NHL 2005-2006: The thread

[Wannabe Actuary]

Uh ... no. He just didn't know where he was in the net and let himself slide too far. He missed the post, which is where I'm sure he intended to stop sliding.
ok, it looked to me like he was well past the post turning the corner to follow the man behind the net....

I've seen it happen before...a ranger goalie did it once...I'm drawing a blank on the name, I think it was 95-96 time frame, but not Richter

[Wannabe Actuary]

I think it was Glenn Healy

[MountainHawk]

Wrong Flyers goalie. Hextall would have done that. Then he would have tomahawk chopped you with the goalie stick for daring to even THINK about shooting on his goal.

[Uncle Larry]

:lol: Hextall.

[MountainHawk]

Careful ... Hexy may not like you laughing at him, and he might treat you like Chelios. ;-)

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers struggle but win on road The woeful Blackhawks made it difficult for much of the game

Now comes the real test. 2nd game of 2 game trip away from comfy confines of its Voorhees, N.J., practice facility. Haven't won in Detroit since 88-89 season. They are 0-14-2, including the four-game Red Wings sweep in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals.

[seabass]

I just found out about Stirling being dumped. Whoo boy... to be fair, he did an excellent job with our minor league squad, and the word is that he might end up back in that spot. It sounds like we might be going after Brent Sutter or Dave Lewis, maybe throwing in a little Trottier in the assistant role. I'm still slightly curious with Ted Nolan, even though he's essentially blackballed from the league.

[MountainHawk]

Brent Sutter? Why would that guy leave? He owns the team that he coaches in Red Deer, right? Seems like he's got his own little hockey empire going ... not sure why he'd give that up to move to Long Island.

[seabass]

We just loooooooove those Sutters. The older Isles fans are still obsessed with the dynasty squad. Personally, I think its a risky move, I don't know the guy's NHL resume, if he has one. If they're going with this "old Islanders" concept, I'd like to see Dave Lewis as head coach and Trottier and Sutter as assistants.

[DoctorNo]

:lol: Hextall.

I bet I'm the only one in Denver who wears a Nordiques Hextall sweater to Avalanche games.

Or at least, I'm the only one who admits to it. :)

[DoctorNo]

We just loooooooove those Sutters. The older Isles fans are still obsessed with the dynasty squad. Personally, I think its a risky move, I don't know the guy's NHL resume, if he has one. If they're going with this "old Islanders" concept, I'd like to see Dave Lewis as head coach and Trottier and Sutter as assistants.

Now that Bruce is in the Hall of Fame, maybe he'll join his brothers on the coaching staff.

(Yes, I know...)

[Uncle Larry]

Brent Sutter? Why would that guy leave? He owns the team that he coaches in Red Deer, right? Seems like he's got his own little hockey empire going ... not sure why he'd give that up to move to Long Island.Coach, GM and owner of the Rebels. I'm curious too if he'd step up to the NHL level. You're right about him having his own little hockey empire, however, there's something to be said about making it to the NHL level. And money talks. I don't which is more profitable for him, owning the WHL team or coaching in the NHL. I certainly think he'd at least consider moving up.

[MountainHawk]

We are talking about the Islanders here ... does that really qualify as 'NHL level'?

[seabass]

We are talking about the Islanders here ... does that really qualify as 'NHL level'?

:swear:

[DoctorNo]

NINE! TEEN! FOUR! TEE! (clap - clap - clap clap clap)
NINE! TEEN! FOUR! TEE! (clap - clap - clap clap clap)
NINE! TEEN! FOUR! TEE! (clap - clap - clap clap clap)
NINE! TEEN! FOUR! TEE! (clap - clap - clap clap clap)

[MountainHawk]

Sadly, no good anymore. But 'SIX-TY SEV-EN!' chants should start springing up at Maple Leafs road games soon ... ;-)

[DoctorNo]

It's still good for some things - the best forward on my club team is a big Ranger$ fan, and when I don't think he's working hard enough, the chant is good for that.

Although it doesn't always make him work harder.

[MountainHawk]

:lolup:

[seabass]

Milbury gone too (stepping down once a replacement is found). That was quick.

[MountainHawk]

Ah ... the Islanders community at HF must be in full rejoicing mode.

[MountainHawk]

BTW ... now Sutter might make more sense ... if he can be GM AND Coach of the Islanders, that might lure him away.

[seabass]

BTW ... now Sutter might make more sense ... if he can be GM AND Coach of the Islanders, that might lure him away.

Apparently this is his dream job, but it seems like too much for a guy who hasn't done either of 1. head coaching an NHL team or 2. GMing an NHL team. The good news, if he's hired either way, is that he'll be in contact with Ryan O'Marra and Blake Comeau (two of the Isles' draft prospects on the WJC team), and hopefully we won't be seeing any more Luongo/Jokinen for Parrish/Kvasha cringefests.

The other benefit of Milbury's firing is that it opens the door to Yashin's contract being bought out after the season. I'm pretty sure there's a clause in the deal that lets them out in much more favorable circumstances than the 2/3's buyout last year. In any case, if the new GM wants flexibility and a much happier roster for the next 5 years, they've gotta suck it up and buy it out.

[MountainHawk]

I thought the 2/3 buyout became the standard ... I wasn't aware it was negotiable. I also think that any buyout counts against the cap next season, I think the 'not counting against the cap' was a one time opportunity.

[Uncle Larry]

I also think that any buyout counts against the cap next season, I think the 'not counting against the cap' was a one time opportunity.That's my understanding.

[MountainHawk]

*Cue Irish Blues complaining about the CBA not being publicly available yet*

[seabass]

I thought the 2/3 buyout became the standard ... I wasn't aware it was negotiable. I also think that any buyout counts against the cap next season, I think the 'not counting against the cap' was a one time opportunity.

Ahhh, I didn't know that. What I heard was that the Isles could buy out the contract and pay something like 2 mil over 10 years, instead of the 25-30 mil one-time pay in the 2/3 buyout. I wonder how that would work against the cap.

[MountainHawk]

I think the cap hit is "2/3 of the remaining value of the contract, spread over twice the remaining number of years". So essentially, if Yashin has 3 years at $7M per left, the Islanders would be stuck with a $14M cap hit spread over 6 years, or about $2.3M a year from 2006-2007 to 2011-2012.

[Mike and Maddog]

Milbury gone too (stepping down once a replacement is found). That was quick.

He got a promotion!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=150473&hubname=nhl

Once a new GM is hired, Milbury would then become senior vice-president of Wang's sports properties, which include the Islanders, New York Dragons (AFL), Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) and Islanders Iceworks.

''Even prior to our current slump, Mike and I had been discussing the next phase for him,'' said Wang. ''I have often challenged him about what he wanted to do when he grows up. Yesterday, Mike came to me and selflessly said that the time had come for a change in the general manager's seat.

''Mike told me he felt it was the right thing for the Islanders, it was the right thing for Charles Wang and, most importantly, it was the right thing for the fans.''

Milbury took over as GM from Don Maloney in December 1995 and became notorious for his blockbuster trades, most of them not helping the Islanders. He traded away the likes of Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, Eric Brewer, Wade Redden, Roberto Luongo, Zdeno Chara and Olli Jokinen.

The Islanders failed to win a playoff series during his 10-plus seasons and missed the playoffs seven times.

[MountainHawk]

Flyers go down in Detriot 6-3. What a surprise. I didn't see the game, but it was 1-1 when I left the Bruins game, so I guess it was a 3rd period collapse of some sort.

Finished up the franchise record road trip 8-2-1. Some people on this board claimed the road trip would 'break' the Flyers season. Looks like those people were wrong.

On the Bruins Kings ... wow, the Bruins suck. But Frolov is fun to watch, and a nice trio of goals in the third for him, including a penalty shot.

[seabass]

Were the Flyers ever planning on sitting Niity? I know he's a backup and all, but the backup has to have a backup too.

On the other hand, good rebound win for the Isles tonight, but it still doesn't mean anything unless they can put a streak together. Phaneuf is an absolute monster out there.

[DoctorNo]

Were the Flyers ever planning on sitting Niity? I know he's a backup and all, but the backup has to have a backup too.


I'm surprised, too - Jamie Storr's fallen on some tough times in the past few years, but it's not like he's poison. I still think he has a chance to be a regular NHL backup, and if the Flyers prefer to run Niittymaki into the ground, that's their loss.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers go down in Detriot 6-3. What a surprise. I didn't see the game, but it was 1-1 when I left the Bruins game, so I guess it was a 3rd period collapse of some sort.

Finished up the franchise record road trip 8-2-1. Some people on this board claimed the road trip would 'break' the Flyers season. Looks like those people were wrong.

On the Bruins Kings ... wow, the Bruins suck. But Frolov is fun to watch, and a nice trio of goals in the third for him, including a penalty shot.

Season is not over yet. Give em time to break down in the playoffs. Like they always do.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers struggle but win on road The woeful Blackhawks made it difficult for much of the game

Now comes the real test. 2nd game of 2 game trip away from comfy confines of its Voorhees, N.J., practice facility. Haven't won in Detroit since 88-89 season. They are 0-14-2, including the four-game Red Wings sweep in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals.

They fail the real test. The winless streak continues.

Of all the games on the neverending road trip, this is the one they wanted. The loss overshadows all the wins (regulation and beyoned) they put up.

It ended the way many of the Flyers' games have ended in the Motor City since their last win there in 1988 - with a spanking.

This trip, the longest in team history, began Dec. 23 in Pittsburgh. Although the Flyers returned home several times to practice in the last three weeks, ...

What's that? They returned home several times? Where have I heard that?

[MountainHawk]

I'm surprised, too - Jamie Storr's fallen on some tough times in the past few years, but it's not like he's poison. I still think he has a chance to be a regular NHL backup, and if the Flyers prefer to run Niittymaki into the ground, that's their loss.
Hitchcock has said he wanted to see if Nitty could handle a long grind, because he's not confident that Esche will be healthy and ready for the playoffs. Personally, I think Nitty should have had 2 games off out of the 11, but hey, there is a reason he's a head coach and I'm not.

Anyway, 8-2-1 on a road trip, NHL record for number of wins on a road trip, so basically I'm ecstatic as a Flyers fan. Over a 13% stretch of the season where we didn't play a home game, the Flyers gained 5 points on Ottawa, 6 on the Rangers, 7 on the Sabres and Devils, and 9 on the Penguins. Pulled away from the division somewhat, and are still #1 in points in the NHL.

The Flyers now don't leave the Eastern time zone for the rest of the season.

In fact, other than one trip to Montreal and Ottawa and one trip to Tampa, Miami, and Atlanta, they don't leave the states of PA, NJ, or NY the rest of the way.

[GefilteFish144]

Great night for the Rangers -- Messier's number retired and Jagr scores in OT after an impressive skating display by Roszival. 4-0-3 in their last 7, and doing a better job staying out of the penalty box.

[DoctorNo]

Great night for the Rangers -- Messier's number retired and Jagr scores in OT after an impressive skating display by Roszival. 4-0-3 in their last 7, and doing a better job staying out of the penalty box.

I couldn't believe the final score - I switched to "My Name is Earl" / "The Office" when Edmonton went up 3-1. Yeah, I'm dumn.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Prucha, Sykora and Rucchin all add a goal and an assist....

I would love the Sykora point production in NY to stay this way.
This was released on Tuesday (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6877258&type=product&id=33823)....

[MountainHawk]

Rangers are really clicking again. I keep waiting for them to fade, and they don't. Should make for an interesting last couple months of the season, and I hope the Flyers and Rangers meet in the playoffs ... those are always great series. :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

rangers now 5 points behind the rangers, and even in games played...
those head to head games are going to be huge
after the rangers, the next team in the atlantic division is 12 points behind the rangers

[MountainHawk]

rangers now 5 points behind the rangers


That's going to be tough to make up ...

[Wannabe Actuary]

That's going to be tough to make up ...
yes, but it's not impossible....yet

[MountainHawk]

Read the quote again ... it was a joke :)

[Uncle Larry]

That's going to be tough to make up ...:lol: Too bad it wasn't the Roughriders. Then they'd have a chance.yes, but it's not impossible....yet:oyh:

[Mike and Maddog]

The Flyers now don't leave the Eastern time zone for the rest of the season.

.

They didn't leave the eastern time zone much on that neverending trip either.

[bfore13]

They fail the real test. The winless streak continues.

Of all the games on the neverending road trip, this is the one they wanted. The loss overshadows all the wins (regulation and beyoned) they put up.They go 8-2-1 on a road trip without 2 of their top d-men (specifically the top PP QBs) and their #1 goalie. On top of that, they've played nearly the entire season w/o their #2 center and Captain (who just happens to be one of the top 2-way forwards in the league) and have lost over 200 man games to injury. Yet, you say they fail the real test. OK.:roll2: If you knew anything about hockey (which you obviously don't) you'd know that once you make the POs, regulation games are all meaningless. No one regulation loss, especially the 2nd night of a back to back against a team who has been sitting and waiting to play you / end of a road trip game, will ever overshadow a PO game.

[Mike and Maddog]

If you knew anything about hockey (which you obviously don't) you'd know that once you make the POs, regulation games are all meaningless. No one regulation loss, especially the 2nd night of a back to back against a team who has been sitting and waiting to play you / end of a road trip game, will ever overshadow a PO game.

Read my post before offering your incorrect critique. Never said one
regulation loss would overshadow a PO game.

They wanted that game. Just listen to the coach.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/hockey/13615878.htm

"It's disappointing, it's a hell of a lesson," said Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock. "When you play against a team like this, this is the best team we've played all year, and you make the puck errors that we did in your own zone, you're going to get schooled, and we got schooled."

[GefilteFish144]

rangers now 5 points behind the rangers,

Actually a perfect metaphor, considering the way the Rangers had been "beating" themselves with stupid penalties. Last night they had just 5 penalties while Edmonton had 10.

[seabass]

Luongo turns down a 5 year $30 mil offer because its not about the money. Florida might as well dump him to a playoff team and get something out of it (or start playing like a playoff team themselves)

[DoctorNo]

We're now seeing the live show explaining the origins of the phrase "F'n Avs".

[Mike and Maddog]

flyers don't take advantage of finally being back at home. lose in OT to colorado. what's the excuse this time?

[Mike and Maddog]

What's the penalty for going over the salary cap?

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13635094.htm

At this time, the Flyers are technically over the salary cap by about $200,000 because of injuries. They have been forced to call up Phantoms players and keep them with the NHL club for practices. So they still will have to shed some salary.
Once the regular season ends, NHL teams can have as many players as they wish on their rosters. There is no salary cap in the postseason.

...

That's the first I have heard about no cap for playoffs. So a team can keep a guy on IR all season without his salary counting towards cap, then activate him for the playoffs. And add a Doug Weight for only $1MM of cost after the deadline and let him on the playoff team. Sounds fishy.

[Uncle Larry]

So a team can keep a guy on IR all season without his salary counting towards cap, then activate him for the playoffs.Yes. And that's a great strategy also. I expect to see more teams using this brilliant loophole in the future. Have you considered sending in a resume for the Islanders GM position?

[seabass]

Yes. And that's a great strategy also. I expect to see more teams using this brilliant loophole in the future. Have you considered sending in a resume for the Islanders GM position?

Screw Sutter, I want M&M running my team.

[Irish Blues]

What's the penalty for going over the salary cap?

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13635094.htm

At this time, the Flyers are technically over the salary cap by about $200,000 because of injuries. They have been forced to call up Phantoms players and keep them with the NHL club for practices. So they still will have to shed some salary.
Once the regular season ends, NHL teams can have as many players as they wish on their rosters. There is no salary cap in the postseason.

...

That's the first I have heard about no cap for playoffs. So a team can keep a guy on IR all season without his salary counting towards cap, then activate him for the playoffs. And add a Doug Weight for only $1MM of cost after the deadline and let him on the playoff team. Sounds fishy.
The penalty can range from fines to forfeiting games that the team was in violation of the cap. There's not a real clear answer here on which is used when. The salary of the injured player does count against the cap; the team is just allowed to exceed the cap by up to the amount of the injured player's salary.

Since guys like Desjardins, Esche, and Pitkanen have also been hurt and they've missed more than 10 games and 24 days, the Flyers can go over the $39 million amount by the total of the salaries of those players as well. Has Philadelphia overspent this year so far? Yes - they're over by about $170,000 by my calculations. But, when you factor in the injuries to the players who are now considered to have long-term injuries, they're still under.

Put it this way: Vancouver is over by $400,000 until you realize Cloutier is out and they were also missing Cooke and Bouck; New Jersey is over by $800,000 until you consider Elias was out almost half the season; Detroit is over by $825,000 until you consider Kronvall has been out all season and Fischer will be out the rest of the year, and Atlanta ... they just got to where the salaries of the players on their roster (including those on IR) went under $39 million for the first time since October 8. All four teams are under the cap according to the league, and so is Philadelphia.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Rangers playing like crap tonight, starting to turn it around.
Weekes gave up 3 goals on the first 5 shots...:shake:
but it's back to 3-2 and they're starting to string together some good shifts in a row now

[Wannabe Actuary]

found this on another forum...ex panther worrell who has bounced around a bunch of leagues....ahl, echl, etc...
http://mars.walagata.com/w/hucko/JacobsonvsWorrell.wmv

[Wannabe Actuary]

wow, did anyone else see the replays of the insane ovechkin goal?

unreal

[seabass]

wow, did anyone else see the replays of the insane ovechkin goal?

unreal

Completely ridiculous. Its on nhl.com.

[GefilteFish144]

Rangers playing like crap tonight, starting to turn it around.
Weekes gave up 3 goals on the first 5 shots...:shake:
but it's back to 3-2 and they're starting to string together some good shifts in a row now

Put up a good fight but gave up way too many odd man rushes. Weekes did a good job fighting off a bunch of them but they are hurting without Kasparaitis on defense.

[Uncle Larry]

wow, did anyone else see the replays of the insane ovechkin goal?

unrealWell that was definetely something but I don't know, those goals don't really do it for me. He was lying flat on his back, just took a swipe at the puck and it went in. He's scored nicer goals than that. For my money Tim Conolley's goal tonight was nicer.

[MountainHawk]

Yeah, but your money is Canadian, so in the end they are probably tied.

[Uncle Larry]

Yeah, but your money is Canadian, so in the end they are probably tied.:-? I don't get it. Conolley's American, and plays for one of my least favorite teams. I like Ovechkin a lot more than I like Conolley. Or was it Canadian currency joke?

[Mike and Maddog]

:-? I don't get it. Conolley's American, and plays for one of my least favorite teams. I like Ovechkin a lot more than I like Conolley. Or was it Canadian currency joke?

A little slow, eh?

[MountainHawk]

It was a Canadian currency joke. I have to get them in while there is still time. ;-)

[GefilteFish144]

On another thread we're trying to find the Peyton Manning equivalent in other sports (i.e., some guy who puts up impressive numbers but falls short in the playoffs). Can anyone name one for hockey?

[DoctorNo]

Mats Sundin?

[Uncle Larry]

I think Sundin usually does fairly well in the playoffs. He doesn't pick up the team and single handedly carry them to victory, but I've never been especially disappointed with him, as a Leafs fan.

I think Thornton maybe, or Hossa. Lalime, even though he was no where near Manning caliber in the regular season.

[Mike and Maddog]

John LeClair

[Irish Blues]

Mike Gartner.

More recently, Keith Tkachuk or Pierre Turgeon could easily qualify. (Hell, the whole Blues franchise fits the definition quite nicely.)

[GefilteFish144]

John LeClair

In the 1993 Stanley Cup final, LeClair scored overtime game-winners in back-to-back games as the Canadiens won the series in five games over the Kings. That in itself overshadows anything he did (or didn't do) in the playoffs with the Flies.

[Mike and Maddog]

In the 1993 Stanley Cup final, LeClair scored overtime game-winners in back-to-back games as the Canadiens won the series in five games over the Kings. That in itself overshadows anything he did (or didn't do) in the playoffs with the Flies.

Fair enough. Overall his production has gone down in playoffs vs. regular season.

[DoctorNo]

Fair enough. Overall his production has gone down in playoffs vs. regular season.

That happens to just about everyone. Why? Because an average postseason opponent is better than an average regular-season opponent.

[Irish Blues]

That happens to just about everyone. Why? Because an average postseason opponent is better than an average regular-season opponent.
What? When the hell did that start?

[DoctorNo]

What? When the hell did that start?

It's part of the "new NHL". I don't like it, either.

[MountainHawk]

That happens to just about everyone. Why? Because an average postseason opponent is better than an average regular-season opponent.
Not back when either the Hartford Whalers or the Quebec Nordiques HAD to make the playoffs.

[DoctorNo]

Don't remind me - I was a Vancouver fan back then, and half the time we still didn't make it into the playoffs. :)

[seabass]

Mike Gartner.

More recently, Keith Tkachuk or Pierre Turgeon could easily qualify. (Hell, the whole Blues franchise fits the definition quite nicely.)

Turgeon was great for the Isles in the early 90s, but then again, AFTER he got decked by Dale Hunter in the playoffs, we beat Pitt. Maybe a little Ewing Theory thrown in there, if you count getting to the conference finals as getting over the hump.

(To save myself from a potential joke, I'll do it myself: yes, getting to the second round would be getting over the hump for the Isles right now)

On topic, Thornton has to be up there for current players.

[Irish Blues]

Not back when either the Hartford Whalers or the Quebec Nordiques HAD to make the playoffs.
Or the Minnesota North Stars or the Toronto Maple Leafs in the same time period.

BTW - winning 2 in a row would be getting over the hump for the Blues. Hell, winning once right now would be getting over the hump for them.

[MountainHawk]

Why get over the hump now? Stay in the bottom 3 and get Johnson, Kessel, or Towes (sp?)

[MountainHawk]

Cindy doesn't like the big men picking on him: ;-)

http://www.nhl.com/news/2006/01/252906.html

[MountainHawk]

Standings on 1/17/2006:



Team W L OT Pts Win% AW% GF GPG GA GAA
Atlantic Division
PHI 28 10 7 63 .700 .635 162 3.60 139 3.09
NYR 25 14 7 57 .620 .562 144 3.13 120 2.61
NJD 22 18 5 49 .544 .494 132 2.93 135 3.00
NYI 19 23 2 40 .455 .412 132 3.00 161 3.66
PIT 11 26 9 31 .337 .306 128 2.78 185 4.02
Northeast Division
OTT 31 10 3 65 .739 .670 185 4.20 105 2.39
BUF 29 13 3 61 .678 .615 150 3.33 128 2.84
TOR 24 17 3 51 .580 .525 143 3.25 138 3.14
MTL 21 16 6 48 .558 .506 128 2.98 137 3.19
BOS 17 21 7 41 .456 .413 128 2.84 148 3.29
Southeast Division
CAR 30 10 4 64 .727 .659 163 3.70 137 3.11
ATL 22 18 6 50 .543 .493 164 3.57 159 3.46
TBY 22 20 3 47 .522 .473 132 2.93 140 3.11
FLA 18 22 7 43 .457 .415 122 2.60 148 3.15
WSH 15 24 5 35 .398 .361 125 2.84 169 3.84
Central Division
DET 30 12 3 63 .700 .635 168 3.73 120 2.67
NSH 28 12 5 61 .678 .615 144 3.20 131 2.91
CHI 15 25 5 35 .389 .353 118 2.62 159 3.53
CLB 16 28 2 34 .370 .335 109 2.37 162 3.52
STL 10 28 5 25 .291 .264 107 2.49 165 3.84
Northwest Division
CGY 26 14 5 57 .633 .574 120 2.67 114 2.53
VAN 26 15 5 57 .620 .562 154 3.35 141 3.07
COL 26 17 3 55 .598 .542 171 3.72 146 3.17
EDM 24 17 5 53 .576 .522 151 3.28 144 3.13
MIN 20 21 4 44 .489 .443 124 2.76 117 2.60
Pacific Division
DAL 30 13 2 62 .689 .625 149 3.31 116 2.58
LAK 28 17 2 58 .617 .559 162 3.45 142 3.02
SJS 21 17 5 47 .547 .495 136 3.16 132 3.07
ANA 19 16 9 47 .534 .484 127 2.89 125 2.84
PHX 22 22 2 46 .500 .453 128 2.78 143 3.11


Winning percentage is Points / (GP *2)
Adjusted winning percentage is Points / (GP * 2.21), because there has been an average of 2.21 earned in the NHL per game played.

Team Statistics:


Top 5 Offenses:

1. OTT 4.20
2. DET 3.73
3. COL 3.72
4. CAR 3.70
4. PHI 3.60

Worst 5 Offenses:

1. CLB 2.37
2. STL 2.49
3. FLA 2.60
4. CHI 2.61
5. CGY 2.67

Top 5 Defenses:

1. OTT 2.39
2. CGY 2.53
3. DAL 2.58
4. MIN 2.60
5. NYR 2.61

Worst 5 Defenses:

1. PIT 4.02
2. WSH 3.84
3. STL 3.84
4. NYI 3.66
5. CHI 3.53

Top 5 Power Plays:

1. DET 24.7%
2. BUF 22.2%
3. OTT 21.4%
4. ATL 20.9%
5. TOR 20.5%

Worst 5 Power Plays:

1. TBY 13.1%
2. CHI 13.2%
3. WSH 13.4%
4. CLB 13.8%
5. STL 14.7%

Top 5 Penalty Kills:

1. MIN 88.7%
2. BUF 86.2%
3. COL 85.2%
4. CHI 85.1%
5. NYR 84.9%

Worst 5 Penalty Kills:

1. PIT 78.4%
2. WSH 78.7%
3. PHX 78.9%
4. SJS 79.5%
5. ATL 79.5%

Most Penalized (PIM per game)

1. CHI 20.49
2. OTT 19.63
3. PHX 19.02
4. NSH 18.67
5. PIT 18.61

Least Penalized (PIM per game)

1. TBY 11.31
2. NJD 11.84
3. SJS 12.44
4. DET 13.38
5. PHI 13.53



Individual Statistics:



Goals

1. Kovalchuk 34
2. Ovechkin 32
3. Gagne 31
4. Jagr 29
Heatley 29
Staal 29

Assists

1. Thornton 48
2. Forsberg 45
3. Savard 42
4. Jagr 40
5. Straka 37

Points

1. Jagr 69
2. Kovalchuk 66
3. Thornton 63
4. Savard 62
5. Alfredsson 61

PIM

1. Avery 168
2. Witt 111
3. Barnaby 109
4. Hordicuk 107
5. Simpson 104

Rookie Points

1. Ovechkin 58
2. Crosby 51
3. Svatos 40
4. Vanek 29
5. Prucha 27
Phaneuf 27


GAA

1. Fernandez 2.02
2. Hasek 2.03
3. Legace 2.15
4. Lundqvist 2.19
Miller 2.19

Save Percentage

1. Fernandez 93.0%
2. Hasek 92.9%
3. Miller 92.4%
Lundqvist 92.4%
5. Legace 91.5%



League Wide Stats

Goals per game: 6.231
Points awarded per game: 2.206
Number of shutouts: 52
Number of OT games: 139
Number of shootouts: 66
Percentage of Games ending in regulation: 79.4%
Percentage of OT Games ending before shootout: 52.5%
Percentage of games ending in shootout: 9.8%

Shootout Statistics

Games in shootout: 66
Shots taken: 442
Goals scored: 144
Shootout save percentage: 67.4%

Penalty Statistics


Penalties per team per game
Mnth Min Maj Mis Tot
Oct 7.11 0.40 0.10 7.61
Nov 6.36 0.40 0.13 6.89
Dec 6.65 0.40 0.09 7.14
Jan 5.99 0.39 0.12 6.50


Penalties per game, Home team: 6.95
Penalties per game, road team: 7.23

[seabass]

4th worst defense! Look out, Irish Blues!

[MountainHawk]

If the season ended today, based on winning percentage the playoffs would be:

1 Ottawa v 8 New Jersey
2 Carolina v 7 Montreal
3 Philadelphia v 6 Toronto
4 Buffalo v 5 New York Rangers

1 Detroit v 8 Edmonton
2 Dallas v 7 Colorado
3 Calgary v 6 Los Angeles
4 Nashville v 5 Vancouver

[MountainHawk]

Shootout Records

5 wins

DAL 5-0, 9 goals on 14 shots, 2 goals allowed in 14 shots
WSH 5-3, 12/35, 10/38

4 wins

NYR 4-1, 10/29, 7/29
NJD 4-2, 8/22, 5/23
NSH 4-2, 6/15, 3/14

3 wins

LAK 3-0, 5/7, 0/7
NYI 3-2, 6/20, 6/20
CBJ 3-2, 6/20, 5/20
EDM 3-2, 6/14, 5/14
BUF 3-3, 8/18, 7/16

2 wins

CAR 2-1, 4/7, 2/8
PHX 2-1, 3/10, 2/10
MTL 2-1, 3/7, 1/8
CHI 2-2, 8/15, 7/13
OTT 2-2, 4/11, 4/11
PHI 2-3, 4/15, 6/16
TOR 2-3, 3/11, 5/12
COL 2-3, 4/18, 7/19
CGY 2-3, 4/17, 4/15
TBY 2-3, 5/15, 7/15

1 win

DET 1-0, 2/2, 1/3
PIT 1-2, 3/15, 4/14
STL 1-2, 2/9, 4/9
FLA 1-2, 2/11, 3/11
MIN 1-3, 3/17, 5/16
VAN 1-3, 2/11, 3/11
SJS 1-4 5/17, 9/17
ANA 1-4, 3/15, 7/15
ATL 1-4, 3/16, 6/15

0 wins

BOS 0-3, 1/9, 4/8

[MountainHawk]

Another fun little stat ... the best 'home whistle' as measured by the difference between Minors_Opp - Minors_Own for games at the team's arena and Minors_Opp - Minors_Own for games on the road:

STL 2.405
LAK 1.897
PHX 1.667
DAL 1.549
VAN 1.527
CBJ 1.434
TOR 1.342
CAR 1.259
WSH 1.014
DET 0.881
PIT 0.870
EDM 0.784
BUF 0.661
-------------------------League average = .062
FLA 0.550
CHI 0.542
NYR 0.520
MTL 0.468
ANA 0.308
NJD 0.268
SJS 0.263
COL 0.261
NSH 0.144
TBL 0.002
MIN -0.004
CGY -0.049
OTT -0.054
PHI -0.077
ATL -0.220
NYI -0.773
BOS -1.268

[MountainHawk]

For Example, STL averages 6.82 minors/game on the road, while the opponent takes an average of 6.32 minors/game. When the Blues are at home, the Blues take an average of 6.43 minors/game, but the opposing team gets an average of 8.33 minors/game. At home, the Blues are +1.90, on the road they are -0.5, for a 'home whistle effect' of 2.4.

[hardinda]

Looking at those Goaltending stats, anyone else wondering why the US didn't name Ryan Miller one of their goalies? I am happy about it ... I don't want the Sabres starting goalie playing extra games, but man, he is about the only shot the US has.

[MountainHawk]

Because he was hurt when the team was named, and he's young so he can't use his previous body of work to get him in.

And you are wrong. Jesus Christ himself could be in goal, and we still aren't gold medal favorites.

[yankeetripper]

Jesus Christ himself could be in goal,
Reminds me of an old joke (seen on bumper sticker in 80s)

Jesus saves
Gretzky gets the rebound
He scores!

[DoctorNo]

"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent"

[MountainHawk]

Ugh .... Forsberg 'mild groin strain' ... missed the 3rd against Carolina.

[MountainHawk]

And now we lose in the shootout ... ugh. 8-2-1 on the road, come home for two, and 0-0-2.

[Wannabe Actuary]

it's still another point though...

I think in the shootout stats it's worth noting that one of the Ranger shootout wins was the current record of 15 rounds...that's just crazy

[MountainHawk]

Yeah, I have a hard time worrying about shootout losses, because they wouldn't be losses in the playoffs, and that's all that matters. The NHL regular season is about two things: getting the 90 or so points to get in the playoffs, and fantasy stats. :)

[seabass]

You guys need to give Niity a break, poor guy might as well bring a sleeping bag with him to the crease.

[Irish Blues]

Why get over the hump now? Stay in the bottom 3 and get Johnson, Kessel, or Towes (sp?)
Oh don't worry - I don't think there's any danger of us taking off any time soon and not getting a top-3 (or for that matter, top-2) pick.

But when it comes to "who should we pick" there's a lot of debate among Blues fans - seems we're not sold on Toews and some see Kessel as Pavel Bure - if he has a serious knee injury, it could take away some of his speed and that would kill some of his effectiveness. I'm leaning toward Staal over Johnson at the moment (I think Staal would do more for us long-term than Johnson) but I need to take a look at who could be there in 2007, I'm sure we'll be picking in the top few next year as well. That will help tip the balance one way or another.

Oh, and the Blues lost last night (again). That's 7 in a row! :guitarwo:

[Mike and Maddog]

Two trends have developed for the Flyers as their season progresses toward the Olympic break.

First, they are turning over the puck at critical times and it is ending up in their net. Second, they have lost three games in succession and four of their last five.

Last night at the Wachovia Center, they had a chance to regain second place in the Eastern Conference against the Carolina Hurricanes. Instead, they blew a two-goal lead in the third period, then lost in a shoot-out, 4-3. Carolina won its eighth straight game.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13650578.htm

3 losses in a row. 4 of 5. Lucky for them the Olympic break is coming.

[seabass]

M&M, do you live in Philly?

[Uncle Larry]

M&M, do you live in Philly?No, he's just got a lover scorn thing going on with Mountainhawk and doesn't seem to mind that MH has him on ignore. He trolls anyway.

[bfore13]

3 losses in a row.* Just wanted to add an asterick that 2 of the 3 losses were in OT so they still got a point.

[Mike and Maddog]

Just wanted to add an asterick that 2 of the 3 losses were in OT so they still got a point.


Why don't you complain to the sports writer, Tim Panaccio? Ask him to asterick his article.

[DoctorNo]

No, he's just got a lover scorn thing going on with Mountainhawk and doesn't seem to mind that MH has him on ignore. He trolls anyway.

He's not in it for the money. He's in it for the love of the troll, man!

[Irish Blues]

Just wanted to add an asterick that 2 of the 3 losses were in OT so they still got a point.
Yet another reason why I hate the point for losing in OT or the shootout.

[Mike and Maddog]

Yet another reason why I hate the point for losing in OT or the shootout.

Agreed. A win in regulation should be worth more than a win in OT or SO. And a game should not be worth 2 points in regulation and 3 points if not.

[bfore13]

Why don't you complain to the sports writer, Tim Panaccio? Ask him to asterick his article.Did you post the entire article? Was all of your post from the article? Funny, I didn't see the "Lucky for them the Olympic break is coming" comment in the article.

[Mike and Maddog]

Did you post the entire article? Was all of your post from the article? Funny, I didn't see the "Lucky for them the Olympic break is coming" comment in the article.

I thought it was pretty obvious. For the benefit of the mentally challenged, the stuff up to the web link is from the link.

[MountainHawk]

Flyers-bruins tonight ... sounds like we might get Pitkanen back (woohoo!), but Forsberg is out until at least Saturday. Sooner or later the Flyers will be healthy. ;-)

On the bright side, the game is in Philly, so there will be no Smokey abuse tonight.

[udjw828]

I generally don't really watch much hockey until after the Super Bowl...just check out the standings occasionally. I was amazed to read the list of injured Flyers, considering their place in the standings.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Flyers-bruins tonight ... sounds like we might get Pitkanen back (woohoo!), but Forsberg is out until at least Saturday. Sooner or later the Flyers will be healthy. ;-)

On the bright side, the game is in Philly, so there will be no Smokey abuse tonight.
everytime they get healthy, they have someone else get injured

[MountainHawk]

And now they announce Pitkanen's return will be Saturday, not today. Thank god it's only the Bruins.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I've been away from the board mostly except a little bit in the evenings...so I'm not sure if anyone posted it...

but I'm sure most noticed...Ziggy Palfy retired and the Penguins are now for sale...

[seabass]

I've been away from the board mostly except a little bit in the evenings...so I'm not sure if anyone posted it...

but I'm sure most noticed...Ziggy Palfy retired and the Penguins are now for sale...

Yeah, I was pretty sad about that. Shame we couldn't keep him around for longer than we did.

[Wannabe Actuary]

And now they announce Pitkanen's return will be Saturday, not today. Thank god it's only the Bruins.
almost through the 2nd....Bruins 3, Flyers 1...
only the Bruins...:shake:
take nothing for granted

[MountainHawk]

Yeah ... as soon as I typed that, I knew it was trouble. Flyers completely controlling this game, but the Bruins are scoring on every other shot and the Flyers can't get the puck into a mostly empty net. Just one of those games.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yeah ... as soon as I typed that, I knew it was trouble. Flyers completely controlling this game, but the Bruins are scoring on every other shot and the Flyers can't get the puck into a mostly empty net. Just one of those games.
was 4-1 after 2....now it's 4-2

[DoctorNo]

was 4-1 after 2....now it's 4-2

Thanks for the score update. Those of us without internet access appreciate it.

[MountainHawk]

:lol:

[MountainHawk]

Bryan Berard tests positive for steroids by WADA ... 2 year ban from international competition, no NHL penalty because he was cleared by an NHL test on 1/15, which was the first date the NHL was allowed to test.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Thanks for the score update. Those of us without internet access appreciate it.
no problem

[Wannabe Actuary]

Rangers win, Flyers lose, I think the point differential is 5 again...with even games played.
I'm so happy about the Rangers and the way they're playing this season. Even if they don't win the Atlantic, I'm still really proud

[seabass]

Poor Niity...

Ovechkin had another pretty nice goal last night, overshadowed by an even better Boston goal (Wayne Primeau??).

[Mike and Maddog]

And now they announce Pitkanen's return will be Saturday, not today. Thank god it's only the Bruins.

:lol:

4th loss in a row. fifth in 6 games.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers go down in Detriot 6-3. What a surprise. I didn't see the game, but it was 1-1 when I left the Bruins game, so I guess it was a 3rd period collapse of some sort.

Finished up the franchise record road trip 8-2-1. Some people on this board claimed the road trip would 'break' the Flyers season. Looks like those people were wrong.

On the Bruins Kings ... wow, the Bruins suck. But Frolov is fun to watch, and a nice trio of goals in the third for him, including a penalty shot.

:lol:

looks like some people are right.

[seabass]

Niity has played at least a dozen games in a row (seems like that, at least). Does Hitchcock even put a backup on the bench?

[MountainHawk]

17 games in a row. There is something with Storr's name on the bench in goalie pads, but I'm not convinced it's just not a statue or something.

[GefilteFish144]

Rangers win, Flyers lose, I think the point differential is 5 again...with even games played.
I'm so happy about the Rangers and the way they're playing this season. Even if they don't win the Atlantic, I'm still really proud

5 point difference from 1st, but just 6 point difference from 3rd. Red-hot Devils are unbeaten in '06, and still lots of games remaining against the Rangers. Amazing stat on Brodeur -- he's given up just 2 goals on shootouts.

[Mike and Maddog]

The Phoenix Coyotes have finally managed to trade Petr Nedved. He was sent to the Philadelphia Flyers Friday in exchange for defenceman Dennis Seidenberg. The Flyers will also have the option of swapping fourth-round draft choices with the Coyotes at this year's entry draft and third-round choices with the Coyotes in next year's entry draft.

Nedved has been going through a tough season. After missing 19 games with groin and elbow injuries, Nedved has been scratched from three of the Coyotes last four games. He has 2 goals and 11 points in 25 games this season.

...

Still, the move is surprising considering the fact that Flyers' general manager Bob Clarke once called Nedved "an idiot."

Clarke made the comment in 1998, when Nedved and Pavel Bure were on the trade block after failing to come to terms with their clubs. "What makes you think these guys are not going to walk out on the next team they go to?" Clarke told the Camden (N.J.) Courier-Post in rejecting trade rumours involving the two snipers. "Bure's just as dumb as Nedved, and Nedved is an idiot."
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=151606&hubname=nhl

Idiot :lol:

[MountainHawk]

Flyers added Nedved ... hope the change of scenery picks up his game, and I pray to god it doesn't mean Therien is becoming a permanent fixture on the blue line:

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2402.asp

[Patience]

Flyers added Nedved ... hope the change of scenery picks up his game, and I pray to god it doesn't mean Therien is becoming a permanent fixture on the blue line:

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2402.asp

does Hockey have a trade deadline?

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers added Nedved ... hope the change of scenery picks up his game, and I pray to god it doesn't mean Therien is becoming a permanent fixture on the blue line:

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2402.asp

Nice to see you are on top of things. Read the post before yours.

[Mike and Maddog]

does Hockey have a trade deadline?

Yes

[DoctorNo]

I like Nedved a lot - he was one of my favourites when he was on the Seattle Thunderbirds his only season of NA juniors. Man, that T-Birds team was stacked.

[MountainHawk]

does Hockey have a trade deadline?
Yes ... but it's not until late Feb/early March.

[seabass]

The deadline this year is March 9... I remember they were talking about shifting it back during CBA discussions, but this doesn't seem to be earlier than usual.

[MountainHawk]

I like Nedved a lot - he was one of my favourites when he was on the Seattle Thunderbirds his only season of NA juniors. Man, that T-Birds team was stacked.
My early opinion is that Nedved is a soft, ancient player, but the Flyers got him for essentially nothing, because Seidenberg had fallen to 9th on the depth chat, and would have been waived once Pitkanen and Desjardins are back,

[DoctorNo]

I'm watching the NHL on NBC right now, and I've just got one question.

How do you catch a killer who's dropping bodies from planes?

[GefilteFish144]

Nedved might work in the Flyers system. Certainly wasn't worth it for the Rangers to trade away Kovalev for him, and 2nd stint with the team was even worse.

[MountainHawk]

I'm watching the NHL on NBC right now, and I've just got one question.

How do you catch a killer who's dropping bodies from planes?
?

[DoctorNo]

?

It's the ad which they kept repeating on the NBC affiliate in Denver. You must have been spared on the Pens-Flyers broadcast.

[Super Silver Haze]

Leafs penalty kill is top-notch tonight. So far, anyway.

[DoctorNo]

Leafs penalty kill is top-notch tonight. So far, anyway.

It's a good thing. Otherwise, it'd probably be 10-0 by now.

[Super Silver Haze]

It's a good thing. Otherwise, it'd probably be 10-0 by now.
If you wanted to see 10-0 tonight, Vancouver may be your hookup.

[DoctorNo]

If you wanted to see 10-0 tonight, Vancouver may be your hookup.

I almost saw it in my pick-up game today.

The only thing weirder than seeing a 5-on-0 attack in a "real" hockey game is that they didn't even get a shot on net. Soylent green is morans! Morans, I tell you!

[Mike and Maddog]

flyers squeak by pitt 2-1 on saturday. get to play them again tonight.

They should dominate a team like pitt. They are 4-1 against them, but 4 of the games have been decided by 1 goal.

[DoctorNo]

Who's your favourite team, M&M?

[seabass]

Eddie Olczyk had to make some "when I was coaching this team..." comments for the NBC intermission, kinda awkward. Only saw some of it at the end, and it looked like a solid game. M&M, I know you have alot invested in the Flyers' success, so I hope you were watching.

[Mike and Maddog]

Who's your favourite team, M&M?

You should know by now it's the Yankees.

[Irish Blues]

The Blues fire-sale is about to begin, and none too soon. On a more positive note, I talked to someone *very well* connected with the Blues and he indicated he thinks a deal will be done in 3-4 weeks, finally bringing the reign of Bill Laurie as Blues owner to an end (and none too soon considering his bailing on the franchise this year).

[MountainHawk]

Flyers-Pens tonight ... 4-0-1 so far for the Flyers in this series ... hopefully that continues.

[Super Silver Haze]

Carlo Colaiacovo currently being stretchered off the ice in the Leafs-Sens game after going into the boards headfirst. Weird play, not exactly sure who was trying to hit who, but he collided with Varada - it looked like they both saw it coming - and Colaiacovo spun into the boards.

[Real American Hero]

Blues win! Blues win! (gotta give 'em props when you can)

Meanwhile what has to be the NHL's longest game finally ends with Nashville making that 1 point lead hold up over two months.

[Irish Blues]

:party: We win yet again!

Of course, the Weight-to-(insert team's name here) rumors are heating up now, speculation is that Ottawa is in the lead. I'll be surprised if anything happens before the Olympics, but after the Olympic break ends - :yikes: That's probably where things really heat up around the league.

[MountainHawk]

Carlo Colaiacovo currently being stretchered off the ice in the Leafs-Sens game after going into the boards headfirst. Weird play, not exactly sure who was trying to hit who, but he collided with Varada - it looked like they both saw it coming - and Colaiacovo spun into the boards.
That was nasty. I wasn't sure if the blood was ever going to stop coming out.

[Mike and Maddog]

Flyers scrape past Penguins

Frequently this season, the Flyers have found themselves dangling from a high wire without a safety net, only moments after they seemed to be on solid ground.

Or, as winger Mike Knuble put it, "We seem to need to be threatened at times."

Such was the case last night at the Wachovia Center against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who showed up burdened by a nine-game losing streak and seemingly in a hurry to stretch it to 10 for the first 30 minutes or so.
But as the game evolved, its tenor changed in Pittsburgh's favor, and it took Knuble's 22d goal of the season with 2 minutes, 5 seconds left in the third period before the Flyers could stop holding their breath and get away with a 4-2 victory.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13696872.htm

Why do they struggle so much against the lowly penguins?

[Uncle Larry]

Lemieux to announce his retirement at 2p.m. this afternoon. No big surprise I guess, too bad he couldn't get one last somewhat-healthy season in with that rebuilt team. He was so excited about this season and the Pens have done nothing but disappoint right from the get go.

[MountainHawk]

Flyers now 5 points ahead of the Rangers again, even in games played. 5-0-1 against the Pens ... who seem to put up a good fight, but find a way to lose. That's the difference between championship contenders and lottery contenders, I guess.

Devils won 9 straight, and they are still 13 points behind the Flyers and 8 behind the Rangers. :lol:

[MountainHawk]

Lemieux to announce his retirement at 2p.m. this afternoon. No big surprise I guess, too bad he couldn't get one last somewhat-healthy season in with that rebuilt team. He was so excited about this season and the Pens have done nothing but disappoint right from the get go.

:(

I believe, however, that this is the third time in a row that Mario has announced his retirement after a Penguins loss to the Flyers.

[hardinda]

Sabres @ Rangers - Tonight

Sabres on a rare 2 game losing streak after an AWFUL "No Goal" call in the Flames game the other night.

NHL said they fixed the replay, hmmm guess not.

Jim Kelley had an article about the video replay system and the Sabres.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/columnist.jsp?content=20060123_202551_5440

Just another "No Goal" in sabres history.

[MountainHawk]

Would have lost the game anyway. Flames were the better team that night.

[hardinda]

Would have lost the game anyway. Flames were the better team that night.

Yes, but things like that shouldn't happen when "every goal is reviewed". Momentum can swing in a 1-1 game with a bad call like that.

[MountainHawk]

Oh, I agree. Worse goal call I've seen all year. But it's not the cause of the 2 game losing streak. ;-)

[hardinda]

Oh, I agree. Worse goal call I've seen all year. But it's not the cause of the 2 game losing streak. ;-)

Nope, it's not ... If I were the Rangers, i'd be scared tonight. Drury got all over the team after the Flames loss, they weren't playing the "Sabres system". I think you'll see them play a very good road game tonight.

[MountainHawk]

I wonder if the guy in the Flames booth really will get fired for failing to answer the phone from Toronto.

[MountainHawk]

Couple of other NHL news items:

US Dept of Labor dismissed the complaint of the small group of NHL players that think Saskin was elected illegally. Reason: NHLPA is based in Toronto, so go bug the Canadian government. Good luck with that :lol:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=152033&hubname=

2006-2007 NHL ASG awarded to Dallas, but it's going to be played on a Wednesday (24 Jan)

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=152024&hubname=

[MountainHawk]

Classic Hitchcock:


On Pittsburgh’s performance:
"They play reckless and they play hard. If you don’t match that level then you are going to get beat. We did a great job for 35 minutes. We had lots of chances and we were all over it. They had three shifts at the end of the second period. The first three shifts in the third period they had us in. This is the way they play every game. They work hard. They play with a tremendous amount of youthful enthusiasm. They overwhelm you and they win a lot of hockey games that way. That’s what we talked about all day today. We had to match that with our skill. If you don’t match that, I don’t care how good of a player you are, they’re going to push you right out of the hockey game because you’re going to try and play around that and you can’t."


11-38, and they win a lot of hockey games :lol:




On Niittymaki’s performance:
"He was good. He especially made a great save at the end of the third period. The only reason he was mentally tired was because the coach screwed up. I should have looked at him a little bit differently. We kept putting him on the ice because that’s the routine that hockey players have. We should have kept Niitty off the ice. We should have got another goaltender to stop some pucks or just gone one way on some of the practices. I think in was more of the every day on the ice, not the games, that tired him out. We had too much activity and he was playing every night. We didn’t treat him properly for a guy that was playing all the time."



Really? Playing a goalie 17 straight f'in games, including 3 or 4 set of back-to-back games, isn't a good idea?

[hardinda]

Rick DiPietro gets pulled in another game, will the US team even win a game in the Olympics?

[DoctorNo]

Karlis Skrastins the new Avs' goon? Great punches from the NHL's reigning iron man!

[seabass]

Rick DiPietro gets pulled in another game, will the US team even win a game in the Olympics?

I know the defense is atrocious, but he's gotta be able to put a couple of good performances in a row. Luongo used to get murdered by the firing line and he came away with relatively few scratches, and DP is letting every open shot in the slot through. I still think he's capable of performing well when he has a defense that actually takes care of things in front of him.

[DoctorNo]

First goalie fight of the year in the NHL! (and I don't believe that there's been one in the AHL, either).

David Aebischer and Philippe Sauve!

[MountainHawk]

First goalie fight of the year in the NHL! (and I don't believe that there's been one in the AHL, either).

David Aebischer and Philippe Sauve!
Who 'won'?

[hardinda]

Bruins beat the Thrashers last night and are now only 4 points out of a playoff spot, who is talking about the Thornton trade now? I knew it would be a good trade for the team.

[hardinda]

Tim Connolly out 6-8 weeks after a clean hip check from Kasparaitis. I think Grier sums up Kasparaitis' career well:

"He's a heartless, gutless player," Grier said. "He has no respect for anyone else in the league. He cheap-shots guys and then won't stand up for himself. He tells me he wants to fight and then skates away and takes a dive when I barely even touch him.

"Probably the dirtiest player in the league. No one likes him. We got a game against these guys again (March 27), we'll see what happens. It's disgusting what he did to Timmy. He hurts guys with no shame. It doesn't faze him one bit. He could have hit him just as easily with his shoulder as he did with his hip."


followed by Ruff's quote:

"He went low on him," Ruff said. "If you're going to go low, show a little bit of guts. And if you're challenged by another guy, don't hit the deck again. That's two guys I've seen him "accidentally' hurt in the last two nights. He hurt Marshall. It's amazing how he can "accidentally' do it all the time.

"For us to lose a player like that because he wants to go low and cut his knees out, that's a joke."

[MountainHawk]

He was nowhere near his knees. It was a totally clean check, but I can't say I'm surprised that the Buffalo Sabres are whining. It's what they do best.

[hardinda]

He was nowhere near his knees. It was a totally clean check, but I can't say I'm surprised that the Buffalo Sabres are whining. It's what they do best.

No, they actually turn hits like that into wins not losses.

What actually surprises me is that a person like you, who claims to have alot of hockey knowlegde, thinks it's a bad play for the captain of your team to immediately go after someone who makes a hit like that. If you think that is a bad play, then your hockey knowledge is more of a stats knowledge and not a game knowledge.

[Uncle Larry]

Who 'won'?Worst goalie fight I've ever seen. I don't think either landed a punch. They basically tied each other up the whole time. I'm not even sure Aebischer got his gloves off. So it was a draw.

Still awesome though.

[MountainHawk]

No, they actually turn hits like that into wins not losses.

What actually surprises me is that a person like you, who claims to have alot of hockey knowlegde, thinks it's a bad play for the captain of your team to immediately go after someone who makes a hit like that. If you think that is a bad play, then your hockey knowledge is more of a stats knowledge and not a game knowledge.

Whatever. The object of the game is to win. That's it. Not some sense of justice. To win. And the captain threw away a power play because a guy made a clean hit. If you don't like getting hit, go play baseball. Or woman's hockey.

[hardinda]

Whatever. The object of the game is to win. That's it. Not some sense of justice. To win. And the captain threw away a power play because a guy made a clean hit. If you don't like getting hit, go play baseball. Or woman's hockey.

You never played hockey, did you?

[MountainHawk]

'Turning it into wins' ... not often enough though, considering they are tied for 4th and 7 points out of first.

[MountainHawk]

You never played hockey, did you?

You've never won a championship, have you?

[hardinda]

'Turning it into wins' ... not often enough though, considering they are tied for 4th and 7 points out of first.

They have as many wins as Philly.

[hardinda]

You've never won a championship, have you?

Which championship did "you" win? Are you a Flyer now ... i knew you never played hockey at any level, pretty obvious.

[MountainHawk]

OK, whatever. If you rather think that immediate justice is more important than having a chance to take a lead in a 1-1 game, that's fine. You probably still think Hull's goal shouldn't have counted either. :lol:

[hardinda]

OK, whatever. If you rather think that immediate justice is more important than having a chance to take a lead in a 1-1 game, that's fine. You probably still think Hull's goal shouldn't have counted either. :lol:

It's pretty obvious you don't understand the team concept, being part of the team, playing for a team, having teammates. You only understand what a "statistical fan" sees in a game. No big deal, you just don't have the understanding of being in the locker room. I don't have that understanding either at a high level, but atleast I've been in there at a lower level. You stick up for each other, that's just how it's done.

[Patience]

Is this kinda like the AO version of a goalie fight?

[seabass]

Is this kinda like the AO version of a goalie fight?

Yes, but more entertaining than last night's event.

[MountainHawk]

You, as usual, are completely wrong. I been a part of teams in several different sports from peewee intramural up to high school. I was in a bench clearing brawl when someone knocked one of our players out with a vicious elbow to the head.

The point is ... you don't need to defend people from clean hits. If the guy makes a play that's entirely within the rules, and you go and cheap shot him, then you are an idiot. Especailly when your team is already a man up. There is a time and place for revenge. In a 1-1 game with only a period to go isn't one of them. Drury showed a lack of poise. Teams now know that if there is a close game late, they can goad Drury into giving them a PP if they just lay out one of his teammates. That's not a good thing for a team that likes to think they are a Cup contender, IMHO. :shrug:

[Mike and Maddog]

Humble opinion?

Not

[hardinda]

You, as usual, are completely wrong. I been a part of teams in several different sports from peewee intramural up to high school. I was in a bench clearing brawl when someone knocked one of our players out with a vicious elbow to the head.

So, who took the straw poll to determine if it was a clean hit before you all left the bench?

The point is ... you don't need to defend people from clean hits. If the guy makes a play that's entirely within the rules, and you go and cheap shot him, then you are an idiot. Especailly when your team is already a man up. There is a time and place for revenge. In a 1-1 game with only a period to go isn't one of them. Drury showed a lack of poise. Teams now know that if there is a close game late, they can goad Drury into giving them a PP if they just lay out one of his teammates. That's not a good thing for a team that likes to think they are a Cup contender, IMHO. :shrug:

Lack of poise? lol, more like showing why he is team captain. He didn't even think about it, he saw a team member down and layed out the guy who put him down. It's not about that 1 game, or the 1 penalty, it's about the whole season. I'd think the Sabres have more respect for a player after he shows that hits on your player won't be dealt with lightly. That's all he cares about ... his own team, not what the other team thinks. Look at any good team captain throughout the NHL and they make the exact same play. Look at any team player and they make the exact same play, they don't take a poll to determine if it was a clean hit or not.

[Real American Hero]

What's up with the 'nucks? Dropping back-to-back games to the Blues and Blue Jackets? Yikes!

[MountainHawk]

Bob McKenzie reporting that every Canadian's favorite American, Jack Johnson, might be making the jump to the NHL later this season once UM is done:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp

[Boink]

That could provide some entertainment if the Flyers could throw Downie out on the ice at some point.

[Uncle Larry]

I have a hard time believing that a college player joining the NHL at the end of the season is going to be able to provide much of a positive impact. US college hockey is less competitive than CHL hockey, going straight to the NHL is going to be a big jump, especially only weeks before playoffs, at best.

[Mike and Maddog]

FORGET ABOUT the game for a moment, if that's possible.

Never mind that the Flyers blew a two-goal lead in the second period and went into the third tied against a struggling team with a horrid road record before losing, 5-3, to the Montreal Canadiens in the Wachovia Center last night.

Ignore the four goals that Jan Bulis scored against Robert Esche in the goaltender's second start since returning from a groin injury. Or the five goals on 15 shots. Or the fact that the Flyers made so many mistakes that it really would be hard to blame the goalie.

Look past the Flyers' sixth loss in nine games. It is, after all, the middle of the season and there is plenty of time to get over whatever malaise has the hometown fans booing so loudly.

This isn't the Flyers team that racked up a 8-2-1 road trip recently. Is it?

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/hockey/13714444.htm

Too bad they can't play the penguins every night.

[seabass]

Awesome analysis. I'm always excited to hear what they're saying on philly.com.

[Mike and Maddog]

Awesome analysis. I'm always excited to hear what they're saying on philly.com.


Thanks

[Mike and Maddog]

Where's the flyer commentary from brokeback mountainhawk?

he sure can gloat when things are going well, can't he?

but when things go sour, he runs away.

[Uncle Larry]

Probably in the same place as all the commentary from Mike & Maddog when the Flyers are doing well.

[hardinda]

Buffalo @ Toronto tonight

Seems like this is a game of who can win with the most injuries, both teams have been bitten by the injury bug.

Buffalo/Toronto games are always fun, usually more fun played in Buffalo - but still fun none the less.

[Uncle Larry]

Who Posted?
Total Posts: 1,698
User Name Posts
MountainHawk 462
Uncle Larry + Uncle Ronny 196
DoctorNo 186
hardinda 181
Wannabe Actuary 165
seabass 100
Mike and Maddog 98
Irish Blues 96
:lol: This thread is getting soooo boring. Hardina always comes in and talks to himself about Buffalo, Wannabe comes in and talks to himself about the Rangers, Mike and Maddog makes fun of the Flyers while no one listens.

Everyone talks about their team but can some of you guys talk about something other than your team? It's an NHL thread, about the whole league.

[DoctorNo]

Everyone talks about their team but can some of you guys talk about something other than your team? It's an NHL thread, about the whole league.

Did you see Giguere go all Ron Hextall last night against Ryan Smyth?

[DoctorNo]

How come you combined Uncle Larry and Uncle Ronny in your thread post counts?

They're different people, right?

Right?

[hardinda]

Everyone talks about their team but can some of you guys talk about something other than your team? It's an NHL thread, about the whole league.

Jan Bulis scores 4 against Philly, where did this come from? Does that guy even break 20 regularly for a season?

[Uncle Larry]

Ya that was hilarious. I've never seen him lose it like that. That was funny when he wanted to go after Smyth, but instead of punching him or anything he just held his glove over Smyth's face like he was playing peek-a-boo or something.

[Uncle Larry]

Jan Bulis scores 4 against Philly, where did this come from? Does that guy even break 20 regularly for a season?Nope, career high of 16 in 82 games, he had 8 going into last night. No idea where that came from.

[Uncle Larry]

How come you combined Uncle Larry and Uncle Ronny in your thread post counts?

They're different people, right?

Right?Ya but I was combining the Leafs fans ;-)

Actually I combined em cause when I went to look at who had how many posts in this thread I couldn't believe Uncle Larry was only in 5th or 6th. Was wondering why that was then I realized Ronny had a chunk as well.

[seabass]

Bulis is supposedly on the trade block, so this may have been a "please don't trade me" game.

[Real American Hero]

I don't come here to talk about "my team" (could you name it?), and commenting on somebody else rah! rah!ing their team really ain't my thing. And I haven't seen nearly enough hockey for my liking.

But since we're past the half way point, I'll throw out some observations:
Getting rid of the center line was the best rule change, IMO - really opened things up.
I'm surprised with all the groin injuries this season that one doesn't belong to Hasek.
Every time I start thinking the refs appear to be calling fewer penalties, I'll be forced to endure a game where the sin bin becomes an auxilliary bench.
Sergei Fedorov sucks.
I'm still not sold on the shoot-out.
When Chelios was named to the Olympic team, I said "what?" From what little I've seen lately, that may actually not be a bad thing.
Why does Luongo want to stay in Florida and face 40 shots a night?
Will the Hockey Universe collapse if Toronto fails to make the playoffs?
Sergei Fedorov sucks.
I just glanced at TSN and saw the headline "Babcock Fired" and thought "wow, that's brutal ... he must have done something really wrong." Then read on to see it was the Raptors coach.
Finally, Sergei Fedorov sucks.

[MountainHawk]

Who Posted?
Total Posts: 1,698
User Name Posts
MountainHawk 462
Uncle Larry + Uncle Ronny 196
DoctorNo 186
hardinda 181
Wannabe Actuary 165
seabass 100
Mike and Maddog 98
Irish Blues 96
:lol: This thread is getting soooo boring. Hardina always comes in and talks to himself about Buffalo, Wannabe comes in and talks to himself about the Rangers, Mike and Maddog makes fun of the Flyers while no one listens.

Everyone talks about their team but can some of you guys talk about something other than your team? It's an NHL thread, about the whole league.
I try ... I really do. :)

[MountainHawk]

I agree the center line is the best rule change. I also think the additional room in the offensive zone is a good thing. I'm still neutral on the trapezoid, and I'm beginning to dislike the automatic penalty for clearing the puck out of the zone. If that costs someone in 3OT of a playoffs game ... ugh.

[DoctorNo]

First goalie fight of the year in the NHL! (and I don't believe that there's been one in the AHL, either).

David Aebischer and Philippe Sauve!

Sauve waived by the Flames.

They probably told him during the second intermission - "Hey, we're going to demote you tomorrow, so if you want to get your anger out, y'know, just do what comes naturally."

[Uncle Larry]

I don't come here to talk about "my team" (could you name it?), and commenting on somebody else rah! rah!ing their team really ain't my thing. And I haven't seen nearly enough hockey for my liking.I didn't mean everyone does. Just a lot of the people at the top. Actually really only the people I mentioned. Mountainhawk, DrNo and I all talk about our teams, but we also have the ability to talk about other teams. Actually I haven't talked about the Leafs in a long time, but if they win another game before the end of the season I will.

But to his credit, Hrdina also talks about the Thrashers, so he has two teams at least.

PS - Your team is Detroit ;-)

[Uncle Larry]

Sauve waived by the Flames.

They probably told him during the second intermission - "Hey, we're going to demote you tomorrow, so if you want to get your anger out, y'know, just do what comes naturally."They mentioned that on RogersSportsnet this morning. Ha, they made a joke about him maybe being confused of his role on the team. He must have thought he was brought in as an enforcer and wasn't too concerned with stopping the puck. (What was it, 7 he let in?)

[Hayden Christensen]

Bulis is supposedly on the trade block, so this may have been a "please don't trade me" game.

He wasn't even slated to play if you can believe it. The morning of the game he was told that he would be a healthy scratch. The Habs line up decisions really drive me bonkers.

Don't even get me started on Yanic Perreault. French Canadian, great shot, undisputed King of the Face Off for like 6 years and they let him go. I suppose there was a reason for it, but the club should really let the fans know, so we don't think they're totally :crazy::crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy::crazy: :crazy::crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy::crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

[hardinda]

But to his credit, Hrdina also talks about the Thrashers, so he has two teams at least.



Thanks for the shoutout ...plus now i'm named after Jan Hrdina

[Hayden Christensen]

Sergei Fedorov sucks.


I don't think he sucks. He just has a Federov complex that prevents him from meeting his full potential (which is pretty high).

[Uncle Larry]

I don't think he sucks. He just has a Federov complex that prevents him from meeting his full potential (which is pretty high).You must be familiar with Fedor.

[MountainHawk]

Fedor has a Federov complex?

[Uncle Larry]

Ya, Sergei's little brother. One of the biggest underacheiver's to come along in a long time. Ryan Ready and him played together for the Moose, Ryan said he'd never seen a guy with so much skill in practice be so useless in games (paraphrased).

[Hayden Christensen]

You must be familiar with Fedor.

Naw, I'm just a Pierre McGuire parrot.

While we're on the topic of Federov, I heard a funny story about him on the radio once. Someone called it in so it may be total BS, but here it is anyway:

Back when Federov was dating Anna they passed by Richard Simmons (the real one, not the one on this board) on their way out of a hotel. Richard Simmons was like "Look at that" to the desk clerk, and pointed at all the hickies Federov had on his neck. The clerk replied, "Do you even know who that guy is? It's Sergei Federov, the NHL player!" Simmons responded "Oh, when I was little I didn't collect hockey cards, I just played with Barbie dolls!"

[Wannabe Actuary]

Who Posted?
Total Posts: 1,698
User Name Posts
MountainHawk 462
Uncle Larry + Uncle Ronny 196
DoctorNo 186
hardinda 181
Wannabe Actuary 165
seabass 100
Mike and Maddog 98
Irish Blues 96
:lol: This thread is getting soooo boring. Hardina always comes in and talks to himself about Buffalo, Wannabe comes in and talks to himself about the Rangers, Mike and Maddog makes fun of the Flyers while no one listens.

Everyone talks about their team but can some of you guys talk about something other than your team? It's an NHL thread, about the whole league.
Hey, as of late I've been doing more reading of this thread, not posting...

[Irish Blues]

I agree the center line is the best rule change. I also think the additional room in the offensive zone is a good thing. I'm still neutral on the trapezoid, and I'm beginning to dislike the automatic penalty for clearing the puck out of the zone. If that costs someone in 3OT of a playoffs game ... ugh.
I still want to see them use my idea of making the blue lines "temporary" - they're in effect until you gain the zone, then they "disappear" and the offensive zone extends back to the center red line. Similar to a restraining line used in small basketball gyms: you have to inbound over the restraining line (which acts as the "out-of-bounds" line when the ball needs to be put into play) and once the ball is inbounded, the normal out-of-bounds line takes effect.

Making the blue lines be in effect for the sole purpose of establishing the zone would allow the offense more room to work with, force the defense to actually get the puck out over the red line to clear the zone without relying on a lucky, "oops - the puck hopped over the defenseman's stick and got 2 inches past the blue line, everyone on offense has to get out" play to relieve pressure, and should allow for more scoring chances since the defense will have more room to cover, thus allowing the offense to take advantage of the open space.

That, and an end to the "3 games in 4 nights" scheduling.

[Hayden Christensen]

I still want to see them use my idea of making the blue lines "temporary" - they're in effect until you gain the zone, then they "disappear" and the offensive zone extends back to the center red line.

That, and an end to the "3 games in 4 nights" scheduling.

Yeah, I think these changes are worth a try. I also think no-touch icing is WAY overdue. And the the instigator rule should get the hell out of the game.

[Irish Blues]

And the the instigator rule should get the hell out of the game.
Yep ... that one definitely needs to go. Too many times it's called when it's not warranted, or it's not called when it should be.

Since Kovalchuk among others seems to like using the illegal sticks when given the chance, I'd ratchet up the penalties for getting caught: 1st time - kicked out of game, 2nd time - suspended 1 game, 3rd - 2 games, and so on. I have much less tolerance for someone who flagrantly disregards the rules than I do someone who flips the puck over the boards inadvertently.

[Uncle Larry]

I never understood why they're so lenient on illegal sticks either. First of all the other coach has to call for a measurement, and risk a delay of game penalty for doing so, second of all the guy could have been using an illegal stick all game, then switch in the 3rd period, and that's the stick they measure. I personally don't really think they get that much of an advantage for using an illegal stick, so I don't really consider it a big problem. There's gotta be a better way to enforce the rule if they were interested in keeping illegal sticks out of the game though. Stricter penalties wouldn't be bad either. Like I said, I don't really think it's a big problem in the game though so I don't care. I don't think most players would use illegal sticks even if they were to become legal.

[seabass]

I still want to see them use my idea of making the blue lines "temporary" - they're in effect until you gain the zone, then they "disappear" and the offensive zone extends back to the center red line. Similar to a restraining line used in small basketball gyms: you have to inbound over the restraining line (which acts as the "out-of-bounds" line when the ball needs to be put into play) and once the ball is inbounded, the normal out-of-bounds line takes effect.

Making the blue lines be in effect for the sole purpose of establishing the zone would allow the offense more room to work with, force the defense to actually get the puck out over the red line to clear the zone without relying on a lucky, "oops - the puck hopped over the defenseman's stick and got 2 inches past the blue line, everyone on offense has to get out" play to relieve pressure, and should allow for more scoring chances since the defense will have more room to cover, thus allowing the offense to take advantage of the open space.



Neat idea... never heard of it until now.

[Uncle Larry]

I can't remember if I've heard that before or not. Sounds vaguely familiar but not sure. Either way it's a bad idea. It's just not the game of hockey. There's lots of room in the zone. You have to give the defence some method to relieve pressure in the zone. The strategy would completely change, and so too therefore would the sport of hockey. Tinkering with little rules is one thing, but that's a MAJOR change.

Why do people always want to change the sport? If you don't like hockey, don't watch it. I believe lacross has something similar to that, but you'd be better off asking Mountainhawk. Watch lacrosse.

[hardinda]

If they wanted to get rid of illegal sticks, they'd just have the refs measure every players stick every game or have some sort of computer device that measures the appropriate curves, lengths and what not everytime they walk out of the dressing room.

That wouldn't be as fun as asking for a measurement.

[seabass]

Interesting stat from nhl.com, in regards to the TB-FL game this past week...

Roberto Luongo has faced 50 or more shots 5 times in the last two NHL seasons. In those games, the Panthers have gone 4-0-1.

[Real American Hero]

I wonder how many games over the last 2 seasons he faced 20 or fewer shots. (Average shots against over that span is 36.4 - or 37.6 per 60 minutes)

[seabass]

I wonder how many games over the last 2 seasons he faced 20 or fewer shots. (Average shots against over that span is 36.4 - or 37.6 per 60 minutes)

Looks like 0, closest was 21 against Pitt last season. In other news, Hasek was seen taking a nap during his game last night.

[Irish Blues]

Tinkering with little rules is one thing, but that's a MAJOR change.

Why do people always want to change the sport? If you don't like hockey, don't watch it.
Let me go back to where I said I hated watching .... oh, that's right - I didn't say it. I can only imagine the horror you would have expressed when the forward pass was legalized in hockey (a move that completely opened up the game).

Would be a major change? Probably. Would it make the game better? IMO, absolutely it would. You want to add flow, add action and give players more room to create, and cut down on whistles? That would be one way to do it.

For the record, I wouldn't be opposed to making the rink 200x100 either ... but since the sightlines at all the arenas are set up for 200x85 and there's few teams who'll need a new arena in the next 30+ years, I wouldn't count on seeing that change put in anytime soon. But I hate the shootout, and I'll never accept it.

[Wannabe Actuary]

wow, what happened to the Flyers today?

[Uncle Larry]

You want to add flow, add action and give players more room to create, and cut down on whistles?Nope.

PS Not sure how old you think I am but the forward pass was legalized just a smidge before I was around.

[DoctorNo]

wow, what happened to the Flyers today?

WA = M&M ?

[Wannabe Actuary]

WA = M&M ?
just posing a question because the flyers are a good team, and usually they're at least in the game..

[DoctorNo]

just posing a question because the flyers are a good team, and usually they're at least in the game..

Thanks for clarifying.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Thanks for clarifying.
no problem....I'll keep you updated

[Irish Blues]

Nope.

PS Not sure how old you think I am but the forward pass was legalized just a smidge before I was around.
The point I was trying to make (which you apparently missed) is that change to improve the game isn't nearly as bad as change for the sake of change. Allowing the 2-line pass? That was a good (long overdue) change. Moving the goal lines back? Smart. 15 seconds to make line changes? Good - make the guys hustle (though it would be nice if the linesmen would actually drop it after 15 seconds instead of giving players half the week to get set at times).

The trapezoid where the goalie can play the puck behind the net? The more I see it, the more I hate it; I have a bigger problem with goalies skating out to almost the blue line to play the puck than I do the goalie skating halfway to the corner to stop the puck. Either get rid of the trapezoid or give the goalie a 25-foot circle around his net and state that he can only play the puck in that circle.

The instigator rule? Yeech. The shootout? That was just :roll: - the Dallas/Detroit game yesterday was a perfect example. Not only did a great 1-1 game have to get ended by a shootout (which diminished how great both teams played and how even the game was), the shootout ended after 3 rounds and ... no, wait - let's call Toronto, let's wait, let's wait, .... no, it's not over, Turco threw his stick - we keep going.

[Uncle Larry]

Change to improve the game is ok, change to change the game is not.

The two line pass is alright, one thing people miss is that even though it opens up the neutral zone, it's adding 5-10 icings per game from people missing long passes. That slows the game down. The line change thing doesn't even affect the game. The rest of the changes are screw ups. Most of the changes they've made over the past 10 years have made the game worse. The harder they NHL tries, the more it screws up. In aggregate we're a lot better off leaving the game as it is.

And PS - the no clutching/grabbing stuff wasn't a rule change, so don't bother.

[GefilteFish144]

wow, what happened to the Flyers today?

Looking ahead to the Rangers, I'm sure. Great game for the Rangers -- they dominated a team they were supposed to dominate, and Jagr line scored a lot.

[MountainHawk]

I didn't see any hockey this weekend, so I can't answer what happened to the Flyers. I have a guess. They sucked bigtime.

As far as the rule changes, I don't think it's added that many icings. They aren't supposed to call an attempted pass an icing anymore, and for the most part, they don't, unless it's a short pass. Any old 2 line pass if it was at all close isn't an icing.

Lacrosse has no offsides rule at all, but it does have an over & back rule (at least in the NLL) where if the ball leaves the offensive half of the field, it's a turnover.

I'd like no-touch icing. I don't think I'd like extending the blue line ... the blue line seems perfectly placed as it is. The offensive zone seems to encompass most of the area where you can reasonable have a chance to score from.

As far as the current rule changes:

Trapezoid: :tup:

2 line pass: :tup:

Shootout: neither up nor down. It would be much better if they went to my suggest point system (2 for hockey win, 1 for shootout win, 0 for loss)

Delay of Game: :wall:

Instigator (ok, not technically a rule change): :wall:

[Irish Blues]

And PS - the no clutching/grabbing stuff wasn't a rule change, so don't bother.
Judging from some of the games I've seen recently, the NHL isn't bothering with it either. :wink:

Mike Sillinger sets an NHL record when he takes his first shift for the Nashville Predators. Nashville will be the 11th team he's played for in his career after he was traded late last night for former 2nd round pick Timofei Shishkanov.

The dismantling of the Blues has now begun.

[seabass]

I don't like the trapezoid, but that's only because it makes for uneasy moments with Rick Dipietro really wanting to play the puck in the corner and almost falling over.

Shootout is okay, I don't mind it either way, but some people think it's fun. I won't be surprised if someone who hates the idea calculates the standings without shootout wins to see if a team got screwed out of a playoff spot.

[Uncle Larry]

I dislike the shootout on principle. I just think it's a lousy way to end a hockey game. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like watching them. I also love watching fights, doesn't mean I think a game should be decided by having two guys square off and drop the gloves.

[seabass]

I dislike the shootout on principle. I just think it's a lousy way to end a hockey game. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like watching them. I also love watching fights, doesn't mean I think a game should be decided by having two guys square off and drop the gloves.

Or having baseball games be decided on home run contests? Hmmm...

[Mike and Maddog]

...at the Wachovia Center, the Bolts dealt the Flyers a 6-0 whipping on national television. It's one thing to lose to the defending Cup champions. It's another to lose without looking competitive, especially on home ice.

"This might be my all-time lowest defeat," defenseman Derian Hatcher said. "When I said every player should be embarrassed, I mean that. To go out there and have that effort at home or on the road, for that matter, is unacceptable."

Fredrik Modin scored a hat trick, making it two games in succession an opposing player has done that. Montreal's Jan Bulis scored four goals Wednesday.

Tortorella is 3-0 this season against Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock. His team has outscored the Flyers by 15-4 in the three games.

And the Flyers are 0-5 against teams with winning records since Jan. 5, when they defeated the Rangers, 4-3, in overtime.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/hockey/13740244.htm

I am starting to feel sorry for flyer fans. Then again wasn't someone saying the flyers wouldn't see the rangers in the rear view mirror the rest of the season?

No reason to feel sorry for that fan.

[Mike and Maddog]

Somebody asked that we talk about more than one team, so here goes...



The Toronto Maple Leafs look to avoid matching their longest losing streak in 20 years when they visit star goaltender Roberto Luongo and the Florida Panthers on Monday. The Maple Leafs are mired in a mid-season crisis of sorts, having dropped eight straight contests for the first time since February 1996.

[MountainHawk]

I dislike the shootout on principle. I just think it's a lousy way to end a hockey game. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like watching them. I also love watching fights, doesn't mean I think a game should be decided by having two guys square off and drop the gloves.

I understand that feeling. I guess my feeling is that regular season hockey is there for 3 reasons:

(1) Entertainment
(2) Fantasy hockey stats



(3) Determining which 2-3 of the 4-5 borderline playoff teams get a shot in the playoffs.

[Happy Hour]

Mike Sillinger sets an NHL record when he takes his first shift for the Nashville Predators. Nashville will be the 11th team he's played for in his career after he was traded late last night for former 2nd round pick Timofei Shishkanov.

The dismantling of the Blues has now begun.
Weight is apparantly heading to Carolina as well.

[MountainHawk]

Weight is apparantly heading to Carolina as well.
For?