Re: The NHL Thread
 

Watching the highlights again from last night, Mrazek had some big saves on Ovie. Ovie had 15 shots last night trying to pass Fedorov, with Sergei in the building. Glad it didn't happen that night. Some of those shots though were his usual at the left circle firing them. I know he does it so well, but a couple of (albeit good) saves by Mrazek, he knew where the pass was going.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

You could definitely tell Ovie really wanted to break that record last night. In the friendliest way possible, he wanted it.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Rangers are starting to demand that NY Sports pay attention to them! Nice to see them off to such a hot start!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

You think the non-goal went in? I'm 99% sure it was but (sadly) agree it was the right call cause you couldn't for sure see it.

That would have been a bad goal for him to let in and the other goal was also a bad one for Holtby to let in. Looked good other wise but was surprised that winner went in.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Oh yeah, it definitely went in. Agreed though, the way it's called that's usually no goal. Sensors on the goal line, anyone?

And yes, those weren't good goals against for him. It's like I said in my positives/negatives post the other day, he's been solid, but the tiniest bit inconsistent, and normally that inconsistency shows up at very inopportune moments.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Was reading a Bob McKenzie report saying Patrick Marleau is now open to the idea of a trade. Bob reports that the three teams he's willing to waive his NTC for are Anaheim, LA, and NYR. Do you think the Rags would even be interested?

He's 36, but still an effective scorer. High cap hit at $6 million, which would probably keep him off LA and Anaheim's radar.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I am sure that there is interest at the very least. Marleau is a class player with lots of experience. He also has the qualities of the Vet player that can come to a team and add that experience to help them reach the Cup. Seems like every team has that guy each year.

Concerns:
First and most obvious, the Rangers have very little cap room to do much. A trade would have to involve freeing up space.

That leads me to #2 concern. We are having a hard time even finding space on our roster for guys like Dominic Moore. So there is a question of how he would fit into the current roster.

Finally, the Rangers have been to the ECF's 3 times in 4 years and are currently the hottest team in the NHL. At what point do you just be happy with what you have already got?

Overall, I wouldn't be against him coming here if it is the "right" move. No matter what, I just hope that if a move is going to happen, that is happens earlier in the season so that the team can gel for the better part of the season.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Who is the team that has surprised you the most so far - surprising good and surprising bad

Good - Phoenix Coyotes
Bad - Columbus Blue Jackets

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Anaheim actually has the space surprisingly. LA and NYR just don't have the space so I don't see how they do it. Also reported that the list might expand to include Chicago (again no cap space) and the Preds. Preds could do it easily, even with Forsberg and Jones needing new deals. Especially since he's only got this year and next year to go on his current deal.
I see Phoenix because they are a lot better than they were but still just middle of the pack. I kinda look at Tampa and see how their offense is struggling and that's sorta surprising.

Bad - yeah probably gotta go CBJ. I wasn't one who thought top of the metro or anything but didn't see this.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Obviously early and a lot can change still, but...

Good: NY Rangers. I know I am picking my team, but I can't be the only one who was expecting a bit of a set back. I came into the year thinking they would still make the playoffs and were probably a second round team depending who they play in round 1. The way they have started this year though has me thinking that they may just be a team on a mission to finally reach their goal of winning the Cup. They remind me of the Royals this year in baseball.

Honorable mention: NJ Devils. They have had a much better start than I thought they would. Will be interesting to see if they are in the picture for a Wild Card spot in April.

Bad: Edmonton Oilers. At some point you figured this team would break out and start winning. Instead, they keep struggling along and finding ways to not be good. Obviously the injury to McDavid was set back. Still does not excuse the other MANY #1 draft picks on the team.

Honorable mention: CBJ....I mean really Columbus??

Re: The NHL Thread
 

So, anyone wanna take a guess what Burrows said to Tootoo? The fact that Burrows has to meet with the league...like, seriously??

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Not sure, but Tootoo went to rehab a while back... can't remember if it was for alcohol or drugs. Also, his little brother committed suicide fairly recently, I think. For Tootoo - who's not known to be a wuss and having just gotten back to the NHL probably doesn't want to call too much negative attention to himself if he can help it - I'd imagine it would have to be pretty bad.

This reminded me of a story I read in Kerry Fraser's book that shows both the humanity of the players and even refs. Apparently, Theo Fleury came to Fraser between whistles during a game almost in tears, saying that Tyson Nash was hitting him with some way-below-the-belt comments and asking Fraser if there was anything he could do. Fraser knew it had to be pretty bad if someone like Fleury was that affected by it, so he talked to his coach at the end of a period (I think it was Q actually, when he was in STL), who, to his credit, offered to bench Nash. In the end, Fraser got Nash and Fleury together before the start of the next period, and basically brokered a peace. Nash offered a real sincere apology and they moved on. I love stories like that. Fraser, as a ref, had no obligation to do that, but he still did.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I would have to think it would be either related to Tootoo's race, his alcohol issues, or his brother's suicide. Though, one would think a Canuck would consider suicide off limits since ya know, Rick Rypien. Generally I'm a leave it on the ice person but like you said, if someone like Jordin Tootoo is that bothered it's probably pretty bad.

And I never knew Kerry Fraser wrote a book, I would love to read that. Thanks for the heads up.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Book is called Kerry Fraser: My Hair Never Moved".

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Book is called Kerry Fraser: My Hair Never Moved".

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And it was a thing of beauty. A thing of legend, really.

I swear he hated the Caps. No real evidence to back that up, just always felt like he enjoyed fucking us haha

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I always thought that about Bill McCreary and the Wings. I went to high school with his nephew and if he made bad calls, would always give him shit the next day.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Just saw this:

http://detroitsportsnation.com/detro...n%20Abdelkader

7 years and just over $4mil for Abby. I'll take it. Struggled since the first weekend of the season but he'll be fine. And if he can get 20-ish goals a year. Not bad for that price and locked up...well forever pretty much.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

that Pens-Habs game was highly entertaining last night. and that's rare considering the clutching and grabbing, garage league, right wing lock, clog the neutral zone NHL is back in full swing

it was a breath of fresh air to see 2 teams skating freely, being creative and measuring themselves against each other

Penguins are on a roll now, which is nice, but their lack of offense is alarming...they hit a few posts and got robbed a few times last night, but they need to consistently keep that offensive push up

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Pens are rolling without getting scoring (in the form of goals) from Crosby, Maklin and Kessel. If those players start getting hot I fully expect to see the Pens battling the Caps and my Rangers for first in the division again.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Kessel is doing just fine

but Crosby's play is quite alarming

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at one point last night, the Penguins had a powerplay in overtime (so it was 4-on-3) and Pierre made the astute observation that the 5 highest paid players for the Penguins were all on the ice together

Crosby: $12 million salary
Kessel: $10 million salary
Malkin: $9.5 million salary
Letang: $7.25 million salary
Fleury: $5.75 million salary

that's $44.5 million dollars on the ice all at once :lol it's just interesting and funny to me

Re: The NHL Thread
 

And they didn't score..... lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Abdelkader deal is official. 7 years and $4.25 per. That cap hit is just fine. 7 years is a bit but he'll be 36 when it's all over so that's not bad. Plus my guess is, Wings gave term to bring the number down. He probably could have got $5mil or so on the open market.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

i know right? not surprised by that at all

although, to be fair, they pretty much controlled play

but they were out there too long. Malkin was gassed at the end of the PP

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This is a FANTASTIC deal for the Wings. I've been a big fan of Abdelkader for a long time now, as you know. Want him on the Avs, want him in the Olympics, etc. He's everything you want in a team player. Great signing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

People are flipping out over it. Too high, too much term. Term I get. That's a big commitment for a non-star player. But salary? Brandon Sutter will be making more than that starting next year and I'd take Abby over him. So many Wings fans pointing to Franzen and Cleary as to why it's bad. When Cleary was 28, he was scoring 15-20 goals so don't use his last 3 years at 34-36 as examples. Franzen, if he was healthy, he would be scoring 20-25 goals. They look at those two guys but Holmstrom scored 25 goals at age 37 so why not use him as an example? Oh that's right..that doesn't fit your narrative you are trying to show... I'm not too worried about it. LeBrun said it's very front-loaded so the last few years he's tradeable if needed plus you can't replace a guy like that with some kid.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:thumbsup:thumbsup all of this

it's rare that the Wings make a terrible signing. it happens to everyone every now and then but i'll give Detroit the benefit of the doubt

i like Abby, good signing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Just think...for the same amount of money you can have Bickell for only 2 years! Takes care of that term "problem"!

I'll send Stan Bowman the paperwork. Let's make this happen.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I really wish power plays in OT were 3-on-2...just because I'd want to see a 3-on-1 PP eventually.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

ugh, OT is gimmicky enough as is

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I know it's just fans who want something to bitch about. If they were so smart, they woudln't be sitting on a message board or commenting on articles. "I would have only done 5 years." OK and I'm sure Holland would have preferred that, but that's not how it works. I'm sure Abby's agent said 4.25 and 5 years i pretty much what Sutter got. I can get more on the open market. Give me a few more years and at that price and we're good...that's how these things work. It's not as simple as x or y.

And no Bickell can stay where he is.

3 on 1 OT would be like Goldberg in Mighty Ducks, just get out of the way and let it be over.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

3 on 3 OT is the fucking best

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Agree with Chris.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Better than shootouts which are down a lot from last year. Wings haven't had one shootout yet so I like it.

Pavel back Friday for sure. Sitting second in the division without him is all they could have hoped for.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I still have not seen a 3 on 3 overtime.

I don't really have television access to watch games and the Rangers don't really go to OT that often.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Holy shit Ovie had his record breaking goal called back via challenge AGAIN. That's incredible.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Daley is like Mike Green except he's out of position more and has much worse offensive awareness and intuition.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

In other words, he sucks.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

my old roommate and I use to kid that they should just put pierre on the ice with a camera strapped to him. He's in play as a checkable object too.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

leggggggggoooooooooo Flyers.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Rangers really impressed me last night. The Blues are a very good team and the Rangers still beat them 6-3. At one point the shots were 23-11 to the Blues but the score was still 4-2 Rangers. Even when the Blues pushed back and got with in one, the Ranger kept adding to their score!

Rangers are actually getting consistent scoring to go along with their always good defense and goal keeping! Hope they keep this rolling! Don't expect the streak to continue for much longer, but I am hoping they play this way for the rest of the season!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Looks like the Hawks will be gaining Keith back over the weekend, that will be a huge help to them.

I know we are starting slow and lost lst night to the fucking Devils last night but hold damn is Kane almost carrying the team on his back - hell, he leads the NHL in goals, assists, points ans plus/minus. If he stays healthy I think he is going to add an Art Ross trophy to his hardware. Would be very cool to see him win it and be the first American to do so.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Flyers need a shake up....

Edit: Not saying a shake up will make them good. Just something to provide any sort of change would be nice. It's the same f-ing team as last year......

Re: The NHL Thread
 

See the article wondering if they should trade OMGCG?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

So many people are so fucking stupid with this salary cap shit.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

you've been watching too much seinfeld!!!!!!!!!!!

there are WAY!!!! too many exclamation points!!!! in here, bud!!!!

rangers do look good tho!!!!!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

In regards to???

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I use exclamation points all the time! It is because when I am EXCITED I FEEL LIKE CAPS MAKE ME LOOK ANGRY!!!

But yeah, Rangers a good right now.




....!!!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I don't read articles written by dumb people.


EDIT: That's why I also never read your blog, Tim.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Good, cause I haven't written one in forever.

About OMGCG, he made good point about why you'd try to trade him. I wouldn't, but he makes a good argument.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I just spent a good chunk of time trying to keep the kiddo quiet so I could read The Players Tribune's elite position series, great reads. Probably old news but first time I'd seen them.
http://www.theplayerstribune.com/bes...rs-in-the-nhl/

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Saw the headline, laughed and ignored. Just a dumb piece to get Philly fans all riled up. Flyers media is by far the worst out there. I can't stand being around them when I go up to Philly.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Okay I read it and now regret doing so. What a long-winded shitty story.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wow... Avs on 3 game winning streak since the big trade rumors started. Just crushed MTL 6-1.

Duchene with 8 pts in those 3 games. I think it's safe to say he's off the trading block for now.

Varly, however, is looking expendable. Currently injured, with Berra playing very well and Pickard waiting in the wings. Don't know if too many takers for Varly could be found. Just not a lot of teams in need of a starting keeper.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Jake Voracek did it!

He scored a goal!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Dustin is awful, I'm just happy he has an absurd contract that will be tough to unload.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Rangers are the best team in hockey right now! Loving it! I really need to get to a game soon!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Some much needed defensive reinforcements came back to the Hawks last night in Keith and Rozi, both played great and logged a lot of ice time. Kane gets it done again with another game winner, guy is playing out of his mind right now.

Dano must still be confused because well, I think all hockey fans are - he took a shot that I am nearly certain went into the net, the only problem was the goalie caught it and it appears as if when he caught it it was already over the line. I have watched the replay a few times and for once I have some sympathy for refs, that was a tough call and there wasn't conclusive evidence to call it a goal.

Also Toews doing it again by showing the league why he is the best captain in sports! Knows when to do things to fire up his team!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Leafs win 3 in a row? Parade has been planned. Shut the league down and give The Cup to the Leafs. Season is over.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Can't wait for one lose for you to come in and say the team is a dumpster fire. ;)

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Patrick Kane is the best hockey player in the world.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

First we have to lose one for this to happen :p

Rangers won their 9th in a row, are first in the power rankings and first in the NHL!!

This is one very happy Rangers fan right now!

Obviously it is early and we have some tough games coming up. That said, you can't ask for much more at this point in the season!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:thumbsup

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Kings & Rangers are both doing fantastic so I'm one happy girl!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Hate blowing a 3-1 lead but a win is a win. Wings have played much better recently, but still need to get that offense in gear consistently.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, right now he is so on point he may as well be wearing a superman cape.

What is really amazing too is that Toews was drafted in the first round the years before. Nice core to build an offense with, not sure why the other GM's didn't try and get one of them.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

who made that pass to Tatar in overtime?

That was a hell of a pass.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Nyquist. It was a backcheck/pass. Took it away from the Sens D-man and then you saw him look over his shoulder and see Tatar was behind everyone. Amazing what these guys (a lot of NHLers) can do.

Edit: Wings now 3-1 I think in OT with no shootouts. I'm clearly a fan of 3on3. lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

SHHHHHHH.....there are Flyers fans in here.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:twak :trap

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Just seeing this...but TPT is one of my favorite websites. I read every article. Love the elite position series, for sure.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I remember that move Pavel did on him. He was laughing on the bench later.

Poor Matty. Lose to the Leafs? At least you didn't lose with Bernier in goal cause that would be bad the way he's been playing.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

All star game format looks fun

Re: The NHL Thread
 

here come the jackets!

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, when just one game ago they trounced the Habs. This team astounds me.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

poor Olli Maata...guy can't catch a break

2 shoulder surgeries
cancer
the mumps

and now a nasty boarding and/or cross-check (that wasn't called a penalty on the ice #GarageLeague) which probably caused internal organ injuries

all the talent in the world and he can't stay on the ice. through no fault of his own i might add.

Pens blue line is fucked

edit: the play in question

Re: The NHL Thread
 

what do you expect from a team like the Minnesota wild?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

yea i call them the Flyers of the West

Re: The NHL Thread
 

funny, I call the flyers the wild of the east.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

#nicknametwins

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I didn't see the game but it looked like the Leafs had beautiful puck movement.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This play really pissed me off. People are saying that the injury was worse because of the open bench door, and yes that's true. BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT.

The point is that NHL players are still cross-checking players from behind three feet away from the damn boards. Come on guys, it's the most dangerous play in hockey and in the case of cross-checking a player who doesn't even have the puck, it's ALWAYS avoidable. This wasn't even two players battling for the puck or anything, just a thoughtless crosscheck. This can't and shouldn't happen in any level of hockey, especially with professionals. I mean, do they need to start putting the "Stop" patches on the backs of NHL sweaters? It's deplorable.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I didn't watch either but I know that's something they've been doing better under Babcock. The Avs defense is not good at zone coverage in their end, so if the Leafs were doing well in that area, they probably had their way.

Reimer had a big night, which helped. I think the Avs had 35 shots or something like that.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

holy shit, did NOT expect you to agree with me

are you finally ready to admit you are a fan of a #GarageLeague?

it's honestly getting comical (not that serious injuries are comical) for the league. they should be embarrassed

UPDATE: no fine or suspension for Niederreiter; Olli Maata is still in the hospital and should be considered more "week to week" than day-to-day. no internal injury (great news there!) it is soft tissue and muscle damage

http://www.pensburgh.com/2015/11/18/...nhl-hit-maatta

Re: The NHL Thread
 

A buddy of mine thinks he might have a fractured pelvis given the way he hit that open door, which would royally suck. Hopefully it really is only soft tissue damage. There should at least have been a cross-checking penalty on that play. But nope, no discipline at all.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

that's an ugly looking hit, yikes. can't believe he won't be suspended.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

not even a penalty called on the ice :lol

joke league

Re: The NHL Thread
 

yikes, broken pelvis would finish his season but most reports are saying he'll be week-to-week

hope for the best

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol :lol dear god, and that's just 4 months.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The NHL is far from perfect in terms of discipline, and I've always readily admitted that. But while I'm not ready to go full #GarageLeague, I've always been a big vocal critic of the dangerous hits. Particularly from-behind-three-feet-away-from-the-board. It doesn't get more dangerous than that in hockey.

I would definitely be in favor of some supplemental discipline on this one. If they can get Gabe Landeskog for making the head the "secondary" point of contact, they can crack down on dangerous stuff from behind. But of course, this isn't the first time the Player "Safety" department has dropped the ball.

Very glad to hear Maata is OK. Tough go for him the past couple years. He's so damn talented... would love to see him be able to showcase what he can do on a consistent basis.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Kane with two more assists tonight.

Pretty sure that him and Panarin could win the Cup with a team of forwards full of just them and 10 John Scotts.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's absolutely terrifying to imagine how bad the Hawks would be without Kane. That guy continues to get better.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I am so god damn excited for this All-Star game, thing. Gonna be so awesome.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol i call 'em like i see 'e,

i'm just tired of the "he doesn't have a history of..." or "the head wasn't the principle point of contact" or "it was an unfortunate and awkward hit"

bullshit. you want to stop unnecessary injuries and clean up the game? you crack down, hard. it's just such a shame with how much talent is in the league right now and it can't be regularly showcased

it's honestly the dumbest thing i've ever heard of. they should just get rid of the ASG

4 teams of 3-on-3? :lol

Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey present: the 2015 NHL overtime rules and All-Star Game!! :multi

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I knew Ebinizer Scrooge wouldn't like it.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Me too. I'm pleased that they are at least TRYING (the draft, skills competition, now this) to make more interesting what is currently the most boring weekend in all of hockey.
I do agree, like we've discussed before, that the length of suspensions or completely ignoring dangerous situations like Nino/Maata are not doing the trick. I understand that you're never going to COMPLETELY remove dirty hits from the game of hockey, but I think the NHL can take a harder stance.

I've said before, I'm more a fan of HOCKEY than I am of the NHL. Greatest sport on earth. And what I worry about, for example in Maata's case, is that with all these injuries he might become a more cautious player. Someone who knows he's one hit away from his career and plays accordingly. That would be such a shame for a player of his caliber.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

i like the skills competition but the actual game is useless

Re: The NHL Thread
 

exactly

hockey is fast, exciting and beautiful but the NHL is doing eveything it can to stifle that

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Who cares? There are a lot of things that can be described as "useless". Birthday parties. One night stands.

But they're sometimes a fun distraction.

It's an All-Star game. It's not supposed to be taken seriously. Relax. It'll be hilarious and fun for one night. I'm pumped.