Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Brian Boyle is one of my favorite players in the NHL :thumbsup. Would love for the Avs to get him.

"would love for the Avs to get him" :lol - sometimes I say crazy things

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Watch out! Here come the Avs!

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You never really know with the Stanley Cup playoffs, teams can get hot or go cold so quickly it can change the momentum of the series. I know what you mean though - I often wonder whether I would rather play a team in the first round that was a de facto pushover or the team with a better record just to get them out of the way. We have all seen strange things happen in the playoffs, injuries, guys getting hot, guts who can't score to save their lives despite being great players, etc, etc. Tough call, sort of a damned if you do damned if you don't scenario.

2015, the year the Rangers lost game 7 of the ECF to Tampa (when the Hawks went on to win the cup) was probably the closest we have seen to that possible matchup.

That would be a great series showcasing some very skilled players. Love to grab Sharp but the cap or an absurd asking price from Dallas could both throw a wrench into that idea. Honestly, to this day I believe had Keith not been suspended for that first game against St. Louis in round 1 they win that game then the complexity of the series changes and the Hawks probably win that one in 6 games - then I also fully believe they'd have blown past Dallas and won a tight 6 or 7 game series against San Jose which would have given us a CHI/PIT SCF and that is a series I would not have bet a dime on - I think even Penguins fans would have been wary and unwilling to bet on an outcome.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Still trailing the Patriots in total wins this season...

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

The biggest wrench in the Hawks plans is the cap, but not because Sharp can't fit. Today they can absorb a yearly cap hit equivalent of $3.3 million at the deadline. That's without a demotion or two that could open up more space. The problem is cap overages. Last year they had next to NO space at the end of the season, which resulted in things like Panarin's bonus carrying over to this season's cap. With Artemi's new contract kicking in, I bet they want to absorb as much bonus payout as they can in this year's cap. So acquiring someone like Sharp would keep them from doing that.

To your second point - what's most amazing about the Hawks is that they really could easily have 4 or 5 Cups. That OT game against the Kings? If the puck doesn't weirdly go off Leddy's sweater and he actually blocks that shot, Hawks would have likely done the same thing to the Rags the Kings did. And yeah, I think Keith's suspension really hurt, but if Seabrook's shot didn't ring off BOTH posts there at the end of the 3rd...who knows what happens in OT? They were a couple really simple bad breaks away from really having a shot at both those. The only years I really think the Hawks just didn't have it were 2010-11 and 2011-12. Those teams were just not good.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Completely agree on the cap issue, my point was that if Dallas asked for one of our young guys (Hartman, Kero, Hinestrosa, Abbot, etc, etc) in return for a rental it is a dumb deal. Regarding Panarin, I believe you are correct and the Hawks are probably hoping the same as well - though I am damn happy he is signed for a while longer!

Yeah, the 2010-2011 and 2011-1012 teams were not that great because they essentially had get rid of some key guys from the 2009-2010 team - namely Ladd and Byfuglien for starters but I credit the front office for doing it smart and keeping that core group (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharpe, Seabrook, Keith and Hjarlmasson) together so they could rely on new talent coming in like say Saad, Shaw, TVR and others who have come - and in some cases gone.

I agree, I don't even want to think about that fucking Kings game, it is like recalling Mariano Rivera throwing the ball into center field during the 9th inning of game 7 against the Diamondbacks - AKA it sucks. They would have beaten the Rangers that year just as I am sure they would have made the SCF (not claiming they'd have beat PIT but it would have been a great series) last year!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Flyers fans are idiots. Are they really trying a 'Holt-by' chant when he's only given up 1 goal?!?!?


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Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Oh, and the only goal he allowed was a deflection...dipshits


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Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I would definitely argue that 2014 was. Rangers made the finals and the Hawks lost to the Kings in a game 7 OT. It was one goal away from happening :lol

In 2015, the Rangers lost 2-0 in game 7.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It won't be those guys. If anyone, it's Ville Pokka.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Fantastic story about the Punjabi broadcaster who did the "Bonino Bonino Bonino!" goal call in last year's playoffs:

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/har...chapared-shot/

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Ovechkin's set up to Oshie's goal in the third was nice. Dude really is a special player.

But...

Welcome to Hockey Fan 101, where this happens at any game, anywhere. Even a dipshit could figure that out.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Pens defense just taking hits so they get Ron Hainsey. You want Brendan Smith too?

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Fucking A. I didn't even know about Daley's knee surgery. I've been out of the loop. I also know nothing about Hainsey

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I didn't know he was still playing. I remember he used to play for the Thrashers.

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I mean, he's old. He's gotta be, what, 36 now? Like Tim said, he was on the Thrashers. And the Jackets back in the day. Been around the block. Probably been in the league 14-15 years or so.

Steep price for him, but defensemen are expensive at the deadline. At this point, he's probably a 6th defenseman, MAYBE 5th with Daley/Schultz out. But he'll likely spend time in the press box when those two come back.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Oh yeah the Jackets too. Poor bastard was on two of the worst expansion teams. The price is what makes me feel ok about the Wings unloading Smith. He's nothing special either but teams want depth on the blue line and Smith can add that.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Dammit Pittsburgh, I wanted Hainsey for the Avs!

You guys will like him for the role he plays. Bottom pair at this point in his career, but will provide solid, reliable minutes there. He's cool as a cucumber in his own zone and is always in position. Will not provide any flash or dash, but that's generally not what you're looking for in a 5/6. Also, a great penalty killer.

Good acquisition by the Pens as they gear up for the playoffs. :thumbsup

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Yeah, I mean, he's your classic steady older bottom pair defenseman. Don't expect him to light up the score sheet, but he'll generally be in the right place and make the right passes. He's not Duncan Keith making 100 foot passes through the neutral zone to create a 3-on-2, or Shea Weber unloading a slap shot, but he'll be steady. He can hit occasionally too.

He's like a 2003 Honda Civic. He won't get you laid, but he's reliable and will do the job you need him to.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Pens are fucked

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It's really incredible how this organization can never stay healthy.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Aw, I'm so sorry your Stanley Cup Championship team has a few bumps.

#notbitteroranything

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this year is almost at the point of being a wash TBH

the grind of playing 106 games last year is catching up with them. if they were smart, they would rest the big 4 down the stretch to freshen up. and even that might not help.

Maata, Daley, Schultz (should be back soon), Rust, Sheary

that's 5 huge injuries and Hainsey does nothing for me, especially for a 2nd round pick. if he's on the ice for significant minutes in the playoffs, the Pens are toast.

we'll see if GMJR makes another move

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

my life is hard dude

the struggle is real

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I think he will for sure. I'm thinking they bring in a 4th line winger

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:thumbsup :lol

I mean really guys..you have been in the hunt every year and won the damn Cup twice in the last 10 years. I'll be over here playing the worlds smallest violin for you all. :rolleyes

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

He will be the type whose praises you'll sing if the injuries start to pile up in the playoffs.

2nd rounder is steep, but a good contributing depth player. It is apparent the Pens have drafted very well, and perhaps that's what made the pick expendable in the eyes of Rutherford.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I've been told this year's draft class is a bit on the weak side, so perhaps the 2nd Rounder this year is not as steep as it would be in other years.

Hainsey adds to the depth. It seems to be a move that needed to be made given the current injury situation.

For all the Pens' success, which I will never ever complain about, the injury bug does seem to hit them hard.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It definitely is. I'm hoping the Avs are able to move the 1st overall as part of a package for a really big name D-man.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Schultz is practicing today in a regular jersey.

Take it easy, Pens fans. What are you? Hawks fans? Step off the ledge. You're fine.

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I'm curious how it works out for the Wings. There's really only one decent D in the top guys and who knows if they'll get him or want him or if he'll even work out. Part of me with the weak class maybe it gets teams to give up higher picks than they would have previously and the more picks you have either the better chances you get or maybe you can package them.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

i'd rather just go hard after Duchene at this point. a bottom 6 winger doesn't do much for them IMO.

maybe you even move Bonino to make room, or TRY Duchene at wing (although i feel that experiment would fail, he's a centerman at this point)

Sheary should be back for the playoffs and adding Duchene would get Eric Fehr out of the lineup. if the blue line is going to be weak, then you might as well solidify your forwards:

Sheary-Crosby-Guentzel
Wilson-Malkin-Hornqvist
Kessel-Duchene-Hagelin
Kunitz-Cullen-Kuhnhackl

now THAT is a sexy looking group of forwards


yes, the Baby Pens are stacked with talent, but at first blush i just don't see Hainsey contributing to the point of warranting a 2nd round pick. hopefully i'm wrong though.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

forgive us for not being optimistic about concussions :lol

we are officially scarred by that specific injury

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Duchene has been playing RW for much of the past two seasons. Part of his appeal is his versatility and ability to play both positions on the fly. He's lethal coming off those boards as left-handed shot.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

yea i'm sure he is but the Pens already have their top 6 wingers...too much shuffling can be counter-productive

plus, Duchene's faceoff numbers are VERY tasty. Pens need help in the faceoff dot.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Who would you send to the Avs for him?

I'd take Ian Cole as PART of a package, I'll tell you that much.

EDIT: And as for shuffling, tell that to Coach Q :lol

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

i actually like Ian Cole a lot and would want him to stay. plus, giving up more blue-liners doesn't seem likely at this point.

i think it would be a 1st round pick for sure

then maybe Fehr or Kunitz (because of contracts)

if the Avs don't want either of those players (and they probably don't), then you either throw in another very high draft pick and make the Avs cover some of Duchene's salary, OR we get into the MAF territory

it's a very difficult deal to make IMO but GMJR has his ways

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I think Sakic will stick hard and fast to his current asking price of a roster player (preferably D), prospect, and pick. He should, anyways. Cole would be right up their alley. I totally get not wanting to lose him. I wouldn't.

Kunitz and Fehr are the types of players the Avs are trying to shed. No deal there.

MAF is an intriguing possibility, if the Avs can unload Varlamov, which I don't think they'd be able to do at the deadline considering his injury status.

It looks like the Avs and Pens are trying to unload the same types of players (aging vet forwards), while trying to get/keep the same thing (solid D). That may make them unlikely trade partners.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

https://pics.onsizzle.com/nhia-i-was...e-14252941.png

I figured I'd share this with my fellow Avs fan.

:lol ... :shrug ... :lorraine

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

i agree with pretty much everything here. the great equalizers are draft picks and prospects though. The Pens could blow the doors down to get Duchene if they really wanted to but i'm not sure GMJR will do that.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

You really think they won't ask about one of those guys or maybe Motte? I know the Dallas D is pretty unsteady but acquiring a young FWD is a nice catch for any club.I honestly don't believe they will move Pokka, he is probably going to end up as the pure D guy on a second pairing at some point and with the expansion draft coming up it is possible Vegas will snag TVR so keeping Pokka in the AHL could lessen the impact of losing TVR if it happens (both of us know the 3 defenders they are going to protect are Keith, Seabrook and Hjarlmasson). I'd rather lose no one to expansion but I fear we are going to lose someone young and solid and TVR certainly checks all the boxes.

The way this team is playing now I don't see much need to make a huge splash but if the price was right for a rental to increase our chances of a deep run I would be willing to part with perhaps Motte and demand Dallas eat most of Sharp's remaining salary - not like they are in a position to haggle too much with Chicago because we don't really NEED Sharp as much as I would like him for a playoff push - he has been a postseason beast for us in the past. I think the younger guys (Hinestroza, Hartman, Kero and Abbot - if called back up) are going to continue to get better as the season goes on and the vets will keep the same pace. Basically we have 3 lines hitting on all cylinders a damn good defense and 2 goalies they would be starters on many teams so there is no urgent need to tweak too much. If the price is right go ahead and snag Sharp (I can pull my Sharp sweater out of the 'old jersey bin' lol) but if not we can forge ahead knowing that any line we put out there is capable of outplaying opponents - Hossa is the perfect example, yeah he is a third liner by necessity but he'd be a first liner on almost any other team and the Hawks double shift him to keep his ice time up and he is damn good on special teams.

Guess we will know in a week whether Bowman is sticking to his prediction that we will make no major moves at the deadline unless a gift falls into our lap.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Anyone think that Alexandre Burrows could be on the move at the deadline? He is 35, but has some solid experience to bring to the table for current cup hopefuls.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I can't believe the Pens gave up a 2nd for Hainsey.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

injuries and a stocked farm system makes it a little easier to swallow

definitely overpaid, but i'd rather overpay to try to repeat than stand pat

i don't envy GMJR, he's in a tough spot

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I know as a Flyers fan you're not used to it, but that's what winning franchises do when they have the chance at the Cup.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

:lol :lol

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Yeah, know what you mean. We overpaid a tad for Ladd last year as a rental and it didn't help us repeat. It is so tough in the cap era to repeat that even powerhouses like Chicago and Pittsburgh somehow end up getting bounced for one reason or another. Sort of wish the cap was structured like MLB where if you go over you can just pay a fine that will easily be repaid in a nights ticket and concession sales for a round 1 game.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

:lol

https://www.google.com/search?q=Asht...Wduzqh3F1YBiM:

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

While a fan of the big days of a 77mil payroll in 2004 for the Wings, while some teams were in the low 20's, I wish so too. Wings would never have lost Hossa for example. But a team like CBJ wouldn't be where they are if it was that way because Detroit and others would scoop up as much talent as possible.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

a tad for Ladd :lol

but i don't really agree with the MLB structure. i like the cap as is...it should be hard to repeat

taking away the 3 point game is the biggest issue in today's current NHL IMO

that, and #garageleague nonsense

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I like the hard cap. The "cap" in MLB/NBA is a joke. Hard cap works for the NHL, or else the Hawks/Pens would just load up every year like the old days. As much as I selfishly would love Saad, Oduya, Leddy, Ladd, Big Buff, etc. all still around, it's just not the right landscape for the NHL.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

:lol one of my favorite skits ever

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

"how do you know you're gonna be a leader in the future?" is probably my favorite line from the second one.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

My team was one of the teams that got "hurt" the most back in 2005 and I'm ok with it. It was fun but the league overall is better off like this. Hell maybe the Hawks and Pens aren't where they are without this system. Small market teams struggle anyway and if we had the NBA type system, it would be worse.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

The parity in the league right now is phenomenal. With the exception of a couple (ahem), almost every team in the league is good. That's awesome.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

:thumbsup


Agreed. I can't imagine what the NY Rangers would be like if they were still allowed to pay insane money for aging stars. We sucked because we tried to buy players that were past their prime.

I am guessing The Rangers current lineup would look something like this:

Jagr $15mil/year for 37 years
Zdeno Chara $18mil/year for 15 years
Shane Doan $12mil/ year for 25 years
Jarome Iginla $9mil/year for 7 years
Ovechkin or Malkin at $25mil/year for 100 years or until death.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

We actually do. Unfortunately those trades didn't pan out in 2008 and 2010. Kinda like the Rangers and Lightning their opps the last few years.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I forgot about Hank, who would also get $100mil/year for 72 years

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Impossible to resist but then again I am a simpleton like that! :)

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Isles were out of it a few weeks ago. Winnipeg wouldn't be in the league with a different system. And there is a problem with the luxury tax thing is teams spend over to keep a team together but can't really afford it. Tampa would have spent big money to keep that 2004 team together and it would have killed them financially. NBA tv deal helps keep their crap teams alive. NHL will never have a deal like that and that's not Bettman that's just the reality of where our sport is in the general US sports landscape and I'm ok with that.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Somehow my post that I quotes got deleted and doesn't exist anymore on the last page :lol

Anyway, I was agreeing with those that like the cap as it is.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Old Rangers would have been like "Over 33 years old? 8 year deal."

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Regarding the cap, I understand why it is in place and I may gripe a bit because it costs us guys (for example - I seriously doubt the Hawks have the room to resign Darling who has earned his pay-day) who were solid players but in all seriousness the cap has not crated quite the parity people expected, going back to 2009 look at the cup winners:

09 - PIT
10 - CHI
11 - BOS
12 - LA
13 - CHI
14 - LA
15 - CHI
16 - PIT

In 8 years only 1 team besides Pittsburgh, Chicago or LA has won and that was BOS who lost the final in 13 to Chicago. I don't know if you credit those organizations front offices, the playoff experience the players have, dumb luck or whatever but the cap is not creating parity if the same 3 teams have won 7 of the past 8 cups.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It's about financial stability too. I truly believe the cap was put in place partly to protect teams from themselves. And in terms of winning, you can't control who wins you just have to keep it a level playing field. For the most part it is in the NHL. The NBA? I'd bet pretty good money GS and CLE are back in the finals. I'm glad I'm not a fan of that league bc unless you are a fan of one of those teams...why watch?

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

i disagree.
parity is seen in the regular season, over time.
parity is not defined through varying championships
the draft and the cap provide that as it takes teams 5-7 years to fully revamp.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Shouldn't this argument make you want the current cap to stay the same? Chicago has won 3 cups and were probably a goal away from winning it in 2014 as well.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I guess this all depends on how you define "parity." I would also look at what teams have been making the playoffs. Teams like the Caps and Rags have had legit shots at the Cup. The Blue Jackets and Wild this year look poised to make a run. My question would be, despite the result of 3 teams winning 7 or the last 8 Cups, do more teams have a legit shot?

Another note about the Hainsey trade, the Hurricanes also retained half of his salary. That might account for the 2nd round pick being thrown in, ensuring the Pens don't run into Cap trouble and have to unload somebody.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Agreed. You look at the standings on any given night, and it's hard to call anything. In just about any given game, it's tough to predict who will win. That's awesome to me. Agree also about the 5-7 year window. Toronto's starting to see it, Edmonton's starting to see it, Columbus is starting to see it. Meanwhile, teams like Boston and LA are starting to see the other side of it. All while still staying competitive. A lot of fun.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

they have the option of putting Daley and/or Maata on LTIR as well, which would free up significant cap space

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

True, but they won't do that if they expect them to come back, right? Daley's due back in 6 weeks, so that should be right before the playoffs. I'm not as sure about Maata, though.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

which i don't get

like, if your options are:

1. Maata or Daley missing a few reg. season games, even though they are healthy, in order to complete another trade, or...

2. unable to complete a trade because of cap issues with Daley and Maata on the active roster

option 1 should be chosen every single time...these reg season games are just tune-ups for the Pens anyway

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

True, but we all know that for good teams the regular season is almost a tune up for the playoffs, getting lines clicking, drawing up plays, developing new players, getting new players integrated into the system and getting the highest seed you can.

I am not necessarily against a cap, I just think it should be higher. On an average night a team suits up 12 forewords, 6 or 7 defensemen and 2 goalies - that is 20 or 21 guys so if you divide it up against the hard cap each guy get roughly 3 mil a year which is an absurdly low salary for some of the better players in the league. It also handicaps teams that have a worldwide following, think about say NYR/PIT/CHI - you can go anywhere on the planet and probably see someone wearing a shirt or hat for one of these teams so when it comes to merchandise, tickets, TV contracts and stuff those teams are making the NHL boatloads of money - hell if you told me 20 years ago the Hawks would be more popular and a tougher ticket to get than the Bulls I'd have laughed into my beer but it happened. You can see the same thing happening in places like Minnesota, Edmonton or St. Louis - their teams are sparking an interest in the common sports fan that has been simply not there all along or has waned over the years - this is a good thing for the NHL to have teams go through a rebirth so to speak! Then their is the flip side, do you really think many people outside of TX are buying Dallas Stars stuff or people outside of the Carolina's buying Hurricanes gear - no, because no one really cares about them too much so they are not making much money for the NHL. Lastly, I also think in addition to the cap they should institute a salary FLOOR where if a team does not spend X mil on salaries they get fined or lose a draft pick - some sort of penalty that makes other teams to throw money around on putting a good product on the ice.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

bolded has absolutely nothing to do with parity.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Agreed but my point was just that the parity the cap was predicted to create never really panned out as far as winning championships. Sure some teams do a better job dealing with the cap and staying competitive but then there is teams like AZ/CAR/CO who are just a joke - maybe they steal a few games in the regular season but they are not coming anywhere near a playoff berth let alone the possibility of a deep run to encourage the fan base and boost ticket/merchandise sales.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Sorry to dump on CO Matty but I think even you would admit they are pretty bad and not exactly moving in the right direction.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

at the end of the day, parity = talent/competitiveness/yadda yadda. that most certainly exists in the NHL regular season.

I 100% disagree in believing the NHL wanted that to create that for solely championships. the ratings and general fan interest would be erratic and unfavorable.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

No need to apologize. I've been saying in here for months (including my post about parity) how bad they are. But that's not the league's fault. That's poor drafting and signing decisions.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

ding ding. at the end of the day, the success of the team is only as good as it's front office.
you all had pieces and upside

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

They needed everyone to be on a level playing field in terms of the cap. Like I said before, 2004 Wings had 77mil to payroll and the Preds had $23mil. And if you put some sort of luxury tax in, teams would milk it as much as possible and the difference would be there again. Not ad large but still there and the NHL can't afford that like MLB or NBA can.


Right on. A cap can't help bad drafting. There is a lot of stuff that goes into it.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I don't think that really defines parity though.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Correct. Parity is about leveling the playing field so that all teams have at least a fair shot at the playoffs and the Cup. Once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen. Look at the Kings. It's about tight regular season races to get us excited for the playoffs.

And that's never been more apparent than right now, when there's only like, what, 3-4 teams with no chance of making the playoffs? That's awesome. (and yeah, yeah, I know that in reality that number of "no chancers" is probably a little higher, but you never know!)

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

The Isles are in the playoffs now. No way I thought that a couple weeks ago.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Thanks, did not want you to think I was picking on you - I was just using CO as an example of a franchise that is doing virtually nothing to better themselves.

That is one of my gripes, teams that come nowhere near the cap, they use revenue to line the owners pockets rather than pay for better players. NHL needs to address that somehow, maybe a fine or loss of a draft choice if you don't spend X mil on salaries.

Agreed, but to be honest a lot of it literally the tight regular season where the teams who have a legit chance are jockeying for playoff positions. Each and every one of us in here can post in October on who we think will make the playoffs and with a few exceptions we would likely all pick the same group of teams. Yeah, there will be the occasional Cinderella team (hell, look at last season, when it started I was certain PIT would be in the mix but by Jan 1st they looked awful but they rebounded) that will make it over some team most of us thought would get in but for the most part the people in this thread can evaluate teams well enough to tell if they are built for a playoff season or a deep run.

I doubt they will make it, they just look a little better on paper because the past 4 games they eeked out a win against the Rags, split a pair with NJ and knocked off Detroit. In those 4 games alone Ladd collected a quarter of his season's goal total so that helped a bit. He has been underperforming. I do not see them as sellers just yet but if they did I would not blame them because even if they do make the playoffs they are going to get bounced PDQ.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

The problem is they have made some good decisions, but for every good decision, they make two bad ones. The ROR Trade? Good one (getting Zadorov). But then, couple that with letting Stastny walk and signing Iginla to that ridiculous deal.

Sakic isn't the worst GM in the world, and many of the problems with the current team are ones he inherited. But he definitely has some things to fix that were his doing. I applaud him, however, for not going for a quick fix. He's made some quiet in-season moves that were good ones (I'm thinking the waiver pick-ups of Barberio and Nieto, the latter has looked great). As for the big moves, he's holding his ground and waiting for the right deal. He knows this season is a wash, so there's no need to make a hurried deadline move. If the right offer doesn't come along, no big deal, just wait for the draft.

In all, this bottoming out, as dramatic as it is, was needed for a full re-calibration.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Trust me I get it entirely - I was a Whalers fan for 20 years and they constantly disappointed me (Ron Francis, Ulf Sameulson and Grant Jennings for John Cullen, Zarley Zalapski and Jeff Parker anyone lol) and being a Hawks fan from 1997 through say 2007 was not exactly a great ride either, same reasons too - bad signings, 1 step FWD and 2 back, etc, etc. I know it sounds dumb since the Hawks have 3 of the past 8 cups but I do know exactly how you feel because I have been there! :)

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Lol hey NHL, welcome to the Jonathan Toews show.

Jesus Lord have mercy.

https://media.giphy.com/media/BYhoMtJMQsYVy/giphy.gif

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Yeah, early on it was all Hawks, when Kane netted that to bring it to 3-1 I thought it would be a easy win. Few defensive breakdowns and a blunder by Crawford and we are tied at 3 after the first period. I need another beer!

and Happy Birthday Schmaltz!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Sick hat trick for Kane!

Rangers also made a nice comeback win! Hank was great!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Yeah, gotta love Hatrick Kane getting one 2 days after Toews gets a hat trick!

Hoping Hjarlmasson is OK but since he didn't practice yesterday or utilize the pre-game skate something had to be off if Q suited up 7 defenders. I am not overly concerned.

Agreed on Hank - dam solid game for him, well earned win even if it took him to stand tall in a shootout!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Not saying the team around him is useless, but he certainly would be the driving force behind the Rangers


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Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

The Rangers are pretty solid. 8-1-1 this month, they lead the NHL in road wins with 20, and they lead the NHL in third period goals. Derek Stepan is back as well which helps. I'm pretty happy with where the Rangers are. That said, I wouldn't be against bringing in some help on the blue line and another strong center.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

Tim's example was from 2004, which was before the lockout. The big market teams like Detroit, Flyers, Rangers, Leafs, Canadiens, and the Bruins could dish out millions of dollars to free agents because their owners were rich and didn't mind spending the money in the quest to keep their franchises successful.

The cap changed that completely, and for the better. I'd rather have a competitive league than let's say, four to six teams on a yearly basis who are light years better than everyone else.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

It's not NEARLY that simple. The CBA dictates that players and owners have a 50-50 share of hockey-related revenue. If you really want to get into the weeds...

It's article 49, which details the Player Compensation Cost Redistribution System (a.k.a the NHL's Revenue Sharing program). This guy does a much better job explaining it than I can:

http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2013/6...gram-explained

But in short, it's not like owners can just chose to not pay players and that money goes straight into their pockets. The NHLPA would never allow that.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

he was rough last night, for sure. a couple (almost) costly turnovers in the 3rd and in OT.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I mean yeah, but he will help long term when he gets back up to speed. Just may take a little while. As long as he is good to go for the playoffs I will be happy!

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

So Shatts has turned down a trade to TBL. I don't know why Tampa would want to tie him up to the $$ and term he's gonna get. They've got other things to work out and #1 d-man money when you have a #1 doesn't seem like a good investment to me when you've got other guys coming up to get paid. I see why Edmonton, Detroit, Boston, would pay him #1 money but I just don't know if I would do that in Tampa. Wonder if he gets moved at all.

Re: The NHL Thread (lolcaps)
 

I am starting to think he will stay where he is. Cost is too high for most of the teams that are playoff bound, and if I am him, I'm not accepting a trade to a team that is trending the opposite way.