Re: The NHL Thread
 

I know, I questioned it too. But after all this all-star stuff, I'm glad he wrote that piece, it was well done and made it clear what kind of man he is, even if his primary job on the ice is to punch people.

And yeah, I felt bad for Pickard too.

Sharks are actually rolling now, worst time for an All-Star break. :/

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Great read, fuck betman

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Time for Matt's annual mid-season awards. If the season ended today, this is who I would give awards to:

Hart: Kane, Karlsson, Benn
Winner: Kane. All three of these players have been juggernauts for their team this year, but I've got to go with Kane. Absolute whole new level of excellence so far this season.

Norris: Karlsson, Klingberg, Seabrook
Winner: Karlsson. I tried to think outside the Weber-Keith-Doughty box on this one, and it wasn't hard to identify these three (although Doughty almost snuck in). Seabrook has always kinda been seen as the Robin to Keith's Batman, but I really feel he's stepped up in a big way this year and has looked great in both zones. John Klingberg is years ahead of where he should be developmentally and will win a Norris one day, mark my words. But man... Erik Karlsson looks GOOOOOOOD. I used to be less than impressed with his defensive abilities, but he has been excellent in all areas this year.

Vezina: Holtby, Luongo, Crawford
Winner: Holtby. This one was hard. Luongo has resurrected his career and is playing with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the Panthers. Crawford, I think, is a damn good goalie despite what people say and I think he's earned at least a nomination this year. But Holtby, workhorse that he is, deserves it this year.

Calder: Larkin, Panarin, Gostisbehere
Winner: Larkin. Panarin is scoring like a vet, Gostisbehere is playing defense like a vet (on a bad team, I might add), but the overall poise and all-around game of Dylan Larkin has really stood out to me this season. It's close, but I'd give it to him.

Selke: Soderberg, Marchand, Benn
Winner: Benn. This one's always tough for me because it's tough to know what to gauge it on. Also, I again tried to move out of the norm (Toews-Bergeron-Datsyuk) and think outside the box. I mean, I don't want to dismiss the regulars, but I think sometimes because they're perennial noms they get a pass when maybe there are others that are being looked over. The three I nominated are being glossed over. Benn is such a good skater for his size, and uses it well in his own zone. He's great along the boards and at covering the point. Marchand's style of play is what draws focus, and people miss that he's actually a very responsible player when it comes to defense. Soderberg has been an absolute godsend for the Avs on both the PP and PK. His positioning in his own end is flawless.

Adams: Gallant (FLA), Trotz (WAS), Quenneville (CHI)
Winner: Trotz. This one was tough, but easy at the same time. Not only are the Caps having an amazing season, but it sort of serves as a Lifetime Achievement award for Trotz, who I think is one of the best coaches the game has ever seen. I really tried to look for someone to knock Quenneville off the Top 3 podium (Hynes in NJ gets definite props), but let's face it: He's a great coach and deserves yet another nom. And man - what Gerard Gallant has done ALREADY in Florida is certainly inspirational and should not be overlooked.

Argue with me, as I'm sure you can't wait to do. :popcorn

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Ghost is playing on a good team, you fuck

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Kris Letang must be a DMB fan, and a bad one at that

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kri...-star-edition/

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:lol:lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Skills comp should be fun

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yea I'm pumped for it

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Jagr forever the best

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/...367030361.html

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I've come around on the John Scott thing. Not a fan of him as a player but he should never have been treated like this.

Anyway, Dustin Byfuglien being in the fastest skater competition is just proof that the NHL should chill the fuck out with Scott. If don't take one aspect seriously then you can't take any of it seriously.

My friend and I were just talking about the ASG earlier and how she's tired of how the NHL forces its older stars on us like Toews and Ovechkin, forcing them to play in this game with a threat of a suspension if they don't. If they don't wanna play, don't make them.

The ASG, if it's going to be like this, should be filled with under-25 younger stars. Then at the end of the season have an all-pro team and be done with it. You expose younger stars to casual and hardcore fans who don't get to see a player like Johnny Gudreau play on the east or a Jack Eichel on the west.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I fucking hate how likeable he is these days. Ugh.

Agree with all of this, spot on. The fact that there's three Caps appearing tonight and none of them are Ovechkin is exactly what is needed. Fresh faces who are excited to be there and will perform accordingly. Dragging out the same aging veterans year after year (who don't really want to be there anyway) makes an already stale event that much staler.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Especially since a player like Jagr is getting voted off popularity. Though granted, a 44-year-old with 33 points in 45-plus games is fantastic.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

OMG the passers for the accuracy shooting for the East.

Backstrom and Jagr.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Avalanche players already disappointing

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Awesome for Larkin to beat the fastest skater record.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

That was cool.

Also, Duchene fucks up again. Matty get him in line

Re: The NHL Thread
 

And who says hockey cant be cute

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Jagr's mullet looking solid so far.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Just went back and watched Larkin. He stumbled and still beat the record.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Breakaway challenge was very fun this year. Too bad my guy didn't show well, but overall very good. James Neal's hidden puck is underrated. Dylan Larkin freaking flew around that ice. Holy smokes. I think there was about one inch between him and the net on that first turn. Really impressive.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Neal should have won the Breakaway challenge

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Johnny Gaudreau looks like he can star in the reboot of Rookie of the Year

Re: The NHL Thread
 

:thumbsup

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Hope Weber can break Chara's record

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Love the crowd loving Scott. He's gotta be having a hell of a time

Re: The NHL Thread
 

108.1 damn. Not the record, but damn close and damn hard

Re: The NHL Thread
 

He genuinely seems to be having a blast. Awesome to see

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Loved his spin move :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Agreed on Kane for the Hart and probably the Art Ross as well. Presidents up is a possibly for Chigago.Though I think Panarin should get the calder. I could also see Keith win another Norris, he is dynamite and will keep up his pace now that he is back!


Shame Toews is not playing the ASG though. He said he had flu but I think he may have just wanted some rest.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I can tell that you are completely unbiased