Re: The NHL Thread
 

Depends on how you look at it too. Building a team from scratch? You probably take Crosby over Kane because centers are more important at the start. Based off last year? Probably go about a tie.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

yea, just ask Jamie Benn

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Agree with DG, list definitely needs more Kessel

Re: The NHL Thread
 

List is questionable in a lot of areas. Some of them mentioned already.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

One of my favorite NHL stories. I know it's been around for a long time, but worth revisiting.

https://twitter.com/PlayersTribune/s...65430047154176

"You are not allowed to speak to Mr. Sakic."

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I loved Hullie. He was so much fun to listen to and watch here. Also makes me wonder had Avery been able to stick around with the older guys (was traded as part of the Mathieu Schneider deal in 03) maybe he wouldn't have been quite as big of a douche. Hull even commented as much during that old ESPN the season documentary saying Avery talks so much he made Hull seem like he was silent and he just needs to learn.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol fucking Avery.

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I WANNA FIGHT 'EM ALL!!! :lol:lol
http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/wa...in-wild-scene/

EDIT: #garageleaguerussianedition

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's so crazy that this was what? 2002? That's like the tail end of the Avs-Wings rivalry. Certainly not as heated, but all those guys were still there. And after all the hate and admonishment from both sides, you still have players telling their teammates, "no, you do not get to say anything to him."

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, things had calmed down a bit by then for sure, but it's still really cool.

There's certain players that come through the NHL that earn this reverence that's almost beyond normal respect for veterans, and Sakic was one of them. I think it usually came from the class, humility, and hard work they exhibited throughout their careers. Guys like Lidstrom, Yzerman, and Bourque are other examples. Guys wouldn't cheap shot 'em, wouldn't chirp at them, etc. Really cool.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

2002 that beat the ever loving shit out of each other part was gone and was more of a respect type hatred cause they were 2 of the best teams in the league. Still fun. Probably the best overall series they ever had against each other. 96, 97 and 99 were all 6 games but they weren't all that close in reality. Matty's right there was a respect out there. They "hated" Sakic in a I hate that you beat us.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I know there's a thread for him and I think Chris and Tim were in there. But since he played, loved, and knew what he was talking aboot regarding our favorite sport.... RIP to ESPN's John Saunders.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Saunders was supposed to be one of the leaders for the World Cup of Hockey for ESPN...

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Saunders definitely deserves a mention in here. RIP to a great hockey personality and greats sports personalities. He was truly one of the best. Selfishly, it's super disappointing to learn he was gonna lead the World Cup coverage, I would've loved to hear him behind the mic talking/calling hockey again.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, him and Bucci were going to be in the studio with Chelios and Brett Hull (and Adnan Virk? I don't know who that is).

Wonder who will replace him. Steve Levy is calling games, so I don't know. Either way, it won't be as good.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

No, it won't be. That's just too sad.

On a related note, totally blows this tournament happens during baseball season. How amazing would it be if they got Thorne on board?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Saunders is a good guy, but honestly, I cannot stand that ESPN has this tournament.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I'd never heard of Jamie Oleksiak of the Stars until his 16 year swimmer sister Penny suddenly became the most loved Canadain of the moment.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Glad to see Saunders got a mention. Good job guys. Rip Mr Saunders.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

So speaking of the play by play, Levy will do it, who else? Bucci? They bringing Doc over? I like Bucci in studio but he's not a good play by play guy, no offense to him. Not that I could do it but he's no Levy, Doc, Strader, Thorne or anyone else I might be missing from the ESPN/ABC days.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphi...-traded-flyers

Thoughts Flyers fans? The Wings stuff I knew but glad it didn't happen. I was 5 and not watching hockey in 88 so I wouldn't have been able to appreciate the great years there. And who knows what the Wings become? Sure it was another 7 years until they were really competitive, 9 until a Cup, but nothing tops that 97 Cup after the heartbreak of 95 and 96.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The Flyers certainly had enough money to pull of the trade, even without comcast in the picture. I don't know why the article says otherwise.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

As for the trade, I never heard it before.

I did, however, hear the rumor that Gretzky was headed to the Flyers in '96 after his stint in LA or the Blues. Gretzky and Lindros would have been interesting to say the least.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I mean I was 2 when that would have happened so it doesn't really affect me.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

https://twitter.com/MsJenNeale_PD/st...rc=twsrc%5Etfw

There's the team. Or what it was.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

A little disappointing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah. That conversation sounds more like a fantasy conversation. I mean, I see that Gretzky said it but it doesn't really sound like it was ever close. He just basically said, "I had a relationship with Mr. Snider, so we talked to them for a minute."

I doubt the Flyers would have won. I mean they essentially made a similar trade for Lindros a few years later. And that didn't work either. Gretzky never won another Cup, right? Once he was traded. So who's to say that would have changed.....

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Thanks. Bucci....ugh. Thankfully the USA games is where I'll be more focused.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I think Bucci could be better if he did it more, if it was more of his focus, y'know? Seems like the potential is there, just needs practice and refining.

I was really bummed to hear about Saunders. He always brought it as a professional. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but as a young kid, I remember the first couple times seeing him do hockey games and thinking, "pssht, this guy won't know hockey. Is he not good enough to do basketball games or something?" I was an idiot and boy was I glad to be proven wrong. A warm, knowledgeable presence who by all accounts was loved by all who worked with him.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

That's the thing with me and him with the Wings. If Flyers get Wayne, sure they are better in the short term but they don't get Lindros probably which changes what happens in the mid 90's. Rangers probably get Lindros which changes the Rangers fortunes which those two things could change what happens to other teams. Same goes for the Wings, no Shanny later and maybe they don't draft Fedorov just one year later I mean why?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Uhhhh Matty.......

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I have no idea what is happening right now.

EDIT: Here is the statement, for those interested: https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/...97226216943616

My thoughts forthcoming.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

WTF is happening with Roy?!?!

so weird

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Anyone have Bob Hartley's digits?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Roy is citing "lack of input in team's decision-making"

wow

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This breaking news is certainly surprising.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I mean after his first year hasn't done a whole lot but weird to walk away now. I mean you are just realizing now in August that you and the front office don't align? Wouldn't that come up in April, May or June?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wow, some damning words by Roy. Wonder if what he said will hurt the Avs finding a better replacement

Re: The NHL Thread
 

my guess is that there was a move/decision/meeting in the last week or so that ended up being the straw that broke the camel's back

complete guess on my part but that's the only thing i can think of that makes the timing of this make sense

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Also he only had one year left on his deal, I wonder if he went into a meeting saying I want an extension and they said you need to earn it this year.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Putting this into perspective, this will probably end up being a positive. Roy as coach was not working out, that was obvious. Everyone pretty much knew that if something didn't change next season, he was gone. So yeah, it will be a weird time as we scramble to hire a new coach (I was serious about Hartley), but in the end I think this is better.

As for not having more decision-making pull, Roy's situation is different than many HC's in that he was also a VP of player ops, so he was kind of entitled to more in terms of personnel decisions. But even so... things don't go your way so you up and quit? Hmm... we've never had any examples of Patrick Roy doing that before. Screw him.

Hopefully with this clean slate Joe can really take the reins and clean things up.

As for Roy, I'd love to see him take a broadcasting job with NBCSN. Can you imagine him with Milbury and Roenick? :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

That's probably more inline with what went down. Sounds plausible.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

whoa Matty spitting more venom than i thought

and no, no i can't imagine him with Milbury :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It could, depending on how the Avs (particularly Sakic) handle it publicly. I think it's clear that Sakic has the better reputation in the hockey community. If he handles it with his usual class, I think they'll be alright.

That said, joining an organization where the coach quit in August will certainly give candidates at least a moment of pause.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

if that's what happened then Roy is really fucking stupid

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Sorry :lol

Obviously I don't know the whole story, but on the surface it just seems like kind of a dick move. I really should reserve judgement, but right now I really don't want to.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

You hear coaches always bitching that they don't want to be a lame duck, so wouldn't be totally shocking. I never understood the idea because most players have to play out the contract. The best players get signed with a year left on their current one, but most don't. I think it's stupid for him to do it now in August. Would have been better for him to walk away in April or May when he could...ya know...get a job.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

People on Twitter already talking about bringing Roy to MTL. :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I'm wondering if it had anything to do with Barrie get signed. Didn't seem like Roy was a huge fan of his, and I'm wondering if he was pushing for him to be traded.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Total dick move from Roy. Completely bizarre timing. There's gotta be more to it than just a trade or something.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The way he (Roy) made it sound was that the organization didn't take to him input and have their own vision on how to run this team. So they are looking for a yes-man coach or someone that already aligns to their vision so there won't be any friction between FO and the coach

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Exactly. And what I'm saying is if it comes down to his word versus Sakic's, most people will trust Sakic.

If Roy was making stupid suggestions (like signing Radulov), it should be no wonder that the team's vision isn't "aligning" with his.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:thumbsup

Great Tweet:

Re: The NHL Thread
 

According to the Denver Post, Sakic is on vacation right now. Nice, Patrick. :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Some real news!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Never forget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2OOc6WTrg

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Also, never forget:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gxlO243ztE

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The Wings created their own craziest rivalry.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I thought the same thing! :lol

Further to the Roy story in general, Erik Johnson was just on a Denver sports radio show, said "90%" of the players on the team loved playing for Roy, but also admitted that the writing was on the wall. Said players still need to be held accountable and should feel some blame for not producing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

That camera man is a pro.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wings probably win the Cup that year if they ONLY win 5-1. Glad they didn't though because it lead to the rivalry, Shanny and a very fun playoff run in 97.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

He is impulsive and a hot head. Sure, there could have been other things involved but not getting an extension is certainly in the realm of possibilities.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I wouldn't try to apply logic to Patrick Roy. I stopped trying to understand Roy at this moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS4qfCbuhCw

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Most of the stuff going around has nothing to do with extensions but with personnel and team direction decisions. From previous statements, I've inferred that Patrick wouldn't want an extension if things continued to go poorly. But who knows.

That said, so far the only reliable "I talked personally with Patrick Roy" source is Lebrun. Here's what he tweeted, FWIW:

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This is a very correct line of thinking.

As a young fan, I just learned to cross my fingers and trust in the fact that for the 95% of the time when he was on, he was amazing; and then just hope that the 5% when he was off wouldn't cost the team the game. It's almost like I'd pray for him to make his one costly mistake early on in the game so the team had time to rebound from it.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Fuckin' goalies, man.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Ed Belfour, amirite?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Did you guys know there's such a thing as underwater hockey??

https://www.facebook.com/greatbigsto...7389372563490/

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Elliotte Friedman is a top notch hockey guy. Little shakier with the swimming thing.
https://mobile.twitter.com/NachoHelm...21782302646273

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol Yes. Whitest "sport" of all time.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I bet Roy wanted to get rid of Barrie and Duchene, and was frustrated that the organization decided to keep them so he walked. It's a weird situation because it seems like the majority of the players like playing for him. I completely understand Roy though if he's frustrated that even though he's VP of Hockey Operations, he doesn't have that big of a say in moving personnel.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Erik Johnson was on a Denver sports radio show yesterday and said that 90% of the team "loved" playing for Patrick. He said he couldn't say enough about the type of personal, mentor-coach Patrick was with individuals.

Joe said he included Patrick in all his conversations about team direction. But again, Joe is the GM of the team, he gets the final say, and if he's getting feedback from Patrick that they should go out and sign an overpriced player from Russia who hasn't played in the NHL for a couple years, can we really blame Sakic for not taking Roy's advice? Ultimately, I guess we're providing specific examples that are all just speculation. Joe and Patrick have both just said that they simply didn't agree on some things. Joe also said that Patrick had indicated that he wasn't having as much fun coaching as he had before. Yeah, it's probably not that fun when you're not winning. :lol

In the end, I will always love and appreciate Patrick Roy, even if I think it's a dick move to do something like this in the middle of August. Whatever. I hope this ends up being a positive in the future as the Avs have plenty they need to address.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

EJ on NHL Tonight yesterday was saying maybe part of it was how the NHL is to QMJL when you own the team. A lot more complicated in the NHL and maybe that was frustrating. Not sure if that has anything to do with it, but it would make sense.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Late to the game, but the Roy move is crazy. August?? Really??

Re: The NHL Thread
 

And camp opens in like 39 days, so get crackin', Super Joe!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I just want a Hjalmarsson Sweden sweater. Why is that so hard to find?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Found one. Seems legit:

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wow that's beautiful

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I know how you appreciate the high quality, official stuff.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Matty - a hockey in Texas update:

I joined a team down here that plays Saturday nights. Skated nearly the entire last game because our defense was so bad. Guys kept just telling me to just stay out there (so many times I skated to the bench to see guys just waving me back out to the ice). Our goalie eventually had to call our timeout because I could barely stand on my skates in the third period. Leaning so heavy on my stick at a faceoff I'm shocked it didn't snap. We lost 4-2, and I had the only goals for our team...as a defensemen. I even had a breakaway (again...as a defensemen). Our team registered 12 shots on goal, and I had 5 of them (AGAIN...AS A DEFENSEMEN). Their team had 42 shots. It was BRUTAL.

I've only played two games and was already asked to wear an "A" when the next league starts. Kinda bizarre to have a men's league team put C's and A's on their sweaters, but whatever. Skill level is literally all over the map. I mean, you always get some sandbaggers playing in lower leagues and guys playing way above their skill level in upper leagues, but the skill discrepancy here is unheard of. One guy literally uses rental skates, and on his line is a dude that played college hockey. Like, what? It's really, really frustrating. I can't tell you how many times I got the puck behind our own net only to see the forwards idea of a breakout is to ALL already be in the neutral zone skating the other way. I constantly have literally no where to pass. I am forced to throw a hail mary away from someone on the other team and off the side boards hoping to connect with someone, or skate it out on my own and hope I can avoid the three guys on the forecheck. I can't tell you how many times I throw that hail mary pass, connect with the guys tape as he's about to cross the blue line, throw a mini-celebration in my head for what I only can imagine is an act of god that allowed me to find that guy's tape...only to have him be unable to handle the pass and we just lose possession...again.

Save me :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Sounds like you're having a BLAST. Just think, you could be the mentor these guys never had :)

But seriously, that's a lot of beer league hockey outside of major US hockey hubs. I would say the league I play in here in UT isn't quite as extreme in both directions like yours appears to be, but I definitely empathize with some of the things you've said :lol. For us, it's been the opposite in terms of break outs - forwards are so anxious to help out down low that none of them stay on the points. I have no one to break out to. On a related note, I'm getting better at carrying the puck out of the zone :lol.

In the end, I just have to keep telling myself that hockey is hockey. I simply do not have the time nor the resources to play in more than a beer league, so I may as well learn how to just love and enjoy it for what it is. A couple games back a guy took a run at my little brother (my D partner), and I got to take a good old fashioned run at him, Foote style. Ref had to wrestle me off him, I only got a minor because the ref saw why I did it.... just like old times! #garageleague

Anyways, thanks for the laughs. Hopefully you can keep finding enjoyment in the overall experience pal.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Looks like the Ducks win the Vermette sweepstakes.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yup, that's where I'm at. Actually just played a game Saturday with a defenseman that knew what he was doing, and it was so much fun.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

what time are they going to announce the Vesey/Bruins signing?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I think you meant to say Islanders. Leafs, Isles, Pens and Devils are meeting with Vesey and his reps today.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

If I was him I think Sabres or Devils make the most sense. Younger teams where he'll get a chance to play and show what he can do. Isles would be just behind them. Rangers and Bruins are teams where I could see him but they both have some key aging players and cap issues and compared to the Sabres and Devils, who in a few years could be very good, I take the younger team. At the end I put the Pens and Hawks. Sounds all great because they are great teams right now but you're not gonna get the ice time you could get elsewhere and you'll never be the big guy getting the big payday.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Pretty sure Vesey is signing a one-way deal with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

There's a small cynical part of me that really wants Vesey to just suck.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Part of me is that way too. My old school-ness says he should have stayed in Nashville. Don't get too greedy. You get to play hockey for a living. I know it's the way the system is set up but... Justin Schultz played the system that way and it backfired. Sure he won a Cup this year and might be in a good situation but I'm guessing he didn't set out to say "I'm gonna blow in Edmonton, get traded to win a Cup and not get qualifying offer to become a UFA and then not get paid a lot to stay with the team that didn't give me the qualifying offer.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I could be on board with that if he doesn't sign with us. But if he is good, there could be a spot next to JT available. That certainly could be enticing to him if he is the real deal.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Couldn't disagree more.

The kid is signing a 2-year ELC deal. This isn't his big 7 or 8 year contract. He should Brandon Saad this thing and play on the Hawks or Pens for two years and use that to skyrocket his career when he's an UFA that can sign anywhere. THEN go home to a team like the Sabres on a long term deal with big money.

I'd much rather set myself up to play with Toews, Kane, Crosby, etc. on this initial 2-year ELC. Look no further than someone like Saad on how overvalued guys with "playoff experience" can be. Saad is a great player, don't get me wrong, but he benefited big time from playing on a line with Toews/Hossa for a couple years and winning a Cup. Would he have commanded a 6-year, $36 million contract if he didn't? Doubt it. Panarin is going to get PAID, and how much of that is benefit because he played with 88 last year? There will be plenty of time to sign with an up-and-coming team when he's an UFA and this first 2-year ELC deal is done. Right now if I'm him, I'm signing with a winner that has some of the best players on the planet to help me develop my game and pad my stats for my real contract.

He's getting basically the same dollar amount no matter where he goes, why not set yourself up for future success the best you can with this first 2-year deal?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I felt that way about Kevin Hayes, too.

In the end, though, he's just a kid, trying to play the cards he's been dealt to his best advantage.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Saad got paid but he also ended up in Columbus which is not where I'd want to be. I get what you're saying but there is also the flip side that maybe he doesn't get the minutes in Chicago that he'd get in BUF or NJ.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

so I assume Vesey is a UFA after his two-year ELC, and not a RFA, right?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I was under the assumption he was an RFA. Schultz was going to be an RFA if the Pens would have qualified him.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Oh yeah, it's nothing personal against Vesey at all. If he's got the opportunity to control his destiny a bit, I don't blame him for doing that.

It's more of just all the NHL media craze around him right now. It's like the team that's signing him is signing the next Gretzky or something. Sheesh.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wings made a pitch to Vesey but apparently "wants to play closer to home." So Boston, NYR, NYI and NJD would be the top candidates based on that. Toronto, Buffalo and PIT would be on the outside.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Chris's post about hockey in Texas is exactly why I only play pond hockey now. If I turn out to be the only decent player and have to carry a game, I just leave lol. Men's leagues were killing me slowly, and this is in a New Jersey in the same men's league that John Madden once played in during the lockout in 2005....

Re: The NHL Thread
 

For a second I forgot he was a player for the Devils and I envisioned the football John Madden trying to play hockey. :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Which will make it even more hilarious when he signs with the Hawks.