NHL 2005-2006: The thread

[Uncle Carl]

Can I please be removed from this contest? Thanks.

[hardinda]

Can I please be removed from this contest? Thanks.

I think you already took care of that with your picks :)

[Uncle Carl]

Set myself up for that one didn't I...

[MountainHawk]

Yes, yes you did.

[DoctorNo]

How about that pass Dwayne Roloson just made to set up a shorthanded breakaway goal?!!!

[hardinda]

Edmonton has looked very good the first two games, anyone think Anaheim even has a shot now?

[DoctorNo]

Edmonton has looked very good the first two games, anyone think Anaheim even has a shot now?

Anaheim needs to put Giguere back in the net. Not because Bryzgalov has played poorly, but to try and change the momentum.

[hardinda]

Game 1 was awesome in Carolina, ran into a few friends from the days I lived in Buffalo. There were ALOT of Buffalo fans there. The parking lots seemed like more Sabres fans than Carolina fans. After getting into the game it was probably only 3,000 Sabres fans or so.

Sabres played a great road game and won a game where they didn't even play their best 60 mins. I thought Buffalo only carried the play in the 2nd period, but as they've done all playoffs long, they capitalized when Carolina made their mistakes.

Tonight's game is a must-win for Carolina. If they go down 2-0 to the Sabres, this series is pretty much done. Sabres have accomplished what they wanted with atleast 1 win and as of right now have home ice advantage thru the Stanley Cup finals :) A win tonight would be the cherry on top.

[MountainHawk]

A team always has a shot until the other team wins 4.

That said, it's looking a lot like another Alberta team is going to represent the West in the Cup.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I know an 8 has never won it all, but has an 8 seed ever played for the cup before?

[DoctorNo]

I know an 8 has never won it all, but has an 8 seed ever played for the cup before?

No.

But there have only been "8 seeds" for twelve seasons (including this one), so it's not surprising at all.

[MountainHawk]

Has a 4 seed ever won it from the only 4 division structure? How about a 16 seed in the 1-16 approach?

[Real American Hero]

Anaheim needs to put Giguere back in the net. Not because Bryzgalov has played poorly, but to try and change the momentum.
No! No! A thousand times NO! (I've got Bryzgalov in my fantasy pool.)

[DoctorNo]

Has a 4 seed ever won it from the only 4 division structure?

Just off the top of my head, but the 1991 North Stars were a #4 seed, advancing to the Finals before losing to Pittsburgh.

[GefilteFish144]

Edmonton has looked very good the first two games, anyone think Anaheim even has a shot now?

Anaheim has almost as much of a shot as Edmonton had when they were down 2-0 to San Jose and Carolina had when they were down 2-0 to Montreal. First 2 games were fairly even, with solid goaltending on both sides. I think Ducks will put up a fight before losing in 6.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Anaheim needs to put Giguere back in the net. Not because Bryzgalov has played poorly, but to try and change the momentum.
It's probably more of a message to the players: "If we lose with the other goalie, then there's only one thing in common, and that's YOU."
That said, I don't know whether Giguere can play a whole game yet.

ANA looked real good at times, but it's giving up too many penalties.

[Swan]

Has a 4 seed ever won it from the only 4 division structure?
Just off the top of my head, but the 1991 North Stars were a #4 seed, advancing to the Finals before losing to Pittsburgh.
And if memory serves, they were also the 15th best team out of all the 16 teams that competed in the playoffs that year (they had only 66 points in the regular season).

They truly were an amazing playoff story that year: Knocked off the No. 1 seed Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, the No. 2 seed St. Louis Blues in the second round, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers in the semi-finals before bowing out to the Penguins in six games (after taking a 2-1 series lead, mind you).

[Uncle Carl]

Anaheim has almost as much of a shot as Edmonton had when they were down 2-0 to San Jose and Carolina had when they were down 2-0 to Montreal. First 2 games were fairly even, with solid goaltending on both sides. I think Ducks will put up a fight before losing in 6.Well, when Edmonton was down 2-0, they were heading home. Anaheim is now hitting the road down 2-0. Same with Carolina though.

[MountainHawk]

Richards signs 5 yr, $39M deal.


Crawford is now the Kings coach.

[DoctorNo]

Spectacular effort by Glen Wesley just now to save a Buffalo goal!

[Cannonball]

Ouch. Ugh. Sabres collapsed on the penalty kills, and the Canes just plain outplayed 'em.

Back to Buffalo. C'mon, Sabres, get it done!

[Real American Hero]

Maggie vs. the "experts" update:
Maggie 7-5
McKenzie 7-5
McGuire 6-6
Berg 5-7

Maggie's semifinal picks (CAR/EDM) are contrary to the "experts" - she could build an insurmountable lead.

[MountainHawk]

Bruins to name Shiro as GM:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166679&hubname=

Giguere looks to be heading to the Avs as GM:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166683&hubname=

[DoctorNo]

Giguere looks to be heading to the Avs as GM:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166683&hubname=

Sweet! He can back up Theodore, too!

[MountainHawk]

:lol: Wrong Giguere.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I think the as GM should have given that one away...

[DoctorNo]

I think the as GM should have given that one away...

Let's see - there are two options here:

(1) I don't know how to follow a link, don't know how to read, and don't follow the news of my favourite sports team.

(2) You don't understand dry humour.

[Wannabe Actuary]

hmmm, yet no comment about another poster laughing and saying wrong guy...

man, I know you run a site about hockey goalies...do you really think that I thought you were sincere about a comment like that, about a goalie you would certainly know

[DoctorNo]

hmmm, yet no comment about another poster laughing and saying wrong guy...

Yeah, life's a *****, isn't it?

[Wannabe Actuary]

and then you comment on the unimportant part of my post

I see you're right on track for not having a meaningful post...nice

[DoctorNo]

I see you're right on track for not having a meaningful post...nice

Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to.
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=64731
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=69372
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=80006

[Wannabe Actuary]

Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to.
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=64731
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=69372
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=80006
way to check...I've posted in ONE of those three threads

[DoctorNo]

way to check...I've posted in ONE of those three threads

Made you look.

[DoctorNo]

Alright, you want the truth?

MH's post conveyed that he got the humour in my response, but didn't overtly state his opinion as to whether or not I understood what was going on. Based on our past interactions, I was pretty sure that he knew I "got it".

Your post basically just said "Doctor No doesn't get it. Ha ha."

That's the difference.

[Wannabe Actuary]

and my problem is you assumed I recalled nothing about our talking about goalies and you linking your site when I've asked questions about shutouts and the impact of the shootout on the recording of shutouts...and your links were very helpful

it seems that you think I have a two second memory, and I find that insulting

now, what were we talking about again? :wink: oh yeah

you made an assumption that I didn't realize your post was dry (and not that funny really) humor, and you were wrong

[DoctorNo]

(and not that funny really)

Thanks! :cry:

[Uncle Carl]

Way to go WA. Just don't know when to stop, do you?

[Real American Hero]

On a completely unrelated front, grandpa Chelios is close to coming back again next year. (I'd say "one more year" except that he appears to be determined to be paired with a grandson at some point, one-upping Gordie.)

[Uncle Carl]

I could see him going out ala Andreychuk.

[Redge]

I could see him going out ala Andreychuk.

Did he bow out more or less the same way as the Golden Brett?

[Uncle Carl]

No. Andreychuk was shown the door.

[DoctorNo]

No. Andreychuk was shown the door.

And was technically still the captain even after getting the boot - they never replaced him in Tampa.

My guess is that Richards will be the next Lightning captain, and probably would have been named immediately if he'd been under long-term contract at the time.

[Uncle Carl]

Oh ya? My guess would be Vinny. But makes sense that it could be Richards since they didn't name Vinny after Dave left.

[DoctorNo]

I still keep hearing things about Lecavalier being dealt. There's no way that Tampa can afford to pay everyone, so maybe we'll see it soon?

[Keef]

I still keep hearing things about Lecavalier being dealt. There's no way that Tampa can afford to pay everyone, so maybe we'll see it soon?

I wouldn't mind having Lecavalier on the Habs - they really need another high quality centre.

Call me crazy, I know this is a gamble, but I think Federov would be a good addition to Montreal. I doubt he wants to finish his career in Columbus, and there are a number of comrades on the Habs - including Kovalev & Markov - that I bet he would fit in real well.

[DoctorNo]

I wouldn't mind having Lecavalier on the Habs - they really need another high quality centre.

Being the Beliveau fan that he is, I imagine that Vinny wouldn't mind, either.

[DoctorNo]

If any of you want to see a hockey team implode, turn on your televisions to the Ducks - Oilers game about ten minutes ago.

[Keef]

If any of you want to see a hockey team implode, turn on your televisions to the Ducks - Oilers game about ten minutes ago.

The Ducks seem to have got themselves back in Fyling V formation and are making a game of it with 10 mins left.

[DoctorNo]

The Ducks seem to have got themselves back in Fyling V formation and are making a game of it with 10 mins left.

They must read the AO!

Randy Carlyle = 2Pac? :tfh:

[DoctorNo]

I can't believe the save Roloson just made on the goal line.

Dwayne Roloson = Andy Moog? :tfh:

[DoctorNo]

Apparently the rest of the Oilers went home. 4-3 now!

DoctorNo = Wannabe Actuary? :tfh:

[Keef]

And now it's a 1 goal game. DOUBLE :tfh:!

[DoctorNo]

Pisani to make it 5-3.

This game is now clearly over. :insert sarcasm smilie thingie:

[Keef]

NM - 2 goal game again.

[Keef]

It's late and I'm watching the NHL on TV - for a second I thought I was still in Dublin :tfh:. Seriously - they play hockey & other NA sports after midnight there.

[DoctorNo]

5-4 now. Great camera work!

[DoctorNo]

Seriously - they play hockey & other NA sports after midnight there.

That's weird. I blame Gary Bettman.

[Keef]

That's weird. I blame Gary Bettman.

Yeah, I think the Gaelic Athletic Association has put a price on his head.

[DoctorNo]

Great ending to that game! Makes me proud to be a hockey fan.

[Uncle Carl]

Wow...that was something. Oil go up 4-0 with 3 goals in the first 5, then Fedoruk can't stand on his feet long enough for Laraque to beat the hell out of him, everything is going Edmonton's way then the Ducks almost steal the game? Awesome hockey.

[Real American Hero]

The *roughing* call for the skate-by face wash was kind of weak, but coming just after the "fight" I guess the refs didn't want to lose control. I have no idea what the delayed call was on the Pronger goal. I figured things would get real ugly real fast, then the Ducks treated us to a heck of a game.

[Real American Hero]

And talk about hanging your goalie out to dry...

[seabass]

The *roughing* call for the skate-by face wash was kind of weak, but coming just after the "fight" I guess the refs didn't want to lose control. I have no idea what the delayed call was on the Pronger goal. I figured things would get real ugly real fast, then the Ducks treated us to a heck of a game.

Was the Pronger goal the one that hit the goal-cam? I only saw highlights on ESPN, but thats the only one they mentioned that was reviewed.

[Redge]

Was the Pronger goal the one that hit the goal-cam? I only saw highlights on ESPN, but thats the only one they mentioned that was reviewed.

No, a Duck hit the cam. Pronger's goal (at least the one I saw) was a point shot on the left side of the net about a couple feet off the ice or something like that.

[Uncle Carl]

So Lindy Ruff all but admits he coaches his players to dive. Derek Roy's looked like a 3rd rate ballerina with an inner ear infection since round one, little did I know Ruff was telling him to hit the ice like an Atomic bomb drill in 1950. Pathetic. What an embarrassment to the sport.

[Cannonball]

When did he make this confession?

[Uncle Carl]

Post game press conference.

[Keef]

When did he make this confession?

I'm not sure it was a confession. In fact, I'm convinced it's a joke!

(Bet nobody saw that coming :wink:).

[Cannonball]

Post game press conference.

Bull yarney.

[Uncle Carl]

''I think what we tried to do is take a page from them,'' said Ruff. ''We found a couple of their players, especially early in the game, you didn't even have to touch them and down they go. So I think you have to fight fire with fire.'' Link (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166719&hubname=nhl)

Ruff thinks the Canes are diving, so he takes a page from them? Fights fire with fire? Clearly he's condoning, if not coaching diving.

Note Laviolette's responce in the article about what he thinks should happen to his players if they dive.

[Uncle Carl]

I'm not sure it was a confession. In fact, I'm convinced it's a joke!

(Bet nobody saw that coming :wink:).It's not a joke in itself. It's the definition of a joke. That is the definition of a joke right there.

[Real American Hero]

Are you joking?

[Uncle Carl]

Bout what?

[Real American Hero]

I dunno. I just felt the need to throw some form of "joke" in a post.

PC + 1 (or 2)

Quality sig line, btw.

[Uncle Carl]

Ohhhh. Duh.

me -> :oyh: <- you

Glad you like the sig. They were getting trendy so I figured I'd get one.

[Cannonball]

The Sabres just can't win 'em easy. Go up 4-1 then ease up just enough to let the Canes back in it. Thought the Canes would tie it up in the last 30 seconds. But hey, 2-1 lead now, I'll take it.

[hardinda]

The Sabres just can't win 'em easy. Go up 4-1 then ease up just enough to let the Canes back in it. Thought the Canes would tie it up in the last 30 seconds. But hey, 2-1 lead now, I'll take it.

Great win, we lost Tallinder, so now we are down 3 of our top 6 d-men, gonna be tough. That's the playoffs though.

[Uncle Carl]

''I think what we tried to do is take a page from them,'' said Ruff. ''We found a couple of their players, especially early in the game, you didn't even have to touch them and down they go. So I think you have to fight fire with fire.'' Link (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166719&hubname=nhl)

Ruff thinks the Canes are diving, so he takes a page from them? Fights fire with fire? Clearly he's condoning, if not coaching diving.

Note Laviolette's responce in the article about what he thinks should happen to his players if they dive.:bump:

[Cannonball]

Big F. I don't care. All's fair in love and war and hockey.

Fatso.

[Uncle Carl]

All's fair in hockey? So then why are there penalties?

Face it, Sabres are a joke organization full of panty-waisted divers.

[hardinda]

uncle - if you want to talk about hockey, I'll talk - if you can't understand Lindy Ruff's sarcasm ... then that sucks to be you.

[Cannonball]

All's fair in hockey? So then why are there penalties?

Face it, Sabres are a joke organization full of panty-waisted divers.

Waa waa waa.

Lindy and the team are tough as nails. You can't make it this far without being tough.

Who was your team again?

[Keef]

uncle - if you want to talk about hockey, I'll talk - if you can't understand Lindy Ruff's sarcasm ... then that sucks to be you.

http://footiethreads.com/forum/images/smilies/yellowcard.gif for stating Lindy Ruff is capable of sarcasm or subtlety.

[Uncle Carl]

uncle - if you want to talk about hockey, I'll talk - if you can't understand Lindy Ruff's sarcasm ... then that sucks to be you.Haaa. Now you're going to try pretend he was being sarcastic? That's hilarious.

Did you see him make the comments? I did. He was dead serious. Pretty plain to see by watching Derek Roy falling down everytime any gets within 5 feet of him.

[Uncle Carl]

Lindy and the team are tough as nails. You can't make it this far without being tough.:lolup:

[Uncle Carl]

How does it feel to be a long time fan of a team, then have the coach come out and say he tells his players to dive?

I think I'd get sick to my stomach...Would be like walking in on your wife with another man.

[Cannonball]

Would be like walking in on your wife with another man.

I don't need to hear about what happened between you and your wife and another man last night. Save it for your shrink.

Who's your team again?

[Keef]

How does it feel to be a long time fan of a team, then have the coach come out and say he tells his players to dive?

ITA. That's one reason I really respected Scotty Bowman - he forbid his players to dive or embellish an injury, that way the refs know if you're actually hurt. Plus it's just good sportsmanship.

[Uncle Carl]

I don't need to hear about what happened between you and your wife and another man last night. Save it for your shrink.

Who's your team again?:lol: Can't defend your team of silk wearing buttercups so you want to talk about my team. Sad.

Do your homework, isn't hard to find.

Here's a hint: It's one of the 29 teams in the league that doesn't coach their players to dive.

[Cannonball]

I can defend him. He was talking off the cuff after a game. Big deal. Go cry to your mama, Carl.

Don't feel like reading your old posts for your team. A ha! I got it! You're a Senators fan. Hey, the Sabres took pity on them and let them win a game, in much the same way that your wife takes pity on you and allows you your annual trip to her bedroom.

Ruff doesn't coach his players to dive. You're just jealous 'cause you root for a loser team without heart. Too bad, so sad. Better luck next year.

[Uncle Carl]

Ruff doesn't coach his players to dive. You're just jealous 'cause you root for a loser team without heart. Too bad, so sad. Better luck next year.Then why did he say he does? He was talking off the cuff? So in the heat of the moment he lied and said he coaches his team to dive? :lol: That's good.

I wonder if after game 4 in the heat of the moment he'll lie and says he sleeps with his players after the game. Because you know, sometimes you just say things!

PS Are you from Buffalo? If you are I should back off. I didn't realize you were mentally challenged. I've been. It's a lovely city you people have built. You should all be quite proud of yourselves. A lot of people who aren't even challenged couldn't have done much better.

[hardinda]

Just b/c you envy, don't be a hater.

[Judge Dredd]

Then why did he say he does? He was talking off the cuff? So in the heat of the moment he lied and said he coaches his team to dive? :lol: That's good.

I wonder if after game 4 in the heat of the moment he'll lie and says he sleeps with his players after the game. Because you know, sometimes you just say things!

PS Are you from Buffalo? If you are I should back off. I didn't realize you were mentally challenged. I've been. It's a lovely city you people have built. You should all be quite proud of yourselves. A lot of people who aren't even challenged couldn't have done much better.
:meltdown:

[Uncle Carl]

Me? Ha, look at Cannonball melting down. Saying stuff about my non-existant wife. This is turning out better than I thought.

[Judge Dredd]

Me? Ha, look at Cannonball melting down. Saying stuff about my non-existant wife. This is turning out better than I thought.
yeah, him too.

But you posted last.

:popcorn:

I am way more into the series now because of all the post game stuff - far more than the edmonton one.

[hardinda]

Me? Ha, look at Cannonball melting down. Saying stuff about my non-existant wife. This is turning out better than I thought.

Nah, b/c you were trying to troll me ... just happened to hook another fish.

[Cannonball]

Me? Ha, look at Cannonball melting down. Saying stuff about my non-existant wife. This is turning out better than I thought.

Non-existent? So you fantasize about finding your would-be wife in bed with another man? Yikes. You're worse off than I thought.

[Uncle Carl]

Ya, I only caught the third last night, but that was a good one. Game 4 should be a lot of fun.

[Uncle Carl]

Non-existent? So you fantasize about finding your would-be wife in bed with another man? Yikes. You're worse off than I thought.You're losing me here...What's with all the wife stuff?

[hardinda]

yeah, him too.

But you posted last.

:popcorn:

I am way more into the series now because of all the post game stuff - far more than the edmonton one.
You don't even know the half of it. You should read what Carolina fans think of those mean nasty Buffalo fans who came down and yelled "Let's Go BUFFALO!" in their face in game 1. It was so mean of them to do that (I was one of them :) )

LOL, i think they were really mad that the zamboni's weren't painted with a #8 and #24 and the puck isn't forced to only turn left.

[seabass]

:popcorn:


ditto.

[Uncle Carl]

Nah, b/c you were trying to troll me ... just happened to hook another fish.I already knew you'd be fine with the Sabres diving.

[hardinda]

I already knew you'd be fine with the Sabres diving.

I enjoyed watching the Flying Tomato Commodore try his diving last night, but he wasn't very good at it.

[Uncle Carl]

Obviously. He hasn't been coached on how to do it properly.

[Judge Dredd]

You don't even know the half of it. You should read what Carolina fans think of those mean nasty Buffalo fans who came down and yelled "Let's Go BUFFALO!" in their face in game 1. It was so mean of them to do that (I was one of them :) )

LOL, i think they were really mad that the zamboni's weren't painted with a #8 and #24 and the puck isn't forced to only turn left.
I'm sure I don't know the half. These series tend to get pretty hot.

Although I am shocked to hear the buffalo fans were in THEIR face. If you go to their place, they should be in YOUR face. Sounds like carolina fans got no heart. They'd rather complain about it after the fact. :shrug:

[hardinda]

The 2nd period last night was domination on ice. Sabres played their best period of the season. 3rd looked shaky, but a win in the playoffs is a win. Game 4 is another important game for Carolina, they can't afford to go down 3-1.

[Judge Dredd]

The 2nd period last night was domination on ice. Sabres played their best period of the season. 3rd looked shaky, but a win in the playoffs is a win. Game 4 is another important game for Carolina, they can't afford to go down 3-1.
that goal at the end of the first period was huge.

Carolina was all over them in the first period, too.

[hardinda]

I'm sure I don't know the half. These series tend to get pretty hot.

Although I am shocked to hear the buffalo fans were in THEIR face. If you go to their place, they should be in YOUR face. Sounds like carolina fans got no heart. They'd rather complain about it after the fact. :shrug:

Yeah, I heard many people say "I thought Toronto fans were bad, you guys are much worse" ... I took that as a compliment, b/c Toronto fans piss me off when they show up in Buffalo. Annoying drunkards, but very passionate for their team.

[hardinda]

that goal at the end of the first period was huge.

Carolina was all over them in the first period, too.

I disagree with Carolina being all over them. Carolina scored a fluke goal and I really thought the first was a push.

[Judge Dredd]

I disagree with Carolina being all over them. Carolina scored a fluke goal and I really thought the first was a push.
What was the S.O.G. that first period? I thought it was like 2-1 carolina.

Not that that stat proves one way or another, but that's all I got. :lol:

[MountainHawk]

I thought the first was clearly Carolina's period ... but not as much as the 2nd was Buffalo's period. Buffalo was lucky it wasn't 2-0 going into the first break. 1-1 was a steal for them.

[Judge Dredd]

I thought the first was clearly Carolina's period ... but not as much as the 2nd was Buffalo's period.
that was exactly my impression, too.

The gates opened, and they poured it on.

[Cannonball]

That was fun! If that's trolling, then count me in!

I didn't even review his old posts to determine Karl was a Sens fan. His pouting and whining were all it took. Man, the Sens choke year after year. And Muckler says he won't make any changes! Sweet!

Sabres took it to 'em for 2 periods last night, but let up in the 3rd. Ummmmm, against a solid team like the Canes, letting up isn't such a good idea.

GO SABRES!!!!!

(better luck next year, Karl)

[hardinda]

Shot on goal 1st period

Buffalo 11 - Carolina 7

[hardinda]

http://www.wgr550.com/sabres/fullstory.php?id=1616

Tallinder out for the playoffs with a broken arm. There goes our 3rd defenseman from the starting 6. Things are getting tough, doesn't mean we can't win though. Jillson played a good game last night. Hopefully we get Teppo back for Friday's game and Kalinin back soon after.

[Cannonball]

Ruff was a tough, in-your-face player in his day. Maybe he can suit up as a player/coach.

[Uncle Carl]

I didn't even review his old posts to determine Karl was a Sens fan. His pouting and whining were all it took. Man, the Sens choke year after year. And Muckler says he won't make any changes! Sweet!I'm not a Sens fan. But keep patting yourself on the back. Is spelling it Karl supposed to bother me? Not even my name.

[Uncle Carl]

Ruff was a tough, in-your-face player in his day. Maybe he can suit up as a player/coach.I doubt it. They didn't dive back then. He wouldn't even know what to do when someone skated in front of him. I guess he could just watch some tape of the league's leading diving penalty taker - Derek Roy.

[Cannonball]

Is spelling it Karl supposed to bother me?

Clearly it did.

[Uncle Carl]

Yes. Clearly I am incensed.

[Cannonball]

Weren't you Homer's secretary for a brief time?

[Judge Dredd]

Shot on goal 1st period

Buffalo 11 - Carolina 7
I stand corrected. I would not have guessed that.

[DoctorNo]

This second period is tedious. Have you ever seen so many calls in a conference finals game?

On the other hand, I'd rather they call what they see instead of deliberately underofficiating.

[Swan]

Shot on goal 1st period

Buffalo 11 - Carolina 7
You really can't go on living knowing that someone, somewhere, thinks that the Hurricanes outplayed your beloved Sabres in the first period of last night's game, can you.

The Sabres won the game, hardinda, and that's all that matters. Let's get on with our lives, shall we.

And P.S., shots on goal mean diddly squat.

[hardinda]

You really can't go on living knowing that someone, somewhere, thinks that the Hurricanes outplayed your beloved Sabres in the first period of last night's game, can you.

The Sabres won the game, hardinda, and that's all that matters. Let's get on with our lives, shall we.

And P.S., shots on goal mean diddly squat.

That's weird, b/c I thought this was a thread to discuss hockey, guess I'm wrong.

[Real American Hero]

Was Bettman in the house last night? If the second period is Gary's prefered form of hockey, I hereby nominate him for the NFL commish's job.

[hardinda]

Now the sports writers have a fued between Buffalo and Carolina, lol

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060526/1010931.asp

[hardinda]

Sabres are gonna run an AHL d-pairing of Janik and Jillson tonight. This will be interesting. Atleast those two played together in Rochester, but they have 3 or 4 games of NHL playoff experience combined.

[Irish Blues]

Jillison could be a pretty good NHL'er if he ever "gets it". The problem is, he looks fantastic one shift and then just horrific the next, and you never know which you're gonna get when he goes out on the ice.

And after seeing him twice this year in the AHL, I don't know if he's going to "get it".

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Now the sports writers have a fued between Buffalo and Carolina, lol

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060526/1010931.asp

No other U.S. city has a more intimate, emotional attachment to its NHL team.

I guess this remark is based on his knowledge and observation. And that he never leaves the city. I bet he says similar things about the Bills' fans.

Maybe that place called "Hockeytown" would take issue with his statement?

[Uncle Carl]

If their attachment is so intimate and emotional, why can you get tickets 5 minutes before a game, and why were they bankrupt a couple years ago?

[Irish Blues]

Question: is this a thread to discuss hockey, or a thread to crack back on each other? Because if it's a thread for a few of you to take a shot at someone else and try to look smart by insulting someone else, your smack isn't even at the level of Matthew LeCroy trying to throw out Astros baserunners. It's not even 2nd-grade material. Matter of fact, the 2nd grader next door says some of you are flailing away like two fat, ugly, drunk women at a barfight - it's something no one wants to see, unless you're the fat, bald, toothless ugly loser in the corner who thinks you'll get lucky and get to take one of those chicks home.

If you're gonna crack back on one another, go do it somewhere else so the rest of us can get back to talking hockey.

Sincerely,

Sean the Cablinasian in Houston, the reigning 4-time Smackoff Champion.


War Dwayne "Backup to maybe a Stanley Cup" Freaking Roloson!

[Uncle Carl]

That was lame, sure hope it wasn't your best.

[Irish Blues]

Carolina squares things away last night, from most accounts Buffalo showed up and that was about it. Back to Raleigh, I expect tomorrow night to be a *very* good game. Not having 3 of the top 6 guys on the blueline may be what ultimately does the Sabres in.

And the Bruins ... :roll2: - does it surprise anyone that they can't get their first choice as GM after finally taking 2+ months to make a decision, then have to trade a conditional pick to an in-division rival to get their 2nd (or lower) choice? Supposedly the offer to Shero was $600,000 (or less than just about every other GM in the league), plus he still didn't get to name his own staff and had Harry Sinden looking over his shoulder with veto power on player moves.

I heard for years how that organization was an absolute joke. Living near Boston for a year and hearing more of the details, I understand why it's an absolute joke. The only thing that's missing is some story about how an advisor to Jeremy Jacobs was playing NHL 2K6 and traded Thornton for Sturm, Stuart and Primeau, and the Bruins went on to win the Cup in the season he was playing out and so that's why the trade was made. (But I'm sure there will be something like that in the not too distant future.)

[seabass]

Yeah, the Bruins kinda blew it... but Chiarelli isn't that much of a downgrade, is he? That leaves one or two teams with seemingly no idea where their GM search is heading. I think I need some help getting excited for the Patrick or Weisbrod era.

[Swan]

I hate those effin' Hurricanes! Hate them with a passion! Yet I just can't shake the ugly feeling that they will be skating away with the silverware this year. (FWIW, I'm rooting for the Sabres, whom I also hated not too long ago, when they were playing the Senators -- but between them and the 'Canes, I gotta root for the lesser evil.)

It would be a real shame if they do win it all, though -- because losers like Glen Wesley do not deserve to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup, alongside those of legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr. And make no mistake about it, Wesley is a loser. Always was, and always will be.

He was a loser sixteen years ago, in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals, when he had the game-winning goal sitting on the back of his stick in the second overtime of that classic triple-overtime game between the Bruins and the Oilers -- the longest game in Stanley Cup Finals history, and my most memorable game of all time.

Bill Ranford, in nets for the Oilers, is down for the count, flailing his right arm in the air in a desperate attempt to protect the open net as he lies on the ice. Glen Wesley, meanwhile, is standing there, in the slot, staring at the yawning net like a deer caught in the headlights of an SUV bearing down on it at 60 miles an hour on a dark highway. But what does Wesley do? Backhands the puck over the crossbar.

It's funny, because I was actually rooting for the Bruins in that series. In hindsight, though, I'm glad the Oilers won that game, because it wouldn't have had any historical significance had it turned out to be a loss for the ultimately victorious Oilers.

Or maybe that game was a turning point for the Oilers. Maybe, if the Bruins had won that game, they'd have gone on to win the Cup.

But then Wesley would get his name engraved on the Cup, which, as I've already stated, could never happen.

So what, then, of this feeling that the 'Canes will win it all this year? How do I reconcile that feeling with my feelings for Wesley?

Hell if I know. But while I ponder this dilemma, let me just say this...

Go Sabres!

[DoctorNo]

Oilers in the Finals!

The last five minutes of that game were unbelievable.

[Uncle Carl]

I was too drunk to notice. I did notice the ucks haad a powerplay. Tats too bad for them that they lose thsat though. Oh wrell, beter lucvk next year guys.

[Swan]

I was too drunk to notice. I did notice the ucks haad a powerplay.
A five-on-three powerplay, Uncle Carl, with like two-and-a-half minutes left in the third.

Down 2-1, and desperate to get the tying goal, the Ducks had already pulled the goalie on the first penalty -- to create a six-on-four advantage. So when the second Oiler player was sent to the box, they had a six-on-three advantage! I don't think I've ever seen that before in my life.

For the most part, those lousy Ducks would just pass the puck around whenever they were on the powerplay. They simply refused to shoot at the net. Went 1-for-11 with the man advantage last night. Bunch of morans. Good riddance to them. :wave:

[Irish Blues]

If anyone here somehow picked Edmonton to go to the Finals, they should instantly win the pool.

[Mike and Maddog]

If anyone here somehow picked Edmonton to go to the Finals, they should instantly win the pool.


Sorry, but I already won with correctly picking the preseason favorite flyers to lose in the first round. Thanks for playing.

[DoctorNo]

Sorry, but I already won with correctly picking the preseason favorite flyers to lose in the first round. Thanks for playing.

Mike and Maddog = Rain in Africa? :tfh:

[Irish Blues]

Nah ... I wouldn't knock RIA like that.

[Judge Dredd]

WOWWOWWOW!!!

Game 7!

Such great action.

I can not WAIT for thursday.

[DoctorNo]

Game seven, baby! I'm going to eat baked beans with my HANDS!

[Swan]

Finally, you sleeping beauties wake up from your deep slumber. :sleep2:

You could hear a pin drop in this place all weekend long.

Such great action.
From what I saw of the game -- and I admit, I didn't see it all -- I wasn't too impressed. I thought last Saturday's game 5 was way more exciting.

But who cares -- the Sabres won, and that's all that matters.

:party:

[Judge Dredd]

well, i meant the series has had great action, and the playoffs in general. It has been a lot of fun.

[Swan]

well, i meant the series has had great action, and the playoffs in general. It has been a lot of fun.
Okay. I'll drink to that. :toast: :beer:

[hardinda]

Wow, what a series!!! Game 7 ... anything can happen!!!!

[MountainHawk]

Great series from what I've seen so far, which hasn't been as much as I'd like, due to the holiday and other stuff going on. Game 7 should be a good one, but you have to give Carolina a definitive edge at home and with so many Sabres D-men out.

Hawk's game 7 prediction: CAR 4 - BUF 1 ... Carolina scores 3 in the third, including 2 late, to wrap things up.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Hawk, I agree that Carolina has the edge. I think 4-2, with an empty net goal late to seal the deal

[Cannonball]

My brain says Carolina has the edge too.

My heart, well, you know what that says. (BUFFALO!)

When I've had enough beers, neither my brain nor my heart says much of anything.

[Irish Blues]

Tonight is it in the Eastern Conference. There are reports that Jay McKee didn't make the trip to Carolina with his teammates - keep an eye out on this.

The Oilers are in Tarrytown, New York practicing and getting ready for the softer ice surface they'll have to deal with in the first 2 games of the Finals.

And Bryan McCabe gets a 5-year contract worth $28.75 million... and reportedly with a "no movement" clause, meaning the Maple Leafs are truly stuck with him and have *no* way of getting rid of him without his consent, short of death.

edited because new numbers are out on McCabe's contract

[Real American Hero]

The Oilers are in Tarrytown, New York practicing and getting ready for the softer ice surface they'll have to deal with in the first 2 games of the Finals.
On a related note, if the finals go past 5 games Rexall Place has a Dora the Explorer (http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2006/05/31/oilers_next_foe_dora_the_explo/) scheduling conflict for game 6. First Ottawa, now Edmonton. It's like Canadian teams weren't expecting to be in the playoffs.

[Real American Hero]

I'll be rooting for the Oil to break a short streak. In the last 2 seasons, Anaheim and Calgary have pulled off early upsets of Detroit, and made improbable runs to the finals, only to lose.

[Cannonball]

O man, McKee isn't playing tonight.

McKee, Tallinder, Kalinin all out. Numminen not able to play for long. Who else is there?

It's gonna be tough, but....

GO SABRES!!!!!!!!!

[Judge Dredd]

On a related note, if the finals go past 5 games Rexall Place has a Dora the Explorer (http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2006/05/31/oilers_next_foe_dora_the_explo/) scheduling conflict for game 6. First Ottawa, now Edmonton. It's like Canadian teams weren't expecting to be in the playoffs.
so what did Ottawa do?

Also, what would Edmonton do?

[Uncle Carl]

I'm rooting for the Canes and I wish McKee was playing. He's always good for a couple powerplays per game.

[Real American Hero]

so what did Ottawa do?
Pushed the game (game 2) back a day, then travelled all the way to Buffalo where they played 2 games in 2 nights.
Also, what would Edmonton do?The could push the game back a day, but going east 2 time zones after the game to play the next night would make game 7 less than stellar. So, it would need either Buffalo or Carolina to be able to push back game 7. And it would require buy in from the networks covering the finals (NBC and CBC). Or they could cheese off the fans and play game 6 in Calgary.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I'm rooting for the Sabres...freaking Whalers left CT and left me with no hockey for a while

[Judge Dredd]

Hawk, I agree that Carolina has the edge. I think 4-2, with an empty net goal late to seal the deal
except for the late open net call, good call

[Swan]

Stupid delay-of-game penalty for shooting the puck out of the rink!

They should change that stupid rule! It's idiotic that such an innocent play can have such a huge consequence in game seven of a conference final series.

Stupid idiots!

:swear:

[MountainHawk]

Stupid delay-of-game penalty for shooting the puck out of the rink!

They should change that stupid rule! It's idiotic that such an innocent play can have such a huge consequence in game seven of a conference final series.

Stupid idiots!

:swear:

:lolup: :meltdown:

[Wannabe Actuary]

except for the late open net call, good call
scored with 52 seconds left...net should have been open anyway

[Irish Blues]

So either we'll have another 1st time Cup winner, or the Cup will go back to Canada for the first time since 1993.

I'll have more thoughts tomorrow.

[Wannabe Actuary]

scored with 52 seconds left...net should have been open anyway
let me caveat this with I was unable to watch the game live, or online, thanks to the wonderful thunderstorm that caused power to go out...so the puck could have been in the sabres zone for the last 5 minutes for all I know, making it impossible to pull the goalie

[Swan]

let me caveat this with I was unable to watch the game live, or online, thanks to the wonderful thunderstorm that caused power to go out...so the puck could have been in the sabres zone for the last 5 minutes for all I know, making it impossible to pull the goalie
A good psychic would have predicted the Sabres' not having the chance to pull their goalie. :shake:

[Uncle Carl]

let me caveat this with I was unable to watch the game live, or online, thanks to the wonderful thunderstorm that caused power to go out...so the puck could have been in the sabres zone for the last 5 minutes for all I know, making it impossible to pull the goalieSabres got the puck deep with about 1:45 left for a solid 30 seconds. Should have pulled with 1:30 left, didn't. Whistle at 1:07 for offside. Carolina scores 15 seconds later.

Glad to see Sabres out but I'll be the first to admit, they put one hell of a season together. Never saw that coming. Wonder what they'll look like next year.

Most disappointing thing was getting to see a lot more of Derek Roy throughout the playoffs. What an embarrassing player. Liked him in the Junior's for Canada couple years ago, but boy is he ever a little girl. My new least favorite player.

[Wannabe Actuary]

wonder what would have happened if Buffalo defencemen stayed healthy?

[Uncle Carl]

Wonder what would have happened if Buffalo didn't build their team around 160lb girls.

[Keef]

Wonder what would have happened if Buffalo didn't build their team around 160lb girls.

:rofl: :yellowcard:

[MountainHawk]

:rofl: :yellowcard:
It's a fair point. All we heard about early in the playoffs is about how Buffalo 'did it right' by going with pure speed. There is a problem with pure speed ... it tends to be small, and the Sabres got worn out. Maybe pure speed isn't enough.

[Irish Blues]

So ... where does everyone stand with their playoff predictions? I don't recall seeing rankings after the 2nd round, and I'm curious how many others have Carolina in the Finals (assuming that *no one* took Edmonton out of the West).

[Real American Hero]

(assuming that *no one* took Edmonton out of the West).Hey, at least Unka Ronny, Chubbs and I had them making the playoffs in our preseason picks.

[Real American Hero]

Stupid delay-of-game penalty for shooting the puck out of the rink!

They should change that stupid rule! It's idiotic that such an innocent play can have such a huge consequence in game seven of a conference final series.

Stupid idiots!

:swear:
It's also one of the easiest rules to avoid violating.

[Judge Dredd]

It's also one of the easiest rules to avoid violating.
except that his stick was hit from what I could tell on my puny 19" TV.

So that might have had an impact on where the puck went. Not that I am saying it shouldn't have been a penalty, because it wasn't a deflection. But it looked (to me at least) that his stick was hit by the CAR forward right as he released the puck.

[MountainHawk]

I did a quick standings update for round 2... and here is round 3:

Doctor No 47
Real American Hero 42
Irish Blues 40
hardinda 37
GefilteFish144 36
Wannabe Actuary 32
BigD 30
bfore13 24
udjw828 24
Super Silver Haze 21
Chubbs_23 21
MtnHawk 19
Uncle 19
seabass 19




Irish Blues has CAR in a long series. If Carolina wins a 7 game series, he'll be the winner based on the tiebreaker of having the Cup Champ. Otherwise, Doctor No is the champ.

[Sotally Tober]

hardinda, could you please check-in with us here? Just want to make sure you didn't jump off a very high cliff, or tall building without a parachute, last night.

Tough one, but at least it was a great game.

[Irish Blues]

Irish Blues has CAR in a long series. If Carolina wins a 7 game series, he'll be the winner based on the tiebreaker of having the Cup Champ. Otherwise, Doctor No is the champ.
Crap ... it has to go 7?

On the other hand, :yikes: - I'm 3rd?

[Real American Hero]

On a related note, I see Patty Wah won another cup this year. How long til the rumors start about him coaching at the NHL level?

And FWIW, Maggie has locked up the TSN prognostication pool.

[Real American Hero]

Crap ... it has to go 7?

On the other hand, :yikes: - I'm 3rd?
Can't remember how the scoring goes, but a Canes win should move you to at least second.

[Uncle Carl]

Maggie wrapped it up already eh? No kidding. Well if Bob Mackenzie and the boys got beat by a monkey, I don't feel so bad about finishing dead last.

As for St. Patrick, I don't think he'll ever coach in the NHL. Not that he couldn't, I just don't think he wants to.

[hardinda]

hardinda, could you please check-in with us here? Just want to make sure you didn't jump off a very high cliff, or tall building without a parachute, last night.

Tough one, but at least it was a great game.

I'm here :)

Losing Jay McKee was the straw that broke the Sabres back. The 2nd and 3rd Carolina goals were weak defensive plays from a tired defense. Injuries finally caught up to us. It had nothing to do with having a small defense, many of the injuries (broken arm, broken ankle and staph infection) were fluke things.

Awesome season for the Sabres and they will be making a Stanley Cup run next year, no doubt.

[Sotally Tober]

I'm here :)
good to hear.

[MountainHawk]

Can't remember how the scoring goes, but a Canes win should move you to at least second.
Canes win in 4 - +3; Canes win in 5 - +5; Canes win in 6 - +6, Canes win in 7, +7.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I thought it was 5 * Round #.....:confused:

adjusted for long or short...

so this is round 4, so a canes win would be plus 20 right away, but I think round 2 and 3 might need to be rescored

[Wannabe Actuary]

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
:bump:

[Swan]

Stupid delay-of-game penalty for shooting the puck out of the rink!

They should change that stupid rule! It's idiotic that such an innocent play can have such a huge consequence in game seven of a conference final series.

Stupid idiots!

:swear:
It's also one of the easiest rules to avoid violating.
Then why did we see it occurring so many times during these playoffs?

P.S. There was some talk recently by Scotty Bowman (and possibly others) of having the NHL do away with this penalty for the obviously accidental cases when this occurs. And last night's situation was one of those cases.

So, my ravings aren't those of a delusional lunatic.

[hardinda]

They already did get rid of the "accidental" cases of this. The refs could have decided he didn't mean to shoot it over the glass, but that is too hard to determine (a players actual intent). That rule has already been changed as of the olympic break.

[Swan]

They already did get rid of the "accidental" cases of this. The refs could have decided he didn't mean to shoot it over the glass, but that is too hard to determine (a players actual intent). That rule has already been changed as of the olympic break.
Really?

Then why do they call it an automatic penalty?

Can someone else confirm or refute hardinda's testimony?

[Uncle Carl]

I think hardinda's wrong. I saw the Scotty Bowman interview as well. If it was up to the ref's discretion, you'd think a nationally televised hockey panel would know about it. However who knows, maybe he's right.

[Keef]

There was some talk recently by Scotty Bowman (and possibly others) of having the NHL do away with this penalty for the obviously accidental cases when this occurs. And last night's situation was one of those cases.

I usually defer to Scotty, but I agree with hardinda that it's hard to determine intent. Probably a lot of cases are careless/force of habit because they haven't adjusted to the new rule yet. Sorta like obstruction - players this season would catch themselves starting to hold or hook a guy and back off before any significant obstruction occured but it would be too late and the penalty was called.

So, my ravings aren't those of a delusional lunatic.

But a lunatic nonetheless :wink:.

[Judge Dredd]

IMHO, I'd rather see that rule be enforced the same as the recent icing change.

Faceoff in the zone, no line changes permitted.

A 2 minute D.O.G. is too much.

[Swan]

So, my ravings aren't those of a delusional lunatic.
But a lunatic nonetheless :wink:.
You know what they say, Keef: "There's a fine line between genius and insanity." :crazy:

[Judge Dredd]

You know what they say, Keef: "There's a fine line between genius and insanity." :crazy:
I couldn't tell you. The only reason the line looks fine to me is cause I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY over the line.

:tup:

[Swan]

I couldn't tell you. The only reason the line looks fine to me is cause I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY over the line.

:tup:
One flew east
One flew west
One flew over the cuckoo's nest.

:crazy:

[hardinda]

I think you guys are right, they discussed changing it to be up to the ref's descretion, but then realized that would be too hard to determine so left is as any shot that flew over the glass without deflecting.

[MountainHawk]

Oh man ... my spreadsheet forgot the round adjustment!!!!


BRB with real scores, sorry.

[MountainHawk]

New update ... Irish Blues has already won!

Irish Blues 60
Doctor No 57
GefilteFish144 51
Real American Hero 47
BigD 45
hardinda 42
Wannabe Actuary 32
bfore13 29
Super Silver Haze 26
udjw828 24
Chubbs_23 21
MtnHawk 19
Uncle 19
seabass 19

[Uncle Carl]

Aw man. I was really hoping the round adjustments would push me into first.

[Irish Blues]

New update ... Irish Blues has already won!
:yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

[Wannabe Actuary]

no need to thank me irish ;)

[Irish Blues]

no need to thank me irish ;)
Mrs. IB says you should have just kept quiet, and that MH should "do a recount" so I'm not listed in 1st. Otherwise, she'll have to hear me talk about how I won the contest for weeks on end.

And since I know it'll drive her crazy, I will.

[MountainHawk]

It's better than the 'No Penalty' Sabres avatars we are going to have to endure for the next decade on HF.

[hardinda]

It's better than the 'No Penalty' Sabres avatars we are going to have to endure for the next decade on HF.

Why, you gonna go with that one?

[Irish Blues]

It's better than the 'No Penalty' Sabres avatars we are going to have to endure for the next decade on HF.
I might have to start a campaign to counter those with avatars showing a goal post and a football just outside the upright. ;)

[Real American Hero]

Make sure you get "NORWOOD 91" in block letters at the bottom.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I might have to start a campaign to counter those with avatars showing a goal post and a football just outside the upright. ;)
remember, it's wide right

[Real American Hero]

Um, go Oil.

[hardinda]

Tickets still available for game 1 tonight in Raleigh ... disgusting.

[MountainHawk]

Tickets still available for game 1 tonight in Raleigh ... disgusting.
Yet they still eliminated the Sabres. Good the the Cup is determined on the ice, not how fast the fans can get to the ticket booth.

[Boink]

Not to mention, it takes a bit more effort for the Canadians to come pouring over the border to buy up the seats. Sabres fans only seem to appreciate that when their team is on the verge of going under though. :)

[Real American Hero]

So the bandwagon is really more like a hay wagon then?

[MountainHawk]

Not to mention, it takes a bit more effort for the Canadians to come pouring over the border to buy up the seats. Sabres fans only seem to appreciate that when their team is on the verge of going under though. :)
I also bet they Canes will sell out without having to sell the cheap seats for $15 like Buffalo did for its STH.

[hardinda]

I also bet they Canes will sell out without having to sell the cheap seats for $15 like Buffalo did for its STH.

If you don't know what you are talking about, don't talk. Buffalo got "Season Ticket Holders" to commit for the whole next year. Much smarter than worrying about playoff profits.

[MountainHawk]

And gave them 80% off the playoff tickets to do it.

And they had to pay how much towards next years tickets? Because if it was less than the discount, then it's worth putting up the depsoit even if you have no intention of reupping.

[hardinda]

And gave them 80% off the playoff tickets to do it.

And they had to pay how much towards next years tickets? Because if it was less than the discount, then it's worth putting up the depsoit even if you have no intention of reupping.

You had to guarantee next year's tickets with a deposit, contract and credit card (credit card had to have a max high enough to cover next year's tix).

They did it to get fans, not to sell tickets. They could have sold out that place and charged 5x as much as they did, but for once a team didn't want to rip off it's fans (like they did in '99 and Carolina is doing to it's fans this year). Finally an owner who is a true businessman ... Golisano didn't build Paychex by being stupid.

There were 5k-6k ppl watching the games over at Dunn Tire Park on the big screen, b/c they couldn't get into the game.

[Real American Hero]

Cripes, all it took in Tampa was free beer. On second thought, that wasn't such a great idea, since takers were numbered in the dozens.

[hardinda]

It's just plain awful for Hockey. When is the last time a "major" sporting event had a championship with walkup tickets. This is the icing on the cake, that the NHL is really just a minor league sporting event. Heck the game tonight is on OLN.

When I was in Raleigh, I was wearing my Sabres jersey around town. I expected alot of hassle from ppl in the airport, out to eat ... nothing. In fact I got more questions about what I was wearing and why I was in town. Got a few "Buffalo who?" and even more amazing ... I actually got a few "Hurricanes?" ... I have no respect for that Hurricane organization. They were in the finals 4 years ago, yet ppl around town still don't even know who they are... like I said "disgusting".

[MountainHawk]

:cry:


Poor hardinda. His team lost to a team with no fans. Sorry that you look down on people that aren't ignorant to other people because they happen to root for a team that wears a different color that the team you root for wears.

Sorry if in 9 years, they haven't been able to build a rabid fan base in an area where there was never hockey before. I'm sure 9 years into the Sabres existence, they were selling 20K tickets for every single game, and every single person in Buffalo could name all the players and rattle off all the opposing teams and schedule.

I think it's great for hockey. Bad for hockey would have having a bunch of diving punks like Buffalo embarrassing the league on NBC for games 3-7 of the Cup.

[hardinda]

Poor hardinda. His team lost to a team with no fans. Sorry that you look down on people that aren't ignorant to other people because they happen to root for a team that wears a different color that the team you root for wears.

Sorry if in 9 years, they haven't been able to build a rabid fan base in an area where there was never hockey before. I'm sure 9 years into the Sabres existence, they were selling 20K tickets for every single game, and every single person in Buffalo could name all the players and rattle off all the opposing teams and schedule.

9, ha ... it only took 5 years in Buffalo. Most Sabres fans can still name half of the team from back then.

[MountainHawk]

Looks like 12 years in, Buffalo was playing to 75% of capacity. Digusting.

[hardinda]

Looks like 12 years in, Buffalo was playing to 75% of capacity. Digusting.

LOL, did you forget to look at the first 11 years? Where they were playing to almost 95% of capacity?

[MountainHawk]

Only 95%, and they were a pretty good team right from the start. Plus they had a tiny building to fill, what was it, 15.8K or something?

As far as I can tell, the Flyers haven't been under 95.6% capacity ever since their 6th season.

[Cannonball]

It's true that throughout most of the 80's, Buffalo didn't draw many fans. They stunk up the joint.

I hope the folks in Carolina will appreciate their team. That's up to them.

Canes won fair and square. They played better. I'd like to think if Buffalo's D wasn't so banged up, they might have put up a stronger showing in Game 7. But that's life.

Just wait til next year!

[hardinda]

Only 95%, and they were a pretty good team right from the start. Plus they had a tiny building to fill, what was it, 15.8K or something?

As far as I can tell, the Flyers haven't been under 95.6% capacity ever since their 6th season.

16,433 for the Aud.

Buffalo's population is 1/5th of the size of Philly ... Even if you include the Niagara region of Canada.... Buffalo is 1/5th the size of Philly, so don't use that either.

Comparing those 2 cities it's not a like comparison. Comparing Buffalo and Carolina though, is a like comparison.

I don't care about seats sold during regular season though. It's tough to get some markets to buy seats every game. BUT - to sell the game we love so much to these new markets ... THEY HAVE to get new fans out to playoff games. IT HAS TO HAPPEN ... that is how these new cities should build fan bases. Carolina has proven it can't do this, therefore that franchise is and always will be going nowhere with it's fanbase.

In Raleigh they will only care about the other "professional" sports teams ... Duke and UNC b-ball, NASCAR, and NC State football.

[MountainHawk]

Carolina has had to market from 0. There was no youth hockey in the area. There was no Original six team just 75 miles away, so that people in the area knew of the NHL already. If all of North Carolina had 50,000 people that had ever been to an NHL game before Carolina was moved there, I'd be shocked.

The NHL decided to take a chance and expand to non-traditional markets. It's going to take AT least 15-20 years to build up a reasonable fanbase, and another 10-20 years after that to have kids that grew up with their parents as fans to grow up and be a knowledgeable life long fan base. It's just not going to happen in 9 years.

Why aren't you going after the Devils? They have been around 25 years, and routine have more Flyers or Rangers fans in their building than Devils fans for games between the two. Even for playoff games, there is typically 25-30% representation for the other team.

As I said before, I walked up to game 6 of the 2000 ECF and got a seat in row 15 or so.

The Devils have a lot of advantages over the Canes (knowledgeable market, more people) and have been around long enough that they SHOULD have a self-perpetuating fan base, but they don't seem to yet.

If ANY franchise should be looked on as a failure on the off-the-ice marketing area, the Devils are at the top of the list, and no one else is all that close.

[Uncle Carl]

Ya but the Devils didn't beat the Sabres this year so who cares?

[hardinda]

I'd be fine with the NHL downsizing and getting rid of teams like Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, NJ, NYI

Move 1 or 2 new organizations back into Canada.

NYI and NJ are the 2 worst in that regard for established hockey teams ... by far.

Thanks to Golisano, Sabres are no longer on that list. It was looking questionable with Rigas and his "business" skills for the organization a few years ago.

Dallas seems to have no problem selling tix during the playoffs, but Texas is such a hockey hotbed, they should have an awesome fan base.

[Irish Blues]

Tickets still available for game 1 tonight in Raleigh ... disgusting.
http://www.nbc17.com/sports/9319081/detail.html?rss=tri&psp=sports
Tickets for home games ranged in price from $100 to $350, but fans quickly snapped those up when they went on sale Friday. The only tickets remaining to be sold are for standing room.

http://www.wral.com/news/9312108/detail.html?rss=ral&psp=news
Even before the box office opened, fans camped out to get first dibs on tickets. Tickets for the game started at $100. As of Friday evening, only standing-room-only tickets are still available.
1. Where did you see that tickets were still available for tonight?
2. Did that source mention what tickets were still available?

[hardinda]

http://www.nbc17.com/sports/9319081/detail.html?rss=tri&psp=sports


http://www.wral.com/news/9312108/detail.html?rss=ral&psp=news

1. Where did you see that tickets were still available for tonight?
2. Did that source mention what tickets were still available?

I went on to the Carolina homepage, which sent me to Ticketmaster. I looked for 2 tickets and I could get 2 SEATS in section 111. So, your article is wrong.

[hardinda]

I just looked again and I can still get 2 seats, in the lower bowl in section 120. Which is in between the BLUE LINES!!!

[MountainHawk]

Maybe those are player seats being released for non-use? Did you check yesterday too?

[Irish Blues]

Hmm ... when I tell it "get the best tickets available" I've gotten Section 102, Row VV.

And Section 205, Row C.

And Section 203, Row C.

And Section 227, Row C.

And ......

I'm thinking either (A) there really are a crapload of seats available, or (B) there's an issue with the Ticketmaster site regarding availability of tickets.

[Lonesome Cowboy Bill]

There's a lot of whining going on about my team here. If I lived in the state of Carolina, I promise I would snatch up one of those 100 level tickets and wave one of those towels like I knew what was going on.

I think some of you are missing the point of putting the NHL in the south. Obviously, you aren't going to immediately have die hard fans when no one plays it growing up and the colleges don't have it. But, the population in Raleigh is expected to double in the next 20 years. A lot of that growth is going to come from people migrating from colder climates who may actually be hockey fans. And kids growing up in the state of Carolina today are exposed to hockey and may actually become first generation hockey fans.

[hardinda]

There's a lot of whining going on about my team here. If I lived in the state of Carolina, I promise I would snatch up one of those 100 level tickets and wave one of those towels like I knew what was going on.

I think some of you are missing the point of putting the NHL in the south. Obviously, you aren't going to immediately have die hard fans when no one plays it growing up and the colleges don't have it. But, the population in Raleigh is expected to double in the next 20 years. A lot of that growth is going to come from people migrating from colder climates who may actually be hockey fans. And kids growing up in the state of Carolina today are exposed to hockey and may actually become first generation hockey fans.

You aren't getting a ride to the arena on that bandwagon?

[MountainHawk]

Hmm ... when I tell it "get the best tickets available" I've gotten Section 102, Row VV.

And Section 205, Row C.

And Section 203, Row C.

And Section 227, Row C.

And ......

I'm thinking either (A) there really are a crapload of seats available, or (B) there's an issue with the Ticketmaster site regarding availability of tickets.
I guess we'll find out tonight.

[hardinda]

I guess we'll find out tonight.

I think they'll sell out. They get a good walkup crowd. Every Sabres game had 1k-2k seats available day of and they claimed they were all sellouts. Of course there were 3k-4k Sabres fans at every game too.

Walk up crowds for a Stanley Cup finals game ... that's hillarious. Eh, we got nothing better to do tonight, let's go down the rink and buy a ticket.

[Lonesome Cowboy Bill]

I think I read that the RBC Center is one of the loudest arenas in the NHL. Seems like that matters more than the number of empty seats.

[hardinda]

I think I read that the RBC Center is one of the loudest arenas in the NHL. Seems like that matters more than the number of empty seats.

Every arena this time of year is "one of the loudest in the NHL"

I was there for Game 1 of the Sabres series and didn't really think it was the loudest I'd ever been in ... a game in Chicago during the regular season back in the old Chicago Stadium seemed louder to me.

--------------

On a different note. Atleast the Hurricanes owner is raking up big time on his fans. I figure this game prob has an avg ticket price of $200. They put about 18,500 fans in that stadium. He's raking in $3.7million in revenue a game. I wonder how much of that is pure profit? Prob about $2mill a game?

[MountainHawk]

They don't pay the players for this, so probably more than that. Figure 1000 employees at $30/hr for 6 hours + $300,000 to run the building + other stuff, I bet its $2.5-$3M/ game.

[seabass]

I'd be fine with the NHL downsizing and getting rid of teams like Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, NJ, NYI

Move 1 or 2 new organizations back into Canada.

NYI and NJ are the 2 worst in that regard for established hockey teams ... by far.

Thanks to Golisano, Sabres are no longer on that list. It was looking questionable with Rigas and his "business" skills for the organization a few years ago.


NY should be fine if they can get their business together. I'm trying to think of a reason why NJ is still having trouble filling seats, and can't find any. Easily one of the most successful teams of the last decade, solid rivalry with other Atlantic teams... arena isn't good, but AFAIK, they're set to go to Newark. On the other hand, Isles fans had to deal with the Turgeon trade (which I see as the turning point), a solid 5-6 years of ownership problems, which was partially the reason for all the cringe-worthy trades, the way-too-early Laviolette firing, the Yashin contract, the Coliseum, Milbury still being on board in some capacity, and the lack of any news on the new GM search. I see one solid year (2001-2002) out of the last dozen or so. They can probably turn it around, but it depends on how long it takes to get going on this new arena and putting a solid team out on the ice.

[Judge Dredd]

i think the NHL should expand to Honolulu and Mexico City.

[hardinda]

Vegas baby Vegas ... be the 1st to get into that city. I'd go see the Sabres play every time they were in Vegas.

[Judge Dredd]

Vegas baby Vegas ... be the 1st to get into that city. I'd go see the Sabres play every time they were in Vegas.
Could you imagine the stanley cup being played in a city where it was 105 degrees outside?

Doesn't the AFL have a team in vegas? So the NHL would be second. ;)

[hardinda]

Will Edmonton come out flat tonight? I think they have too much team leadership for that, but it has been more than a week since they played a game.

[Wannabe Actuary]

But, the population in Raleigh is expected to double in the next 20 years. And how many will be NASCAR fans and never see a hockey game live?

[Boink]

... which was partially the reason for all the cringe-worthy trades, the way-too-early Laviolette firing, the Yashin contract, the Coliseum, Milbury still being on board in some capacity, and the lack of any news on the new GM search ...


Man, that IS pretty funny when you stop to think:

Yashin or Spezza and Chara, who would I rather have ? Man, didn't everyone in Ottawa have a chuckle over that one, knowing what everyone (except Milbury) knew about Yashin already ?

And to have Wade Redden, only to swap him out for Berard ...

[seabass]

Okay, that's enough.

[Lonesome Cowboy Bill]

And how many will be NASCAR fans and never see a hockey game live?

So all of the people who move to NC to get away from the cold weather will automatically become NASCAR fans?

Actually, people would be surprised how many northern transplants take a liking to NASCAR.