NHL 2005-2006: The thread

[Real American Hero]

New York Islanders trade Oleg Kvasha to the Phoenix Coyotes for a third round pick. Phoenix also trades centre Jamie Lundmark to Calgary for a draft pick..

[Real American Hero]

With all of our conference rivals getting stronger, the Avalanche acquire...

...Jim Dowd for a fourth-round pick.

Get ready for the playoffs, boys!
Tell me you're riding Budaj to the playoffs, 'cause that was my morning fantasy pickup.

[Real American Hero]

REASONER AND A DRAFT PICK?!? With what other teams are paying for rentals, that's pretty cheap.

[Real American Hero]

'nucks add Weinrich. If I'm counting right, that's 3 d-men today. And Jovo-cop's due back in a couple of weeks.

[Mike and Maddog]

Phoenix Coyotes trade forward Jamie Lundmark to the Calgary Flames for a draft pick.

[seabass]

Bye Oleg, have fun in Phoenix.

[Uncle Larry]

Ya pretty boring trade deadline day all in all. Especially since the Leafs are often a lot busier. Stupid cap.

[Mike and Maddog]

Niko Dimitrakos? Whozat?


Assets- Has excellent hockey sense and deft passing skills. Is capable of playing the point on the power play, and doesn't need a ton of ice time to produce points.
Flaws- Lacks size and strength. Must continue to work on his play without the puck. Still takes too many shifts off, which doesn't place him in coaches' good books.
Career potential -Third line winger.


Born in Boston, who woulda thunk that?

[Uncle Larry]

Ya the TSN player profile's gonna help. Says the same thing for just about everyone.

[Mike and Maddog]

Phoenix Coyotes trade forward Tim Jackman to the Los Angeles Kings for forward Yannick Lehoux.

[MountainHawk]

Jackman and Lehoux swapped ... How many times is Lehoux going to bounce between PHX and LA?

25-Nov-05: Los Angeles Kings claimed Yanick Lehoux off waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes.
05-Nov-05: Phoenix Coyotes claimed Yanick Lehoux off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.
24-Jun-00: Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 3rd round (86th overall) in 2000.

[hardinda]

Calgary Flames trade Jason Weimer to New Jersey for a fourth round draft pick.

[Mike and Maddog]

Jackman and Lehoux swapped ... How many times is Lehoux going to bounce between PHX and LA?

25-Nov-05: Los Angeles Kings claimed Yanick Lehoux off waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes.
05-Nov-05: Phoenix Coyotes claimed Yanick Lehoux off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.
24-Jun-00: Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 3rd round (86th overall) in 2000.

I see you must have turned the ignore back on.

[Mike and Maddog]

Ya the TSN player profile's gonna help. Says the same thing for just about everyone.

Always looking to please. How's this:


Scott Burnside's instant analysis: Bob Clarke, as is his wont at deadline time, is stockpiling forward depth for what he imagines will be a long playoff run. Although Dimitrakos had only 16 points in 45 games this season, the 26-year-old was a surprise contributor to the Sharks' run to the conference final in 2004 with nine points in 15 games.

[Mike and Maddog]

Florida Panthers trade Petr Taticek to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Ric Jackman.

Another Jackman traded. Is Hugh next?

[Mike and Maddog]

Calgary Flames trade Jason Wiemer to New Jersey for the later of New Jersey's 4th-round pick or Vancouver's 4th-round pick (previously acquired) in 2006.

[Irish Blues]

Is there anyone that Phoenix doesn't have or had previously that was at least a somewhat highly touted prospect? On a somewhat related note, does anyone else get the feeling that the Coyotes made roster moves this season based off of playing NHL 2K6 on the PS2?

[DoctorNo]

Teppo Numminen finally scored today, costing him a chance at the NHL record for most points in a season without a goal (he had 33 assists at the time).

[Cannonball]

Sabres 6
Flyboys 5

Biron was severely tested by Philly's one and only shot in the 3rd. Heh heh heh. (Miller probably would have let it in).

[DoctorNo]

Biron was severely tested by Philly's one and only shot in the 3rd.

I don't wanna go all M&M on y'all, but I was sure that that was a typo (one third-period shot on goal). I didn't think it was possible, especially with the new rules enforcement.

[MountainHawk]

I don't wanna go all M&M on y'all, but I was sure that that was a typo (one third-period shot on goal). I didn't think it was possible, especially with the new rules enforcement.
The Canes had ZERO shots on goal recently against the Islanders in a period ... but they still won.

[DoctorNo]

That game I remember, but obviously they had the lead entering the period. If you're trapping and trying to keep the other team from scoring, I can see getting zero (or one) shot on goal in a period, but the Flyers were trying desperately (I assume - I was getting drunk at a preemptive St. Patrick's Day festival) to tie the game.

Anyhow, it's just one game. Nothing to fret over.

[DoctorNo]

Speaking of "just one game", I'll be crashing the Avs - Flames game today. Hoo-HAH!

[MountainHawk]

That game I remember, but obviously they had the lead entering the period. If you're trapping and trying to keep the other team from scoring, I can see getting zero (or one) shot on goal in a period, but the Flyers were trying desperately (I assume - I was getting drunk at a preemptive St. Patrick's Day festival) to tie the game.

Anyhow, it's just one game. Nothing to fret over.
Uh ... no. The Flyers had the lead 5-4 going into the 3rd, and the Sabres scored about halfway through to tie and then with 4 seconds left to win. I didn't see the game live, but once a Hitchcock team goes into a shell, they never come out. I'm beginning to think he's not the coach for the Flyers in the new NHL. We've blown too many 3rd period leads trying to sit on 3-2 or 4-3 leads.

[hardinda]

Neither goalie played well. Sabres switched to Biron in the 3rd. Flyers left Nittymaki in even though he had given up 4 goals on 20 shots. I guess it's a tough call for them, cause you can't really bring in Esche and expect anything better.

Sabres were down 2-0 after the 1st. 2nd was a crazy period and ended at 5-4. Sabres then dominated the 3rd with their speed. Mike Grier puts in the game winner with 4 secs to go.

If it does end up being Sabres vs Flyers in the 1st round of the playoffs, it'll be a very entertaining series. Plus, I think the Sabres match up against the Flyers very well.

[seabass]

I'm beginning to think he's not the coach for the Flyers in the new NHL. We've blown too many 3rd period leads trying to sit on 3-2 or 4-3 leads.

He can be, but has he attempted any kind of adjustment as the season progressed? Stuff like this isn't working now, and will may work even less in the playoffs.

[DoctorNo]

Uh ... no. The Flyers had the lead 5-4 going into the 3rd, and the Sabres scored about halfway through to tie and then with 4 seconds left to win.

I hadn't looked at the box since last night, and didn't realize that Buffalo's game-winner was that late in the contest. That makes more sense, then - thanks.

[seabass]

Fun stuff about the Isles... somehow after they dump players, they end up playing better. Drop 3 defensemen, hold teams to 1-2 goals. So far, so good with this Grebby kid, haven't seen much of Tambellini though. Hopefully they can show something against the better teams in the conference and get more of an offense going.

Even better: a sewage pipe busted in the Coliseum and destroyed the one brand new area there. $1 million in damages to the workout area, Charles Wang checks off another reason to hate the county for delaying a new arena deal. Fans will be asked to bring a raincoat and helmet before they enter the building for future games.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers finish their lost weekend

Who would have thought that a Flyers team with a power play run by Peter Forsberg would not be able to score a goal in 7 minutes of power-play time? That's right, 7 minutes.

With the Flyers down, 2-0, halfway into the third period, the Penguins' Andre Roy jumped Denis Gauthier from behind, and drew 7 minutes in penalties.
It was the chance the Flyers needed but it resulted not in a goal, but eight offensive-zone turnovers and just one shot.

"We didn't generate a whole lot, though, those 7 minutes," a frustrated Forsberg said. "The clock kept ticking."
And when time ran out, the Rangers continued to lead the Atlantic Division and the Flyers lost, 2-0, to the Penguins in Mellon Arena.

Go ahead and push those panic buttons. This is a team in trouble.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/14085945.htm

[MountainHawk]

Flyers are in a terrible, terrible place right now. I think they've quit on Hitch, and it's way too late to fire a coach. Hope the players decide to show some pride at some point ... ugh

[Cannonball]

Sabres 6
Caps 4

The Sabres are sometimes a little too exciting for my blood. Coming from behind twice in the game. I don't know that they can do that forever. Great win, though.

[Wannabe Actuary]

rangers are blowing chunks...good thing it's not like the flyers are doing much either

[MountainHawk]

OMG ... the Flyers played a whole game hard for 60 minutes ... and they won! I'm stunned.

(P.S. I forgot yesterday was the 15th ... I'll update my stats post shortly.)

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers win a game! Now that's news.

Let's see how they do against TB.

[MountainHawk]

Standings on 3/16/2006:



Team W L OT Pts Win% AW% GF GPG GA GAA
Atlantic Division
NYR 36 19 10 82 .631 .568 204 3.14 159 2.45
PHI 36 20 10 82 .621 .559 217 3.29 212 3.21
NJD 33 24 8 74 .569 .512 185 2.85 188 2.89
NYI 31 29 4 66 .516 .464 190 2.97 218 3.41
PIT 16 37 12 44 .338 .305 188 2.89 261 4.02
Northeast Division
OTT 44 15 5 93 .727 .654 256 4.00 155 2.42
BUF 43 16 5 91 .711 .640 226 3.53 184 2.88
MTL 31 24 9 71 .555 .499 184 2.88 197 3.08
TOR 30 28 6 66 .516 .464 201 3.14 216 3.38
BOS 25 30 11 61 .462 .416 185 2.80 209 3.17
Southeast Division
CAR 44 15 6 94 .723 .651 246 3.78 202 3.11
TBY 34 28 4 72 .545 .491 200 3.03 208 3.15
ATL 31 28 6 68 .523 .471 214 3.29 220 3.38
FLA 26 30 9 61 .469 .422 182 2.80 202 3.11
WSH 22 35 7 51 .398 .359 184 2.88 250 3.91
Central Division
DET 45 15 5 95 .731 .658 241 3.71 166 2.55
NSH 38 19 8 84 .646 .582 201 3.09 183 2.82
CLB 26 37 3 55 .417 .375 166 2.52 231 3.50
STL 20 32 11 51 .405 .364 169 2.68 223 3.54
CHI 21 35 9 51 .392 .353 168 2.58 227 3.49
Northwest Division
CGY 37 20 7 81 .633 .570 166 2.59 156 2.44
COL 37 24 6 80 .597 .537 234 3.49 205 3.06
EDM 33 23 10 76 .576 .518 213 3.23 212 3.21
VAN 35 26 6 76 .567 .510 212 3.16 206 3.07
MIN 31 29 7 69 .515 .463 195 2.91 177 2.64
Pacific Division
DAL 43 19 3 89 .685 .616 216 3.32 174 2.68
LAK 36 26 5 77 .575 .517 222 3.31 224 3.34
ANA 31 21 12 74 .578 .520 190 2.97 178 2.78
SJS 31 23 9 71 .563 .507 197 3.13 189 3.00
PHX 30 32 4 64 .485 .436 200 3.03 220 3.33


Winning percentage is Points / (GP *2)
Adjusted winning percentage is Points / (GP * 2.222), because there has been an average of 2.222 points earned in the NHL per game played.

Team Statistics:


Top 5 Offenses:

1. OTT 4.00
2. CAR 3.78
3. DET 3.71
4. BUF 3.53
5. COL 3.49

Worst 5 Offenses:

1. CLB 2.52
2. CHI 2.58
3. CGY 2.59
4. STL 2.68
5. FLA 2.80

Top 5 Defenses:

1. OTT 2.42
2. CGY 2.44
3. NYR 2.45
4. DET 2.55
5. MIN 2.64

Worst 5 Defenses:

1. PIT 4.02
2. WSH 3.91
3. STL 3.54
4. CLB 3.50
5. CHI 3.49

Top 5 Power Plays:

1. DET 23.5%
2. BUF 21.6%
3. OTT 20.6%
4. TOR 20.2%
5. COL 19.6%

Worst 5 Power Plays:

1. CHI 12.5%
2. CLB 14.2%
3. FLA 14.5%
4. WSH 14.7%
5. TBY 15.0%

Top 5 Penalty Kills:

1. MIN 88.6%
2. OTT 85.8%
3. BUF 85.7%
4. NSH 85.3%
5. NYR 85.2%

Worst 5 Penalty Kills:

1. PIT 77.8%
2. LAK 78.5%
3. WSH 78.6%
4. NYI 78.8%
5. PHI 79.0%

Most Penalized (PIM per game)

1. CHI 19.38
2. PIT 18.92
3. PHX 18.86
4. VAN 18.70
5. WSH 18.60

Least Penalized (PIM per game)

1. NJD 11.31
2. TBY 11.55
3. CAR 13.28
4. SJS 13.43
5. BUF 13.63



Individual Statistics:



Goals

1. Jagr 44
2. Ovechkin 43
3. Kovalchuk 42
4. Cheechoo 40
5. Gagne 39
Staal 39

Assists

1. Thornton 70
2. Savard 55
3. Lidstrom 54
4. Datsyuk 52
Spezza 52

Points

1. Thornton 95
2. Jagr 94
3. Staal 86
4. Heatley 93
5. Alfredsson 82
Ovechkin 82

PIM

1. Avery 227
2. Barnaby 159
3. Witt 158
4. Neil 157
5. Morrow 152

Rookie Points

1. Ovechkin 82
2. Crosby 74
3. Svatos 50
Boyes 50
5. Jokinen 46


GAA

1. Lundqvist 2.07
2. Hasek 2.09
3. Kiprusoff 2.17
4. Fernandez 2.24
5. Huet 2.24

Save Percentage

1. Huet 92.7%
1. Thomas 92.7%
1. Lundqvist 92.7%
4. Hasek 92.5%
5. Vokoun 92.2%



League Wide Stats

Goals per game: 6.201
Points awarded per game: 2.222
Number of shutouts: 87
Number of OT games: 217
Number of shootouts: 113
Percentage of Games ending in regulation: 77.8%
Percentage of OT Games ending before shootout: 47.9%
Percentage of games ending in shootout: 11.6%

Shootout Statistics

Games in shootout: 113
Shots taken: 767
Goals scored: 259
Shootout save percentage: 66.2%

Penalty Statistics


Penalties per team per game
Mnth Min Maj Mis Tot
Oct 7.11 0.40 0.10 7.61
Nov 6.36 0.40 0.13 6.89
Dec 6.65 0.40 0.09 7.14
Jan 6.07 0.39 0.11 6.58
Feb 6.36 0.39 0.07 6.82
Mar 6.25 0.39 0.14 6.78



Penalties per game, Home team: 6.86
Penalties per game, road team: 7.10

The 'Home whistles' stat for team A is calculated as:

[ (Minors called against opponent when team A is at home - Minors called against team A at home) / home games - (Minors called against opponent when team A is on road - Minors called against team A on road) / road games

ex. If the Stars get 3 minors per game at home called against them compared to their opponents 6 per game in Dallas, but the Stars get 5 minors per road game compared to their opponents 4, Dallas' home whistle stat would be: (6-3) - (4-5) = 3 - (-1) = 4.


Top Five 'Home Whistles'

1. LAK 1.861
2. STL 1.576
3. EDM 1.526
4. TOR 1.506
5. PIT 1.450

Worst Five 'Home Whistles'

1. BOS -0.809
2. ATL -0.753
3. NYI -0.656
4. CGY -0.282
5. TBY -0.244

[hardinda]

Big game tonight in the ATL - lol, don't hear that much

NYI @ Thrashers

This game could crush the Islanders shot or bring them right back into the hunt. Thrashers need to keep winning to take a shot at the 8 seed.

[MountainHawk]

Big game tonight in the ATL - lol, don't hear that much

NYI @ Thrashers

This game could crush the Islanders shot or bring them right back into the hunt. Thrashers need to keep winning to take a shot at the 8 seed.
Hard to say it can crush them with 15+ games left, but the hole definitely gets deeper if the Isles lose tonight.

[seabass]

Big game tonight in the ATL - lol, don't hear that much

NYI @ Thrashers

This game could crush the Islanders shot or bring them right back into the hunt. Thrashers need to keep winning to take a shot at the 8 seed.

I don't know what to think of our recent streak, all the wins are against marginal playoff teams or teams in slumps. No idea how the team did so well against NJ this season, but I'll take it. Should be a good game, I think Dipietro will be in tonight and Snow will give him a breather tomorrow against Florida.

[hardinda]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention

Toronto @ Buffalo

Sabres on a 7 game winning streak, hope to send those annoying Leaf fans out of HSBC silent again tonight.

[MountainHawk]

Love to see the Leafs miss, and the Flyers aren't going to have to worry about catching the Sabres once we catch the Rangers, so go Buffalo. ;)

[MountainHawk]

“We played some good games for 40 and 45 minutes, and today we played 60 minutes. I said this before, there is a certain period of time where your tank is not full and you’re going to have to wade through it before it starts filling up. I think the feeling was the tank went empty in Pittsburgh. The guys really wanted to play well when it was empty, and in the last three days we filled it up. Good things are happening, and hopefully we can keep on filling it up [Thursday] and get ready for Friday.

“The energy is we’re getting veteran players back. This is the first time since the third of December where we had five NHL defensemen in our lineup, which is three and a half months. We did some great things, and when you start seeing veteran players come in, and you get some rest and relaxation, it starts to fill up.”



I'm sure that Jones and Meyer appreciate the vote of confidence. And is he counting Therien as an NHL defenseman?

[Mike and Maddog]

Pink sticks to honor moms, raise cash to fight cancer

WALLACEBURG, Ontario -- Some NHL players will be in the pink this weekend on the ice.

In a tribute to hockey moms and to raise awareness of breast cancer, hockey players such as Tie Domi, Mats Sundin, Steve Yzerman, Sidney Crosby and Ed Belfour will use pink sticks during games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Chatham Daily News reported Wednesday.

Equipment manufacturer TPS Hockey is spending an estimated $50,000 for the initiative, which sprouted in the Gretzky family home in Brantford, Ont., shortly after the death of Wayne Gretzky's mother, Phyllis.

"It's a tribute to hockey moms," said Brad Janson, TPS' director of pro hockey.

Janson said the deaths of Phyllis Gretzky to lung cancer, and TPS' new owner Paul Walker's sister to breast cancer motivated the charitable effort.

He said most of the players know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It will definitely be unique to see "a tough and rough player using a pink stick," Janson said.

"Pink is not usual synonymous with hockey," said Gary Ireland, a supervisor at the southwestern Ontario plant where the 75 workers have been busy painting the sticks.

TPS is picking up the tab for the $300 cost of each stick and its painting.

Janson estimates more than 400 pink sticks will hit the ice this weekend.

Each player, and goalie, has his name inscribed on the stick, which will later be autographed and auctioned to raise money for breast cancer research.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2370727

For those that don't already have a pink stick.

[Irish Blues]

OK - I'm going on the soapbox even if this isn't PC.

There is a *crapload* of money raised for breast cancer research around the U.S. every year. Fine. It's 4th in terms of # of deaths behind lung, colorectal and prostate, and in terms of "chances of dying after getting this type of cancer" it's behind pancreas, liver, stomach, lung, cervical, ovarian, esophegus, kidney, and brain/nervous system. Yet more money is raised for breast cancer research than for any other type of cancer - it's not even close.

I don't wish cancer on anyone: I've had a father in law, three grandparents, two uncles and an aunt die from cancer, but I really wish we'd put more money into working on the types that either have a *very* high mortality rate like pancreatic, liver, kidney, cervical or ovarian OR put it to the types that kill the most people (lung and colorectal). If these guys want to raise money for cancer research, fine - put it somewhere else other than an area that's already getting more attention than damn near everything else.

(/soapbox)

[seabass]

So... not a good loss at all. The Isles still have plenty of chances, and this is as good a schedule as they can get if they want to make up ground. 4 (!!!) games against Pitt, a couple of games against Montreal to make up ground there, a game against TB, two against Toronto. The Zhitnik injury is a major hit, especially when you hear reports from the game saying "and John Erskine gets bumped up to a first line pairing...". In any case, if the team can't make up some ground given the remaining schedule, they shouldn't be in the playoffs anyway.

[hardinda]

Big wins by the Sabres and Thrashers ... Could we be seeing a Sabres 1 (or 2) seed vs Thrashers 8 (or 7) seed 1st round matchup? Wow, would I love that. I'd prob go home and watch the games in Buffalo and watch the games in Atlanta. Being able to see a whole series live would be cool.

[GefilteFish144]

At last, the Rangers end the game to the tune of "Sweet Caroline". Ozolinsh sparks the PP with a goal and assist, and even a rare point for Lundqvist on Prucha's goal. As usual Jagr with the winner. 1st win in 7 games and still a game up on the Flies.

[Real American Hero]

Meanwhile the 'nucks and Kings can't be thrilled to see both the Ducks and Sharks just a few points back, and with 3-4 games in hand.

[Wannabe Actuary]

At last, the Rangers end the game to the tune of "Sweet Caroline". Ozolinsh sparks the PP with a goal and assist, and even a rare point for Lundqvist on Prucha's goal. As usual Jagr with the winner. 1st win in 7 games and still a game up on the Flies.
and rangers have a game in hand

[DoctorNo]

I always find it very hard to root for the Rangers...however...

The best publicity the league ever received in the United States occurred when the Rangers won the 1994 Stanley Cup (against my beloved Canucks). Of course, the league then blew itself up immediately thereafter, but the fact remains that when the Rangers do well, the league does well.

Additionally, the main gripe I've always had about the Rangers was their big-market mentality. Now that they seem to be headed in the other direction, they're young, fast and fun to watch.

I could be talking into supporting an Avalanche - Rangers Cup final.

[GefilteFish144]

Looks like Renney hit gold putting Jagr and Prucha on the same line. This could very well be the team's best line since Messier-Graves-Kovalev. And Ozolinsh plays the part of Brian Leetch, Lundqvist plays Richter. Although this team's probably too young to be a Stanley Cup contender, give it another year or so and the Rangers have the makings of a winner.

[seabass]

So did anyone see the charity sticks this weekend? I saw a picture of one, and its not exactly a bright pink, so maybe that's why I didn't notice any during games.

[Real American Hero]

My how the west has changed since the trade deadline... (ignoring Detroit, Dallas and Nashville)

Before deadline
3. Calgary 78 points, 21 games remaining
5. Colorado 76 pts, 18 GR
6. Vancouver 75 pts, 19 GR
6. Los Angeles 75 pts, 19 GR
8. Edmonton 73 pts, 20 GR

9. Anaheim 70 pts, 21 GR
somewhere below that. San Jose 66 pts, 21 GR

Today (record since deadline):
3. Calgary 84, 15 (3-3-0)
5. Colorado 82, 13 (3-2-0)
6. Anaheim 80, 15 (5-1-0)
7. Los Angeles 79, 12 (2-5-0)
8. Edmonton 79, 14 (2-2-2)

9. Vancouver 78, 13 (1-4-1)
10. San Jose 76, 16 (5-0-1)

I can easily see Anaheim moving into the 5 slot, and even San Jose jumping to 7th or even as high as 6th. Budaj has been either really good or puky in net for Colorado the last 4 games (2 shut outs, 10 GA in the losses). They need him to be at least good down the stretch (and so does my fantasy team), or Theodore will have to wait until October to make his debut.

[seabass]

LA better get in the playoffs, I want that draft pick from the Parrish trade...

Vancouver is pretty disappointing. Seemed like they made some decent moves at the time.

[Real American Hero]

Jovo-cop's been out a month or so following surgery, and Ohlund (and maybe Salo?) was banged up at the Olympics. Get them all back and the 'nucks blue line situation is pretty darn good.

I'd say Roloson's been a disappointment to Oiler fans thus far.

[GefilteFish144]

Looks like Ozolinsh has rubbed off on Roszival last night -- a PPG and 2 assists. Bring on the Flies!

[Irish Blues]

I'd say Roloson's been a disappointment to Oiler fans thus far.
This surprises .... who? Roloson was lousy this year before the trade and had seen Fernandez clearly earn the #1 spot. In a system where strong defensive play is emphasized, Roloson still had a 3.00 GAA and .890 save percentage. It's not like it was going to get better in Edmonton where the Oilers would really be sunk if Pronger (who hasn't had a fantastic year himself) wasn't on the blueline.

On the other side of the ledger, the Blues are poised to make a run at last again with Sanford out for the season, Lalime back in net and stinking it up, and now Jackman out indefinitely with a broken jaw. It also doesn't help that there's murmurs that Bacashihua's shoulder injury is much more serious than first reported and he could miss much if not all of the '06-07 season.

[Real American Hero]

No doubt that Roloson's play this year has slipped.

Didn't we have a discussion about Lalame like 90 pages ago?

[Irish Blues]

Didn't we have a discussion about Lalame like 90 pages ago?
Probably - but that was before he was waived, sent to Peoria, recalled, and then pressed into service.

Lalime and Divis started the season in St. Louis, Sanford and Bacashihua started the season in Peoria and the Blues were playing like complete crap. Halfway through, Sanford and Bacashihua were in St. Louis and Lalime and Divis were in Peoria and the Blues started playing better. Now, Lalime and Divis are back in St. Louis and Sanford and Bacashihua are on IR for the rest of the season and the Blues are once again playing like crap.

Coincidences? I think not.

[Wannabe Actuary]

rangers vs flyers tonight...head to head games are big

rangers up 1-0 with a goal by jagr

[Wannabe Actuary]

1-1 after a powerplay goal by the flyers

[Wannabe Actuary]

nevermind...2-1 rangers...jagr nets another

[Wannabe Actuary]

that was a bad hit...I have to say, classless of ny fans to boo umberger after he gets boarded and is bleeding....5 minute penalty and a game misconduct for hollwegg....flyers tie it up already, still 4 minutes on the penalty

[Wannabe Actuary]

3-2 flyers...they scored with 0.8 seconds left in the first...this penalty is killing us...freaking hollwegg

[MountainHawk]

Flyers play a solid 60 minutes of hockey, win 6-3. Jagr owns Esche tho ... he had all three for the Rangers. Rangers have a GIH, but we are tied in points ... going to be a race!

[Badguy]

Anyone think the Maple Leafs will make the playoffs? A few weeks ago many have written them off but they're showing signs of life. Montreal has been slipping lately while Toronto continues to climb slowly. It'll be interesting this upcoming home-and-home series between them.

[Irish Blues]

Anyone think the Maple Leafs will make the playoffs? A few weeks ago many have written them off but they're showing signs of life. Montreal has been slipping lately while Toronto continues to climb slowly. It'll be interesting this upcoming home-and-home series between them.
No.

[hardinda]

I think it'll take 90 points to make the playoffs in the east. Therefore, Toronto needs to go 10-4 down the stretch to make it. Possible, Yes ... likely, No.

Tonight and Saturday's games with Montreal should say alot. Why are both games in Montreal? A bit odd.

[GefilteFish144]

Flyers play a solid 60 minutes of hockey, win 6-3. Jagr owns Esche tho ... he had all three for the Rangers. Rangers have a GIH, but we are tied in points ... going to be a race!

Since each team wins on the other's home ice, it might be a curse for the division winner should both teams face each other in the playoffs.

[Badguy]

I think it'll take 90 points to make the playoffs in the east. Therefore, Toronto needs to go 10-4 down the stretch to make it. Possible, Yes ... likely, No.

Tonight and Saturday's games with Montreal should say alot. Why are both games in Montreal? A bit odd.


These back-to-back home games against the same team is a feature of the NHL this season. It really does give a more accurate interpretation of home-and-home series. :crazy:

Perhaps this is the closest way to emulate a playoff series between the two teams. Unless they each make the playoffs and then face each other later on in the second round. :tup:

[Irish Blues]

Why are both games in Montreal? A bit odd.
The way the league has set the schedule up for the past few years is screwed up - lots of off days in the early 2 months of the season, game after game crammed into the final 2 months. Then throw in changing the number of divisional games to 8 (not a bad idea IMO) but then having some of these teams play 4 and 5 times in 5 weeks, then not playing for 3 months (a *very* bad idea IMO), and I really have to wonder why they can't make a schedule that balances off days and spreads the games out against opponents more smoothly.

Playing 2 games in the same place on back-to-back nights would make sense for something like Los Angeles and St. Louis; the league actually did some of this back in the late 70s and early 80s to help with travel costs. But Toronto and Montreal? Just makes no sense - but then again, we're talking about the NHL.

[DoctorNo]

But Toronto and Montreal? Just makes no sense

They're probably trying to enhance the rivalries. I know that when Vancouver was here for two consecutive games in October, it was fantastic at the Pepsi Center - of course, it was Bertuzzi's first two games in Denver since "the incident", so it would have been heated anyhow.

[DoctorNo]

Just before it gets brought up, I'm not suggesting that rivalries such as Toronto-Montreal need enhancing of this sort. I'm just guessing at the league's motive.

[Irish Blues]

They're probably trying to enhance the rivalries. I know that when Vancouver was here for two consecutive games in October, it was fantastic at the Pepsi Center - of course, it was Bertuzzi's first two games in Denver since "the incident", so it would have been heated anyhow.
But did Colorado and Vancouver need to play 6 times in 40 days, then not again until January 28 and then not again until April 15? I don't have a problem with them playing back-to-back games (I think all division rivals should have at least 2 home-and-home series), but there's no good reason they had to play 3/4 of their games in the first 2 months and then only play twice over the rest of the season.

That's just being lazy in scheduling games, and it's something the NHL needs to work on for '06-07 instead of just taking what the computer spits out and saying, "Well, OK - the computer says this is the schedule so here it is!"

[DoctorNo]

But did Colorado and Vancouver need to play 6 times in 40 days, then not again until January 28 and then not again until April 15?

Definitely not. By mid-December, I was sick and tired of seeing the Canucks every weekend. (And I'm a Canucks fan!)

[MountainHawk]

I don't mind the unbalanced schedule (though a little more balance would be nice if you are going to have 'wild card' spots that are determined within divisions.

The playing a team 5 times in 3 weeks does have to end though.

[SharksFan08]

Right now Edmonton and Vancouver are playing 3 times in 5 days, IIRC.

[MountainHawk]

* 2nd game of back to back

Atlantic Division Title:

1. NYR 88 pts, 13 GR : @FLA, @TBY*, BUF, @NYI, @OTT*, PHI, NYI, @BOS, @NJD*, NYI, @PIT, @PHI, OTT

2. PHI 88 pts, 12 GR: OTT, TOR, NJD, @NYI *, @NYR, @BUF, TOR*, PIT, @NJD, NYR, @NJD*, @NYI

I'm sticking by my prediction that the Flyers win this race, but damn, is it a whole lot closer than I ever thought it would be.

Ottawa seems to have put away the Northeast (to my surprise, I definite thought they would fade and the Sabres would take the division. Carolina is just 6 points away from offically wrapping up the Southeast, so not much of a race there either.

Eastern Conference Playoffs:

6. Tampa Bay, 77 points, 13 GR: WSH, NYR, @CAR, ATL, @FLA, FLA, ATL, PIT, @FLA*, ATL, @CAR, CAR, WSH

7. New Jersey, 76 points, 14 GR: @ATL, BOS*, TOR, @OTT, BUF, @PHI, @PIT*, PIT, @MTL, NYR*, @CAR, PHI, PHI, @MTL

8. Atlanta, 74 points, 13 GR: NJD, @NYI, @TBY, CAR, @OTT, @PHI, @TBY*, CAR, @TBY, WSH, BOS, @WSH, @FLA*

9. Montreal, 73 points, 14 GR: TOR, TOR, @PIT*, NYI, WSH, BOS, BOS, @OTT, NJD, OTT, @BUF, @BOS*, BUF

10. Toronto, 70 points, 14 GR: @MTL, @MTL, @NJD*, @PHI, BUF, BUF, NYI, @BOS*, @PHI, FLA, @NYI, OTT, @BUF*, PIT

11. Florida, 69 points, 13 GR: NYR, @BOS, @PIT, @CAR, TBY*, @TBY, ATL, PIT, TBY, @ TOR, @OTT, WSH, ATL

12. New York Islanders, 68 points, 14 GR: @PIT, ATL*, @ATL, NYR*, PIT, PHI, @TOR, @NYR*, WSH, @NYR, TOR, PIT, @PIT, @PHI*

New Jersey has a rough schedule down the stretch. If Montreal is going to catch someone, I think it'll be them. Toronto and Florida have outside shots, but I don't see it happening.


In the West, I'm giving Dallas the Pacific and Detroit the Central. The race for the Northwest is very intertwined with the rest of the race, so here it is in one shot:

3. Calgary, 84 points, 14 GR: @STL, @CLB*, @DAL, LAK, COL, @EDM*, DET, PHX, MIN, @VAN*, ANA, COL, @LAK, @ANA

5. Colorado, 83 points, 12 GR: @STL, EDM*, ANA, @CAL, CHI, SJS, STL, MIN*, PHX, @VAN, @EDM

6. Anaheim, 82 points, 14 GR: NSH, @PHX*, @COL, @DAL*, DAL, VAN, LAK, DAL, @LAK, @VAN, @CAL*, @EDM, @SJS, CAL

7. Vancouver, 80 points, 12 GR: EDM, EDM, LAK, MIN, MIN, @ANA, @LAK*, CAL, ANA, SJS, @SJS*, COL

8. Edmonton, 79 points, 13 GR: @VAN, @VAN, @COL*, MIN, LAK, CAL, PHX, @MIN, @CHI*, @STL, @DET, ANA, COL

9. Los Angeles, 79 points, 12 GR: NSH, @VAN, @CAL, @EDM*, DAL, VAN, @ANA*, SJS, ANA, @PHX, CAL, @SJS

10. San Jose, 78 points, 15 GR: @DET, @MIN, @CHI*, PHX, PHX, @DAL, @COL, @LAK*, DAL, @PHX*, @VAN, VAN*, ANA, LAK

Give me Calgary to hang on to win the division, and I like SJ to get in at Anaheim's expense, but I think Vancouver just edges out LA for the last spot, thanks to a soft schedule primarily at home.

[GefilteFish144]

I don't mind the unbalanced schedule (though a little more balance would be nice if you are going to have 'wild card' spots that are determined within divisions.

The playing a team 5 times in 3 weeks does have to end though.

I'd gladly give up a couple of intradivisional games to see more East-West matchups, but from a financial perspective it's probably better to create this system. That not only gets the fans to more games (especially when teams are close together like the Rangers, Devils and Islanders) but it cuts down on travel costs.

[Irish Blues]

Going into tonight's games, my guess on who'll qualify (NOT broken into playoff seeds):

Eastern Conference
1. Ottawa (119 points, 100% chance of qualifying)
2. Carolina (115 points, 100% chance)
3. Buffalo (110 points, 100% chance)
4. NY Rangers (103 points, 100% chance)
5. Philadelphia (103 points, 100% chance)
6. Tampa Bay (92 points, 83.6% chance)
7. New Jersey (90 points, 70.9% chance)
8. Atlanta (90 points, 64.6% chance)
9. Montreal (89 points, 60.1% chance)
10. Toronto (86 points, 27.1% chance)
11. NY Islanders (84 points, 13.2% chance)
12. Florida (83 points, 5.3% chance)
13. Boston (79 points, 0.4% chance)
14. Washington (66 points, no chance of qualifying)
15. Pittsburgh (60 points, ... pfft - yeah right)

Western Conference
1. Detroit (119 points, 100% chance)
2. Dallas (111 points, 100% chance)
3. Nashville (108 points, 100% chance)
4. Colorado (99 points, 94.7% chance)
5. Calgary (98 points, 90.7% chance)
6. Anaheim (97 points, 82.8% chance)
7. San Jose (96 points, 74.2% chance)
8. Vancouver (95 points, 69.2% chance)
9. Edmonton (95 points, 66.2% chance)
10. Los Angeles (94 points, 47.4% chance)
11. Minnesota (83 points, 0.3% chance)
12. Phoenix (83 points, 0.1% chance)
13. Columbus (68 points, no chance of qualifying)
14. St. Louis (67 points, even less of a chance)
15. Chicago (67 points, see St. Louis)

I didn't break ties in the regular season, but for this I broke by the average seed each team got when I simulated the season 1,000 times.

[MountainHawk]

So are the Blues really going to be sold this time?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

10. Los Angeles (94 points, 47.4% chance)

In early January, you would have been insane to think this.
I don't know what happened to them (besides the travel-induced injuries). Local rag suggests that the team quit on Murray. I think Roenick was a bad idea. Maybe he gets shelved for the rest of the season.

[Irish Blues]

So are the Blues really going to be sold this time?
At this point, I'm not believing much until the BoG signs off. But supposedly Checketts is going to put down a $10 million non-refundable deposit. I'm just hoping he's actually got cash left over b/c the plan mentioned about 2 months ago had him borrowing all of the money he was going to need to buy the team and run it for the first 2 years.

If past history is any indication, that strategy didn't work for any of the other Blues owners who went down that road and the team was back up for sale within 3 years.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Flyers play a solid 60 minutes of hockey, win 6-3. Jagr owns Esche tho ... he had all three for the Rangers. Rangers have a GIH, but we are tied in points ... going to be a race!
I thought you said the head to head games wouldn't matter....:wink:

[MountainHawk]

I thought you said the head to head games wouldn't matter....:wink:
I said they may not matter if the Rangers continued to struggle and the Flyers continued playing strong ... the Rangers did not, and the Flyers did not.

If FALSE, then FALSE evaluates to TRUE, so I was right. ;-)

[Irish Blues]

Calgary 7, St. Louis 2. The Blues are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs (they actually were the night before when Anaheim won in OT), thus ending the longest active postseason streak in professional sports. Chicago's 28-year run from 1970-1997 and Boston's 29-year run from about the same time frame were longer, and only the Blackhawks had a longer run without winning a championship.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that puts Detroit now on top with 15 straight appearances (counting this season).

[Badguy]

Looks like the Leafs will not make the playoffs after two straight losses to the Habs. :swear:

Anyone think there will be a firing of Quinn and/or Ferguson?

[Irish Blues]

Looks like the Leafs will not make the playoffs after two straight losses to the Habs. :swear:

Anyone think there will be a firing of Quinn and/or Ferguson?
If it's a sign of anything, I don't know of a Bruins fan who shed a tear when Mike O'Connell got canned last night.

I suspect there will be rioting in Toronto as people celebrate if either Quinn or Ferguson gets the shaft.

[MountainHawk]

Flyers claim first in the Atlantic with the wins tiebreaker after smoking Ottawa ... Rangers. Flyers must be playing well, no M&M posts recently.

[DoctorNo]

And now, a haiku:


Pepsi Center game
Avs and Oilers first place fight
My lungs are ready



Look for me in my Ron Hextall Nordiques sweater!

[MountainHawk]

Go Hextall!

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers claim first in the Atlantic with the wins tiebreaker after smoking Ottawa ... Rangers. Flyers must be playing well, no M&M posts recently.

Aww.. you missed me. I was on vacation last week.

BTW, I thought you had me on ignore, cowboy.

[Irish Blues]

Aww.. you missed me. I was on vacation last week.

BTW, I thought you had me on ignore, cowboy.
Maybe he's just psychic?

-- Is that better, Doctor No? ;)

[DoctorNo]

He'd know if you posted because when you do post he sees this:

This message is hidden because Mike and Maddog is on your ignore list.

Come on, IB - don't give away all of our secrets!

[Irish Blues]

Come on, IB - don't give away all of our secrets!
What secrets? I just asked if maybe MountainHawk was psychic? :tup:

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Saturday's King game was a pretty manic. Nashville blew two 2-gaol leads. Kings looked a bit disorganized but didn't quit.
Tonight at Vancouver on OLN (7:30 Pacific), in case you're interested.

[seabass]

Saturday's King game was a pretty manic. Nashville blew two 2-gaol leads. Kings looked a bit disorganized but didn't quit.
Tonight at Vancouver on OLN (7:30 Pacific), in case you're interested.

How have Parrish and Sopel been playing? I'm counting on that team making the playoffs so the Isles can get that extra pick from the trade.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

How have Parrish and Sopel been playing? I'm counting on that team making the playoffs so the Isles can get that extra pick from the trade.
Parrish scored on Saturday. He looks like a good fit.
Best news is that Roenick might be out for the season. He's the clubhouse-flesh-eating-virus.

[Mike and Maddog]

Originally Posted by Irish Blues
He'd know if you posted because when you do post he sees this:

This message is hidden because Mike and Maddog is on your ignore list.

.........


In other words, he's a sissy. He hides behind an ignore list, but sees nothing wrong with taking shots at someone on his ignore list.

[MountainHawk]

You've been unignored for awhile. Decided to make it my mission to have you banned instead. Judging by the number of posts of yours that have been editted in this thread, I think I'm gaining ground in my mission.

[hardinda]

Sabres v Rangers tonight - Sabres have lost 5 in a row and looked pathetic. I had to leave the Sabres v Thrashers game last monday after 2 periods - it was that bad.

I don't see them shaking their funk yet again. I'm going with the Ranger 5-2 tonight.

Hopefully they are slumping early enough to recover by playoff time. I think they are gonna drop into the 5 spot and lose home ice disadvantage to either the Flyers or Rangers.

[MountainHawk]

Just a shame what is going on in Buffalo. I can't imagine dealing with a child of mine having a brain tumor.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I don't see them shaking their funk yet again. I'm going with the Ranger 5-2 tonight.

they did better than that prediction...Rangers needed a SO to get the win.

anyone get to watch the game?

[Irish Blues]

Carolina and Detroit clinch playoff spots with wins tonight; the Hurricanes are 3 points away from locking up the Southeast.

The Rangers move back into 1st ahead of Philadelphia as Lundqvist comes into the game in relief of Weekes. Florida looks like they finally want to make a playoff run (albeit 15 games too late) as they become the latest team to beat Boston in the shootout, putting the Panthers at 9-1-0 in their last 10.

Now coming up: Vancouver vs. Los Angeles, or "The battle of teams who should be near-locks for a playoff spot but managed to back out of the top 8 over the last few weeks".

[Mike and Maddog]

You've been unignored for awhile. Decided to make it my mission to have you banned instead. Judging by the number of posts of yours that have been editted in this thread, I think I'm gaining ground in my mission.

That's perfect. First you run away behind the ignore list. Then you run to mommy and cry. Time to stop running away like a little girl.

[hardinda]

they did better than that prediction...Rangers needed a SO to get the win.

anyone get to watch the game?

I watched it and the Rangers got a gift from the officials. Sabres were up 4-2 and ended up blowing the 2 goal lead with a little help from the 5, 3rd period penalties they took along with a penalty in OT.

It was an exciting game and if that turns out to be the playoff series, it'll be a good one.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers give away points with loss to Leafs
In a game that should have been a win, the Flyers faltered with sloppy play.
By Tim Panaccio



The two points were there for the asking. They were screaming, waving, imploring the Flyers to come and grab them.

Get the win, settle back into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, and move on to Saturday's game against the New Jersey Devils.

Pat Quinn's Toronto Maple Leafs were a beaten-up club, barely over .500 in their last 10 games, and facing the likelihood of not making the playoffs.

:lol:

[seabass]

:yawn:

[Irish Blues]

:yawn:
QFA.

[seabass]

Great game last night against Montreal and NY, unfortunately NY ended up on the wrong side of the goaltenders duel. The win should be enough to put Montreal over, although Atlanta and Toronto both have a chance to make up the ground. Are we really that close to a Gerber or Emery vs. Huet goaltending matchup? Wow...

Anyway, I've been happy with the way the Isles have been playing lately, and pretty excited to see how the team develops next year. They'll need to fill in quite a few blanks to really get going:

- Keep Shaw in, or hire a new coach?
- New GM choice
- Buy-out Yashin... not sure about this anymore. We still need some semblance of a #1 center, and buying the contract out would create a need there. I don't want them overspending again, but then again, I'm not sure who will be out there. Also, he has been pretty good with Bergenheim and Nilsson, a set that I would have never expected to work as well as it has.
- Figure out special teams... they can be good, but the PP just seems too boring and predictible. They'll need to either groom a PP quarterback or get one. I think the current payroll is under $30 mil, so there is certainly room to get someone. Getting creative doesn't hurt either.

[SharksFan08]

So, I never really noticed this until your last post. You root for the Rangers AND the Islanders? Is that common up there?

[seabass]

So, I never really noticed this until your last post. You root for the Rangers AND the Islanders? Is that common up there?

No way. All Islanders... did I make an mistake somewhere?

[SharksFan08]

No, you didn't, I misunderstood. Sorry about that.

[Patience]

You root for the Rangers AND the Islanders? Is that common up there?

For true hockey fans the hatred can rival Mets/Yankees. For casual fans like me I root for all the area teams, though Rangers / Islander / Devils, in that order.

[Mike and Maddog]

No way. All Islanders... did I make an mistake somewhere?

:lol:

[Dr T Non-Fan]

How have Parrish and Sopel been playing? I'm counting on that team making the playoffs so the Isles can get that extra pick from the trade.
Parrish scored again on Monday, but a brutal loss for the Kings. There was one point, maybe they were one goal down, and the puck came into the defensive corner, and it looked like teh defenseman wasn't even trying to control and clear. A few seconds later, goal for Vancouver.
Guys on OLN (probably the second-team) aren't all that great. Nice info on what the Kings have to do the rest of the season -- beat the teams just above them in the standings.

Tonight against Edmonton.

[edit] Er, last night lost to Calgary. Tonight (3/30) against Edmonton. Lose this, and they're done, IMO.

[GefilteFish144]

For true hockey fans the hatred can rival Mets/Yankees. For casual fans like me I root for all the area teams, though Rangers / Islander / Devils, in that order.

Grew up in NJ, live in NYC, wife's family lives on the Island. Rangers vs. Devils regular season I root for OT, but in '94 I was for the Rangers. (Glad Devils won it the next year.) Don't care much for the Islanders but if the other area teams are out of the playoffs I'd be happy if they won. (Similar to my feelings about the Mets and Jets.)

[Patience]

a while back there was a lengthy discusion on Rookie of the year. I think it is obvious Ovechkin is the front runner. But I just wanted to be sure Hendrik Lundqvist was in the discussion. 30 wins, 2.15 GA (3rd); .925 Sv% (2nd) though not sure what is the minimum games to be counted, is the number is >43 he is first in both stats

ok, i'm happy, now he's in the discussion

[seabass]

a while back there was a lengthy discusion on Rookie of the year. I think it is obvious Ovechkin is the front runner. But I just wanted to be sure Hendrik Lundqvist was in the discussion. 30 wins, 2.15 GA (3rd); .925 Sv% (2nd) though not sure what is the minimum games to be counted, is the number is >43 he is first in both stats

ok, i'm happy, now he's in the discussion

He's definitely in, and its entirely possible that he could sneak in as a Vezina finalist as well. It'll likely be him, Sid, and Ovechkin as Calder finalists, with Svatos and Phaneuf knocking on the door.

[DoctorNo]

No minimum number of games required for Calder consideration.

If I had to pick the finalists, in order: Ovechkin, Phaneuf, Crosby. Here's why: while AO, Crosby and Lundqvist are haggling over Eastern Conference writers' votes, a lot of Western Conference voters are really high on Phaneuf.

[Patience]

No minimum number of games required for Calder consideration.

If I had to pick the finalists, in order: Ovechkin, Phaneuf, Crosby. Here's why: while AO, Crosby and Lundqvist are haggling over Eastern Conference writers' votes, a lot of Western Conference voters are really high on Phaneuf.

I meant minimum for goal tending stats to be considered league leading. It would be shocking if he could lead the NHL in GA & Sv% and not be top 3 in Calder

[GefilteFish144]

He's definitely in, and its entirely possible that he could sneak in as a Vezina finalist as well. It'll likely be him, Sid, and Ovechkin as Calder finalists, with Svatos and Phaneuf knocking on the door.

Rangers have strong candidates for a few of the awards. Lundqvist for Calder/Vezina, Jagr for Hart and Renney for Coach of the Year (which frequently goes to coaches who have turned pathetic teams into contenders).

[seabass]

I preferred the "bored with hockey" version of Jagr.

[GefilteFish144]

I preferred the "bored with hockey" version of Jagr.

You might get your wish when his contract expires in a couple years. He said he plans to retire after that.

[MountainHawk]

Right now, I'd put Crosby fourth:

Ovechkin


Lundqvist
Phaneuf

Crosby

[Irish Blues]

I meant minimum for goal tending stats to be considered league leading. It would be shocking if he could lead the NHL in GA & Sv% and not be top 3 in Calder
25 games minimum IIRC. I think he's got that.

[hardinda]

25 games minimum IIRC. I think he's got that.

He's trying to get rid of Huet from the stats, that's why he wants the minimum higher. Huet has the games and will stay in the stats as long as he plays well.

[Patience]

He's trying to get rid of Huet from the stats, that's why he wants the minimum higher. Huet has the games and will stay in the stats as long as he plays well.

& Hasek's numbers aren't going to change

[Real American Hero]

You know, I really love the way they did the scheduling this season. [/sarcasm]

[Irish Blues]

You know, I really love the way they did the scheduling this season. [/sarcasm]
I didn't have that big of a problem with it. I had actually been suggesting this format as long as 4 years ago.

Strange how people swore the importance of divisional play had been watered down and we needed more emphasis put on divisional play and conference play - so the league designed a schedule to do just that, and now people swear there's too many divisional and conference games.

I maintain that had the league drawn up a schedule that spread games against opponents out more evenly instead of seeing two teams having their games clumped together, people wouldn't be nearly as upset. I know people are complaining about how fans in the West don't get to see Dany Heatley and Jaromir Jagr but every 3rd year, and I can't help but wonder how MLB ever survived with NL fans in Cincinnati never getting to see their team play the Yankees at Riverfront.

I also hear people complain about how Detroit and Nashville are fattening up on Chicago, Columbus and St. Louis. (1) That happens; look at the Southleast Division for much of the last 7 years. (2) If you look at the records of Detroit and Nashville after taking out games against Chicago, Columbus and St. Louis, those two teams are still doing pretty well.

If we have to change the schedule, then I'd suggest the following:

8 games vs. division teams = 32 games
4 games vs. teams in 1 division in your conference = 20 games
2 games vs. teams in the other division in your conference = 20 games
2 games vs. 1 division in the opposite conference = 10 games
1 game vs. the other 2 divisions in the opposite conference = 10 games
TOTAL GAMES: 82

The 4/2 arrangement in your own conference would flip every year, so that every 2 years you'll have played the other 10 conference teams a total of 6 times.

The 2/1/1 arrangement against the other conference would rotate so that every 3 years, you'll have played teams in the other conference 4 times - 2 home, 2 away.

[Real American Hero]

My beef is more with the 2 games in 6 days followed by 3 games in 4 days, and the schedule upon return from the Olympic break.

I've heard the *****in' about Detroit and Nashville getting fat on CHI, CBJ and STL. Consider:
CBJ - 7 pts in 13 games vs. DET/NSH, 54 pts in 59 games vs. rest of the league.
CHI - 3 pts in 12 games vs. DET/NSH, 52 pts in 59 games vs. rest of the league.
STL - 3 pts in 12 games vs. DET/NSH, 51 pts in 59 games vs. rest of the league.

[Irish Blues]

My beef is more with the 2 games in 6 days followed by 3 games in 4 days, and the schedule upon return from the Olympic break.
I completely agree. I've said for 5+ years now that there's no reason Dallas should have a week off in November and play 7 games in the month, and then have to play 17 times in December, 16 in March, and 7 in half of April. If you make the schedule 185 days or so, there's no reason the league can't come up with a schedule that (A) gets rid of playing 3 times in 4 nights completely, (B) gets rid of the situations where teams play twice in 11 days, and (C) keeps all 30 teams within no more than 3 games (even better, 2 games) of each other in terms of games played throughout the season.

[MountainHawk]

Methinks you severely underestimate the scheduling difficulties when these teams share the buildings with anywhere from 0 to 3 other teams, as well as concerts, skating shows, the Globetrotters, etc.

[Real American Hero]

I'd have to think that at least a third of the league doesn't share their arena with a major league team, so this shouldn't be a major headache. (off the top of my head: Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Columbus, Detroit, St. Louis, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, San Jose, Anaheim) Let the skating shows and Globetrotters work around the NHL schedule.

[Patience]

I'd have to think that at least a third of the league doesn't share their arena with a major league team, so this shouldn't be a major headache. (off the top of my head: Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Columbus, Detroit, St. Louis, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, San Jose, Anaheim) Let the skating shows and Globetrotters work around the NHL schedule.

but that means these teams are the scheduled home teams for a sixth of all games which really doesn't change the equation terribly much

plus however owns these arenas already knows the income from hockey. He will try to squeeze in Dora the Explorer on Ice and the circus whenever he can and the dollar will prevail over the schedule maker. btw, do any of the above share for Arena football or indoor lacrosse?

[seabass]

I have some faith that the NHL schedule-makers aren't completely inept, and that the combination of the olympic break, NBA, and the new divison-heavy schedule contributed to the problem. Still, hopefully whoever works on the scheds finds some way to fix it up a bit. They'll have more time to plan this time and correct past mistakes.

[seabass]

btw, do any of the above share for Arena football or indoor lacrosse?

Nassau only shares with the Arena football team, but there should only be a conflict every other weekend. Otherwise, they get concerts, ice shows, and other random events. Some of the bigger shows probably bring in more revenue than Isles games anyway (insert attendance joke here).

[Irish Blues]

Methinks you severely underestimate the scheduling difficulties when these teams share the buildings with anywhere from 0 to 3 other teams, as well as concerts, skating shows, the Globetrotters, etc.
No, I fully understand that there are teams who have to schedule around other events. And I still maintain that there's no reason the NHL couldn't put together a vastly better schedule in terms of spreading out how often teams play certain opponents and cutting down on off days early in the season than it does now.

[MountainHawk]

According to the person I know that works for Comcast Spectator, The Flyers were given something like 52 dates to put in their 41 games. That's not exactly a whole lot of dates. Now granted, that number is lower this year than most because the NHL (idiotically, IMO) throws away 2-3 weeks for the Olympics, but still trying to squeeze in 41 games into the 60-65 they might normally get isn't going to be easy either.

(The NLL team got 9 dates for 8 games, so the NHL has it easy compared to them. Take a look at the NLL schedule sometime, it's far more brutal than the NHL).

[Irish Blues]

According to the person I know that works for Comcast Spectator, The Flyers were given something like 52 dates to put in their 41 games. That's not exactly a whole lot of dates. Now granted, that number is lower this year than most because the NHL (idiotically, IMO) throws away 2-3 weeks for the Olympics, but still trying to squeeze in 41 games into the 60-65 they might normally get isn't going to be easy either.
Fine. What about the road games? What about other teams? The Flyers had to play 14 games in December, January, and March and will have 10 in 18 days in April while only playing 10 in 25 days in October. I don't buy that them only having 52 days to schedule 41 home games is causing them to play 10 times (4 of which are home games) in April.

Why couldn't the Flyers have played once between October 16 and October 21? They could have played twice in that stretch and taken pressure off the April part of the schedule without hurting anything. If they didn't have home dates available, they could have played a couple of those 6 April road games.

Maybe not having a slew of open dates added to the compression this season - but even in '03-04 when there was no Olympic break, the back half of the schedule was hyper-compressed like it is this season. It's just being sloppy with the scheduling.

[MountainHawk]

There are 30 * 41 = 1230 NHL games to schedule each year. Let's assume there are 185 days to schedule those games in, and buildings are available 35% of the time on average.

That gives about 1950 open dates, which means the NHL must use about 2/3rds of the dates available to it to make a schedule. That's a pretty tight timeframe. Also consider that they try not to make a team play @ CAL one night and @FLA the next.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that there are < 500 or so POSSIBLE schedules that meet all the requirements that are placed on it. (ex: Minimal absurd travel. Canadian teams all playing each other on HDIC. Flyers need a home game the night before the carnival.) All of those schedules are bound to have some flaws.

[Real American Hero]

On a different note: Detroit should rewrite the record for road wins in a season (http://www.couchpotatohockey.com/Records/Reg_Season_Team_Records/Team_Wins.asp). They currently sit at 26 with 6 road games remaining (including each team in their division). FWIW, only one of the 26 came in the shoot out.

[Irish Blues]

It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that there are < 500 or so POSSIBLE schedules that meet all the requirements that are placed on it. (ex: Minimal absurd travel. Canadian teams all playing each other on HDIC. Flyers need a home game the night before the carnival.) All of those schedules are bound to have some flaws.
Oh God yes, I forgot about HNIC getting its say in who plays when. I'm sure ESPN has the same thing when they ....... no, wait - ESPN doesn't cover hockey any more.

[MountainHawk]

Oh God yes, I forgot about HNIC getting its say in who plays when. I'm sure ESPN has the same thing when they ....... no, wait - ESPN doesn't cover hockey any more.
You laugh, but HNIC definitely gets to dictate when games happen to some extent. Go look at how often the Leafs and Sens were both on the road on the same Saturday night. I bet it's darn close to never.

[MountainHawk]

Well all, after today I'm gone for a week, off to the World Curling Championships in Lowell, MA. Probably won't be chiming in much the next week, so someone keep Irish Blues under control until I get back. :)

Go Flyers!

[Mike and Maddog]

flyers had a mixed bag this weekend. they did beat the icelanders yesterday, but that would be a shock if they didn't.

on saturday, they got whacked by the devils, a team they should beat.

So overall, a disappointing 2 out of 4 possible points.

2 key games coming up. rangers and buffalo. rangers for first place, buffalo the team they may play in the first round (and has their number).

[DoctorNo]

M&M, I think you might actually be a Flyers fan. Fess up!

[Irish Blues]

Well all, after today I'm gone for a week, off to the World Curling Championships in Lowell, MA. Probably won't be chiming in much the next week, so someone keep Irish Blues under control until I get back. :)
Mrs. IB says I'm not worth the trouble. :tup:

Buffalo can clinch a playoff spot tonight win a win or OTL against Toronto, or a win by Ottawa over Atlanta. A loss by Atlanta would also put the Rangers' magic number to clinch at 1.

In the West, it'll be a few days before anyone else can clinch. The Predators' magic number is 8.

And yes - things continue to get worse for the Blues, who lost Dallas Drake and Patrick Lalime (OK, maybe that wasn't a big loss) in back-to-back games with injuries. The Blues will now have Reinhard Divis and Chris Beckford-Tseu to man the nets until Jason Bacashihua ..... ah, screw it. Like every other Blues fan, I just want to get this season over.

[GefilteFish144]

flyers had a mixed bag this weekend. they did beat the icelanders yesterday, but that would be a shock if they didn't.

on saturday, they got whacked by the devils, a team they should beat.


Devils aren't such an easy mark. For one thing, Brodeur gets tougher in the spring. Also, the past couple of months the Devils have compiled an impressive record against the top 7 teams in the east while having problems against the lower half, especially the Icelanders and Pittsburgh. (They needed a PP to tie the Pens with just 20 seconds to go in regulation yesterday, and even then they came within a few inches of having the puck go into their empty net.)

Before their current 4-game winning streak the Devils went through a cold snap till Lou realized that the team was going nowhere with just 1 scoring line. So he "cracked" the EGG line (Elias, Gomez, Gionta) and so far the results have been good. The Devils will be a tough draw for the 1st place team that has to face them.

[Real American Hero]

Screw the race in the East. The West is where the excitement is. 6 teams within 5 points for the last 4 spots, and third and fourth aren't locked up either, but barring a total collapse both Nashville and Calgary should make the playoffs. Where they stand, and how much they'll be beating each other up:

5. Anaheim - 90 points / 8 games left - LA, DAL, @LA, @VAN, @CAL, @EDM, @SJ, CAL
6. Colorado - 90 / 7 - SJ, STL, MIN, PHX, @CAL, @VAN, @EDM
7. Edmonton - 88 / 6 - @MIN, @CHI, @STL, @DET, ANA, COL
8. Vancouver - 87 / 5 - CAL, ANA, SJ, @SJ, COL
9. San Jose - 85 / 8 - @COL, @LA, DAL @PHX, @VAN, VAN, ANA, LA
10. Los Angeles - 85 / 7 - @ANA, SJ, ANA, @PHX, CAL, @SJ

The 'nucks can be happy that 4 of their last 5 are at home, where they've played darn good hockey. At the same time they should be very nervous since the Sharks sit only 2 points back with 3 games in hand. They will need to win both ends of the home and home with San Jose in regulation to hold their edge.

The Oilers should be able to pile up some points in their next 3 games, while the rest pound on each other.

[Uncle Larry]

I went to the Home opener for the Thrashers. The Thrashers are not only a playoff team, but with the announcement of signing Kovalchuk and the rest of the firepower this team has, they will compete for winning the Eastern conference in the regular season. I also wouldn't be surprised if they score the most goals in the NHL this year.Do you realize the Thrashers lineup?

Holik, Bondra, Kovalchuk, Kozlov, Hossa, Savard

I expect those 6 alone will each have 30 goal seasons.

Modry and de Vries at the blueline will also contribute quite a few points.Let's see how Hrdina's doing here. Playoff team? They're 7 pts back with 8 games to go. It's going to be very very hard.

Compete for winning the Eastern conference? They're on pace to play 82 games so I guess that's competing, but they're 29 points back of Ottawa.

Most goals in the NHL? They're currently in a very respectable 6th, so not bad there.

Six players with 30 goals? Ouch...Let's have a look.

1 ILYA KOVALCHUK 48
2 MARC SAVARD 27
3 MARIAN HOSSA 34
4 VYACHESLAV KOZLOV 23
5 JAROSLAV MODRY 7
6 PETER BONDRA ATL 18
9 BOBBY HOLIK 12Well, Marc Savard could get 30, he's on pace for 29.9. If Bondra had played 82 games he was on pace for 28. That's short, and not to mention he'd be taking some away from linemates. And that's with all 82 games, take out 4 or 5 for days off etc and he's closer to 25 or 26.

I'll give you 3 out of 6, even though you could end up with 2 of 6. Just cause I'm in a good mood.

Modry and de Vries have 68 points so far. Not bad for 2 defensemen so not too bad there.

Overall I'll give you a D. I'll admit Buffalo's having a great season, a lot better than I, or just about anyone expected. However considering how you picked both your favorite teams to have great years, I'm going to have to chalk it up to cheering for the home team. Credit for predicting Buffalo would do well has been removed.

[Super Silver Haze]

They're on pace to play 82 games so I guess that's competing
:rofl:

[Patience]

btw, what is the first tie breaker if two teams have the same points? Is it wins?

also I am looking at the standings on ESPN and Boston is not listed as eliminated. They have 69 pts in 75 games. Isn't that max 83? Because right now 8th place has 85.

[Uncle Larry]

Wins, second tie breaker is head to head.

[hardinda]

also I am looking at the standings on ESPN and Boston is not listed as eliminated. They have 69 pts in 75 games. Isn't that max 83? Because right now 8th place has 85.

I noticed the same thing and yes, they are eliminated ... guess ESPN isn't playing attention to the "e".

[hardinda]

Blah Blah Blah Blah (I'm just mad b/c Toronto sucks this year)

I think i figured out your post.

[hardinda]

After watching the opening games Wednesday night, I'm not counting any teams in or out of the playoffs. This is definitely a new NHL. The same old players and same old teams aren't going to dominate. There is alot of room on the ice now.

Sabres like Tim Connolly, Afinogenov, Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Thomas Vanek, J.P. Dumont all have offensive skills. They played a very good game on Wednesday night and I expect that to continue. They play the Bruins tonight, it'll be interesting to see how they fare against a new look Bruins team.

I think this quote was just being a homer ... I didn't pick out any specific players or anything ... or any reasons for that matter.

[hardinda]

Has anyone else noticed that as we get closer to the playoffs, the "new" NHL is turning into the old NHL?

I've seen a ton of holding away from the puck not being called. I think that the "new" NHL was great for the beginning of a new season, but we are starting to see the NHL move back to it's old style in different ways.

You can't even think about bringing your stick up on the puckholder - it'll be called. But you can clutch/grab/hold the other 4 guys on the ice all you want. They are cracking down on the holding/grabbing/hooking in one area, but not all the other areas.

[Real American Hero]

I'd personally like to see the knee jobs cracked down on. Just last night, Witt drew a 1 game suspension for a knee-to-knee on Vyborny (out indefinitely). Tucker got NOTHING for his knee-to-knee with attempted elbow to the head of Hecht (out 2 weeks) and Marchmant nothing for an attempt on Zetterberg. And that's just one night.

[hardinda]

Don't even get me started on Tucker. I haven't seen anything that says how long Hecht will be out. Last night, Lindy said it was "long term" and would be into the playoffs.

The biggest joke is that the Leafs used Tucker as a shooter in the penalty shot ... LOL, what a joke - no wonder the Leafs aren't going to make the playoffs. Using classless, skillless players as one of their three shooters.

Tucker is, was and will always be a no-skill/dirty/bad hockey player.

[Uncle Larry]

If you saw the hit you'd see it wasn't knee on knee. Tucker did go after the head, but Hecht tried to dodge out of the way and their shins collided. Hecht didn't even go down on the play, he stood there, waited for Tucker to get up then sticked Tucker in the head.

How could it have been a "vicious" knee on knee if Hecht didn't even go down?

[hardinda]

LOL, yeah ... he didn't have any intent to injure. No suspension for Tucker, when Briere gets two games for careless use of the stick (which I actually thought was an appropriate suspension)

BUT ... you have a player who is obviously out to injure someone. He gets NO SUSPENSION. If you have careless use of your stick with no intent to hurt anyone, you get 2 games.

Typical NHL head office garbage.

When Tucker gets the crap kicked out of him in that last game against the Sabres - you can blame the NHL head office for not taking care of this when they should have. This one will be taken care of on the ice.

Oh yeah, Lindy gets fined $10,000 for saying bad things. Maybe it hurt Tucker's feelings - nope maybe it was the truth.

[seabass]

The biggest joke is that the Leafs used Tucker as a shooter in the penalty shot ... LOL, what a joke - no wonder the Leafs aren't going to make the playoffs. Using classless, skillless players as one of their three shooters.


That wasn't the first time he was used, either. Both he and Shawn Bates were the third shooters during a NYI/TO shootout, and I just thought it was that both were big figures in their matchup four years ago (Tucker for the Peca hit, Bates for the penalty shot goal midway through). I couldn't think of any other reason Tucker would be used, and his shot wasn't exactly an inspiring attempt.

[Uncle Larry]

LOL, yeah ... he didn't have any intent to injure. No suspension for Tucker, when Briere gets two games for careless use of the stick (which I actually thought was an appropriate suspension)

BUT ... you have a player who is obviously out to injure someone. He gets NO SUSPENSION. If you have careless use of your stick with no intent to hurt anyone, you get 2 games.

Typical NHL head office garbage.

When Tucker gets the crap kicked out of him in that last game against the Sabres - you can blame the NHL head office for not taking care of this when they should have. This one will be taken care of on the ice.

Oh yeah, Lindy gets fined $10,000 for saying bad things. Maybe it hurt Tucker's feelings - nope maybe it was the truth.Let's see, the refs didn't think it was a knee, and Colin Cambell, after having the chance to review the tape as many times as he wanted to didn't think there was any intent to injure, but poor crybaby Lindy Ruff and the cry baby Sabres fans think it was because one of the girls on their team got a boo boo. Tucker is going to get paidback on the ice? Give me a break. None of the girls on the Sabres can fight, and no one is going to do anything about it. Face it, you can talk about the Sabres being built for the new NHL, but the Sabres are built for women's hockey. It's still a men's league, and the Sabres aren't tough enough to cut it. Hecht could have dropped the gloves and Tucker would have gone him, but Hecht instead swings his baseball bat at Tucker's head. The Sabres are afraid to drop the gloves.

PS - Tucker has one goal less than Buffalo's leading goal scorer, and in 10 fewer games. So much for the no talent bum thing.

[Keef]

Tucker did go after the head, but he missed cause he's still dizzy from Kovalev's hit

IFYQ

[hardinda]

Everyone around the league (even a few leafs fans) admit to it being a dirty hit. If you don't want to - then fine live in your leafs lala land. Sabres will come out for redemption. That should not be the way it is handled, but it now will be the way it's handled. Andrew Peters will be ready to drop the gloves. Mike Grier will be ready to put on a hit. Jay McKee will be ready to knock him into tomorrow. The Sabres are in the playoffs, by that point ... the game will probably be pointless. It's going to turn into a payback game and that is not right. This should have been handled in the league office. Campbell sucks at his job and couldn't think about giving a Leaf player a suspension. Leafs fans were crying when Tucker got hit a few weeks ago in the Habs game. I expect some more crying in that last Sabres game.

Speaking of swinging a stick like a bat. Here is Tucker from Saturday night, again no penalty (explain this one):

[hardinda]

Look at Tucker's face ... it's priceless:

[Uncle Larry]

I never said it was a clean hit. Tucker got his gloves up in Hecht's face. Definetely a penalty. He wasn't even thinking about his knees though. He was getting his gloves up in Hecht's face. And it should be handled on the ice. If there was no instigator penalty, Peters (Does he even play? How many games he get in this year?) could have beat the crap out of Tucker and I would have had no problem with it. If Tucker gets beat up (which he clearly won't) in their last game, he got what was coming.

Showing a still of a high stick means nothing, if you have a still of knee on knee contact, that might be worth something. That still is a high stick, but doesn't look like anything worse than 2 minutes unless you can show the clip to me. Not even worth the bandwidth it's using.


Any comment on Tucker's goals vs the rest of the Sabres team? Didn't think so.

[hardinda]

Any comment on Tucker's goals vs the rest of the Sabres team? Didn't think so.

Good for him, any comment on his horrible attempt to score on the penalty shot? The reason the Leafs did not make the playoffs this year can be shown by his stats (the fact that he leads the TEAM in GOALS ... LOL). Garbage players like him and Domi - lol, great talent. When they replace their current "talent" with hockey players - maybe they'll actually be a good team. Until then, have fun watching from the sidelines. Hope the weather warms up soon in Toronto, b/c golf season in only a few weeks away.

[Keef]

Look at Tucker's face ... it's priceless:

Sweet pic. What site is that from?

[hardinda]

Sweet pic. What site is that from?

Found it on hfboards.com from a Hab fan posting about Tucker and his cheapshots.

[Uncle Larry]

Good for him, any comment on his horrible attempt to score on the penalty shot? The reason the Leafs did not make the playoffs this year can be shown by his stats (the fact that he leads the TEAM in GOALS ... LOL). Garbage players like him and Domi - lol, great talent. When they replace their current "talent" with hockey players - maybe they'll actually be a good team. Until then, have fun watching from the sidelines. Hope the weather warms up soon in Toronto, b/c golf season in only a few weeks away.:-? You're laughing because Tucker leads the Leafs in goals, even though he has only one goal less than the Sabres leading goal scorer? Alright, not sure how to respond to that one...

...as far as his penalty shot attempt, didn't see it so no comment. And I will enjoy watching from the sidelines, where do you watch from, do you get seats on the ice?

[DoctorNo]

My favourite part about watching St. Louis Blues broadcasts on Center Ice:

Most broadcasts have commercials between periods. On the other hand, we get live feeds of the home rink (usually focusing on some hot blonde), and get to hear John and Bernie talk with the producers about what's coming up next.

[Irish Blues]

Whenever you dominate your opponent in faceoffs 42-21 and go 2-for-4 on the power play plus add a shorthanded goal, you should probably win the game.

Well, unless you're the Blues - in which case you give up leads of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 and lose in the shootout for your 11th consecutive loss.

[Keef]

Found it on hfboards.com from a Hab fan posting about Tucker and his cheapshots.

Sweet, thanks. I went there and found the video (http://media.putfile.com/Kovalev-Tucker-hockey-fight-). :toast:

[hardinda]

Yeah, after trying to throw another elbow. I love to see plays like that on idiots like Tucker. He didn't learn his lesson after trying to give the elbow there. Maybe one day he will learn his lesson. Rochester plays their last game April 15th. I have a feeling we may see some Sabre callups for the April 16th game. Gotta give our stars some rest. If they happen to be all fighters, oh well.

[GefilteFish144]

Great win for the Rangers -- first playoff berth in years! :party:

As said by the MSG faithful: WEEKES! WEEKES! WEEKES! WEEKES! WEEKES!

[Keef]

btw, what is the first tie breaker if two teams have the same points? Is it wins?


If two or more clubs are tied in points during the regular season, the standing of the clubs is determined in the following order:
1. The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage).
2. The greater number of games won.
3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing.
4. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season.

At the end of the season, (1) obviously doesn't apply, so it goes (2)-(4). Hope it doesn't come down to (3) for any teams - just trying to read that rule makes my head hurt :tfh: .

[Real American Hero]

wrt (3), "odd" games shouldn't be an issue either with 8 divisional games and 4 non-divisional conference games, they should, er, even out.

[Boink]

Yeah, after trying to throw another elbow. I love to see plays like that on idiots like Tucker. He didn't learn his lesson after trying to give the elbow there. Maybe one day he will learn his lesson. Rochester plays their last game April 15th. I have a feeling we may see some Sabre callups for the April 16th game. Gotta give our stars some rest. If they happen to be all fighters, oh well.



I love talk like this from a guy who had zero to say when it was his beloved Thrashers and guys like Boulton out there attempting to injure ... true, that was only in the games where they were down by 7 or 8 goals.

I can hardly wait to see how tough the Sabres are when they get back on their home ice.

[hardinda]

I love talk like this from a guy who had zero to say when it was his beloved Thrashers and guys like Boulton out there attempting to injure ... true, that was only in the games where they were down by 7 or 8 goals.

I can hardly wait to see how tough the Sabres are when they get back on their home ice.

If I remember correctly, that Boulton play was on Domi or Tucker - not saying it was right ... but I am saying those 2 do the exact same thing. I don't recall saying anything about Boulton's play to be honest. Should I have stepped up and said "he deserves to be suspended" ... OH WAIT!!! he was suspended and deserved it. So does Tucker.

[hardinda]

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showpost.php?p=1224399&postcount=357

Actually, I guess I did mention Boulton - and I called it a cheapshot ... so you are just plain wrong.

[Uncle Ronny]

Tucker is, was and will always be a no-skill/dirty/bad hockey player.Quick Tucker no-skill/bad hockey player update. Tucker scores two goals last night in a win over the Islanders, is named the game's first star, and now has more goals than any Buffalo Sabre this year.

Man does he ever suck.

[DoctorNo]

Good to see Uncle Ronny back!

[SharksFan08]

DoctorNo is it you that likes the Avs?

I think I remember, based on an earlier post of yours, that you like the Avs and have Center Ice. Did your programming miss the first hour of the game last night? My cable provider used 6 of the 10 Center Ice channels for a free MLB preview, so the Sharks game was joined in progress, which I thought was an outrage. Don't they have a million other places they could put those games? A free preview shouldn't interfere with a product that people paid for.

But SJ getting the W calmed me down about it, at least.

[DoctorNo]

I do have Center Ice, but the game was on Altitude here (and I couldn't even watch that because I had a game of my own to play).

[Uncle Ronny]

DoctorNo is it you that likes the Avs?

I think I remember, based on an earlier post of yours, that you like the Avs and have Center Ice. Did your programming miss the first hour of the game last night? My cable provider used 6 of the 10 Center Ice channels for a free MLB preview, so the Sharks game was joined in progress, which I thought was an outrage. Don't they have a million other places they could put those games? A free preview shouldn't interfere with a product that people paid for.

But SJ getting the W calmed me down about it, at least.That's absolutely ridiculous to cut out paid programming for free previews. I'd call them up and let em know it. Might be able to get a discount for next year or a free month or something. That would be like going to see a movie in theaters, and they cut out the first 20 minutes of the movie to shows previews instead of starting the movie after the previews.

[Wannabe Actuary]

MH....4/15....big game...I tried months back to get tickets and it was sold out

[Real American Hero]

Emery now has 18 consecutive starts in place of the injured (go figure) Hasek. He's probably going to have to be the man in the playoffs. Do the Sens plan to wear him down just in time for the playoffs?

Budaj, at 12, has the longest continous start streak in Colorado since Roy back in 2000. That's a lot to ask of a rookie. Will Theodore be back in time to get some starts? Will the Avs still make the playoffs? Will Pierre look like a complete dufus for making the trade?

[DoctorNo]

Just back from the Avs-Blues game. I have no idea (*) why the Blues are as far back in the standings as they are, but if they played every night like they played today they would be fighting for a playoff spot.

(*) Okay, I have some idea. That's not the point.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Rangers beat the Bruins in OT today to reach 100 points in 77 games....same as the Sabres. Looks like the Rangers may get a legit 3rd place, not just because of winning the division a la the southeast division years back

[Wannabe Actuary]

Flyers down 4-1 to Toronto...are the Flyers trying to slide down into that 6th spot? :wink:

[Wannabe Actuary]

Rangers beat the Bruins in OT today to reach 100 points in 77 games....same as the Sabres. Looks like the Rangers may get a legit 3rd place, not just because of winning the division a la the southeast division years back
also, Jagr scored once and added two assists...setting the Rangers single season goal record (53 and counting) by passing Adam Graves if I recall correctly....and adding to his all ready franchise high point total for the season (118 and counting)

[Wannabe Actuary]

question about the changes this season and stats...

if a goalie is able to hold a team scoreless, but the game goes as a tie all through overtime as zero-zero....and then his team wins 2-1 or 3-2...does that go as a shutout?

[DoctorNo]

if a goalie is able to hold a team scoreless, but the game goes as a tie all through overtime as zero-zero....and then his team wins 2-1 or 3-2...does that go as a shutout?

Yes.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yes.
thanks...

now how about the other goalie...the one who gives up 2 in the shootout...does it go as a shutout for him too? or no because he lost?

[DoctorNo]

thanks...

now how about the other goalie...the one who gives up 2 in the shootout...does it go as a shutout for him too? or no because he lost?

Both goaltenders receive a shutout.

For illustration, see my page on Miikka Kiprusoff:
http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/kiprusoff.html

Note the 12/6/2005 game between Calgary and Philadelphia.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Both goaltenders receive a shutout.

For illustration, see my page on Miikka Kiprusoff:
http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/kiprusoff.html

Note the 12/6/2005 game between Calgary and Philadelphia.
interesting...thanks for the info

[DoctorNo]

No problem.

[Keef]

For those that get CBC, a part 1 of Canada Russia '72 (a movie, not the actual games) airs tonight a 8. I was born 7 years after this huge series and the only detail I know about it is that Henderson scored a big goal, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[Real American Hero]

5. Anaheim - 90 points / 8 games left - LA, DAL, @LA, @VAN, @CAL, @EDM, @SJ, CAL
6. Colorado - 90 / 7 - SJ, STL, MIN, PHX, @CAL, @VAN, @EDM
7. Edmonton - 88 / 6 - @MIN, @CHI, @STL, @DET, ANA, COL
8. Vancouver - 87 / 5 - CAL, ANA, SJ, @SJ, COL
9. San Jose - 85 / 8 - @COL, @LA, DAL @PHX, @VAN, VAN, ANA, LA
10. Los Angeles - 85 / 7 - @ANA, SJ, ANA, @PHX, CAL, @SJ

5. Anaheim - 94 points / 5 games left - @VAN, @CAL, @EDM, @SJ, CAL
6. Colorado - 92 / 4 - PHX, @CAL, @VAN, @EDM
7. Edmonton - 91 / 3 - @DET, ANA, COL
7. San Jose - 91 / 5 - @PHX, @VAN, VAN, ANA, LA
9. Vancouver - 89 / 4 - ANA, SJ, @SJ, COL

I still like San Jose to grab the 6th seed.
Edmonton needs to get at least a point in DET on Tuesday, or you can stick a fork in 'em. That loss to STL was a killer.
Colorado can probably get a first round match-up with Dallas (1-1-2 <- both in SO) with a win against PHX. Otherwise, they may be looking at DET (0-4), or even early tee-times. (I think the 'nucks are good for at least 5 points from here.)

[MountainHawk]

Back. What did I miss, other than the Flyers gift-wrapping the division for the Rangers with a loss to the lowly Leafs?

I'm also going to organize a playoff prediction contest. Rules are below, if you want to start thinking about your picks.

You will pick the winner of all 15 series before the playoffs start. You also pick whether the series will be "LONG" or "SHORT".

Scoring is as follows:

5 * round # - correct team pick

If you got the team correct:

If you picked "SHORT"

+2 if the series ends in 4
+1 if the series ends in 5
0 if the series ends in 6
-2 if the series ends in 7

If you picked "LONG":

+2 if the series ends in 7
+1 if the series ends in 6
0 if the series ends in 5
-2 if the series ends in 4

[Uncle Ronny]

5. Anaheim - 94 points / 5 games left - @VAN, @CAL, @EDM, @SJ, CAL
6. Colorado - 92 / 4 - PHX, @CAL, @VAN, @EDM
7. Edmonton - 91 / 3 - @DET, ANA, COL
7. San Jose - 91 / 5 - @PHX, @VAN, VAN, ANA, LA
9. Vancouver - 89 / 4 - ANA, SJ, @SJ, COL

I still like San Jose to grab the 6th seed.
Edmonton needs to get at least a point in DET on Tuesday, or you can stick a fork in 'em. That loss to STL was a killer.
Colorado can probably get a first round match-up with Dallas (1-1-2 <- both in SO) with a win against PHX. Otherwise, they may be looking at DET (0-4), or even early tee-times. (I think the 'nucks are good for at least 5 points from here.)I don't know, that Van/SJ home and home is huge. If they split the series, that's bad news for Edmonton but if one team steals 4 points to none or one, that's big help for Edmonton and screws the losing team. Still a lot of things that could happen even though Edmonton was in great shape and really put themself in a bind over the past few games.

[hardinda]

What did I miss, other than the Flyers gift-wrapping the division for the Rangers with a loss to the lowly Leafs?

With two games left against the Devils, the Flyers may get a chance to play the Rangers in the playoffs if they keep sliding.

[MountainHawk]

Rangers/Sabres ... not much difference to me. What are the Flyers up on the Devils? 2 points with a game in hand?

[hardinda]

Rangers/Sabres ... not much difference to me. What are the Flyers up on the Devils? 2 points with a game in hand?

Yeah, 2 points with a game in hand. 2 head to head games, but the Flyers have a much easier schedule. A split in the head to head games should clinch the 5th spot.

Either way, Sabres get to play a fun and exciting series against the NJ or Philly trap style hockey.

[MountainHawk]

It'll be fun and exciting for Philly or New Jersey once the series is over in 5 and they are moving on.

[hardinda]

It'll be fun and exciting for Philly or New Jersey once the series is over in 5 and they are moving on.

Why, so they can hit the golf course? Yeah, guess Philly or NJ will be excited to know they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champs. ;)

[Uncle Ronny]

Actually going to join the competition this time Hardinda? Or you going to hide behind the "I only watch Buffalo and Atlanta" thing again?

[hardinda]

I'll join. I do have to say that my western conference knowledge sucks.

[Uncle Ronny]

Atta boy! It's just for fun anyway. If you really blow it and feel embarrassed, just look at the predictions made back in October by the rest of us. Should make you feel better.

[MountainHawk]

LOL .... I'll update that once the season is over.

[Uncle Ronny]

LOL .... I'll update that once the season is over.I'd really prefer you didn't...:oops:

[MountainHawk]

I think I'd prefer the same thing, but somebody has to win. ;-)

[Real American Hero]

I don't know, that Van/SJ home and home is huge. If they split the series, that's bad news for Edmonton but if one team steals 4 points to none or one, that's big help for Edmonton and screws the losing team. Still a lot of things that could happen even though Edmonton was in great shape and really put themself in a bind over the past few games.True. But the Oilers have to take care of business, because they've got fewer games remaining, few wins than each of the other 4 teams, and can't afford to be tied at the bottom. Without a point tomorrow, they'll need a meltdown from the 'nucks or Avs (which aren't out of the realm of possibility.)

[Real American Hero]

I think I'd prefer the same thing, but somebody has to win. ;-)
Can you do it in white font so we don't have to look at it?

[MountainHawk]

If I remember, sure.

[Uncle Ronny]

Edmonton's got a home game against Colorado. Say Colorado beats Phoenix, then gets one point against Calgary and Vancouver. Edmonton loses to Detroit but beats Anaheim. If something like that plays out (not too hard to imagine) all of a sudden you've got a playoff game between the Oil and Avs where an Oil win in regulation puts them above Colorado.

Every game is critical for those bottom teams though. Should be really exciting these next 2 weeks.

[MountainHawk]

Edmonton's got a home game against Colorado. Say Colorado beats Phoenix, then gets one point against Calgary and Vancouver. Edmonton loses to Detroit but beats Anaheim. If something like that plays out (not too hard to imagine) all of a sudden you've got a playoff game between the Oil and Avs where an Oil win in regulation puts them above Colorado.

Every game is critical for those bottom teams though. Should be really exciting these next 2 weeks.
2 weeks? Doesn't the season end on the 18th?

[DoctorNo]

I've got an expression I use, which is "****ing Avs". (Can I say "****ing Avs" here?) It describes the nature of the Avalanche's ability to befuddle the mind, and the phrase applies in any and all situations

Car breaks down on the interstate? ****ing Avs.

Get passed over for that promotion? ****ing Avs.

Girlfriend sleeps with your sister? ****ing Avs.

The reason for this, of course, is games such as last night's. And to make matters worse, someone showed up halfway through the third period and took our carefully-selected lower bowl seats. Then they left with five minutes to play.

Must be nice to spend $125 on a ticket and watch seven minutes of game.

****ing Avs.

[DoctorNo]

(Can I say "****ing Avs" here?)

Apparently not. ****ing Avs.

[GefilteFish144]

Yeah, 2 points with a game in hand. 2 head to head games, but the Flyers have a much easier schedule. A split in the head to head games should clinch the 5th spot.

Either way, Sabres get to play a fun and exciting series against the NJ or Philly trap style hockey.

The 5th spot is there for the Flyers if they want it, but given the fact that Buffalo won 3 of 4 against them I think they would prefer the more evenly matched Rangers in the first round.

Don't think anyone wants to play the Devils right now. They have won 7 straight and have a well-seasoned playoff goalie in Brodeur. I watched Scott Gomez's goal against the Rangers last night. He took a pass from Rafalski from his own blue line, then skated past guys left and right before lifting a vicious shot past Weekes. Gomez is definitely one of the most underrated players in the NHL.

[MountainHawk]

It's tricky with hot teams into the playoffs. Teams that needed to be hot just to make it often run out of gas and have an early exit. Not that I think the Devils will, because Brodeur is the great equalizer, but it's a possibility.

[DoctorNo]

Tomas Vokoun out for the season with pelvic thrombophlebitis (blood condition):

http://www.nashvillepredators.com/pressbox/news.asp?story_id=861

That stinks.

[Wannabe Actuary]

count me in for the contest...
question...say you have a team wrong (but got the winner right) in the second round (or later), if you predict long or short and the series isn't your actual teams, can you still gain or lose points?

[MountainHawk]

Yes.

Example:

You pick 1 OTT, 2 CAR, 3 NYR, and 5 PHI to advance out of the first round. therefore, you have 1 OTT v 5 PHI (say you pick PHI in a short series) and 2 CAR v 3 NYR (you pick NYR in a long series) in the next round.

Now, the actual playoffs happen, and 2 CAR 3 NYR 5 PHI and 8 MTL advance. Going into this round, you know you are going to have 1 right team in the finals and one wrong team. Go you'll be getting 10 points for the Rangers if they win, and 10 points for the Flyers if they win. If the Rangers advance, you want a long series, if the Flyers advance, then you want a short series.

[Uncle Ronny]

2 weeks? Doesn't the season end on the 18th?Ya it does. Can't believe it's already the 10th. Should be an interesting week...

[MountainHawk]

Yup. When do the playoffs start? The 21st?

[Uncle Ronny]

I was talking with someone about that the other day. Not sure. My guess would be 21st though.

[yankeetripper]

Yup. When do the playoffs start? The 21st?
Based upon on-line ticket sites advertising tix, the 21st is correct.

My predictions this year have been as bad as my knowledge of hockey in general but the Sharks & Devils are both surging at the end of the year so I still have hope for a Sharks-Devils cup final.

Sharks face their nemesis tonight in Pheonix who have beaten them I think 6 out of 7 this year already. If Sharks can pull out 1 pt tonight and split with Van it the upcoming home & home they should be in the playoffs and they have the kind of team that can do some damage if they get there.

[Uncle Ronny]

Anyone know what an easy way to find the Sharks record before and after the Thornton trade? Also the same for Boston?

[GefilteFish144]

It's tricky with hot teams into the playoffs. Teams that needed to be hot just to make it often run out of gas and have an early exit. Not that I think the Devils will, because Brodeur is the great equalizer, but it's a possibility.

It's definitely a possibility, but I have a feeling that the Devils may be better than their record indicates. They were a big mess when the season started, temporarily losing Brodeur and Elias to injury, losing their 2 best defensivemen to retirement (Stevens) and free agency (Niedermeyer), having a coach step down because he couldn't handle the stress, and having to adapt to the new rules which were specifically designed to thwart the neutral zone trap they had mastered for the past 10 seasons. The playoffs will show if they really have adjusted to all these changes, or if they were just a hot team trying to get a playoff spot against someone other than Ottawa/Carolina.

[Patience]

Anyone know what an easy way to find the Sharks record before and after the Thornton trade? Also the same for Boston?

Just look at the whole schedule and count. It shouldn't be that hard.

[Uncle Freddy]

That's what I was trying to avoid doing. I got some work to do, but I guess I'm bored enough. I'll be back.

[MountainHawk]

Hint: Count from before the trade, then do math. ;-)

[yankeetripper]

Anyone know what an easy way to find the Sharks record before and after the Thornton trade? Also the same for Boston?
Not sure exactly but Sharks have a better record since the Thorton trade, he totaly changed the SJ line-up. It is amazing how many times he find Cheecho if there is even the slighest opening.

However, even after Thorton came over Sharks were pretty inconsistant and had several long losing streaks. An equally important change has been the apparence of Toskola (20-7 2.52 GA) between the pipes more and more often instead of Nabakov (15-18 3.08 GA).

[hardinda]

Without looking at it, I have to think Boston has a much better record after the trade.

SJ obviously has a better record after the trade. Seems like a win/win trade even after the Boston fans were ready to kill themselves after it was announced.

[Uncle Freddy]

San Jose before the trade was 8-12-4, .3333 winning % and .8333 points per game. After the trade they went 32-14-7 for a .6038 w% and 1.3396 ppg. Huge turnaround. Although they had a horrible November and had no where to go but up. I did Boston too for fun.

Before the trade 8-13-5. Very similar to SJ. W% .3077, .8077 ppg. Since the trade 21-22-9, w% .4038, .9808 ppg. They improved, but again really had nowhere to go but up. Not a very good team.

Not sure how much of all that you can say is cause of the trade, but I still think Boston was crazy for doing it. SJ looks like they'll be heading to the playoffs playing very good hockey while Boston's well...gonna geta pretty good draft pick this year.

[hardinda]

As of March 25th:

While Boston has posted a respectable 19-18-6 record since the Thornton trade, San Jose is 26-12-6 with him in the lineup.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2006/03/25/Sports/oconnell_bruins060325.html

[Patience]

you can also go to the Thornton gamelog page - count and do the math. less linking

[yankeetripper]

Since the Olympic Break Sharks are 12-2 w/ Toskola in net and 1-3 with Nabakov in net. They also have 3 OT or SO losses where EPSN didn't list the golie, but I think this shows who the hot goalie for the Sharks has been.

Kind of makes you question that big contract the Sharks threw at Naby earlier this year.

[MountainHawk]

Just saw Gauthier got suspended 2 games from a hit on Wellwood. I missed it ... was it that bad. Gauthier always struck me as a hit first, think later type of guy, so I assume it was a hit from behind.

[DoctorNo]

Since the Olympic Break Sharks are 12-2 w/ Toskola in net and 1-3 with Nabakov in net. They also have 3 OT or SO losses where EPSN didn't list the golie, but I think this shows who the hot goalie for the Sharks has been.

Toskala since the Olympics:

02/28/06: W (60m, 28/29) 5-1 victory vs. Detroit (Legace).
03/03/06: L (59m18s, 27/30) 2-3 defeat at Edmonton (Conklin).
03/09/06: W (60m, 19/21) 5-2 victory vs. Edmonton (Roloson).
03/11/06: W (62m56s, 17/19) 3-2 OT victory vs. Nashville (Vokoun).
03/13/06: W (59m54s, 19/22) 4-3 victory vs. Los Angeles (Garon).
03/16/06: W (59m53s, 27/29) 5-2 victory vs. St. Louis (Lalime).
03/18/06: SOL (64m58s, 19/22) 3-4 SO defeat (2/4) vs. Dallas (Turco).
03/21/06: W (60m, 33/33) 6-0 victory at St. Louis (Divis).
03/25/06: W (59m57s, 24/25) 5-1 victory at Minnesota (Fernandez).
03/26/06: W (61m24s, 30/34) 5-4 OT victory at Chicago (Khabibulin).
03/28/06: L (59m08s, 19/22) 1-4 defeat at Columbus (Denis).
04/01/06: OTL (63m54s, 32/36) 3-4 OT defeat vs. Phoenix (Joseph).
04/03/06: W (64m39s, 16/18) 3-2 OT victory at Dallas (Turco).
04/05/06: W (59m58s, 25/26) 2-1 victory at Colorado (Budaj).
04/06/06: W (59m57s, 14/14) 5-0 victory at Los Angeles (Garon).
04/09/06: W (60m, 21/22) 4-1 victory vs. Dallas (Turco).


Nabokov since the Olympics:

03/04/06: L (58m08s, 18/20) 0-2 defeat at Calgary (Kiprusoff).
03/07/06: OTL (60m56s, 22/27) 4-5 OT defeat at Anaheim (Giguere).
03/19/06: W (60m, 24/29) 6-5 victory vs. Colorado (Budaj).
03/23/06: L (59m47s, 26/30) 0-4 defeat at Detroit (Legace).
03/30/06: L (58m52s, 23/27) 2-5 defeat vs. Phoenix (Joseph).

[Livan33]

Just saw Gauthier got suspended 2 games from a hit on Wellwood. I missed it ... was it that bad. Gauthier always struck me as a hit first, think later type of guy, so I assume it was a hit from behind.

It was from behind, but he looked genuinely concerned afterwords. I don't think it deserved a suspension, I've definitely seen far dirtier hits.

P.S. I'm a Leafs fan that also didn't think Tucker deserved a suspension for the Buffalo hit last week, so a lot of people may say that you should look for a second opinion.

[MountainHawk]

How much is Vancouver's 1st period meltdown last night going to cost them?

[Real American Hero]

How much is Vancouver's 1st period meltdown last night going to cost them?
My 8-ball says "Reply hazy try again"

[Uncle Freddy]

How much is Vancouver's 1st period meltdown last night going to cost them?A playoff spot.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Kings seem like toast.
Luuuuuuuuc is retiring. I might have to go to that ceremony next year, unless it's planned for this Saturday night.

[DoctorNo]

If you love ticky-tack hockey, tune into the Colorado - Phoenix game right now.

2:07 left in the first period, and there's already been eleven minor penalties called.

I'm falling asleep, and I'm an Avs fan!

[MountainHawk]

Flyers win, Rangers lose ... Flyers still one game in hand, within 3 points of third seed

[Wannabe Actuary]

Flyers win, Rangers lose ... Flyers still one game in hand, within 3 points of third seed
it will all boil down to the 15th...game is on nbc hd