NHL 2005-2006: The thread

[Wannabe Actuary]

New York Rangers defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh, who spent six weeks of the season in a substance abuse program, was arrested on a drunk driving charge in White Plains, New York on Tuesday, according to various local reports.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=164742&hubname=nhl

This after his stellar performance in the playoffs.
sure it was after his play?
maybe he started drinking early...

[Uncle Carl]

Wow! You had an 87.5% chance of being right! Way to go!

:blah:Hey hey hey! Quit being an ass! If we're nice, maybe we can get M&M to look into his crystal ball and pick the winning lotto numbers for us this weekend.

[Wannabe Actuary]

BTW, who's going to post a standings update for our contest?

[Wannabe Actuary]

Round 2 matchups

Ottawa vs. Buffalo
NJ vs. Carolina

SJ vs Edmonton
Anaheim vs. Colorado

[MountainHawk]

Prediction Standings:

Real American Hero 37
Doctor No 37
Wannabe Actuary 33
Hardinda 33
Irish Blues 29
udjw828 24
GefilteFish144 24
Chubbs_23 22
BigD 22
MtnHawk 20
Uncle * 20
bfore13 20
seabass 20
Super Silver Haze 16

[DoctorNo]

Prediction Standings:


MH, I know that you don't like Mike and Maddog, but you shouldn't intentionally leave him out of the standings just out of spite.

Here:

Prediction Standings:

Real American Hero 37
Doctor No 37
Wannabe Actuary 33
Hardinda 33
Irish Blues 29
udjw828 24
GefilteFish144 24
Chubbs_23 22
BigD 22
MtnHawk 20
Uncle * 20
bfore13 20
seabass 20
Super Silver Haze 16
Mike and Maddog 0

[DoctorNo]

Second round predictions:

Ottawa over Buffalo (long)
New Jersey over Carolina (short)
San Jose over Edmonton (short)
Colorado over Anaheim (long)

[Super Silver Haze]

Super Silver Haze 16
AWWWWWESOME

[Wannabe Actuary]

Prediction Standings:

Real American Hero 37
Doctor No 37
Wannabe Actuary 33
Hardinda 33
Irish Blues 29
udjw828 24
GefilteFish144 24
Chubbs_23 22
BigD 22
MtnHawk 20
Uncle * 20
bfore13 20
seabass 20
Super Silver Haze 16
I'll be honest...I thought I had 32, not 33...recount maybe?

[Irish Blues]

Prediction Standings:

Real American Hero 37
Doctor No 37
Wannabe Actuary 33
Hardinda 33
Irish Blues 29
udjw828 24
GefilteFish144 24
Chubbs_23 22
BigD 22
MtnHawk 20
Uncle * 20
bfore13 20
seabass 20
Super Silver Haze 16
How did I end up 5th? And are we re-voting on the results for the 2nd round?

[MountainHawk]

I'll be honest...I thought I had 32, not 33...recount maybe?
Nice catch ... I had -1 for being really wrong on the games instead of -2. I'll posted a revised standings in a minute.

[MountainHawk]

Real American Hero 37
Doctor No 37
Wannabe Actuary 32
hardinda 32
Irish Blues 29
udjw828 24
GefilteFish144 24
BigD 22
Chubbs_23 21
MtnHawk 19
Uncle 19
bfore13 19
seabass 19
Super Silver Haze 16

[seabass]

I should probably stick to Grammy prediction threads.

[seabass]

Finalists for NHL awards released...

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames.


FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward)
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes; Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators; Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars.


HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team)
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames; Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.


JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach)
Peter Laviolette, Carolina Hurricanes; Tom Renney, New York Rangers; Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres.


JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman)
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings; Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Mighty Ducks; Sergei Zubov, Dallas Stars.


LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks; Brad Richards , Tampa Bay Lightning.


LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA)
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.


VEZINA TROPHY (outstanding goaltender)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames; Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2433308

[Wannabe Actuary]

is it based just on the regular season? my thinking is that Brodeur at the end of the season and the first round played himself into the Vezina.

are we going to do a prediction contest for those?

[Keef]

Finalists for NHL awards released...


JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach)
Peter Laviolette, Carolina Hurricanes; Tom Renney, New York Rangers; Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres.

NHL : "You've been nominated for coach of the year, Mr. Ruff!"

Lindy : "This better not be a f'n joke! I hate jokes!"

[seabass]

is it based just on the regular season? my thinking is that Brodeur at the end of the season and the first round played himself into the Vezina.

are we going to do a prediction contest for those?

I believe it's just regular season. Brodeur still has a shot, definitely part of why NJ ended up winning the Atlantic. Also nice to see Lundqvist in there, with the potential clog in the Calder race.

I dunno about a contest, some of these seem to have either clear favorites or a race between two players, and there are only 8 awards shown.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I agreee with Lundqvist. He was basically top 3 in GAA and save % all year.

As far as the contest goes, it was just a thought.

[Uncle Carl]

NHL : "You've been nominated for coach of the year, Mr. Ruff!"

Lindy : "This better not be a f'n joke! I hate jokes!"MC: And the Jack Adams trophy for coach of the year goes to....Peter Laviolette!


Lindy Ruff: THAT'S A JOKE! THAT'S THE DEFINITION OF A JOKE RIGHT THERE! ARE WE DOING STAND-UP COMEDY HERE? BECAUSE THAT'S A JOKE!

[Irish Blues]

The picks are all based on the regular season.

My picks:

Calder - Alexander Ovechkin. One did a lot with very little around him for most of the season; the other did a lot with very little around him all season long.

Selke - Mike Fisher. Good to see guys are getting nominated based on defensive play, instead of this being the "he hasn't won much else in the last few years, let's give him this award" mentality the Selke became in the late 90s. If Fisher doesn't win, Brind'Amour should get it. Lehtinen was good, but not as good as these two.

Hart - Joe Thornton. If you go by the definition of the trophy, Thornton fits it very nicely. The Sharks were struggling badly before trading for him, and they took off once he joined the roster. Had Jagr not been part of past Rangers teams that fell well short of the playoffs, I'd consider him - but he was, so I wouldn't. Kiprusoff was strong in net, but I think if you pull him off the Flames they're somewhere between Minnesota and Los Angeles in the standings; if you pull Thornton off the Sharks, they're down around Columbus if they're lucky.

Adams - Peter Laviolette. This was a Carolina team few expected to be near the playoffs, and they almost ended up as the #1 seed in the East.

Norris - Niklas Lidstrom. Ho-hum, another very solid season on the blueline that no one else matched.

Byng - Brad Richards. Any of the three could be a decent pick, but I'll ding Marleau for being -12 on the 5th-place team in the West (even with Joe Thornton) and Datsyuk for playing in the Central against Columbus, Chicago and St. Louis. This one is a tough one to call between Richards and Datsyuk.

Pearson - no opinion; the players vote on this.

Vezina - Mikka Kiprusoff. Lundqvist was good, but not good enough; Brodeur's play improved only when Patrik Elias returned to the lineup. Kiprusoff was relatively strong all season long and had a better GAA (1st overall) and better save% (3rd overall) with just one fewer win (42) than Brodeur (43, led the league).

[GefilteFish144]

My guesses:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie)
Alexander Ovechkin

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward)
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team)
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers

JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach)
Tom Renney, New York Rangers

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman)
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct)
No clue

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA)
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.

VEZINA TROPHY (outstanding goaltender)
Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames

[udjw828]

My picks:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie)
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward)
Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team)
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers

JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach)
Peter Laviolette, Carolina Hurricanes

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman)
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct)
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA)
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers

VEZINA TROPHY (outstanding goaltender)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

[Mike and Maddog]

Wow! You had an 87.5% chance of being right! Way to go!

:blah:

7-1 was the score of the embarrassing first round exit for the flys, not the odds.

And the odds are for winning the cup, not getting by the first round.

[Mike and Maddog]

MH, I know that you don't like Mike and Maddog, but you shouldn't intentionally leave him out of the standings just out of spite.

Here:

I was 100%. I win the prediction contest!

[DoctorNo]

I was 100%. I win the prediction contest!

Seriously, though: are you going to sack up and make some predictions this round?

[Mike and Maddog]

Seriously, though: are you going to sack up and make some predictions this round?
What's with your obsession with my testicles?

I made a call in October. And it came through. Can't do better than that.

[DoctorNo]

I made a call in October. And it came through. Can't do better than that.

Wow, one prediction for the year. We should start calling you Criswell.

[SharksFan08]

Hart - Joe Thornton. If you go by the definition of the trophy, Thornton fits it very nicely. The Sharks were struggling badly before trading for him, and they took off once he joined the roster. Had Jagr not been part of past Rangers teams that fell well short of the playoffs, I'd consider him - but he was, so I wouldn't. Kiprusoff was strong in net, but I think if you pull him off the Flames they're somewhere between Minnesota and Los Angeles in the standings; if you pull Thornton off the Sharks, they're down around Columbus if they're lucky.

Another thing to consider: people always compare what a team might be like with/without Jagr and with/without Thornton. In Joe's case, saying they were struggling before and took off after his arrival understates his impact, because it wasn't (Sharks - Joe) = struggling, (Sharks + Joe ) = good, it was (Sharks - Joe + Brad Stuart + Marco Sturm) = struggling, (Sharks + Joe - Brad Stuart - Marco Sturm) = good. And Stuart and Sturm were key parts of the team (that's why I left Wayne Primeau out, he was the equivalent of saying "and we'll toss in a bag of pucks, too").

[Keef]

I left Wayne Primeau out, he was the equivalent of saying "and we'll toss in a bag of pucks, too".

Ouch! :lol:

[Irish Blues]

Wow, one prediction for the year. We should start calling you Criswell.
Imagine if he was part of a baseball team:

Coach: "M&M, you're up for the pitcher - get us a hit."
M&M: "Screw you - I got a hit opening day off that T-ball squad, I'm 1-for-1 this year. I'm not blowing my perfect stats just to amuse you."

Or on a basketball team:

Coach: "M&M, check in - if you get the ball, shoot it."
M&M: "Screw you - I hit a lay-up back in preseason against the pee-wees during halftime, I'm 1-for-1 this year. I'm not blowing that for anything."

[Mike and Maddog]

Imagine if he was part of a baseball team:

Coach: "M&M, you're up for the pitcher - get us a hit."
M&M: "Screw you - I got a hit opening day off that T-ball squad, I'm 1-for-1 this year. I'm not blowing my perfect stats just to amuse you."

Or on a basketball team:

Coach: "M&M, check in - if you get the ball, shoot it."
M&M: "Screw you - I hit a lay-up back in preseason against the pee-wees during halftime, I'm 1-for-1 this year. I'm not blowing that for anything."

Gotta stop you right there. If you think my prediction is the same as hitting of a tball or a layup, let's see you make a similar prediction. I can see all the jealously out there. Mike and Maddog made you all look like fools. Nobody did it before and are afraid to do it in the future.

[DoctorNo]

Gotta stop you right there. If you think my prediction is the same as hitting of a tball or a layup, let's see you make a similar prediction. I can see all the jealously out there. Mike and Maddog made you all look like fools. Nobody did it before and are afraid to do it in the future.

What is this, Jim Rome's smack-off? :shake:

[Keef]

If you think my prediction is the same as hitting of a tball or a layup...

:crazy:More like winning door prize - at best.

[Uncle Carl]

Gotta stop you right there. If you think my prediction is the same as hitting of a tball or a layup, let's see you make a similar prediction. I can see all the jealously out there. Mike and Maddog made you all look like fools. Nobody did it before and are afraid to do it in the future.Ok. Philly won't win the Stanley Cup next year.

Who wants to bet 50 bucks M&M copies my prediction next year instead of making one of his own?

[MountainHawk]

I predict M&M will NOT pick the Flyers to win the Cup, and I also predict he won't name the team he roots for.

[Irish Blues]

What is this, Jim Rome's smack-off? :shake:
M&M would never make it past the screener tomorrow - he'd get the buzzer before he picked up the phone to dial. Of course, I think M&M should get the chance to throw a rant down - when he got buzzed out in the first 20 seconds, everyone that followed would crack back on him hard in their own rant.

It might be his only hope of ever being famous ... being named in the champion's smackdown that everyone can hear this weekend.

[Mike and Maddog]

Ok. Philly won't win the Stanley Cup next year.



That's not good enough. They have to be the odds on favorite AND you have pick them to lose in the first round. Even if you do, you'ld know that you were only copying what the great Mike and Maddog already did.

[DoctorNo]

They have to be the odds on favorite AND you have pick them to lose in the first round.

Actually...

You never mentioned the first round at all.

You just said "choke", and that could mean just about anything after the fact. Knowing you, the Flyers could have won the Cup and you would have claimed that they choked when Primeau mis-handled the trophy lifting.

Maybe you are Criswell?

[Mike and Maddog]

Actually...

You never mentioned the first round at all.

You just said "choke", and that could mean just about anything after the fact. Knowing you, the Flyers could have won the Cup and you would have claimed that they choked when Primeau mis-handled the trophy lifting.

Maybe you are Criswell?

Ah, I did say go out in the first round. go back and look.

Maybe you are retarded?

[DoctorNo]

Ah, I did say go out in the first round. go back and look.

Link to the post, then. Sheesh.

[Mike and Maddog]

Link to the post, then. Sheesh.

You have to look for yourself.

[DoctorNo]

You have to look for yourself.

I did. You said "choked".

As far as I'm concerned, this is the end of this inane argument until you produce your post.

[seabass]

I made a call in October. And it came through. Can't do better than that.

Translation: I am a wuss.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I did. You said "choked".

As far as I'm concerned, this is the end of this inane argument until you produce your post.
DoctorNo is right, you initially said they would choke, which is vague.

Then, as the series was already playing, you made comments along the lines of "they'll lose in the first round again." Sorry, but when they lose games 1 and 2, you can't start making predictions then.

So, based on your initial comment of them choking, you were not clear.

[Uncle Carl]

Hey, let's give Mike and Maddog credit here. That's a pretty gutsy prediction, after the Flyers are losing two games to none, predicting that they will lose the series?

I checked, no where did Mike and Maddog say anything about the first round until it was already under way.

So I'm keeping my prediction. Philly will not win the Stanley Cup next year.

What's your prediction for next year M&M?

[Wannabe Actuary]

oooh, can I try? Pittsburgh will not win the Stanley Cup next year (hey, they were 8-1 odds this year, right?)

[Irish Blues]

oooh, can I try? Pittsburgh will not win the Stanley Cup next year (hey, they were 8-1 odds this year, right?)
I'll go ever farther out on the limb: St. Louis won't win the Stanley Cup next year. They won't even make the playoffs.

[Wannabe Actuary]

but wait, only one team can win the stanley cup...there are lots of teams that don't make the playoffs

[DoctorNo]

The Seattle Mariners will not make the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Write it down, suckers!

[DoctorNo]

I will point out that no one has ever predicted that a baseball team will not make the hockey playoffs, and if anyone does, then they are just copying me! ME!

[Irish Blues]

I will point out that no one has ever predicted that a baseball team will not make the hockey playoffs, and if anyone does, then they are just copying me! ME!
Canada will not win the 2006 FIFA World Cup. I'm also betting on Northwestern and Vanderbilt to not be the BCS champions in football this upcoming season.

And Bobby Rahal and Rick Mears? Neither one is winning Indy this year. Bank on it.

[yankeetripper]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainHawk
The penalty shot wasn't lazy ... he just got caught out of position. It's early on, so I figure I'll give them a few games before I still get really annoyed. Besides, it's sort of a Flyers tradition to start out 1-6-4, then win 19 of 22 in December/January, then grind through February-April to finish with somewhere around 100 points.

Then lose in the first round.
At the risk of feeding the troll...

But some of the predictions are getting a bit wacko. Isn't Rick Mears dead by now?

[Uncle Carl]

That wasn't a prediction, he was saying it was a Flyers tradition to lose in the first round, then him and MH got into about how many times the Flyers have lost in the first round over the past X many years.

[SharksFan08]

Honestly, I would read that comment as a prediction...

But I still would say it's a moot point, because it wasn't a prediction based on good hockey knowledge, it was a prediction based on an unwavering devotion to trolling against Philadelphia.

[hardinda]

Big game tonight, not feeling as confident as I was in the last series. We didn't play Ottawa very well at the beginning of the regular season, but played them very well at the end. Sabres are going to have to take 1 of the first 2 in Ottawa and even then I'm not sure we have enough fire power.

I'm hoping it'll be a very entertaining series and will be a preview of the new NHL style for years to come.

[DoctorNo]

Speaking of predictions, a lot of people need to get their conference semifinal picks up post haste!

[seabass]

Speaking of predictions, a lot of people need to get their conference semifinal picks up post haste!

Are we scrapping the ones made at the beginning?

[hardinda]

Speaking of predictions, a lot of people need to get their conference semifinal picks up post haste!

I still have 3 out of my 4 picks to win still in, so Let's Go Buffalo, NJ, and San Jose!!!

[MountainHawk]

No, the beginning picks are for the contest and they stay.


However, for the purposes of bragging rights:

Ottawa in 6, New Jersey in 7, Colorado in 6, and San Jose in 3.

[hardinda]

No, the beginning picks are for the contest and they stay.


However, for the purposes of bragging rights:

Ottawa in 6, New Jersey in 7, Colorado in 6, and San Jose in 3.

Edmonton get the bird flu or something?

[seabass]

No, the beginning picks are for the contest and they stay.


However, for the purposes of bragging rights:

Ottawa in 6, New Jersey in 7, Colorado in 6, and San Jose in 3.

Pretty solid traditions you made there. I would put NJ in 6, not sure about the SJ-Edmonton series.

[DoctorNo]

No, the beginning picks are for the contest and they stay.

Oh, that's right. I'm confusing this one with another one I'm in.

Six of my eight are still in!

[MountainHawk]

Edmonton get the bird flu or something?
No. SARS. :p

[Irish Blues]

No. SARS. :p
Cooties.

[Super Silver Haze]

Ottawa-Buffalo heading into overtime tied at 6, what a crazy game. Three goals in the final two minutes!

[yankeetripper]

Ottawa-Buffalo heading into overtime tied at 6, what a crazy game. Three goals in the final two minutes!
dueces wild 2 goals each per period. makes me sad I don't get OLN.

[hardinda]

GAME 1 - STOLEN BY THE BUFFALO SABRES!!!! WOOHOO!!!

[Super Silver Haze]

Aaaand it's over, 18 seconds in. Bad giveaway by Ottawa and Buffalo scores on their first shot, which Emery really should have had. 7 goals on 23 shots by Buffalo.

[Cannonball]

Entertaining? Yes.

Exciting? Yes. Too much, in fact.

Wow. 7-6, 3 goals final 2 minutes, too much, too much.

Sabres are gonna give me a heart attack, but man, what a team!

[Wannabe Actuary]

what a finish...OLN was right on at the end of regulation, "OT won't last very long"

Ducks rolled 5-0, but I can't say I saw the game, I was exhausted

[DoctorNo]

How about that second period by Carolina? :yikes:

[Wannabe Actuary]

:yikes: is right...6-0, wow, what happened Marty?

[Irish Blues]

The final score was 6-0, but what that score doesn't show is that Carolina was 5 for 8 on the PP.

Lots of scoring? Yes. Lots of even-strength scoring? Not even.

[yankeetripper]

:yikes: is right...6-0, wow, what happened Marty?
OMG - Devils allow 2 more goals than they did the whole Ranger series? WTF!

Oh well, hope it was just rust from the layoff and Devils come out strong for G2.

[Irish Blues]

Either Pat Burns or Pat Quinn said that over the course of a season, there will be at least 10 games where your team just doesn't show up. You just hope that either it doesn't happen 10 times in a row, when you really need a win, or in the playoffs.

[Uncle Carl]

what a finish...OLN was right on at the end of regulation, "OT won't last very long"Ya, they really went out on a limb too. Predicting a short overtime in a 6-6 game with 3 goals in the last few minutes.

OLN = M&M?

[Wannabe Actuary]

Ya, they really went out on a limb too. Predicting a short overtime in a 6-6 game with 3 goals in the last few minutes.

OLN = M&M?
nah, if that were true, then OLN would have predicted that overtime would have happened...with about 1 second left in regulation

[Wannabe Actuary]

what's the lowest seed to ever win a stanley cup?

[Uncle Carl]

Good point.

[DoctorNo]

****ing Avs.

[Swan]

what's the lowest seed to ever win a stanley cup?
The 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup-winning Penguins had some mediocre regular season records those two years. Something like 88 and 87 points, respectively (in an 80-game season) -- and a seventh or eighth place finish overall, IIRC.

And I think there were only 21 teams in the NHL back then. Maybe 22.

[Uncle Carl]

21 teams in 1991, 22 in 1992. Post Sharks, pre-Ducks/Sens.

[Irish Blues]

****ing Avs.
How much of the first two games would you say is coaching?

[DoctorNo]

How much of the first two games would you say is coaching?

Hard to say - I spent Friday too drunk to see straight, thanks to $2 margaritas.

For today's game, maybe 20 percent?

[hardinda]

I watched today's Col vs Ana game and Ana destroyed them up and down the ice. Didn't even look like a close matchup to me. Colorado better light a fire under themselves or that series won't last much past 4.

[GefilteFish144]

OMG - Devils allow 2 more goals than they did the whole Ranger series? WTF!

Oh well, hope it was just rust from the layoff and Devils come out strong for G2.

Yes, looks like Marty gave up midway thru 2nd period. Rust was definitely a big part of it, not only from the long layoff but from the ease with which they beat the Rangers. Not having Colin White probably played a factor, as the defensemen clearly looked overmatched against the tough Carolina offence.

[Mike and Maddog]

I did. You said "choked".

As far as I'm concerned, this is the end of this inane argument until you produce your post.

Already have. So your inane argument continues.

[Irish Blues]

what's the lowest seed to ever win a stanley cup?
Under the current format?

1994 - NY Rangers (1st, East)
1995 - New Jersey (5th, East)
1996 - Colorado (2nd, West)
1997 - Detroit (3rd, West)
1998 - Detroit (3rd, West)
1999 - Dallas (1st, West)
2000 - New Jersey (4th, East)
2001 - Colorado (1st, West)
2002 - Detroit (1st, West)
2003 - New Jersey (2nd, East)
2004 - Tampa Bay (1st, East)

Going back ... Pittsburgh was 3rd in the Patrick in 1992 (they would have been 4th in the Wales Conference under the current format), Montreal was 3rd out of 7 in the Eastern Conference in 1971, and if you *really* want to go back the 1949 Toronto Maple Leafs and 1938 Chicago Blackhawks were both sub-.500 teams and went on to win the Cup; Toronto was the 4th seed out of 6 overall, Chicago was the 3rd seed out of the 4 in their division (A - 1st place teams in each division played, B - 2nd place teams in each division played, C - 3rd place teams in each division played; D - Winners B vs. C, E - Winners A vs. D for the Cup)

The lowest seed ever to make the Finals under the current format were Vancouver (7th, West), Buffalo (7th, East) and Anaheim (7th, West) in 1994, 1999 and 2003 respectively. Going back, Minnesota was 4th in the Norris in 1991 (would have been 7th in the Campbell under the current format).

[DoctorNo]

Already have. So your inane argument continues.

Your confusing thesis intrigues me. Tell me more!

[hardinda]

OLN is showing NJ vs Carolina tonight ... Good thing I have my Center Ice!!!

Although, it looks like either game can be seen over the internet tonight on comcast's site and the Buffalo game can be viewed on the internet thru Yahoo's site.

[GefilteFish144]

OLN is showing NJ vs Carolina tonight ...

Good -- the broadcasting will be a big improvement over NBC.

[SharksFan08]

Did anyone watch that Sharks/Oilers game last night? I don't think I've ever seen this Sharks team play such a physical game.

[yankeetripper]

Did anyone watch that Sharks/Oilers game last night? I don't think I've ever seen this Sharks team play such a physical game.
I saw most of the 3rd period. Good hard hitting game. Nice to see the Sharks hold home ice.

[Livan33]

Did anyone watch that Sharks/Oilers game last night? I don't think I've ever seen this Sharks team play such a physical game.

I watched most of the game and was also really impressed with the amount and quality of the hits the Sharks were throwing.
Now if they could only get some more production from Thornton and Ekman I would be golden in my playoff pool.

[Wannabe Actuary]

OLN is showing NJ vs Carolina tonight ... Good thing I have my Center Ice!!!

Although, it looks like either game can be seen over the internet tonight on comcast's site and the Buffalo game can be viewed on the internet thru Yahoo's site.
or you could do like anyone can do and click here to watch live video from Yahoo (javascript:void(window.open('http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports;_ylt=Aj_u0.o6gpLbIcfUtHmNuHp7vLYF?cn=nhl live games&mid=416985','playerWindow','width=793,height=608,s crollbars=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,status=no,m enubar=no'));)

[MountainHawk]

Connolly got rocked by Schaefer. Another 'legal' hit to the head. When will the madness end, and the NHL ban hits to the head as much as they ban a hook?

[Livan33]

Reporter: So Coach Ruff, was that knee-on-knee hit by McKee a joke? And does a player like that deserve to be in the game? Would you say that McKee was playing like an idiot? Finally, are you expecting the Senators to call the league 10 times tomorrow?

Ruff: Is that a joke? Our team never does anything wrong. It's every other team in the league that is a bunch of dirty, classless thugs.

[hardinda]

Yep, he caught him with the forearm/elbow while Connolly was slightly bent over while skating thru the middle. Got to call it incidental contact, but it was with the forearm/elbown. Doubt we'll see Timmah the rest of this series with his issues with head injuries. Tough blow.

[hardinda]

Reporter: So Coach Ruff, was that knee-on-knee hit by McKee a joke? And does a player like that deserve to be in the game? Would you say that McKee was playing like an idiot? Finally, are you expecting the Senators to call the league 10 times tomorrow?

Ruff: Is that a joke? Our team never does anything wrong. It's every other team in the league that is a bunch of dirty, classless thugs.

LOL, that knee on knee was someone jumping away from a check. And it was "tripping" :)

[MountainHawk]

Did Cherry just say Connolly deserved the concussion for skating with his head down?

[Livan33]

LOL, that knee on knee was someone jumping away from a check. And it was "tripping" :)

It didn't look to me like it was accidental, but I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
Anyhoo, I'm cheering for the Sabres in this series, but just like to get my shots in at Lindy when I get the chance. ;-)

[Livan33]

Did Cherry just say Connolly deserved the concussion for skating with his head down?

I heard that too. I'm hoping he meant he deserved to get hit, but not necessarily injured....I didn't know that you guys got Coach's Corner in the States. Is that on OLN or something?

[MountainHawk]

We get the HNIC coverage on Center Ice.

[hardinda]

Does it surprise you that Cherry would say that? Cause it doesn't really surprise me.

[MountainHawk]

No, not surprised really. But still sickening to hear it come out of someones mouth.

[hardinda]

No, not surprised really. But still sickening to hear it come out of someones mouth.

Isn't that why you watch Coach's corner? It's all you get when watching it.

[MountainHawk]

True enough.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Did Cherry just say Connolly deserved the concussion for skating with his head down?
Well, let's see:
1. Connolly plays for an American team, playing against a Canadian team? Check.
2. Connolly is an American (or any non-Canadian)? Check.

Then yes, he deserved it, according to Don Cherry, biggest jerk in all Sports Media.

[Uncle Carl]

I was only half listening to coach's corner, but it sounded to me like he was just saying crossing the trolley tracks with your head down will get you killed, not that anyone deserves to get injured.

McKee when I first saw it looked like the guy just tried to dodge out of the way and got clipped. McKee absolutely stuck his leg out when I saw the replay. Brutal play. Luckily no injury resulted.

Miller's looked great though. Really playing well.

[MountainHawk]

he used the word deserved ... that's what shocked me.

[Uncle Carl]

Deserved to get hit? Or injured?

[MountainHawk]

He talked about the hit and the apparent injury, then said 'he deserved it for skating over the center with his head down' or something like that.

[DoctorNo]

Fantastic tip by Scott Gomez on that goal just now!

[Livan33]

My feeling was that he meant deserved to get hit....but who knows, he's definitely said some things that shouldn't have been said over the years.

[Judge Dredd]

WOW! What a goal.

Why are they calling Toronto?

[Judge Dredd]

OH MY GOD!

[DoctorNo]

Overtime anyhow!

[Livan33]

I've never played serious hockey, but whenever I watch a situation like that (the opposing team down 1 goal with less than 5-10 seconds left) I can never figure out why you don't just haul down anyone who has a chance to score....unless they're on a breakaway of course. Is there a good answer?

[DoctorNo]

My guess is that the Devils were trying to, within reason. There's randomness involved, and it's hard to stop players from standing where Staal was standing if he really wants to stand there.

Most likely outcome if they really push things is a penalty, followed by a Carolina offensive-zone six-on-four faceoff. Brind'amour wins the draw back to the point, and there's a free shot on net from the point, probably through a screen if the rest of the guys do anything at all. That's not good.

[DoctorNo]

Another thing is that the players in today's NHL are so fast, and as a defenseman you have to make the decision on that play - do I go get the puckcarrier coming out from the corner, or stay on Staal? If you stay on Staal, then the puckcarrier can walk right out. If you go to the puckcarrier, then either your partner rotates over, or Staal is left wide open.

It all happens so fast.

[Livan33]

My guess is that the Devils were trying to, within reason. There's randomness involved, and it's hard to stop players from standing where Staal was standing if he really wants to stand there.

Most likely outcome if they really push things is a penalty, followed by a Carolina offensive-zone six-on-four faceoff. Brind'amour wins the draw back to the point, and there's a free shot on net from the point, probably through a screen if the rest of the guys do anything at all. That's not good.

Ya, if you're going to use that stretegy a penalty is pretty sure to follow. I just figured the face-off option is less dangerous than Staal standing right in front of the net as the puck comes to him from the corner. But as you say, there's a lot of randomness, and probably things happen so quickly that it's really tough to say "Oh crap, the puck is coming to Staal, I'd better take him down".......looks like it really cost them this time though.

[Irish Blues]

On another hockey forum, I appreciated how one of the "informed posters" :roll: talked about how the days of the 2-1 playoff games were over (this was after Buffalo knocked off Ottawa 7-6) and the Blues *really* need to draft a forward like Kessel with their pick because the playoffs are all about offense, and defensemen aren't necessary to win games.

The scores of the next 5 games after that post: 3-0, 2-1, 2-1, 3-2, 2-1.

Speaking of the games ... Buffalo, Carolina, San Jose and Anaheim all up 2-0. Who'da thunk?

[GefilteFish144]

My guess is that the Devils were trying to, within reason. There's randomness involved, and it's hard to stop players from standing where Staal was standing if he really wants to stand there.

Most likely outcome if they really push things is a penalty, followed by a Carolina offensive-zone six-on-four faceoff. Brind'amour wins the draw back to the point, and there's a free shot on net from the point, probably through a screen if the rest of the guys do anything at all. That's not good.

Devils defense clearly looks overmatched in this series; Marty's the only reason they even had a chance to win. Guys like Lukowich and Wiemer are certainly a far cry from Stevens and Niedermeyer, and without White it gets even worse. I think the Devils will make it a series once it gets back to Jersey but they clearly don't have the bodies to match the speedy Carolina skaters.

[Uncle Carl]

Speaking of the games ... Buffalo, Carolina, San Jose and Anaheim all up 2-0. Who'da thunk?So who thinks any of the teams down 2-0 will come back and win their series? Any of em? I think one of the teams in the East will, but think we'll see a 5 vs 6 seed in the Western Conference finals.

[Cannonball]

I think one of the teams in the East will...

Care to say who?

Great hockey in both the Buf/Ott game and Car/NJ game. These playoffs are fun to watch. Ahhhhhh, hockey, how I missed you.

Ottawa's a great team and more than capable of coming back. But man, losing these first 2 close games in Ottawa against a hungry team like Buffalo...well, I'm biased, but those Sabres are AWESOME!

[hardinda]

This best part is how Ottawa has decided to completely change their game to match with Buffalo, isn't Ottawa the superior and more talented team? They've decided to go out of their way to hit Buffalo as much as they can. I guess Ottawa forgot about those games where they beat Buffalo with their speed earlier in the year. If they want to change their game to match against us, I'm loving it. Series is far from over, two back to back games could be tough, but all Buffalo really needs is to win one of them.

According to the Buffalo News, the Sabres are expecting Connolly to play in game 3, now that's surprising. We'll see how he feels today after a night's rest.

Great first two road games, up 2-0 and heading home, can't ask from much more vs the #1 seed left in the whole thing. HSBC will be rocking to start tomorrow night's game. Can the Sabres keep the pressure on?

I wouldn't mind seeing a Carolina vs Buffalo matchup, also wouldn't mind seeing a Anaheim vs San Jose matchup out west. Nobody woulda picked that.

[GefilteFish144]

So who thinks any of the teams down 2-0 will come back and win their series? Any of em? I think one of the teams in the East will, but think we'll see a 5 vs 6 seed in the Western Conference finals.

I think Edmonton is fully capable of coming back -- series could go either way. As for the East it looks like Carolina offence is in control. Ottawa has the talent to come back but given their playoff history I wouldn't bet on it.

[Uncle Carl]

Not sure who I think will come back in the East. Haven't seen either of the Jersey/Carolina games, sounds like Carolina's been in control though, however you can never count out a team with Brodeur between the pipes.

On the other hand I think Ottawa has for the most part outplayed Buffalo, just Buffalo's been getting better goaltending. If Ottawa finds a way to beat Miller they could easily walk away with the series. Word has it Murray's putting the Krusty/Spezza/Heatley line for game 3. I'm lookin for them to light the lamp.

Between the two I guess I'll go with Ottawa to come back and win their series, although I wouldn't bet money on it.

[MountainHawk]

I think if anyone is coming back, it's Ottawa. But I have to put the Sabres at 80-85% to win that series too.

[SharksFan08]

I think Edmonton is fully capable of coming back -- series could go either way.

Have you seen the games? (sincere, curious question, not trying to be a wise-guy)

[GefilteFish144]

Have you seen the games? (sincere, curious question, not trying to be a wise-guy)

No, can't say that I have. And for the record, I also didn't see the first 2 games Montreal played against Carolina before the Hurricanes switched goalies and haven't lost since....

[yankeetripper]

I think Edmonton is fully capable of coming back -- series could go either way.
Edmonton plays a tight defensive game but despite 2, 1 goal victories the Sharks look to be contolling play much more than the final score would indicate and they have much more offensive fire power than Edmonton. Can Edmonton come back and win? Sure anything is possible but at this point I'd be very surpirsed if the Sharks don't win the series.

[Uncle Carl]

Thing is Ottawa is the only team that's lost at home. All the other series, the team down 2-0 is heading home, so if they can at home, it becomes a best of three. Easier said than done, but Ottawa just lost 2 at home and are now hitting the road. Edmonton did pretty well to lose two close games on the road, nothing to really panick about yet. Jersey and Colorado each got blown out in game 1.

[DoctorNo]

An ode to Mike and Maddog...

Ahem...

When it says Maddog, Maddog, Maddog
On the label, label, label,
You will like it, like it, like it,
On your table, table, table.

Thank you.

[DoctorNo]

Ilja Bryzgalov still has a chance to break the all-time NHL postseason record for shutout minutes not involving Dan Hinote.

That record is held by George Hainsworth.

[MountainHawk]

Is the shutout record held by Brian Boucher, or was that in the regular season?

[Uncle Carl]

That was reg season.

[MountainHawk]

OK ... the fact that he has either is mindnumbing. ;)

[DoctorNo]

1:21 left in second period of tonight's game - wait until you see Theodore's glove save on Selanne. Wow!

[DoctorNo]

Holy crap - another unbelievable Theodore save to start the third!

If the Avs win this game, it will be 90% because of Theo.

[MountainHawk]

Theo es en fuego.

That should be in Greek, but I don't know Greek.

[MountainHawk]

What a shot by Lupul.

[MountainHawk]

What a shot by Lupul.
.

[Swan]

Theo es en fuego.

That should be in Greek, but I don't know Greek.
Ό Θεόδωροs έχει πάρει φωτιά.

[DoctorNo]

I hate overtime when my team is involved.

But it beats losing in regulation.

[MountainHawk]

I hate overtime when my team is involved.

But it beats losing in regulation.
Yeah ... nothing better than Stanley Cup OT for someone else's team though.

[MountainHawk]

(a) What was Brisebois doing?

(b) Lupul > Colorado.

[DoctorNo]

****ing Brisebois.

If you want to see the asterisked-out word, click here:
http://math.colorado.edu/~norrisdt/fa.html

[Uncle Carl]

I'm looking forward to the Sabres Sens game tonight about as much as I've looked forward to a game all playoffs. Sabres win that pretty much wraps up the series, but if Ottawa wins I'd be nervous as a Buffalo fan...this team when playing well has looked just about unbeatable this year.

[Mike and Maddog]

Lupul became the first player in NHL playoff history to cap a four-goal game with an overtime score.

[Irish Blues]

****ing Brisebois.
Habs fans could have told you that (and probably did) when the Avs signed him (for 2 years) back in the offseason. I hear Turgeon wasn't much better (and Blues fans could have told you that when the Avs signed him for 2 years in the offseason).

[SharksFan08]

Don't get me wrong, the giveaway by Brisebois was terrible, but watching that overtime it felt like Colorado was just delaying the inevitable. You'd think in the altitude an away team would tire more quickly in an overtime game, but Anaheim looked MUCH faster. The Avs didn't look threatening at all.

[DoctorNo]

Habs fans could have told you that (and probably did) when the Avs signed him (for 2 years) back in the offseason. I hear Turgeon wasn't much better (and Blues fans could have told you that when the Avs signed him for 2 years in the offseason).

Anyone looking for a Turgeon/Brisebois bashfest should check out our game-day thread on HFBoards last night:
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=250200

This post sums it up best:
http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=5475521&postcount=437

[Irish Blues]

This post sums it up best:
http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=5475521&postcount=437
:lolup:

[Uncle Carl]

Blocked at work, anyone want to post the post?

[GefilteFish144]

Blocked at work, anyone want to post the post?

Brisebois owes me a new remote control.

[Uncle Carl]

Ha.

Well at least Avs fans can be grateful they didn't end up with Souray or McCabe.

But I've got to say, this year I've seen some of the worst defensive plays in history. I honestly can't believe how poorly a lot of defensemen play 2-1's and 1-1's. I never get over seeing a defenseman playing a 2 on 1 rush at the guy with the puck and let him get a pass across. The Volchenkov give away against Buffalo in game 1 in addition to numerous poorly played 1 on 1's over the course of the year that led to highlite reel goals (half of them by Souray). Wonder what's going on.

[MountainHawk]

Yeah, In almost any sport, the defensive strategy on a 2 on 1 is the same. Deny the pass, and let your goalie stop the shooter.

[SharksFan08]

I was just coming out of a coma-like nap, so I might have read this wrong, but I thought I saw on the Bottom Line that Forsberg is out until January 2007.

[Irish Blues]

I was just coming out of a coma-like nap, so I might have read this wrong, but I thought I saw on the Bottom Line that Forsberg is out until January 2007.
http://146.145.120.3/default.asp?c=hockeynews&page=nhl/news/adn4019656.htm

Yep ... January 2007.

[MountainHawk]

Forsberg doesn't matter until April anyway. Hopefully he can skate next season.

[Judge Dredd]

Why won't OLN show the OT game?

And why is Yahoo showing this as a final?!?!?

I am losing my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hardinda]

Why won't OLN show the OT game?

And why is Yahoo showing this as a final?!?!?

I am losing my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It wasn't an OLN game, so they don't show it. That wasn't the final score, but it is final now 3-2 BUFFALO!!!!

[Livan33]

but it is final now 3-2 BUFFALO!!!!

:toast: Cheers to that!!

[GefilteFish144]

So much for that East comeback....

Devils somehow lost their focus. Marty's giving up easy goals, defence is turning the puck over and the penalty kill stinks even more than the Jersey air. I think Game 2 just plain deflated them.

[Uncle Carl]

Ya I thought at least one of Jersey or Ottawa would do something. Ottawa threatened but they're just being out goaltended right now. Emery has played average, while Miller's playing great. On the other hand, rumours are floating around Hasek will start game 4. Might as well, when you're down 3 games to none, you need a spark, and a lot of luck. I say give it a shot and if he just doesn't look ready go back to Emery. It's time to roll the dice.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Sabres, Canes, Ducks all up 3-0...Edmonton played to triple OT last night to avoid going down 0-3.

[Swan]

Sabres, Canes, Ducks all up 3-0...Edmonton played to triple OT last night to avoid going down 0-3.
You forgot to add the words "Breaking News" in the subject line of your post.

Seriously, Wannabe... do you honestly think that people who live under rocks have Internet access?

To whom is this big announcement of facts that every hockey fan in the world already knows directed? :-?

[Wannabe Actuary]

You forgot to add the words "Breaking News" in the subject line of your post.

Seriously, Wannabe... do you honestly think that people who live under rocks have Internet access?

To whom is this big announcement of facts that every hockey fan in the world already knows directed? :-?
well, I thought it might serve 3 purposes...
1. point out that the comment of a comeback in the east also applies to a series in the west
2. provoke some conversation about a triple OT game last night, since none was going on
3. p=p+1

[DoctorNo]

3. p=p+1

In your case, you should have listed this first and second and third

[Super Silver Haze]

Ottawa's up 1-0 right now, but if they end up losing this last one by 1, not scoring with 1:30 of a 2-man advantage will be a big reason why. It was sure nice to see Redden and Alfredsson pass the puck back and forth to each other. I mean, really.

[Uncle Carl]

Ya... They got a bunch of shots but no real high quality chances. Chara did a real lousy job screening Miller. It looked like he was trying to stay out of Miller's way. They should have Neil parked in front on the power play. Neil knows how to get under a keeper's skin. Just ask Burke.

[Super Silver Haze]

They got a bunch of shots but no real high quality chances.
It's kind of been the theme of the series for them, not counting game 1. Perimeter shots. Kind of feels like that's what was going on what Belfour shut them down too. I give Buffalo credit for outhustling and outworking Ottawa in this series, but I don't know if they're actually doing something to cut down on traffic in front of their net or if it's just Ottawa being content to pick up 40+ shots instead of creating real opportunities.

[Uncle Carl]

I love it when the announcers are like "Alright let's have a look at the penalty. Here comes Kelly, and he'll run some interference here..."

Then silence as they realize Kelly did absolutely nothing.

[Super Silver Haze]

:lol: I missed that particular one (I think I was busy typing my last post) but I know what you mean. "Well, that can't be it..." then back to live action.

[hardinda]

I love it when the announcers are like "Alright let's have a look at the penalty. Here comes Kelly, and he'll run some interference here..."

Then silence as they realize Kelly did absolutely nothing.

or when Chris Neil lays on someone for 10 secs with no penalty? Those are good too.

[Uncle Carl]

or when Chris Neil lays on someone for 10 secs with no penalty? Those are good too.Let's keep it PG-13 here dinda. What Neil does in his bedroom is his business.

I won't bother asking how you'd know.

[SharksFan08]

Let's keep it PG-13 here dinda. What Neil does in his bedroom is his business.

I won't bother asking how you'd know.

:lol: <--one of the rare times I can use that icon and actually mean it.

[DoctorNo]

Good night, sweet Avalanche.

And now, story time with Dr. Doug: I used to grow a playoff beard each spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs. I would always shave it off upon the Avalanche's demise.

In 2001, when they won the Cup, I didn't know what to do so I kept it.

Until tonight. Clean-shaven. 'Nuff said.

[Real American Hero]

It's kind of been the theme of the series for them, not counting game 1. Perimeter shots. Kind of feels like that's what was going on what Belfour shut them down too. I give Buffalo credit for outhustling and outworking Ottawa in this series, but I don't know if they're actually doing something to cut down on traffic in front of their net or if it's just Ottawa being content to pick up 40+ shots instead of creating real opportunities.
Wow. That sounds remarkably like another (already ousted) top seed.

[Uncle Carl]

Good night, sweet Avalanche.

And now, story time with Dr. Doug: I used to grow a playoff beard each spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs. I would always shave it off upon the Avalanche's demise.

In 2001, when they won the Cup, I didn't know what to do so I kept it.

Until tonight. Clean-shaven. 'Nuff said.Watch out ladies!

[Mike and Maddog]

Good night, sweet Avalanche.

And now, story time with Dr. Doug: I used to grow a playoff beard each spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs. I would always shave it off upon the Avalanche's demise.

In 2001, when they won the Cup, I didn't know what to do so I kept it.

Until tonight. Clean-shaven. 'Nuff said.

Did they win the cup every year since 2001? Then why wait til this losing year to shave it?

That story is confusing.

[Uncle Carl]

Did they win the cup every year since 2001? Ya....Do you even follow hockey?

[Wannabe Actuary]

Did they win the cup every year since 2001? Then why wait til this losing year to shave it?

That story is confusing.
all he knows is that Philly didn't win :lol:

[DoctorNo]

Did they win the cup every year since 2001?

Yes. I cried when Sakic passed the fourth one to Peter Worrell in 2004, and said "This one's for you, Peter!". What a moment.

But all dynasties have to end sometime.

[DoctorNo]

As an aside, Mike and Maddog has an exciting streak on the line - for the past nineteen seasons, his favourite team has won the Stanley Cup! Can the streak continue?

(M&M, I took a guess at your age. Sorry.)

[Mike and Maddog]

Sorry for the tough question. I forgot who I was dealing with.

Let's try again. When the avs didn't win in 2002, why not shave it?

Or 2003? Or 2004? or 2005 (even though there wasn't a season, they didn't win)?

Why wait til not winning it in 2006?

[DoctorNo]

Let's try again. When the avs didn't win in 2002, why not shave it?
Or 2003? Or 2004? or 2005 (even though there wasn't a season, they didn't win)?

It looked good.

People liked it.

[Irish Blues]

Yes. I cried when Sakic passed the fourth one to Peter Worrell in 2004, and said "This one's for you, Peter!". What a moment.

:rofl: I remember seeing that picture on every copy of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and The Hockey News. Then Peter retired, went back to Florida, and the Panthers and Avs both retired his jersey number.

[Mike and Maddog]

It looked good.

People liked it.


I see. So now it doesn't look good and people don't like it.

Got it.

[Real American Hero]

:rofl: I remember seeing that picture on every copy of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and The Hockey News. Then Peter retired, went back to Florida, and the Panthers and Avs both retired his jersey number.
I heard there was a glitch in Florida and they retired the number "82" by mistake. Chalk it up as a "rookie mistake."

[Uncle Carl]

Yes. I cried when Sakic passed the fourth one to Peter Worrell in 2004, and said "This one's for you, Peter!". What a moment.

But all dynasties have to end sometime.:lolup:

[DoctorNo]

I see. So now it doesn't look good and people don't like it.

You want more reasons? Because I've got more reasons.

Mods, please sticky this thread.

In 2000-2001, I was in graduate school, but essentially done with my dissertation. Consequently, I was playing hockey upwards of four hours per day - usually a team practice in the morning, and two hours of drop-in in the afternoon.

Because of how tight my goal mask was, my chin would get irritated. So I grew the beard to serve as a buffer between my chinstrap and my chin.

Now I don't play hockey as often (8 hours per week or so), and it's not really an issue.

[Irish Blues]

Is it possible to put someone on double ignore?

[MountainHawk]

Is it possible to put someone on double ignore?
You have to be careful of double ignore backfire though, or then you can ONLY read M&M posts.

[Irish Blues]

You have to be careful of double ignore backfire though, or then you can ONLY read M&M posts.
Crap ... maybe I should go for double secret ignore instead.

[Uncle Carl]

You want more reasons? Because I've got more reasons.

Mods, please sticky this thread.

In 2000-2001, I was in graduate school, but essentially done with my dissertation. Consequently, I was playing hockey upwards of four hours per day - usually a team practice in the morning, and two hours of drop-in in the afternoon.

Because of how tight my goal mask was, my chin would get irritated. So I grew the beard to serve as a buffer between my chinstrap and my chin.

Now I don't play hockey as often (8 hours per week or so), and it's not really an issue.You play hockey 8 hours a week? Geez..You're my hero...I'm lucky if I play 2 hours a week.

[DoctorNo]

You play hockey 8 hours a week? Geez..You're my hero...I'm lucky if I play 2 hours a week.

Mainly it's my semipro team - during the winter we have 1-2 practices per week and 1-2 games on the weekends. In the summer it's lighter.

I also play goal for two rec league teams in the area, plus I'm on the sub list.

Then, I skate in Boulder twice a week with a group of CU alums - it's a 7 a.m. skate so I can still get to work at a decent hour.

Now that I enumerate everything, it's probably about 10 hours in the summer and 15 in the winter. It's a good thing that goalies just stand there.

[DoctorNo]

Today after work, a few friends and I headed down to the Tavern Downtown (20th and Market iin downtown Denver). We're standing there drinking beer, and my friend Chris asks "if I know that guy". I look over and it's Joe Sakic, sitting with a bunch of people about four tables away.

Then I realize that Sakic is with the rest of the Avs! Dan Hinote, Jose Theodore, Peter Budaj, Jim Dowd, Antti Laaksonen, Dan Hinote, Brad May, Ian Laperriere, Wojtek Wolski, Patrice Brisebois, Karlis Skrastins and Rob Blake were the ones I recognized.

We briefly talked with Sakic and Blake - joking about how the girls were fawning all over him - but the highlight happened later in the evening.

My friend Chris comes back from the restroom, and mentions that he talked with Brad May for a few minutes. May actually looks a bit like my friend, and that's what he said they talked about.

So we're standing there, and Brad May starts walking back through the crowd, and when he gets 10 feet away, he holds his hand out and loudly says "Chris!" Chris introduces me, and I say that I'm glad to have him on the team. Brad says that he wishes they were still playing, I agree, and he goes to his table.

I was always a May fan, but he's a really great guy in person.

Later, we hit on the same girls that were all over Dan Hinote. Good times!

[SharksFan08]

Then I realize that Sakic is with the rest of the Avs! Dan Hinote, Jose Theodore, Peter Budaj, Jim Dowd, Antti Laaksonen, Dan Hinote, Brad May, Ian Laperriere, Wojtek Wolski, Patrice Brisebois, Karlis Skrastins and Rob Blake were the ones I recognized.

Big Dan Hinote fan too?

[DoctorNo]

Big Dan Hinote fan too?

Not as much as the ladies in the bar were!

[Irish Blues]

RIP, Ottawa. Buffalo wins 3-2 in OT on a shorthanded goal by Jason Pominville to take the series 4-1.

So we have 2 of the 4 conference finalists, maybe a 3rd today if Carolina can forget about yesterday's 5-1 pounding in New Jersey and clinch the series.

[Irish Blues]

Buffalo/Carolina in the Eastern Conference Final as the Canes knock the Devils out in 5.

[DoctorNo]

Fun last game of the series between Canes and Devils. Nice to see Ward and Brodeur shake hands in the line afterwards.

[Chubbs_23]

San Jose sharks fans booing the Canadian anthem?!? Are you serious?!?

Is that supposed to give a moral boost to their team which is about 80% Canadian?

To quote my nemesis Shooter McGavin:
"Damn you people, go back to your shanties!"

[Uncle Carl]

To quote my nemesis Shooter McGavin:
"Damn you people, go back to your shanties!""I gotta tell ya, the guy spends more time in the sand than David Hasselhoff"

[Wannabe Actuary]

wow, so at this point my predictions stink

[Drewby]

'Canes have the Devils' number...oh well!

I think I'll pull for the Ducks now...

[Irish Blues]

San Jose sharks fans booing the Canadian anthem?!? Are you serious?!?

Is that supposed to give a moral boost to their team which is about 80% Canadian?

To quote my nemesis Shooter McGavin:
"Damn you people, go back to your shanties!"
;) Maybe if they hadn't booed, they'd have won 6-3 instead.

[hardinda]

wow, so at this point my predictions stink

Who has teams left? I have San Jose and Buffalo left with both of them meeting in the finals. Hopefully Buffalo will get there, but looking tough for San Jose.

[MountainHawk]

I'll post the exact results after the EDM-SJ series is over, but I think that some people have CAR, BUF, and SJS .... I don't think anyone had ANA or EDM in the CF.

[Irish Blues]

I had Carolina beating Buffalo. Granted, it was in the ECSF.

I also had Anaheim to the WCF (http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showpost.php?p=1503550&postcount=2699) ... and that's it.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I had NJ over Ott
Det over SJ

so if SJ wins, I can at least get a few points there, but I'm likely at my final point total

[SharksFan08]

San Jose sharks fans booing the Canadian anthem?!? Are you serious?!?

Is that supposed to give a moral boost to their team which is about 80% Canadian?

To quote my nemesis Shooter McGavin:
"Damn you people, go back to your shanties!"

Is anyone else bothered by this? That's absolutely disgraceful. I didn't even believe it, but I called my brother after reading this (he was at the game) and he said it was just as bad as reported.

[yankeetripper]

San Jose sharks fans booing the Canadian anthem?!? Are you serious?!?

Totally classless. I was hoping for Sharks-Devils final but after that, I don't even care if the Sharks advance anymore; and with the Devils already out, my hockey this year looks like it may be done.

[Irish Blues]

Supposedly some Avs fans were booing the anthem in the Stars series at the point where the song mentioned "star" or "stars" and the Dallas fans usually shout the word out at home.

San Jose and Colorado booing the anthem? Find ourselves another city that did this recently, and I think we've found ourselves a new Axis of Evil.

[SharksFan08]

Find ourselves another city that did this recently, and I think we've found ourselves a new Axis of Evil.

Didn't Chicago do it one (or more) times with the Cubs back a few years ago?

[Irish Blues]

Didn't Chicago do it one (or more) times with the Cubs back a few years ago?
;) No, they were just booing the Cubs.

[DoctorNo]

Supposedly some Avs fans were booing the anthem in the Stars series at the point where the song mentioned "star" or "stars" and the Dallas fans usually shout the word out at home.

I can confirm that this happened at Game Four. Not a lot of fans in my estimation, and very staccato booing on both instances of "star" in the anthem.

[Uncle Carl]

Is anyone else bothered by this? That's absolutely disgraceful. I didn't even believe it, but I called my brother after reading this (he was at the game) and he said it was just as bad as reported.I don't know, this has become old news. Canadians boo American anthem from time to time, Americans boo Canadian anthem from time to time. Pretty tasteless but I think people blow it out of proportion.

I'm more disturbed by people throwing banana peels at Kevin Weekes and stuff like that.

[Mike and Maddog]

Bruins Sign Future Flyers All-Star To Three-Year Deal
May 11, 2006 | Onion Sports

BOSTON—The Bruins agreed to terms Monday with 2005 second-round draft pick Petr Kalus, signing him to a three-year contract that NHL insiders predict will be just long enough for Kalus to evolve into an All-Star-caliber player before his inevitable trade to the perennial playoff contender Philadelphia Flyers. The Czech Republic native will follow former Bruin greats Sergei Samsonov and Joe Thornton in continuing the tradition of Boston players who were traded immediately before their breakout season. "We look forward to obstructing Petr's development during his three frustrating years in Boston, although we certainly dread watching his much better career after he blossoms into the Flyers' top point scorer," Bruins interim GM Jeff Gorton said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him score 30 goals in a season, many of them against us." Over his three years in Boston, Kalus is expected to endure a brief stint in the minors, be called up by the cellar-dwelling Bruins, battle a series of avoidable minor injuries, get traded for two draft picks and a player to be named later to Philadelphia, and begin his run at being named MVP in 2009, 2010, and 2013.

[DoctorNo]

Love the Onion. Good call, M&M!

[Jables]

:oops:

[DoctorNo]

Jables, it seems to me that you've still never told us your favourite team. Why is that?

I mean Mike and Maddog. Sorry, did I say Jables? I mean Mike and Maddog.

[Hayden Christensen]

Canadians boo American anthem from time to time, Americans boo Canadian anthem from time to time.

Yeah, especially at The Bell Centre back in 03-04. Made me ashamed to be a Habs fan and want to :exams:!

[GefilteFish144]

I think Edmonton is fully capable of coming back -- series could go either way. As for the East it looks like Carolina offence is in control. Ottawa has the talent to come back but given their playoff history I wouldn't bet on it.

Just wanted to apologize to Sharks fans for jinxing your team after they went up 2-0. I think SJ is fully capable of comming back, and yes the series could go either way. (Better to be a politician than to make actual predictions, which in my case were way off.)

[Uncle Carl]

:lol:

[Mike and Maddog]

Love the Onion. Good call, M&M!

Gee thanks.

[Real American Hero]

Hawk, what's the prognosis for Niittymaki?

[MountainHawk]

Four inch tear of the left groin. Coming back to Philadelphia today, I think. They expect it to heal naturally, and his hip surgery will still be happening soon.

[yankeetripper]

Four inch tear of the left groin.
that was more detail than I needed. ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Keef]

that was more detail than I needed. ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[De Niro in CAsino] NO KIDDING!!!!!! [/De NiRo in Casino]

[Cannonball]

Muckler says he doesn't want any major changes for the Senators.

They need just one change: a little bit of grit. Man, what a flashy, talented bunch of non-winners. That's as nice as I can say it.

[hardinda]

I could possibly be going to game 1 in Raleigh, working on the details to see if I can get it to work. That'd be sweet!!!!

[Cannonball]

I could possibly be going to game 1 in Raleigh, working on the details to see if I can get it to work. That'd be sweet!!!!

Have a blast, and go Sabres!

I gotta confess that the Canes worry me a lot more than the Sens did. The Canes looked real tough against Jersey, but hey, the Sabres beat 'em 4-0 last game of the season to take away their #1 seed, so I know they can do it!

[hardinda]

Have a blast, and go Sabres!

I gotta confess that the Canes worry me a lot more than the Sens did. The Canes looked real tough against Jersey, but hey, the Sabres beat 'em 4-0 last game of the season to take away their #1 seed, so I know they can do it!

Yeah, they worry me as well, but the Sens worried me more than Carolina does. The sens crushed us during the regular season. We lost 3 out of 4 to Carolina, but I wouldn't say they dominated us in many games, plus that 4-0 road win does help the confidence. This is going to be a long hard fought series. I'm hoping we can win it in 6 or 7.

[hardinda]

I'm going, called up ticketmaster and got myself a ticket right behind the Sabres bench. LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!

Oh yeah, all 3 games in Buffalo sold out in 16 mins this morning. You can still got 8 seats side by side in Carolina. Guess hockey really hasn't made it into the south yet (even though this team went to the finals 2 years ago). I expect there to be atleast 1,000 Sabres fans at that game in Carolina.

[Swan]

Oh yeah, all 3 games in Buffalo sold out in 16 mins this morning. You can still got 8 seats side by side in Carolina. Guess hockey really hasn't made it into the south yet (even though this team went to the finals 2 years ago).
That wasn't two years ago; that was four years ago.

[hardinda]

That wasn't two years ago; that was four years ago.

Ah, yeah time flies as you're having fun and they are locking out the season.

[MountainHawk]

Hardinda should love this article:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nhl/misc/crashin_net.htm

[yankeetripper]

Conragts to the Oilers and especially their fans who responded to the booing of CA National Anthem in SJ by chreering the US National Anthem last night.

[GefilteFish144]

Conragts to the Oilers and especially their fans who responded to the booing of CA National Anthem in SJ by chreering the US National Anthem last night.

Watched part of the game last night -- Roloson really steps it up in the playoffs. Should be an exciting series for both East and West.

[hardinda]

24 hours till gametime. Let's Go Buffalo!!!!

I'll be interested in watching the game tonight. Haven't seen much of either team. Am I correct to assume Anaheim will be the speed team and Edmonton will be the checking team?

[hardinda]

MH - Who is winning the contest!?!?!?!!

I only have 1 team left, doubt it's me - unless Buffalo wins it all.

[Uncle Carl]

24 hours till gametime. Let's Go Buffalo!!!!

I'll be interested in watching the game tonight. Haven't seen much of either team. Am I correct to assume Anaheim will be the speed team and Edmonton will be the checking team?Edmonton is a lot faster than people who haven't seen them much think. Horcoff, Hemsky, Pisani, Smyth. Those guys can move. Samsonov has been playing pretty well too, looks a bit like Kovalev out there. Fun to watch. Peca had about as good a first period in game 6 as I've seen anyone have in recent memory. When he gets going he's fun to watch too. Edmonton has been involved in some very exciting games. Don't expect to see Jersey circa 1995.

[GefilteFish144]

Edmonton is a lot faster than people who haven't seen them much think. Horcoff, Hemsky, Pisani, Smyth. Those guys can move. Samsonov has been playing pretty well too, looks a bit like Kovalev out there. Fun to watch. Peca had about as good a first period in game 6 as I've seen anyone have in recent memory. When he gets going he's fun to watch too. Edmonton has been involved in some very exciting games. Don't expect to see Jersey circa 1995.

The fact that Edmonton scored 17 goals in their 4 wins is a strong indication that they are pretty fast. Too bad Giguerre is injurred -- would have been great to see a Jiggy-Roloson rematch from '03, but the Ducks current guy is doing a great job.

[Wannabe Actuary]

yeah, I gained zero points in round 2...so I know I'm not winning

[MountainHawk]

Real quick ... no checking yet ... off to a meeting.


Doctor No 47
Real American Hero 42
hardinda 37
Irish Blues 37
Wannabe Actuary 32
GefilteFish144 29
bfore13 24
udjw828 24
BigD 23
Super Silver Haze 21
Chubbs_23 21
MtnHawk 19
Uncle 19
seabass 19

[Wannabe Actuary]

only suggestion I would make is an indicator of who has teams left.

[GefilteFish144]

6th out of 14 with Carolina still alive -- that's about as well as I can expect to do.