The NHL Thread

[Lcsulla]

Originally Posted by ~Crashintome89~

Yeah, Jeter hit a gold mine with this idea. Obviously, a lot of it is ghost written, but they do a good enough job to get the personal voice through in the various articles. So like when a Pavelski or Cam Ward writes an article, you can tell that it's their thoughts--not necessarily their words, but you know what I mean...

Agreed, he did strike gold. As for the ghost writing I believe that they likely tape an interview with the athlete and then do their best to take what they have on tape and transcribe it all as best they can and then attribute the entire article to the athlete.

This one by Matt Cullen is a little older but is damn good and pretty witty when he mentions Kessel: http://www.theplayerstribune.com/201...ns-hockey-dad/

Also, I do not have a link but I read some articles by Joel Ward and Jonathan Quick that were damn good.

[~Crashintome89~]

is ESPN going to air the exhibition games?

[TMoore4075]

Well this will be the first time since the lockout year I won't be going to a game. $140 a ticket for cheap seats vs the Devils for the last game at JLA, I'm not paying that. I hesitated and they were gone which is a good thing. I'm sure stubhub they won't be any cheaper being the last game and the game against the Hawks was like $115 per ticket for shit seats. I understand it's the last game at JLA but $140 to see them play a non playoff team when they could very well be non playoff team themselves is not worth it for me. Good for the people where it's worth it for them but this team doesn't deserve my money. I saw them play the Rangers in 2015 for a total of $145 for 2 tickets. Give me a break Wings. You've gotten worse and your prices go up....

[hailtopitt]

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

Well this will be the first time since the lockout year I won't be going to a game. $140 a ticket for cheap seats vs the Devils for the last game at JLA, I'm not paying that. I hesitated and they were gone which is a good thing. I'm sure stubhub they won't be any cheaper being the last game and the game against the Hawks was like $115 per ticket for shit seats. I understand it's the last game at JLA but $140 to see them play a non playoff team when they could very well be non playoff team themselves is not worth it for me. Good for the people where it's worth it for them but this team doesn't deserve my money. I saw them play the Rangers in 2015 for a total of $145 for 2 tickets. Give me a break Wings. You've gotten worse and your prices go up....

and it's not going to change either, bud

went through the same thing with Consol Energy Center. the new arena priced out A LOT of die hard, blue collar fans.

now, the Pens have been contenders since moving there so that helps a little bit but Igloo-Consol is very similar to the JLA-Little Caeser's situation.

[TMoore4075]

Originally Posted by hailtopitt

and it's not going to change either, bud

went through the same thing with Consol Energy Center. the new arena priced out A LOT of die hard, blue collar fans.

now, the Pens have been contenders since moving there so that helps a little bit but Igloo-Consol is very similar to the JLA-Little Caeser's situation.

Yeah I know. I mean I looked at some other games but I don't give a fuck about the Sabres or some of the "cheaper" games. Even for ok seats for a game against BUF in December, over Christmas break, it was like close to $90 a ticket after fees. I'll suck it up and pay around that next year for a game just to see the new arena but I can't see myself going to much with those prices. Wings are mediocre at best right now and I can get a better view at home, buy a 6 pack of beer for less than one at a game, get a whole pizza for the price of a few slices, and as soon as the game is over turn off the tv and go to bed instead of sitting in traffic and then after that a 45 minute ride home for me. Crazy to think that 10 years ago I paid under $50 a ticket for upper bowl center ice like half way up or so, so pretty good seats. Those seats are close to $100 now.

[hailtopitt]

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

Yeah I know. I mean I looked at some other games but I don't give a fuck about the Sabres or some of the "cheaper" games. Even for ok seats for a game against BUF in December, over Christmas break, it was like close to $90 a ticket after fees. I'll suck it up and pay around that next year for a game just to see the new arena but I can't see myself going to much with those prices. Wings are mediocre at best right now and I can get a better view at home, buy a 6 pack of beer for less than one at a game, get a whole pizza for the price of a few slices, and as soon as the game is over turn off the tv and go to bed instead of sitting in traffic and then after that a 45 minute ride home for me. Crazy to think that 10 years ago I paid under $50 a ticket for upper bowl center ice like half way up or so, so pretty good seats. Those seats are close to $100 now.

i'll just buy a pair of tickets for the 01/14/17 game against the Pens

that way we'll get our money's worth by watching the best team in the world play. all you have to do is buy me a million Hot-n-Readys which would run you approx $50 and i'll take care of the rest

[TMoore4075]

I checked out that game and there weren't many left for those either. Plus the last time they played each other...yeesh The other best team (imo) is Tampa and I've seen them play the Wings a few times so it's like...eh. I don't care about any of the other teams from the West outside of Chicago. I feel old because just easier to sit at home. I have such little free time with work and a kid, it's just easier to crawl into bed and watch tv. I've got a Disney World trip in April to save for anyways so it's all good.

[Lcsulla]

Read an article on ESPN the other day and for once I agree entirely. The gist of what the author was saying was that the WCH could make a very competitive team out of guys who were not selected to represent their nations. When you look at the names of guys who are not competing I do not believe it is a stretch to think they'd be able to play with most nations: Jones/Elliot in net, Seabrook, Subban, Klingberg, Faulk, Shattenkirk, Giordano on D. Lucic, Perry, Williams, Hall, Simmonds, Kessel, Neal, Johansen, Johnson and others would make a solid top 9 on O. You really could make a damn good all snubs team.

[mr.MikeD]

I haven't decided how much to care about the WCH. I'm partly stoked, partly seems like just a glorified pre-season all start exhibition thing.
All I know is that the "who owns hockey?" commercials on Canadian tv and radio got old quick.

[TMoore4075]

Yeah I'm happy that we'll be getting pretty good hockey in September but I don't have the same feeling I had in 96 or 04 with this thing. To me it seems like they are trying too hard with this one.

[fonzz41]

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

Yeah I'm happy that we'll be getting pretty good hockey in September but I don't have the same feeling I had in 96 or 04 with this thing. To me it seems like they are trying too hard with this one.

The whole "Team North America" thing is obviously there to get more NHL players on the center stage, meaning more people (hopefully) watching. It's kinda silly.

But hey, hockey is hockey. I'll be watching when I can.

[hailtopitt]

WCH is such a waste IMO

keep these guys fresh for the season that actually matters. this tournament doesn't matter.

Penguins played 106 games last season. These guys should be resting/recovering/preparing for another NHL marathon. i hate that all these Penguins are playing in the WCH

[fonzz41]

But it sells jerseys in the NHL.com store, h2p!!!!!

[hailtopitt]

Originally Posted by fonzz41

But it sells jerseys in the NHL.com store, h2p!!!!!

the "Team North America" (barf) sweaters are the ugliest things i've ever seen

well, besides the Islanders sweaters from the 90's

[TMoore4075]

Originally Posted by hailtopitt

the "Team North America" (barf) sweaters are the ugliest things i've ever seen

well, besides the Islanders sweaters from the 90's

Saw this a few weeks ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2mJvv3pCl4

So many NHL teams on that list. lol

[lockman21]

WCH feels more like an extended All-Star weekend than an international tournament that actually matters.

[barbogast]

Sup bros and broette. Been double dipping in the world of full time student and full time employee, plus the kiddo, so my Ants time has been sparse lately.

Backread a bit, you guys are crazy, the World Cup of Hockey will be dope as fuck. Who cares if it's not important or isn't taken all that seriously amongst the participants. It's an international tournament with all our favorite players, plus an extra month of hockey. I greatly look forward to it.

[fonzz41]

Originally Posted by hailtopitt

the 50th anniversary Flyers (barf) sweaters are the ugliest things i've ever seen

well, besides the Islanders sweaters from the 90's

Fixed for ya.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/08/31/...rsary-jerseys/

[hailtopitt]

Originally Posted by fonzz41

Fixed for ya.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/08/31/...rsary-jerseys/

yikes, talk about lazy

and this coming from a guy who actually likes most of the Flyers' sweaters over the years

but that's just extra mehhh

[Dramageek]

Originally Posted by barbogast

Sup bros and broette. Been double dipping in the world of full time student and full time employee, plus the kiddo, so my Ants time has been sparse lately.

Backread a bit, you guys are crazy, the World Cup of Hockey will be dope as fuck. Who cares if it's not important or isn't taken all that seriously amongst the participants. It's an international tournament with all our favorite players, plus an extra month of hockey. I greatly look forward to it.

The tournament may very well feature great hockey that's fun to watch. But as h2p said, this is a lot of hockey for the players on contending teams, especially the players that reached the Final. It's only been about 2.5 months since Game 6 of the SCF, and instead of resting and getting ready for another grinding season, Sidney Crosby and Joe Pavelski are suiting up for this manufactured tournament. I'd rather see those two compete again next spring than be exhausted by the time the playoffs roll around.

Originally Posted by fonzz41

Fixed for ya.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/08/31/...rsary-jerseys/

Yuck. Very Flyers of them. And their regular sweaters are actually pretty good.

[TMoore4075]

Yeah those are ugly.

Speaking of jerseys, Wings announced the new guys numbers and some number changes. Vanek will be 62, I get it's just the mirror of 26 but that's gonna look weird.

[fonzz41]

Originally Posted by barbogast

Sup bros and broette. Been double dipping in the world of full time student and full time employee, plus the kiddo, so my Ants time has been sparse lately.

Backread a bit, you guys are crazy, the World Cup of Hockey will be dope as fuck. Who cares if it's not important or isn't taken all that seriously amongst the participants. It's an international tournament with all our favorite players, plus an extra month of hockey. I greatly look forward to it.

Sounds busy, brutha. Hang in there!

I think the WC love/hate is a classic case of head vs heart when it comes to hockey fans. Our hearts agree with you: "WOOHOO MORE HOCKEY!" - especially showcasing some of the best players in the world. Our heads, however, look at the potential problems with injury, fatigue, etc. and how it will affect our teams.

Me, I'm more on the side of the heart. It's a great way to watch our favorite players in a different environment. And as for fatigue... meh. I mean, what do I know? I'm not a professional or a team doctor. But these guys are pros and it's not a super long tournament. I think most of them will be fine come the spring.

[fonzz41]

Blake Wheeler gets the C in WPG. My captain prediction streak comes to an end! (I predicted Schiefle)

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/08/31/...r-new-captain/

[TheLastPig]

Just saw those flyers jerseys

Good god those are fucking awful. And agree with H2P I normally like their jerseys.

[jrkarger]

Originally Posted by fonzz41

Fixed for ya.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/08/31/...rsary-jerseys/

Originally Posted by hailtopitt

yikes, talk about lazy

and this coming from a guy who actually likes most of the Flyers' sweaters over the years

but that's just extra mehhh

Originally Posted by Dramageek

Yuck. Very Flyers of them. And their regular sweaters are actually pretty good.

Originally Posted by TheLastPig

Just saw those flyers jerseys

Good god those are fucking awful. And agree with H2P I normally like their jerseys.

Horrendous as usual.

[TMoore4075]

No Zetterberg or Kronwall for Sweden at WC. Here's hoping they are hurt enough at the end of the season to go on LTIR and "retire." More so for Zetterberg because of the cap recapture penalty, Kronwall can retire for real and it won't hurt. BUT I doubt he'd want to walk away from the $$. Time to move on. Not saying blow it up because I think going young the Wings aren't bad enough to be picking top 5 but let the kids play.

[Dramageek]

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

No Zetterberg or Kronwall for Sweden at WC. Here's hoping they are hurt enough at the end of the season to go on LTIR and "retire." More so for Zetterberg because of the cap recapture penalty, Kronwall can retire for real and it won't hurt. BUT I doubt he'd want to walk away from the $$. Time to move on. Not saying blow it up because I think going young the Wings aren't bad enough to be picking top 5 but let the kids play.

Think the Wings will keep The Streak alive this year?

[hailtopitt]

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

No Zetterberg or Kronwall for Sweden at WC. Here's hoping they are hurt enough at the end of the season to go on LTIR and "retire." More so for Zetterberg because of the cap recapture penalty, Kronwall can retire for real and it won't hurt. BUT I doubt he'd want to walk away from the $$. Time to move on. Not saying blow it up because I think going young the Wings aren't bad enough to be picking top 5 but let the kids play.

yep, let the kids play

Bylsma and Johnston refused to play young blood and it cost them their jobs

Sullivan walks in and trusts the young legs and well, we all know what happened

[aeroshady]

Man, September is the worst. NHL is almost here, but not yet.

[TMoore4075]

Originally Posted by Dramageek

Think the Wings will keep The Streak alive this year?

The way it's starting....no. But happy neither Z or Kronner are going to the WC and SHOULD be ready to go at the start of the year. They got in last year while most guys playing pretty shitty so they could still do it. Pretty much everyone can play better than last year. Nyquist, Tatar and Abdelkader go back to their 14 & 15 #'s that will be huge, Mrazek has a better 2nd half and Nielsen and Vanek help out...they might be ok. There is enough skill to do it, they just need to perform. Starting to feel better that they signed Nielsen because if Hank can't go, could be a good signing.