Re: The NHL Thread
 

Big F U to the league, nice job fans, and nice job Nashville.

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What a perfect story. <3 John Scott

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You are drunk.

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NHL should honestly do something like this intentionally every year. Some guy who the fans love but would never make the ASG on their talents alone. I'm sure this is just the coolest moment ever for John Scott, and the fans ate it up.

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So is it really true that John Scott now has more career All Star game goals than Sidney Crosby. :lol:lol

It was great for him. I liked the Kane dropping the gloves with him.

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Of course I am a bit biased but you really can't dispute what I said on a factual level.

It is a shame Toews is sick and will not be at the ASG.

If he keeps up this pace, or close to it Kane will win both the Hart and Art Ross.

Panarin is certainly one of the best rookies in the NHL and he will get a lot of consideration for the calder.

Just because The Caps are a few games up on Chicago doesn't mean that they can keep up their winning pace indefinitely so the Presidents cup is certainly up for grabs.

As for Keith and the Norris, the guy missed ten games due to injury but is back playing his usual game. Despite playing in less games he as many points as almost any defender not named Karlsson (the easy favorite), Letang or Subban. Will be an interesting race.

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Now onto other things, that ASG game was great. Amazing to see Scott put 2 in, was very happy for him! Also happy the west won, for whatever that is worth besides the cash. Lastly, I'd be lying if I said I was not happy Kane put one in as well. Just a great game. Loved the format, players seemed to give it their all and the fans were amazing. I was skeptical of 3 on 3 but that was better that my wildest expectations!

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Looks like I missed a party...

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he has 5 all-time NHL goals.

He has 2 in the ASG.

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only got to see the 3rd game, but it was very entertaining. with how good the goalies were playing, it really seemed like an OT period where you are on the edge of your seat for every shot. with it being 3 on 3, there was so much open ice for the players to actually show off their skills without running into someone else. no need to worry about taking hits. and the goalies didn't really have to worry about screens and cheap goals. everybody got to perform on their highest level. NHL definitely got it right with this format. it would be interesting if other sports try to find creative new ways to play their ASGs.

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Seriously, that was so much fuckin' fun.

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I had recorded NBCSN's top 10 3on3 moments from the season so far that was on Saturday night and watched after the all-star game yesterday and but listened to Milbury and he was right on.(It's odd to say that) He had said (like I and many have said) the all-star game, while always being an exhibition, had gotten to be even more of a joke the last few years. I mean not that guys were giving it all 20 years ago but they were at least giving some effort. This way they sure seemed to put forth effort. I doubt it's the money like some have said I mean you get like $100k before you get taxed? That's nothing for these guys. Not saying they didn't want it but I don't think that was a motivator. I mean the last "game" was essentially one period and it was a 1-0 game at 3on3. When was the last time one period of nhl all-star hockey was 1-0 at 5on5 let alone it being 3on3 the whole time? While I'm still pissed at the NHL as a whole for the John Scott stuff, they did get this right. They know the all-star game is a big money thing for them so getting rid of it wasn't really an option but they also recognized that it was not working the way it had been going so they make changes.

Also meant to post the other night about Larkin beating the fastest skater record. When they said it was Gartner 20 years ago I was thinking "impressive cause I'm sure he was pretty old (for a hockey player) at that time." And I was right. He was 36 when he set that record. Much tougher to do than a 19-year old kid.

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Yeah, they definitely got the game right. Royally fucked up the John Scott thing, and it's kind of dumb to see the league acting like they love him now with all the Facebook stuff they did last night, but they sure did get the actual game right.

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Yeah that bugged the fuck out of me too. So much respect for him as a person now. He handled himself with such class, it was impressive. He had every reason to not even shake Bettman's hand when he gave him the giant check but he was amazingly polite. Loved how all the players were cheering for him. Burns seemed the happiest for him but I then remembered that he was on the Wild with him when Scott started in the league.

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seems like everyone in here ate up the ASG ridiculousness so i won't rain on the parade

just glad we get back to real hockey tomorrow....down the stretch they come

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Been out of town the past few days, so have to backread through everyone's ASG posts. I'm sure this has already come up, but if you haven't given John Scott's piece in the Players' Tribune a read yet, go do that.

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Yeah, I don't think the money was a big motivator at all... Well, maybe for Scott it was. :lol

I really think - and maybe this is either too obvious or too cheesy - that a lot of the guys, even guys on the other teams, were doing it for and pulling for Scott. Just as an example: When Scott scored on the breakaway, it was Matt Duchene chasing him down. MATT DUCHENE. One of the most agile players I've ever watched. Do you mean to tell me that if he really wanted to, Matt Duchene couldn't have skated down John Scott?

And by saying that, I'm not trying to negate the magic of last night with Scott. In fact, I'm trying to add to it by demonstrating how players - even those on other teams - were pulling for the guy.

OH, and of all the stuff I read on the ASG and Scott last night (and there was an embarrassing amount), this one was my favorite:

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey...ay-arthur.html

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I thought so too and I have been skating all my life. He should get a ten game suspension. I don't buy the BS argument that he confused a ref with an opposing player, I think it was in intentional crosscheck.

Interesting stat - John Scott has one more career goal that Jonathan Drouin. I am sure that will change at some point but what will not change is the fact that Scott is a likable guy who has earned the respect of both the players and the fans while Drouin has pretty much alienated himself from the players and the fans because he is an ass with an ego as large as a planet.

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I'm not going to lie, I teared up a bit when he was announced as the MVP. Seeing him enjoy that as much as he did was special. Next years all star game will be no where near as enjoyable.

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I don't think there will be an asg as enjoyable as that one for a long time

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I agree to a degree. Duchene definitely could've had him, but it's not like he let him off scott (heh) free. He had some good pressure on him and John Scott still had to make the shot and get it in...and he had a very nice looking top shelf goal. But, yes, the guys were all giving him the chances but regardless he really impressed me out there.

Great article :thumbsup

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I don't think we're disagreeing. I think Duchene put a good amount of pressure on him to let him know he was there and wasn't just giving up on him. Scott did a good job too of using his body to block him out and such. But like you said, he could've had him if it was, say, a real game. Pulled the ol' trick I used to employ on guys that were bigger than me where I would just skate in front of them and bend over (n/h).

But again, this isn't to diminish Scott's accomplishments over the weekend. Quite the opposite.

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We're always on the same page, Matty. :eiffeltower

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NHL just named John Scott first star of the week

:rolleyes give me a break

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Agreed, though when I played D if I got caught chasing someone down I would have just used my usual trick and put my stick under his and pushed his up to deny him the shot - it is easier and I am less likely to get hurt than bending over. That said, Can't take anything away from Scott, he still had to burn the goalie and he buried that puck in the back of the net.

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The NHL is now all over this. It's ridiculous. The responses to this tweet are making me :lol:lol:lol

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:lol every single one is on point

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Really sad to see the league playing it off like this. Sucks our sport is run by these assholes.

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Now watch, the league will try to bring in a non All Star type player like Scott every year to try and recreate the magic.

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The league is so out of touch this sounds like something they would absolutely consider

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that's fine too.

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Right?

What's sad is they actually got it right with the 3 on 3 format. Yep, they actually did something RIGHT. And a lot of that is lost because of the dick way they handled all the Scott stuff.

But then again, if they hadn't been such dicks, this wouldn't have been as cool a story. So I guess it all works out for us. :)

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Wouldn't surprise me. They'll be like "oh the fans really liked this." Yes we did, because of how you treated him and then the way it awesomely worked out yesterday for him. Douche bags.

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"Please tell Bettman to eat a dick."

Eh, fans say that in response to everything they tweet.

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Caps will have no less than five regulars out tonight for various reasons. Should be fun considering we're playing one of the better teams in the conference.

Very much ready to get back to real hockey 2-4 nights a week.

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Who's out besides Ovi? Haven't been up on my normal reading the last few days.

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Ovie, Holtby, Johanssen, Orpik, Beagle all out tonight

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I know rules are rules but sometimes I think they need to be applied with a modicum of common sense. Toews is serving a game suspension tonight for missing the all star game because he was sick. I could get it if he just a wanted the time off but wasn't sick anyone who watched the Carolina game right before the break could see he was not right. He was lagging when coming back to help the D - one of his strengths, spent just over ten minutes on the ice and walked off the ice during the second period. Ok maybe it was a show but I doubt it, he is a class act who always gives it his all. I think given the circumstances this suspension should be waived. Also curious who will be wearing the C tonight in Colorado.

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I assume there won't be a C. Is that not normally the case when he misses games?

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The NHL is weird about this. I get it but yeah common sense needs to come into place. I guess they are thinking that if you were injured enough or sick enough to miss the all-star game should miss the next real game? But that's crap so...whatever. Datsyuk and Lidstrom were suspended in 2011 or 12 because they skipped but Crosby wasn't because he showed up for the other crap which makes no sense to me. If you are injured, should you be traveling...Again I get it from stand point they don't want it to be the Pro Bowl but come on.

Also as for who wears the C tonight? I hope no one. I always thought a captain is a captain and if he's out, it should be 3 A's for that night or those games if it's longer.

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Ohhhhhh, I didn't realize "regulars" included Orpik and Beagle. I assume it's just a maintenance day for Holts, right? He didn't get injured in the ASG. Hope MoJo is OK. And we all know why Ovi's out.

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Teams generally don't give out a C when the captain is hurt, suspended, or otherwise unable to play. They'll have 3 guys wearing an A. For example, in Washington tonight, no one will be wearing the C. With Orpik hurt, I'll be curious which two players get As besides Backstrom. Gotta think Laich gets one, and maybe Alzner for the other?

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Yeah just an extra day off for Braden. Apparently BT has said he wants to get Grubauer into a few more games down the stretch, presumably to not burn Holtby out for what they are hoping will be a long playoff run. Hopefully Marcus doesn't become a long term thing. He's having an underrated year, plus could been trade bait if they so choose (which I'm not saying I'm a fan of that idea). Still unsure of what exactly happened, it came in the recent game against the Flyers right? Can't remember if it was before that. It does sound like Orpik is close to practicing with the team again. It would be nice to have him back within the next few weeks.

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I think it's a fair rule. This is the "Sidney Crosby Rule", and I'm actually all for it. The All Star weekend festivities are really an important occasion for the league, and more importantly, young fans. Selected players should attend if at all possible. If you're actually injured or sick to the point that you're missing games, then that's fine, no suspension. If there wasn't an All Star break, and a player really is that sick/injured then the player would miss at least one game anyway.

The All Star break isn't intended as an occasion to get a rest, although it works out that way for some guys. It's intended to get all the league's stars in one place for a fun weekend. If a selected player can't make it, there has to be a consequence. It sucks here that it's Toews, but I think its a fair rule.

You can't really just start "making exceptions" because Toews was lagging in an actual game. If Toews was that sick, he should have sat out the Carolina game to rest, and then we wouldn't be in this situation.

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Agreed, the Sidney Crosby incident was nonsensical to me if you want my honest answer.

Yeah, that is what I am hoping they do, question would be who gets the third A if they go that route, Keith and Seabrook are the alternates right now.

Yeah, it is a rest for guys who are not elected obviously. In the case of Toews it seems odd to me, I mean he played ten minutes in that carolina game, they should compromise and give him a ten minute suspension - assuming he is feeling well enough to play anyhow.

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such a dumb rule to make players miss a meaningful game because they either didn't want to play or couldn't play in a gimmicky exhibition

NHL is a real joke sometimes

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So what, if anything, do you enjoy about the NHL?

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there's a lot to like about the NHL

but what, am i supposed to enjoy mandatory suspensions for players because they don't play in an exhibition? am i supposed to enjoy a perpetual cycle of cheap head shots and subsequent discipline that is laughable? am i supposed to enjoy a league that does not let it's stars be put on display, where the top points scorers are lucky to break the 90 point threshold?

it's a great sport with great young talent, great officals and great fans but constantly handcuffs itself

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Ugh, Neuvirth hurt now. Flyers call up Anthony Stolarz. Mason expected to start tonight. I hope we see Stolarz play.

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I kind of go both ways on the whole Skip-the-All-Star-Game-Get-Suspended thing.

On one hand, it's not like the All-Star game is a surprise to these players, you know? It's not like all of a sudden it's like, "Hey, I had no idea that if I played well I would be selected to participate in this weekend event. No one told me about that!" They know it's coming, and that if they play well they will be participating. It's part of the job. There are downsides to being a professional athlete in terms of doing things you sometimes don't want to do, but that's part of the job and these guys get that.

On the other hand, saying "you guys are so great that we want you to come have loads of fun at the All Star weekend. Oh, and by the way, you HAVE to come" seems a little disingenuous, right? I mean, once the guys are there I bet they have a pretty good time, but still.

But I also get that if they just left it up to each player to decide whether they came or not, it could get unorganized and chaotic pretty quick trying to find replacements and such. Can you imagine if 5, 10, 15 players suddenly decided they weren't going to come? So there does need to be a rule in place. I get that. It sucks for players like Toews who are legitimately sick. But honestly, a one game suspension really isn't that bad. And hey, if they're really sick it actually gives them an excuse to sit out a game and get better. And with hockey players having that mentality of "play til I physically can't skate", sometimes they need that forceful excuse to get them to actually stop and heal.

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They don't want the All Star Game to become like the pro bowl. And if people can skip without consequences, many stars will pull out because they'd rather have the vacation. I get the reason for suspending those that skip it.

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this is the part that is ridiculous to me

all of the other sports have to find replacements because guys just don't want to do it....people drop out of the MLB ASG left and right, and that decides home field in the freakin World Series! (which is a joke btw)

its easy to find replacement, and again, its an exhibition. the game literally means nothing....nothing. it's a waste...all ASGs are wastes

and to the bolded, a 1 game suspension for a meaningful game is a HUGE deal. points are precious. what if you lose the division, or miss the playoffs by a point? you don't think having Toews for that game might help get you an extra point?

just another notch in the very long belt of embarrassing things the NHL does IMO

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You and I have agreed before regarding headshots and lack of real discipline, so that's fair. I actually don't mind the mandatory suspension, I can understand why players wouldn't want to participate but in my opinion, the stars of this league are handsomely compensated, and while the league obviously makes a ton off the players, I think it should be an obligation to participate in something like an all star game, especially when there isn't any real effort required.

What more should the league do to increase scoring, in your opinion? I don't disagree that it's too low, but honestly I do think the league has made real strides to open the game up. Elimination of the red line, reducing the ability of goalies to act as third defenseman, widening of the offensive zones, tightening of hooking/holding penalties, etc. Given how good goalies are these days, I'm just not sure what else can be done. Full length power plays? Shrinking goalie equipment? Bigger nets? International sized ice? There are still steps that can be taken, but it's not like the league hasn't recognized the scoring problem and reacted in the past.

I'm curious why you didn't enjoy 3 on 3 at the all star game. In fact, I believe you and my dad are the only people I've heard say they didn't enjoy it. But my dad is an old curmudgeon hockey purist who loved the tie. So there's that.

There is no arguing that the league has a habit of smashing eggs all over their face. The handling of John Scott is only the most recent example. It's just I never see you post anything positive with regards to the league ever. And I do think there are a lot of good things going on.

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why not? the Pro Bowl drew twice as many viewers as the NHL ASG and both of them are equally meaningless

could you imagine if the NFL tried to suspend Antonio Brown, Richard Sherman or Odell Beckham JR. for missing the Pro-Bowl?!?! even if it was for 1 quarter (since theres only 16 games)

:lol they would get laughed at and be considered an absolute joke. and rightfully so

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no player should ever be required to participate in an exhibition. ever.

as far as head shots, it's time to start suspending guys for 10 games on first offense. right off the bat, send a message. if you're a repeat offender (or if you're Dennis Wideman) 41-82 games...fines won't do anything and neither will 2 or 3 games

removing the red line only worked for the first few years in opening up the ice. now, coaches and teams have adjusted their traps to account for no red line. its a moot rule change now.

bigger nets and smaller goalie equipment would be a step in the right direction. the biggest thing for me though, would be actually enforcing the rules properly. stick infractions, interference, etc....more powerplays in general

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Seriously though, what didn't you enjoy about 3 on 3 asg?

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It's the NFL though, that's why it was watched. Also the NFL doesn't need the pro bowl, the way the NHL needs the all-star game. The NHL uses it to get more advertising dollars and all the other $$$ side of things. The NFL shits gold right now so

The NHL all-star game makes them money so they want all the stars to be there. Pro Bowl with few stars vs NHL All-Star games with few stars...we know how that ends.

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Honest question, if you are selected as an all star can you decline to play if you just want the time off?

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Not without serving a one game suspension after the break is over

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It really doesn't matter to me what format the ASG is in, it's pointless either way. It's nice they tried changing things up and the up-and-down nature of 3-on-3 is nice but it does nothing for me.


The NHL doesn't need the ASG...none of the leagues need them.

The NHL would grow their league and add advertising dollars if they fixed the problems they have in their meaningful games

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:lol As I was writing that I was thinking, "someone's going to point out that one game CAN make the difference." You're not wrong. But hockey is a team game, and teams play without their stars all the time. They know the rule (even if it's ridiculous, it's there), and they decide what they want to do. In the big scheme, losing one player - even a star - for one game shouldn't make or break a team. I know, you'll come back and argue that it can, and that's fine. I still like you.
Maybe I'm misinterpreting what you're saying, but isn't the ASG a way of putting stars on display?

EDIT: And don't get me wrong, the ASG - despite the improvements made this year - is still at the top of my least favorite NHL events list.

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Hey I respect your opinion, I just think it's nuts to suspend guys for meaningful games because of this

And sure, the ASG is an exercise in displaying the league's talent, but again, it's in a game that means absolutely nothing.

I want my stars on display all year, not just in a 3-on-3 20 minute exhibition. I want rules that allow guys like Toews, Kane, Crosby, Malkin, Stamkos, McDavid, Seguin, Ovechkin, Tavares etc etc to be creative and free flowing. Yet with all of that talent we probably don't get a 100 point scorer again. Maybe 1 at the most. It's ridiculous.

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I say get rid of the actual game and just do the skills competition. That could be applied to all sports actually. In any league the least interesting part of all star weekend is the game itself.

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I agree that more creativity is fun, I'm just not convinced rule changes are the only thing that's going to help that. It's a huge conversation. I'm (honestly) interested in hearing your ideas for how the league can improve in this area.

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The Skills competition is definitely the highlight. :thumbsup

I mean, even Mrs. Fonzz will sit and watch the Skills Comp with me. She was mesmerized by Larkin breaking the record. Couldn't stop talking about it.

"I've never seen someone skate that fast!..."

[I ready myself to hit her]

"...Too bad he's a damn Red Wing"

[I lower my arm, begin to unzip my pants]

"But still... why can't YOU skate that fast?"

[I run away, weeping]

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I think a no brainer is go back to full length power plays. I personally love that idea. Goalie equipment shrinking is another good idea but a) the NHLPA will surely fight that hard and b) it would be difficult to enforce

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:lol Mrs Barbs always gets female wood from the hardest shot competition. She would never ever consider watching the actual game though.

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Just catching up from the rest of the weekend--

Usually teams will just have three assistants out there and no captain if the original captain is out. However, I do remember in the 90's a few times when Rod Brind'Amour wore the captain's C when Lindros was out, I assume this was done during his long-term injuries. So it's not like it's never been done before, but extremely rare.

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Because the system the MLB used before where it just switched off between the leagues from one year to the next was so serious and determined by vital results of that season? :rolleyes

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I've never understood why baseball was so weird about that. Although I think 2-3-2 ruins home field advantage anyway.

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Woah this got serious quick. I missed a bunch of posts in not a lot of time :-)

The Pro Bowl outrated the ASG because the NFL will outrate the NHL every. single. time. The Browns could play the Chiefs in Week 1 of the regular season and it would outrate Game 7 of the Cup Final (and yes, I know the timing doesn't work out). The Pro Bowl is still a joke, everyone opts out. The ASG is meaningless to some fans, but it's a showcase of the sport that shows the personalities of the players more than any other event of the year, and I can see why the league wants it to grow the fan base. I do think there should be an incentive for players to go, but I could be convinced that it should be monetary instead of the threat of suspension. If a player is legitimately injured, I think they give them a pass. I know Toews was legit sick, but he still played in the last game, so I guess that's why he's suspended, but it seems harsh. In Ovi's case, he knew that he'd be suspended if he skipped and chose to take the suspension. The players have a choice here. No one is forcing them to be suspended unless they choose to miss the ASG. But if there's no incentive for folks to go, then you get everyone opting out and you're left with second and third liners to fill 90% of the roster. Makes it much harder for the league to use it as a showcase to grow the fanbase. But I know many in here will just have to agree to disagree.

Hey, at least we all like hockey, right?

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Cool, thanks for the quick answer. I was not sure.

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The game can still be better for sure but yeah rule changes won't do it all. The players are bigger, stronger and smarter than they have ever been and the coaches are smarter than ever too. They'll do whatever it takes to win. If that's the trap, new defensive systems, sitting back to get to a shootout like we've had before..Sure they could call more penalties but that's not really gonna make things better. More scoring? Maybe but I remember some games that had no flow cause they called a penalty every few minutes.

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I believe I heard someone say they can also serve the suspension the game before the break if they so choose. So presumably if Toews hadn't played at all in the last game, he'd be eligible tonight.

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agreed :thumbsup

i never said that was good either

of course we still want flow in the game but i see clear cut interference and stick infractions go uncalled every night

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its not going to be an overnight fix whatsoever, but starting with smaller goalie pads and bigger nets is a nice jumping off point

i also think a stricter enforcement of common infractions would do wonders...this not only will increase power play chances, but it was also deter players from committing these infractions in the first place, which in turn, leads to a more wide open, creative game.

expanding replay even more could help as well. the NHL replay system is very quick and efficient for the most part so i don't see it extending game times very much. there are non-judgment call type penalties that go missed a lot that could be reviewed very quickly (high sticking, holding the stick & delay of game come to mind right away)

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I feel like the NHL is at least the most willing to change up its All-Star game format, between International vs. North America, fantasy draft style and now 3 on 3.

That helps keep me interested in what the NHL ASG is doing. I like its skills competitions, too.

Well, there we agree.

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Yeah I agree the NHL is at least trying to make it interesting. They are keeping it, I know, we all know it, and there is nothing we can do about it. I'd love for them to ax it but they won't. So if they aren't going to ax, changing it was much needed. Last year was 17-12 and guys weren't even skating and goalie weren't even trying. Yes it was gimmicky, yes it's just an exhibition, but it shot a little life into something that the NHL isn't going to get rid of..so if it's there, at least it's becoming more entertaining.

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I absolutely agree. There were moments in this year's games that felt like they were all genuinely trying! :lol

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Caps announce make up game dates, not that anyone except me and Bobalew care.

3/1 vs Pens
4/10 vs Ducks

Would just like to point out I called it with Ducks game being added to the end of the year.

Yep, nailed it.

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Probably the best single sentence in this whole thread! :)

Yeah, I saw that but taking the suspension before the game makes no damn sense. Having a guy miss a real game because he was hurt or too sick to play in an exhibition game is BS to me. They need to correct that rule for legit injuries and sicknesses. Complete nonsense that Toews has to miss a meaningful game in CO tonight because he was to sick to play in the all star game!

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FYI, a player is suspended, not for not playing in the All-Star Game, but not attending the festivities. Bettman has said the rules apply to players who don't show up. If Toews would have went to Nashville and participated in off-ice activities, he wouldn't get suspended.

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Yeah, I know the rule but it is still silly and enforced too strictly. Just a guess but I bet if you asked anyone in the West's locker room if they wanted a sick Toews in there with them they'd have said something along the lines of 'hell no, I don't want to get sick too!'

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I think you are only bringing this up because it's Toews.

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Good lord, you are so miserable. Can someone get this guy a balloon, or an ice cream cone or something? Life's not that serious, man. Relax.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, he is the main reason I question the rule but Ovi is in the same boat as well due to a silly rule.

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If Toews was sick he wouldn't be in the West locker room. :rolleyes

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Ice cream cones are a waste and mean nothing and don't get my started on those balloons

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:lol :lol :lol :lol

Still love how you got me in your sig too. Never gets old.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Bill Clement just said "this is how you do it son" talking about the Simmonds goal :lol

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Love that Joe B and Locker have the call on NBCSN tonight. Don't like that the Caps played the first two periods like crap. At least they're awake now.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Connor McDavid is stupid good.

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Nice way to come back from an injury
http://youtu.be/-9ru_R7Qjjo

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Missed the first two periods but watching now. Holy hell what a goal. No matter who you cheer for C McD is must watch t.v!


:lol The announcers just said there is a skate guard in the neutral zone. How does that even happen?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Nice nailbiting win by the Hawks without Toews.

What on earth was NHL.com thinking by redesigning their perfectly good website? I have a subscription to watch all the Hawks games but tonight was brutal, I got to watch about 20 minutes of the game because it constantly blacked out to refresh - no need to reinvent a perfectly good wheel. I tried calling nhl.com and was on hold for 30 minutes before finally hanging up due to frustration so I was apparently not the only one who was annoyed at their gimmick. Before the all star break I had no problems watching the games at all. They better get this squared away soon because this was brutal and I fully plan to call them again tomorrow duriing the day to give them a piece of my mind.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Welp, looks like the whole deal with Varlamov hitting his girlfriend has come to a close. All the charges against him were dropped, and he was awarded $126k to pay for all his legal fees. Apparently she's pretty crazy and admitted to a few people that she lied to police and such.

He and those close to him always had that cool confidence about themselves when talking about his innocence. I chalked it up to arrogance. My bad.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

i had trouble with NHL TV and my Chromecast last night. Rangers broadcast wouldn't load and the Devils broadcast cut in and out every 10 minutes or so. Whatever they did on the back end is off to a rough start.

I do like how you can change the broadcasts without loading the video first though, when you're casting.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This article has a lot of relevant information. Short answer: MLB Advanced Media took over the site and all of the NHL's digital side.

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McDavid's goal last night is the goal of the year. That was insane.

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Kid knows how to hockey. He's gonna be so much fun to watch for a long time.