Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Hawks may be looking at the 4-6 seeds after this trip is over, just sayin. I did like their effort tonight but they had way too many chances and couldn't finish.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The Hawks just got the Captain back healthy, and Sharpie back healthy, and not to mention added depth and will probably add more. STL, DET, and NSH are playing well right now, and the Hawks aren't, but we are still just one point behind Nashville and 3 behind Detroit with PLENTY of games to play.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

True, schedule is considerably difficult the rest of the way though.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Sharp is not 100%, no way. Looks like he's going to have to have a bone removed in his wrist after the season. Toews was not winning faceoffs tonight like he usually does so I think it's safe to say his hand is probably still bothering him.

What'd you think of Morrison? He seemed a bit out of sync with the rest of the team out there (which is to be expected); a lot of missed passes...still looked more appropriate playing with 10 and 81 than Kruger, to be honest.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Please show me where it says Sharp is going to need to have a bone removed from his wrist during the offseason, I find that comical.

I'm not going to judge that line off of Morrison's first game as a Hawk, and Sharp's first game in 3 weeks. I want to see them on the next to games before I even form an opinion.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If I was the ref in last nights game I would be embarassed of that non call on Stahlbergs clear cut breakaway. Didnt even get a shot off because of it. Brutal, just brutal.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Chicago had already gotten two free pp's...

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Geno is the best player in the league right now.

As for their career:
Toews' point per game average: 0.89. Malkin's point per game average: 1.18. which means Malkin's average season is 97 points and Toews' average season is 72 points. Not sure intangibles can make up that 25 point difference.

During most of his career, Toews has played with Patrick Kane. Point per game player. He also has occasional shifts with Hossa, and Sharp. Both are ~65-70 players (like Toews himself).

Evgeni Malkin throughout most of his career has played with Petr Sykora, Ryan Malone, Ruslan Fedotenko, Pascal Dupuis, Matt Cooke and now James Neal and Steve Sullivan. He has the occasional shift with Sidney Crosby or Jordan Staal. Both are a rare occurrence even strength (sans rookie year).

Toews' hardware: Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold, Conn Smythe*, best forward at Olympics, nominated for Calder.

Malkin's hardware: Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe*, Art Ross, 2 Hart Trophy runner ups, Calder Trophy.

Malkin's Conn Smythe playoffs: 36 points in 24 games (8 points in 7 game final)
Toews' Conn Smythe playoffs: 29 points in 22 games(3 points in 6 game final)

Toews' peak season: 76 points
Malkin's peak season: 113 points

Toews' heralded defence isn't enough to close the gap, especially when Malkin isn't a liability himself.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The Penguins will win the Stanley Cup if Crosby returns before the playoffs and is OK. I know this isn't a shocking revelation or opinion. But they will be nasty.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

There was an article I read today about the Red Wings deadline plans and offseason plans. They probably aren't doing a blockbuster deal at the deadline but of course wanting to upgrade blah blah blah. Their top priorities this offseason are Parise and Suter...reportedly. Not saying it's gonna happen or anything and this report is just speculating but if the cap stays the same with the new cba, which I'm not confident will happen but ya never know, the Wings have the space to sign both. I would shit myself if that were to happen. I do have a feeling they'll get one of them but both...I can dream.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Flyers will be looking at Suter if they feel a rental defenseman will give them the ultimate shot at winning the Cup this year.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I hope not. Suter is going to cost a fortune and I'm not giving away any of our offensive depth.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If I were Philly I wouldn't give up what it will cost to get him now. I'm thinking he'll cost a lot (Especially with the Preds in the playoff hunt) and just for a few months?

Edit: Matt beat me to it.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

You can't have him :violent

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Exactly, Ryan Suter does not equal the A and B prospect, NHLer and 1st round pick the Preds want for him.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Preds will get something more than that. Just look at what the bruins gave up to get kaberle last year, and suter is much more valuable than kaberle.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Blame ownership. It's not looking good at him staying right now.
Agreed.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

maybe one free pp, but Burrows hit was clearly boarding, it wasn't even a debate.

so basically Geno scores more points so he's better? Got it.

Stamkos > Giroux

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If both are healthy I take malkin over toews any day of the week. Obviously toews is an unbelievable player but there are only 2 or 3 guys in the league that are capable of putting up over 100 points every year and Malkin is one of them.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

I agree that Malkin is a better player than Toews. I wouldn't rather have Malkin on the Hawks, though.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Malkin has 59 points, is a +10, and his Faceoff win percentage is 44.8%, Malkin was also a -4 last year in 40 or so games.
Toews has 51 points, is a +16, and his Faceoff win percentage is 60.8%

Toews is a Selke candidate, and probably will be every year for a long time if he continues to get better, and he can put up 80+ points. Malkin is not a Selke candidate, and probably never will be.

If you're asking me to take a guy who can score 100 points, or a guy who can score 80-90 points an play some of the best defense in the league? It's quite easy for me.

And we're not arguing just anybody here. Bucci ranked these guys #2 and #3, so you really can't go wrong.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Yea I agree with that. Picking between the 2 depends a lot on the way the team is built. I'd rather have Malkin on the bruins because the bruins already have an elite shut down center in bergeron.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Toews has never scored over 80 points though and malkin has scored over 110 before. You also have to look at Malkins linemates. He's never had an elite winger and hes still put up insane numbers.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Toews' numbers have gotten better every single year and he's only 23. We have made it quite clear that Malkin can score, and always has been able to. Toews continues to get better both defensively and offensively, and was already a stellar defender.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

The discussion is about right now though. I agree toews has the potential to become an even better scorer but I think what Malkin gives you on offense outweighs the defensive advantage that toews has right now.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

and that is where I disagree. A Selke contender who can score 80-90 and win 60% of faceoffs to me is more valuable than someone who can score 100 and only win 45% of faceoffs. The defensive stops that Toews' makes make up for the lack in points, which really isn't even that much when you are scoring as much as these guys are.

EDIT: and here is what Bucci said "Lack of faceoff dominance (he can control that) and penalty-killing time (he can't control that) keep him beneath Toews for me."

I think if he were better at faceoffs he would get PK time

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

Toews is the best player in the league right now (since Crosby is injured and what not).

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

If I were starting a team, I would choose Toews first. The guy just gets it done. Malkin is way too inconsistent for my liking.

Re: NHL 2011/2012 Thread
 

:thumbsup:thumbsup To be an 80-90 point player, you have to actually, ya know score 80 points.