawks Chelsea Dagger on those ridgerunners alllll night long.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

going out to eat tonight so I don't have to hear about Crosby.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Crysby is back tonight. Wahhhh. Let's complain to the refs some more ya whiner. Waahhhhhhhhhhh. loller2007argumentfromajealousdivisionrivalfan

Seriously. I hope he stays well. And that he sucks.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Looking a forward to the game tonight! Have not looked on this board, but the Pens fans are talking some serious shit on the NHL and ESPN comment sections. Here is hoping for a Rangers win tonight!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-pu...tml#more-27637

What a preposterous article.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,1159903.story

ruh roh.

I can't wait! Biggest game of the year by far.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Havlat back in the lineup for the Sharks tonight. Maybe they'll remember how to score...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

pretty pumped for tonight... sorry to everyone for the comeback being jammed down your throats, its gotta be nauseating.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

What's Cindy gonna play tonight? 15 minutes o/u.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

yeah it's a little annoying. He's a great player and it's good for him and Pens fans that he's back but there are other players in the league. You wouldn't think so based on this.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

probably over, we paid off the refs so expect many 5 on 3s.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/76...w-york-rangers

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

yea, it stinks because everyone hates on the pens or crosby for it, but its the media that make such a big deal out of this kind of thing.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

in all honesty, id probably expect more. last time they said the same exact thing, and bylsma went a little crazy with the minutes, hopefully they learned their lesson from before.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

And if he gets hi legally that players will be black listed and kicked out of the league. Oh wait that was Gretzky.
Yeah I know. I mean I have my problems with him but yeah the media makes such a big deal. It's great he's back (sorta lol) but this isn't like Mario coming back in 2000 and the media is making people think it is.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I ignore the media. Its not like sports talk radio in nyc is filled with hockey. Its basically nonexistant. I'll be watching on MSG so Sam Rosen and joe Micheletti will mention it enough and give it some attention but it won't be all game.

Edit: I don't have a problem with Crosby, he's obviously freakishly good, even in his short stint this year. But I also don't root for him (or the pens) ever.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:thumbsup:thumbsup
It could be a bit more, but with the Pens having been on a roll recently, DB hopefully feels more comfortable leaving Crosby at the prescribed time and letting the others do what they've been doing, which is playing excellent hockey.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sidney will play more than 15 for sure. I mean I think. Right???... Especially if they get a number of PPs. I mean if he's feeling just fine late in the 3rd of a tie or down 1 game. You gonna tell me you're not gonna have Sidney Crosby in the game because he's played 15 mins already? I don't think so....

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I just feel like IF the rangers can win tonight's game minus Hank, Cally, MDZ again combined with the fact the penguins are hot as hell and getting Sid back it will put any doubts i have about them winning the Atlantic to rest.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hank and Cally should both me in right? Also, I just hope this game is not PP after PP for the Pens. I could see the refs calling a lot on NY tonight.

Great to have the Pens almost all healthy though. If the Rangers can't beat a full Pitt than we were not good enough to win the cup! Great test ahead!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hank and Cally are both out.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Lame..this could b a huge win for Pitt than tonight...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

goal one his first shift back. nicee. really weird goal.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Crosby: best third line center in hockey.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Rangers are probably going to lose this 7-1 or something stupid. They don't seem pumped at all, and Biron makes me nervous in net.

That was a weird one. Rangers needed that PK to settle this game in a little.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

gettin chippy

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Classic hustle play by the Hagelin-Richards-gaborik line. They've stepped their game up so much the last week or so.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

is it just me or do both teams look sloppy out there?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

wtf orpik, what a horrible penalty to take

Rangers did early and settled into their style of game, which is ugly looking. Pens havent been skatig as well as i thought they would. Biron had a huge first.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

malkin- neal is sick nasty

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

NHLN seems to have quit showing the game.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Pretty much how I expected this game to go without Cally and Hank. My 7-1 prediction is looking good right now..

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It's still on NBC Sports.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Thanks. Wasn't showing up on my cable guide.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

They weren't originally planning to show it, but I guess they picked up the local feed because of Sid.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

This line is the only line scoring right now with no Callahan...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Got to keep that stick down. Sucks...biggest part of the game.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

huge goal

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That's probably game. And probably not a goal if hanks in net: no excuses though, gotta be better.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Man, I really hoped that Steigy and Errey would put on a good face when they knew company would be coming over. For what its worth, nobody REALLY likes to listen to them in pittsburgh either. Mike Lange or die

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

i saw you got retweeted a bit ago by pensinsidescoop, your pic came up in my news feed and i was like, hey, that name and pic look familiar! haha.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

bryz shutout streak over after two quickies by the isles

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

HA! Sweet. All I started thinking about after that first goal was those old MJ McDonalds commercials

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFt4S6hKwR0

Classic. Man, the 90s...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

BTW, what's your twitter handle?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

darb06. im following you

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

excellent game for the pens, having a full lineup back is niceeee

10 wins in a row

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Big W. Huge W for the Pens.

im on Twitter as well. joedalfonso12

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Bryz got the Flyers record and the Flyers got the two points. Can't complain at all.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Flyers are my mid-March pick to win the SC.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I thought this was really cool. I know how much all of us love this stuff:

http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...yers-No-1.html

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Bruins with two goalies in the top 40 and they can't stop the puck :lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hard to go against the Pens right now, the way they are playing, and because they have the best two pure scorers in the NHL in Crosby and Malkin.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Giroux > Toews :lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

It's hard to argue against anyone in that top 5, I think. I'd put Toews ahead of Stamkos for sure, but I honestly don't know who is solid at their spot besides Sid. Everyone else is pretty interchangeable, IMO. An argument can be made either way. I'd be interested to see how many "points" each one had, to see how close 2-6 were.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Any of 2-6 could be top 5. If anything Malkin is too low. For me, Giroux should be 6. Love Giroux but he's not as much of a beast or scorer as Malkin or Stamkos, and I think those guys are much more dominant at even-strength. Though the one thing I have against Malkin is he is a C that sucks at faceoffs.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

There is much more to hockey than scoring.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

That would definitely be neat to see. Also, it would be cool to see where the points came from. Not who voted, but where the Penguins voted for Giroux in regards to the rest of the league and such

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Haha wasn't that his argument for why Toews was better than Malkin?

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'd like to thank SJ and Carolina for winning last night. That is all.

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Let's Go Flyers!!!

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Congratulations to Crosby for being able to get through an entire game without getting a concussion.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I'm embarassed to even show my face in here. :lol

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Man, the Avs really could've used two points against the Devils last night. Being about two games ahead of everyone in their conference, they pretty much need to win every game they play (and others need to lose a few as well) in order for them to make the show.

And how about Gabriel Landeskog, folks? Making a great bid for the Calder with his all-around play. Doesn't lead in points, but far and away the best all-around player from this year's rookie class. Plays a very mature game, has a bit of a chip on his shoulder (I've seen him go nose to nose with a few older and tougher guys already, and even got his first fight out of the way), logs PK minutes, and is showing some early leadership qualities.

At first, I was disappointed the Avs didn't draft a defenseman (Dougie Hamilton is who I wanted). The crow is now on my plate.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Peter Chiarelli had some strong words for the boys.

They have enough veteran stability on the roster that they should be able to turn it around, but man... sometimes it's tough to get out of those holes. They haven't responded well to the loss of Horton.