Re: The NHL Thread
 

Sometimes you have to pay a premium when you're in a non-premium market. Look at what they gave Leddy. While I agree with you that they may have technically "overspent", I like seeing them attempt to go for it and keep their talent around.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I've watched a number of Isles games this year. He's a #1 defenseman for them. And I'm not just talking depth chart. Everything he's done and is doing is everything you'd want your top guy to do. It's all there.

I also watched him a lot when he was on the Bruins. The amount of growth he's experienced has been cool to see.

Boychuck is a good player. I think if he's your number 1 it's not a good thing though. I wouldn't mind having him locked up for 6 years as a top 3-4 defender. Money seems a little much though.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

5-6yr / 24-28mil is the most I'd due for johnny rocket.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The only defenseman on their roster who might be considered "better" from a defensive aspect is Hamonic. And even then, I don't think he's got the 3-zone versatility of Boychuk.

Even with Boychuk as their top pair guy instead of a superstar like Weber, Doughty, Chara, etc., they're not exactly bleeding defensively. They play a good strong system where everyone contributes and does their job. In that kind of system, Boychuk has thrived. A little off topic, but watching Leddy's improvement has been cool too. Both have seemed to thrive with the added responsibility and opportunity.

And like Chris said, when a guy is doing that for your team, you either pay him or say goodbye to him.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, I should have written could have instead of would have. Big difference. If halak was in net, I think we could pulled the upset. pens were ripe for the taking.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

He is easily a top pair guy on most teams. Look at how his game and worth has blossomed this year with top pair responsibility. I guarantee the Bruins are saying "we wish we had him back. Maybe we didn't value him and his ability enough". In a loss vs Rag$ on Tuesday, he was an absolute beast and you wouldn't know it by looking at the box score.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Caps bringing the suck tonight. They're just so inconsistent. Very frustrating to watch.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I'd really love to hear opinions on what the Isle were supposed to do. They've built a team that right now is competing for the Cup, and they have homegrown talent coming through the system for the next couple years.

You'd only spend "24-28m" on Boychuk? REALLY?! You're in the Islander's position and you'd rather save that couple million a year than retain him? Do you realize how highly demanded good d-men are, especially ones that can move the puck and are solid in their own zone?

I'll extend an olive branch, here's your chance...tell me...what do you plan on doing with all those incredible cap savings that helps the team more than Boychuk could?

Go ahead, take your time. I'll wait.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Caps are atrociously awful right now. They've got problems. Can't score all of a sudden. This is not good. Slowly dropping in the standings. Looks like another loss coming tonight

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Just a terrible effort tonight. They've got nothing happening 5 on 5 and it's been that way for two weeks now. They're taking way too many penalties, they constantly give up the first goal early, so much to be worried about right now. They really need to be careful, still comfortably in the playoffs for now but they're slipping. Likely the Bruins will pass them soon. Big game on Sunday, big test. This was the longest home stand of the Caps season and they totally whiffed.

I agree but they had to...

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yes, I've been saying that all year. Not for 6mil and 7 years :lol he's not a top defenseman. 3-4 years from now it'll look real ugly at 6mil a year.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's not just the couple mil a year. 7 years 42mil is crazy for boychuck

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Like I said, find me a better option for a team that wants to compete the next couple years for the Cup.

Saying on the surface "that's too much for Boychuk" is fine, but tell me how they would better use that money.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Ruh Roh. Malkin hurt

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Falling to the wild card.

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This is 2012 all over again.

Thank god the Devils are not making the playoffs then...

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's so nice out in Chicago today!

Perfect day to bring my laptop outside so I can watch hockey.

Lol penguins

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Timmy. Was there in person today. Wings looked uninspired and made Flyers look like a real team for a day. I mean, even the useless Rinaldo scored his first of the season. Wow.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Late game tonight. Glad to be able to watch one live.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

lol red wings

Re: The NHL Thread
 

The Red Wings will get the Pens without Malkin and likely without Crosby. So if they are not inspired to beat that team...

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I think the Flyers just scored another goal. Not looking good for the Red Wings

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Wings looking MUCH better today but it's early. Zidlicky has been such a good pick up.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Well, he's not going back to the AHL.

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Wrong reason for this no goal but it's the right call because it was a hand pass.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Nothing like a weekend home stand without scoring a goal.